If you’re wondering how to make rosemary water, you’re in the right place!
I had a beautiful rosemary bush growing in my garden this summer but I kept putting off harvesting any of it because, to be honest, I don’t use rosemary very often in mine cooking.
So since I don’t use it that much in cooking I thought I’d figure out what other uses rosemary is known for. It turns out rosemary is amazing for hair and scalp health.
Rosemary for Hair and Scalp
Rosemary can be used on the scalp to help thicken and regrow hair. One study found that rosemary oil was as effective at regrowing thinning hair as minoxidil, better known as Rogaine.
Rosemary has also been used traditionally to encourage a healthy scalp and eliminate dandruff. Rosemary is also thought to be beneficial to hair by:
- reducing excess oil
- soothe itch scalp
- making hair shiny and silky
Research doesn’t yet support these uses but many herbalists swear by rosemary for these benefits.
Rosemary water may also be used to subtly darken your hair. Many women use it to cover grays.
Homemade Rosemary Water
Ingredients:
- Fresh rosemary (you can find it here if you don’t have it in your garden)
- distilled water
Directions:
- Chop off as much rosemary as you want to use and put it in a saucepan with just enough water to cover.
- Simmer on low for a few hours. The longer you simmer the “stronger” the rosemary rinse will be.
- Then strain through a sieve (or just pull out the rosemary sprigs if you don’t mind a few leaves leftover). That’s it!
Homemade Rosemary Water
Simple rosemary water herbal remedy.
Ingredients
- Fresh rosemary
- distilled water
Instructions
Directions:
- Chop off as much rosemary as you want to use and put it in a saucepan with just enough water to cover.
- Simmer on low for a few hours. The longer you simmer the "stronger" the rosemary rinse will be.
- Then strain through a sieve (or just pull out the rosemary sprigs if you don't mind a few leaves leftover). That's it!
Notes
Use in Rosemary hair rinse.
Now you’re wondering “what do I do with this wonderfully fragrant water?”
Homemade Rosemary Water Hair Rinse
While you can use the rosemary water on its own, throwing together this rinse can be beneficial for your hair and scalp as well.
Ingredients:
- Freshly made rosemary water
- Raw apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Mix 1 part raw apple cider vinegar to 9 parts rosemary water.
- Rinse hair after cleansing (the vinegar smell will disappear when your hair is dry).
Homemade Rosemary Hair Rinse
Ingredients
- Freshly made rosemary water
- Raw apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Mix 1 part raw apple cider vinegar to 9 parts rosemary water.
- Rinse hair after cleansing (the vinegar smell will disappear when your hair is dry).
Notes
Rinse hair with this mixture as often as desired.
This rinse is great for use after washing with no-poo methods (I use everybody soap).
Rosemary hair rinse is a great natural remedy for dandruff or dry scalp, to speed hair growth, and to smooth and detangle hair. You can add some to this hair detangler recipe too!
Why Add Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar has many benefits for the hair. A 2014 study found that high alkalinity in shampoos contributes to dry, frizzy, and broken hair.
The acidity of ACV can help revitalize hair by bringing the pH back into balance. Other benefits of ACV for hair health include:
- can help remove product buildup on the hair
- can support scalp health because of it’s antimicrobial properties
- can help exfolite and soothe dry scalp
While there isn’t a whole lot of scientific research on ACV and hair health, many people have had a good experience using ACV.
Of course, if you have any negative reaction to it, stop using it.
How Long Can I Keep Rosemary Hair Rinse on My Hair?
This hair rinse is a very mild herbal remedy, so you can leave it on your hair for a long time.
Many people add their rosemary water to a spray bottle and use it as a leave-in conditioner. You can also use it as a hair rinse and leave it in until your next shower.
How to Store Rosemary Water
Using distilled water in the preparation of your rosemary water helps to lengthen the shelf life.
But I also recommend storing it in your refrigerator for best results. It should last at least a few weeks storing it this way.
If it starts smelling funky, toss it and make a new batch.
