The Natural Product That May Help You Eliminate Dandruff

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Ahh, the sweet scent of roses. Who wouldn't want to slather something with such a subtle yet fresh and calming scent all over their hair and skin?!

There are plenty of rose-scented beauty products out there derived from what's formally known as rosa damascena, or “dusk rose,”—and it's not just because they smell good. In the scientific world, rosa damascena has long been considered an anti-inflammatory with soothing and hydrating abilities. Studies suggest rose also has mild antibacterial properties.

Meet the experts: Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Gretchen Frieses is a trichologist for Bosley MD. Faranak Kamangar, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Silicon Valley.

But what exactly does this mean for you and your hair and skin? If you ask TikTok, the people will tell you rose water can not only freshen hair after a workout, but can also help quell flakes and dandruff, strengthen hair follicles, reduces oiliness, and minimize frizz. Those who use it on their face, say a spritz a day keeps their skin radiant and glowing.

Sounds amazing, but we want to know what the professionals have to say about this. We asked board-certified dermatologists and trichologists to weigh in.

What are the benefits of using rose water for hair?

The benefits of using rose water for hair are rooted in scalp health, say dermatologists, who note that there's very little evidence that rose water and hair growth are directly correlated. Instead, count on rose water to:

• Protect against free radicals: Studies show that rose water offers protection against the breakdown of collagen and elastin, as well as provides defense against free radicals, or the environmental stressors that can damage cells, says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology.

• Act as an anti-inflammatory agent: Other studies suggest rose petal extract also offers anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help with scalp conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as well as promote a healthy scalp environment to reduce hair loss and, possibly, help hair grow, says Gretchen Frieses, a trichologist for Bosley MD.

• Nourish and moisturize dry strands: The vitamins in rose petals can add nourishment and moisture to the hair itself, adds Faranak Kamangar, MD, a Silicon Valley-based board-certified dermatologist. We all know that healthier hair is less prone to breakage, so with this type of TLC, hair may appear longer and healthier, even if rose water isn't directly contributing to its growth.

• Reduce oiliness: Rose water is a mild astringent, which means it constricts skin. This may help prevent excess oil production, says Frieses.

• Eliminate dandruff: Too much oil on your scalp can cause an overgrowth of yeast, called Malassezia. This can cause skin cells to build up and shed (that's the dandruff!). Therefore, the astringent properties that help reduce oiliness can also lessen any flaking you're experiencing, says Frieses.

What hair types can use rose water on their hair?

Rose water is very gentle and can be safely used by any hair type or texture, says Dr. Kamangar. That means fine hair, straight hair that skews oily, thick hair, kinky curls that run dry, and even color-treated strands are all fair game.

Of course, the moisturizing properties of rose water make it an especially good choice for those with dry or damaged hair. "Rose water has been said to stabilize hair's pH balance, because its pH is similar to that of hair, so it can be good for chemically damaged hair," says Frieses. "It also helps to prevent water loss, which is great for people with dry hair or those who live in dry climates."

It is good for any hair type, but many people with curly hair often use rose water for its ability to tame frizz and add shine. Curly girls may also want to give rose water a try. "Many people with curly hair often use rosewater for its ability to calm down frizz and add shine," Frieses adds.

Rose Water Shampoo and Conditioner Set

A drugstore find that makes washing with rose water a cinch.

Rose Hair & Body Oil

For maximum versatility, pick up this rose oil, which can be used on both hair and skin.

Volumising Mist with Rose Extract

This hardworking styling spray provides hydration, volume, and protects against free radicals, dandruff, and more all at the same time.

What’s the best way to use rose water on your hair?

The best, and most common, way to use rose water is as a hair rinse or spray, says Dr. Kamangar. Because it's mostly water—rose water is made by simmering rose petals in water to get them to release their nutrients and then straining the water, says Dr. Yadav—you can safely use it directly on the hair and scalp.

• As a rinse or spray: If using as a rinse or spray, apply rose water to clean hair after after your normal shampoo and conditioner routine. Gently massage the product into the scalp and hair strands, says Dr. Kamangar. Don't rinse! Use rose water as a leave-on product (it's perfectly safe to leave rose water in overnight!), so it can really sink into the scalp, allowing you to reap the most benefits, says Dr. Yadav.

• In your favorite shampoo or conditioner: There's no need to mix the formula with anything else, though you can add some to your favorite shampoo and/or conditioner if you want to.

• Using a cotton swab: Rose water can also be applied using a cotton swab directly on the scalp to help reduce dandruff and itching, says Frieses. Gently massage it in and shampoo and condition afterward.

Does rose water help your hair grow?

Experts don't think rose water has a direct impact on hair growth. Instead, the evidence suggests that rose water offers indirect benefits to the scalp and hair that may encourage hair growth, or at least cause less breakage. "The combination of these properties can foster a healthier scalp environment, which could support improved growth," says Dr. Yadav.

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