Cheap store ingredient can can cure scalp conditions from dandruff to oiliness

Rose water is a centuries-old natural beauty product that has the potential to transform your hair.

Roses have been used in cooking – with recipes ranging from pavlova cake to milk pudding and Turkish delight – and beauty routines, including skincare and haircare, throughout the Middle East for centuries, dating as far back as 7th century CE in Iran.

Celebrities such as Salma Hayek have touted the benefits of rose water, shocking fans when she revealed that she doesn’t wash her face in the morning and instead mists it with rose water to absorb excess oils without stripping it of moisture.

Gardeners with roses are particularly lucky as they can use their spring and summer blooms to make their own beauty water.

Below are the potential benefits to using rose water in your hair, how to use it and how to make it yourself. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can usually find a bottle at your local store or get it online off of sites such as Amazon for as cheap as £7.

Experts recommend purchasing a product that does not contain added preservatives, such as ethanol. Consumers can use free sites such as Clearya – whom the Daily Express exclusively spoke with to get their best non-toxic shopping tips – to easily determine the ingredients in products.

READ MORE: Cleaning products you should avoid by ‘using your nose’ with experts warning

Benefits of using rose water in your hair

While the use of rose water for hair has not been extensively studied, it does boast beneficial properties that can be potentially beneficial for your hair and scalp, according to Healthline.

For example, as a mild astringent, it may help to reduce oiliness and dandruff. 

It also offers anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it beneficial for certain scalp conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.

Many women with curly hair also swear by its ability to control frizz and add shine.

There are a handful of ways that experts say you can use rose water in your hair care routine.

First, you can pour it onto your hair as a rinse after shampooing or conditioning. Then, you can either leave it in your hair or rinse it out after several hours or overnight.

You can also add it directly into your favourite shampoo or conditioner. 

If you purchase or pour your own mixture into a spray bottle, you can mist it onto your hair throughout the day as a way to decrease frizz. 

Lastly, you can use cotton swabs to apply it directly onto and massaging into the scalp, which could help to reduce dandruff and itching. Later, shampoo and rinse.

How to make your own rose water

There are three different methods you can use to make rose water at home: simmering, distilling, or using essential oils.

Unless you are using the essential oil method, the first thing you’ll need to buy is organic roses. It is important to go organic because otherwise the pesticides and chemicals will seep into your serum and skin, which will disrupt your overall health, particularly your endocrine system and gut microbiome.

Usually, two to three flowers are enough to make 10-15 grams of dried petals. 

Next, you’ll need to separate the petals from the flower and gently wash them to get rid of dust or any traces of foreign material.

Then you’re ready to move onto either simmering or distilling your rose petals.

The simmering method

This method is quicker than the distillation method, however, it won’t yield as potent results.

Supplies

• 2–3 cups of fresh rose petals, rinsed and cleaned

• Wide pot or saucepan

• Strainer

• Glass spray bottle or jar

• 1/2 gallon of distilled water

Steps

1. Add your clean rose petals to your pot or saucepan

2. Add enough distilled water to just cover the petals – however, don’t add too much or it’ll dilute your concentrate

3. Place the pot on the stove on low heat

4. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 30–45 minutes

5. Simmer until the petals lose their colour

6. Leave your rose water to cool completely

7. Strain the water into a spray bottle or jar

The distillation method

This method will yield the strongest, most concentrated rose water, however, it takes the longest. 

Supplies

• 2–3 cups of fresh rose petals, rinsed and cleaned

• Wide pot or saucepan

• Small heat-proof bowl, like metal or ceramic

• 1 cup ice cubes

• 1/2 gallon of distilled water

Steps

1. Place a small heat-resistant bowl in the centre of a wide pot

2. Add the washed petals to the pot, careful they don’t get stuck under the bowl

3. Add distilled water to the pot until the petals are just submerged

4. Place the lid upside down on the pot, and place the ice cubes in the lid

5. Bring to a boil

6. Continue adding ice cubes as needed

7. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 30–45 minutes

8. Carefully remove the lid with tongs to check the colour of the petals – you’ll know it’s done when the petals lose their colour

9. Allow the rose water to cool completely

10. Once cool, transfer the rose water from the bowl to a spray bottle

The essential oil method

The essential oil method is the quickest easiest option that will also last the longest. However, it cannot be ingested like the others and also will be the most expensive.

Supplies

• 12 drops of rose essential oil

• 1 tablespoon carrier oil of choice, like coconut, almond, or jojoba

• 1 cup of distilled water

• Glass spray bottle or jar

Steps

1. Mix essential oils and carrier oil together before adding water

2. Pour the mixture into a glass bottle or jar