Dr. Jatin Mittal, cosmetic doctor and skin specialist at Abhivrit Aesthetics Healthcare Center (India) - said that rosemary water is a very popular natural ingredient in hair care, thanks to its ability to stimulate hair growth, improve scalp health and provide nutrients to hair.
However, if not used properly, it may not be as effective as desired, or even harmful to the hair and scalp.
Dr. Jatin Mittal points out common mistakes when using rosemary that many people make, including:
Don’t boil rosemary leaves: If you don’t boil rosemary leaves in water properly, its beneficial properties won’t be fully extracted. Therefore, you need to make sure to boil it for at least 20 minutes to maximize the benefits.
Using hot rosemary water: After mixing the rosemary water, let it cool to room temperature before applying it to your hair. Applying hot rosemary water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dry hair.
Adding essential oils to rosemary: Avoid mixing rosemary essential oil directly with rosemary water. Since water and oil do not mix, the essential oil will float to the top. Spraying this mixture can create concentrated oil spots on your scalp, which can cause irritation or other problems.
Wash your hair after applying rosemary water: You should not wash your hair after applying rosemary water, but leave it on so that the benefits of rosemary can be exerted throughout the day.
Improper storage: Rosemary water should be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Without refrigeration, rosemary water can be stored for up to three days. Leaving it for longer increases the risk of it going bad. Also, always store rosemary water in a clean, airtight container to maintain its potency and prevent contamination.
Sleep immediately after applying rosemary water to your hair: Avoid going to bed with wet hair after applying rosemary water. Sleeping with wet hair increases the risk of dandruff because a wet scalp creates an ideal environment for dandruff-causing bacteria.
Don't apply serum to your hair: If you have dry hair, using rosemary water regularly can make the dryness worse. To prevent this, apply 1-2 drops of oil or light serum from mid-length to ends every day.