Photo: Instagram.com/nagi_sakai
A traditional DIY hair treatment has found renewed popularity on Tiktok, notching up a staggering 5.6 billion views on the social media platform. Known as ‘rosemary water’, the herb-infused treatment can be whipped up in a home kitchen using just water and rosemary, and applied to the hair and scalp as a daily treatment. With the haircare trend quickly gaining traction across Tiktok, rosemary water benefits include instant shine, improved hair growth and strength, and scalp hydration. Being naturally antibacterial and antifungal, rosemary oil-infused products can also help with dandruff and sensitive scalp conditions. In 2013, rosemary was recognized as a potential option for those suffering from alopecia, with the natural oil proved in lab testing to be a hair follicle stimulant, aiding in new hair growth.
Using rosemary oil as a hair treatment isn’t a modern concept, with the Mediterranean herb used by the Ancient Greeks in anointing oil applied to moisturize the hair and body. In India, rosemary oil is used in Ayurvedic medicine as healing tonic, again for both hair and body. The herb has also featured as an ingredient in more modern haircare products, as well as the homemade dilution now signal boosted by Tiktokkers.
@jessicakahawaty Not gatekeeping this one 🍃 I’ve been doing this for a few months (on and off when i remember) and loving how my hair feels. The best part is you can style your hair normally afterwards! #Rosemary #Rosemarywater
How to make rosemary water for hair
Ingredients
5 cups of water
5 pieces of fresh rosemary
Method
Pour the water into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil on the stovetop.
Add the rosemary, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool on the stove, before discarding the rosemary.
Pour the infused liquid into a sterile spray bottle, and store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Spray directly onto hair roots and lengths daily, massaging into the scalp and brushing through.
