2 ways to make Rosemary water for hair growth

Learn two ways to make rosemary water for hair growth, long and healthy hair and scalp, its benefits, and the best way to use it.

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that many people grow in their gardens to add flavor to their meals. 

It has recently gained popularity on social media for its powerful properties to make hair soft and shiny and promote growth.

Rosemary water has been valued for its healing properties for centuries. In the Middle Ages, people believed boiling rosemary in water and washing their faces and hair would make them prettier. 

If you have rosemary in your garden and wonder what to do with it, making rosemary water may be the best use to enhance your hair and scalp health.

But before you start, learn two ways to make it, what are the advantages of each and uses.

What is rosemary water anyway?

Well, there are two types of rosemary water.

Rosemary water hydrosol

Rosemary water, or floral water, plant water, or hydrosol is a liquid created through a distillation process. This involves boiling rosemary leaves in water to produce steam, which causes the cells of the leaves to release their beneficial volatile compounds. When the steam is cooled down, it condenses into a liquid form. The rosemary water made through distillation captures the valuable volatile substances, including rosmarinic acid and essential oils, in the distillate.

Rosemary water tea

In addition to the distillation process, you can also make rosemary water by brewing it as tea. This method involves steeping rosemary leaves in hot water to extract their flavors and beneficial properties. Allowing the leaves to infuse in hot water creates a fragrant and refreshing rosemary tea.

While both types of rosemary water are beneficial for hair and scalp, the concentration of active compounds varies due to their different preparation methods.

Thus, when preparing rosemary tea, the volatile compounds may be extracted to a different extent than in the distillation process. However, rosemary tea contains tannins that have astringent properties.

The brown color of the tannins in rosemary tea helps distinguish it from rosemary water hydrosol, which is transparent.

In this guide to rosemary water, I will guide you through both processes and explain their benefits for the hair and scalp.

Benefits of rosemary water for hair

Homemade Rosemary hair rinse reduces dandruff and alleviate itchy scalp.

Rosemary is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help combat the fungi Malassezia, often associated with dandruff. In addition, the essential oils in rosemary, including cineole and camphor, are responsible for antifungal effects and can help alleviate dandruff symptoms. Therefore, I recommend using rosemary hydrosol specifically for this purpose.

Use rosemary water for hair to Improve hair texture.

Rosemary water, aka rosemary tea, is high in tannins, which are responsible for the dark color of the tea, and have astringent properties that help to tighten the cuticles and reduce frizz. Thus rosemary hair rinse makes your hair smoother and shinier. 

Another way to use rosemary is to darken your hair. The darker color of rosemary hair rinse naturally contribute to darkening hair and partially covers grey hair. 

On the other hand, if you are blond, you may prefer to use transparent rosemary hydrosol instead.

Effects of Rosemary Water on hair growth.

Homemade Rosemary water, whether in rosemary hydrosol or rosemary tea, promotes hair growth; however, scientific research is limited. It is a secret to long and healthy hair.

Rosemary leaves contain rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and ursolic acid, which have been studied for their faster hair growth promoting effects. They help stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, provide antioxidant protection, inhibit hormonal changes that lead to hair loss, and improve circulation to the hair follicles. In this study, researchers found that rosemary extract stimulates hair growth by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone. Thus making it a potentially effective treatment for hair growth.

Rosemary can help Remove buildup from the hair and scalp.

Making your own Rosemary water can also effectively clarify and remove buildup, thanks to the saponins in rosemary.

People are using rosemary when their hair appears dull and lifeless or their scalp feels weighed down or greasy. Rosemary water is one solution that rejuvenates them. The saponins in rosemary bind to fats and oils, helping to remove excess buildup from the hair and scalp.

Rosemary is also bringing back shine, bounce, and volume to your strands.

Rosemary for Hair strength and thickness.