More Herbs and Herbal Remedies
Looking for more ideas for herbs to grow and use? Here are my favorite herbs and remedies:
- How to Stock an Herbal Medicine Cabinet
- Lavender
- Calendula
- Sage Benefits and Uses (And How to Grow It)
- Elderberry Syrup
- DIY Natural Healing Salve Recipe
What other ways do you use this water?
Can you use rosemary essential oils if you don’t have fresh?
That might work but you would have to use a carrier since oil and water don’t mix.
I have been making rosemary water for almost a year now.
I make up a batch and keep a small plastic squirt bottle in the shower to use whenever I shower. I also use it on my face as an astringent. (*Note: I rinse my cut rosemary under cool running water a little before steeping, to remove pollen,dirt and any possible bugs.)
I keep a small spray bottle in the bathroom for when I want to just dampen my hair and go- best done over the tub to avoid over spray! I am a country girl, so I frequently just step outside to greet the morning and spritz away!
I keep the rest in a jar in the fridge to refill as needed. I make a batch (2qt. saucepan) maybe every other week. I was having a real problem with hair loss and fading/graying color. The Rogaine my Dr advised, started causing sore scalp and dandruff after using for a year. I switched to using rosemary water daily and now have greatly improved the regrowth! As a bonus , since I have natural auburn hair, the rosemary “tea” has been the perfect color to brighten my natural color and cover most of the grays!
Also, I just use the rosemary water straight -not cut with vinegar; and I put it on sometimes at night and leave it on without rinsing. I have been VERY pleased with results.
Thanks for your insight!
Have you ever tried to freeze the rosemary water in small containers so you can make larger batches? Just curious if this will alter the benefits.
Can the rosemary water be stored?
Thanks for sharing the knowledge with us!
I have been searching for something that would help me with my hair
Thinning from 4 back surgeries sand stress and pain. Someone hacked my phone and I have had a terrible time .
Can you use this rinse if your hair is white?
I don’t see why not.
I’m wondering if using a small crockpot would be a good substitute for stovetop method? This fall I’ll start using the wood stove to simmer the rosemary.
Thank you
I think that’s a great idea. Let me know how it goes!
I made mine in a crockpot with cinnamon sticks. I love how it turned out
I love this idea!
Can you only use the Rosemary and water as a spray or do you need to add the apple cider vinegar also?
Can you only use the Rosemary and water as a spray or do you need to add the apple cider vinegar? Thank you
You can use it any way you’d like.
I am going to try this because I have curly very fine hair. How often do I use it? And how long do I leave rosemary/apple cider vinegar on my hair before rinsing?
Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing out. I’d use it once or twice a week.
can you leave the rosemary water in your hair without rinsing?can you leave it in overnight?
I have left it on until my next shower, so you should be fine.
Can I use dried from the store? Will it work the same?
Yes, just be aware that dried (especially from the store) won’t be as potent. A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon dried herbs = 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.
Does the mixture need to be refrigerated or can I leave a squirt bottle in my tub?
It should be fine for a few days in the shower.
Can I use the rosemary water in my locs without detangling them?
Why would you want to not detangle?
Because locs (in varied sizes…see locs and Sister lics) are a way some African Americans choose to wear their hair. For some it’s a style choice. For others it has connections to religion.
Oh dreadlocks! I understand now. I don’t see why you couldn’t use it on locs. But I simply don’t know enough to give you a definite answer.
Hey Sue – Yes, you can. There are a bunch of videos on youtube for the rinse with locs. Good luck!
Can I soak dried rosemary leaves for three days .then spray it on my hair
I’m not sure that soaking will infuse the water with the plant’s benefits. You could try making it in a similar way to sun tea (by leaving it in a mason jar in the sun for a few days). Let me know if this works for you!
Ladies, I have wavy salt & pepper natural hair and I love it. I wonder, will the rosemary rinse tint/color/dye my hair? If so, is there an alternative herbal rinse?
Rosemary water is thought to darken your hair but, how much? I’m not sure. I never noticed a difference in my hair but maybe I just didn’t notice..?
Oh I am excited to try this! My daughter and I both struggle with dandruff caused by oily build up, and anti-dandruff shampoos just make mine worse. I need to go see if my neighbor minds me cutting some rosemary off their large bushes in the front yard. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad this was helpful to you!