Give rosemary water a try to strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage, and improve hair thickness and volume. Rosemary contains carnosic acid that stimulates hair growth by promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and strengthening the hair shaft. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid help protect the hair follicles and scalp from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to hair damage and thinning. In addition, ursolic acid, found in rosemary, may have potential anti-androgenic effects.

Rosemary water can be used by men and women with thinning hair, but regular use as part of a daily hair care routine is crucial for experiencing its benefits.

for Aromatherapy

The pleasant and uplifting scent of rosemary water can provide aromatherapy benefits. In addition, rosemary is good in improving mental focus and clarity with refreshing and clarifying effect on the mind. I would use DIY rosemary water hydrosol in that case.

Which rosemary to use for this project?

Making rosemary water at home is one of the easiest things, especially the tea version. You have the option of using fresh or dried rosemary. 

For 2 cups of rosemary tea, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of dried or 5 fresh sprigs of rosemary. However, to make 2 cups of rosemary water hydrosol, you’ll need 2 cups of dried rosemary or 20 fresh sprigs.

Can I use tap water to make rosemary water for hair?

Make your rosemary water using distilled water because it is free from impurities and minerals and may prolong its shelf life. However, tap water is still good to use if you don’t have access to distilled water.

1.method Homemade rosemary water aka hydrosol

First step – prepare your distillation setup

Start by completely covering the surface by placing a layer of rosemary sprigs in the bottom of a medium-sized cooking pot. Next, create a space in the center of the flowers and position a heat-safe bowl upside down on the bottom.

Next, pour 2 cups of water over the flowers to cover them. Next, place another heat-safe bowl right side up on top of the inverted bowl, and place an upside-down lid on the pot. This lid will serve as a point of condensation where the steam will transform into hydrosol.

Second step: Bring it to a boil and cool simultaneously.

Turn on the heat source and bring the water to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a slow simmer. As the steam rises, gradually add ice cubes to the lid to cool down the steam and promote condensation. Use a pipette or spoon to collect the water as it drips into the second bowl.

Add ice cubes and remove melted ice until the second bowl is full. This process takes about 20 minutes and requires approximately one kilogram of ice. It’s important to note that making hydrosol is a slow process, so avoid increasing the heat to speed it up.

Third set – Transfer to a jar

After the hydrosol has cooled down, carefully pour it into a sterile jar and seal it with a lid. store it in sterilized bottles or spray bottles.

2.method: Homemade rosemary water for hair growth aka tea

First step : Combine water and rosemary.

Take a handful of fresh or dried rosemary leaves and crush them slightly to release their aromatic compounds. Alternatively, you can use rosemary tea bags or loose tea leaves. Place them into a saucepan and pour over distilled water so all herbal material is completely submerged. 

Second step: Boil Rosemary leaves.

Bring it to a boil, and once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the rosemary simmer for 30-40 minutes. This allows the water to extract the beneficial compounds from the rosemary.

Third step: Remove it from the heat and let it cool

After steeping, remove the pot from the heat and let the rosemary tea cool down to a comfortable temperature.

Fourth step: Strain the mixture

Strain out the rosemary using a metal strainer and transfer the liquid to a clean spray bottle or jar. Your rosemary water is ready for use as a hair rinse, hair growth spray, or smoothing spray.

1.How to use homemade rosemary water for hair

rosemary water hair rinse

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, thoroughly rinse your hair to remove any excess product and squeeze any excess water out of your hair. Pour rosemary water over your scalp and hair, covering the entire scalp and hair. Gently massage your scalp using your fingertips to promote blood circulation and ensure even distribution of the rosemary water. Leave the rosemary water on your hair, and don’t rinse out to maximize the benefits of rosemary.

Keep approximately two cups of rosemary water in a jar or bottle to make it easy to apply in the shower. This way, you can quickly bring it and use it when needed.

Rosemary scalp spray

Use rosemary water as a spray to alleviate itchy scalp and reduce dandruff. I suggest using Rosemary Hydrosol for this purpose. To make a rosemary hair spray add rosemary water to a spray bottle. Apply a few spritzes directly to your roots and scalp and massage it thoroughly with your fingerprints into your scalp, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.

Along with spraying the infused water on your scalp, you can apply hair growth oil to your hair and let it sit for at least twenty minutes to improve the quality of your hair from root to tip. 

Use of Rosemary water spray

Rosemary water is beneficial for your hair. If you have frizzy or dry hair, use a spray bottle filled with rosemary water to dampen your hair lightly. This can help your hair dry more softly and smoothly, reducing frizz and adding moisture. You can use it on dry hair without entering the shower. First, apply a light spritz onto dry hair, then give your hair a gentle brush to work it through from your scalp to the ends.

Hair toner

This Rosemary hair rinse can also be used to darken hair. Many women use it to partially cover the gray in their hair. Use the tea variety of rosemary water for this purpose.

2.Rosemary water for skin

Use them as a facial toner or mists, or add it to lotions and creams to hydrate, soothe, and balance the skin. Rosemary water hydrates, soothes, and balances the skin, reducing redness and inflammation. It is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Use hydrosol rather than tea for this purpose.

Cleansing

Use rosemary water directly on your face as a facial cleanser by dampening a cotton pad or ball and gently swipe it across your face. This help removes impurities, excess oil, and dirt while soothing and clarifying.

Toning

After cleansing your face, apply rosemary water as a toner. Next, pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and gently pat it onto your skin. This can help balance the pH of your skin, tighten pores, and prepare your skin for further skincare steps.

Facial Mist

Transfer rosemary water to a spray bottle and use it as a refreshing facial mist throughout the day. Spritz it onto your face to hydrate, cool down, and invigorate your skin.

Face Mask Mixer

Incorporate rosemary water into your DIY face masks. Mix it with natural ingredients like clay, yogurt, or honey to create a nourishing and revitalizing mask. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing off.

3.Rosemary water in aromatherapy

Rosemary Hydrosol has a milder fragrance than essential oils, and you can use it in aromatherapy without diluting. You can also spray it in a room or add it to a diffuser to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. 

4.Rosemary water for relaxation

Add rosemary water to a foot bath or a bath to create a relaxing and soothing experience.

5.Personal care

You can also use rosemary water for hair by using it in your shampoo. Adding it to your hair care products, such as shampoo or conditioner, is great for reducing hair thinning; Rosemary water hydrosol can also be added to soaps or lotions.

FAQ

What is the difference between rosemary water and rosemary essential oil?

Rosemary oil is a hair growth remedy for individuals who suffer from hair loss due to hormonal effects or in alopecia prevention. It prevents a byproduct of testosterone from attacking hair follicles, which is the cause of this condition (1). 

Rosemary water is an important player in smoothing and strengthening hair thanks it its tannin content.

It also contains saponins responsible for cleansing and foaming properties making your hair free of oily buildup. Saponins and tannins are water-soluble substances that are not present in the oil. 

Another thing that is good for your hair is the slightly acidic pH of rosemary water. It is similar to apple cider vinegar rinse that seals the hair cuticle, reduces frizz, and makes your hair shy.

Another step to your hair care can be using rosemary essential oil with a combination of rosemary water.  

Is rosemary water safe for all hair types?

Rosemary water is generally safe for all hair types for its natural origin. 

However, some people may have sensitivities or allergies to rosemary, so it is always safe to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before using rosemary water extensively on your hair.

How do you store rosemary water for hair?

Store your rosemary water in the fridge and use it within a week for best results. That is why I prefer to make it in small batches. You can slightly extend its shelf life if you use distilled water. Rose water hydrosol lasts up to one month when kept refrigerated. 

How often should you use a rosemary water rinse?

Most people use rosemary weekly as part of their hair care routine to promote healthy hair and shiny hair. 

If dandruff or dryness are your main issues, you may use it more frequently, two to three times a week. But monitor your scalp’s response and ensure it doesn’t become overly dry or irritated.