Glycerin and rosewater have long been skincare favourites known for keeping skin soft. But did you know that glycerin has been widely used in soap since the mid-1800s, while rosewater (hold onto your hats) has been used for thousands of years to soothe, nourish and revitalise your complexion?!
True story. And recently, this dynamic duo decided to make a modern comeback, and boy are we grateful, but this time it’s not just for your face! This gentle combination is now being used as the ultimate scalp moisturiser and it might just be the perfect alternative to heavier oils or even trendy ingredients like hyaluronic acid you have been looking for.
Today I want to share how you can use this effective scalp treatment to keep your scalp happy, hydrated, and healthy. One, two, three, let’s goooo.
The Power Of Glycerin & Rosewater
For those who are new to the term glycerin, it’s a natural humectant. This means it’s an amazing ingredient that helps lock in moisture and prevents your skin from drying out. From a scientific standpoint, glycerin has a much smaller molecular structure than hyaluronic acid (its cousin in the skin hydrating game). This means it can effortlessly seep deeper into your skin, giving you that fabulous hydrated feeling from within.
Bottle that glycerin magic and pair it with rosewater, and Bob’s your uncle. Because rosewater, with its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing powers, is the ultimate remedy for scalp irritation. It cools redness and refreshes your scalp, making it great for sensitive or itchy skin.
Did I hear someone say the words pure scalp bliss? Amen to that!
Why Moisturise Your Scalp At All?
Great question! Simply put, your scalp goes through a lot every day. From the weather to blow-drying, straightening and colouring your hair, along with harsh hair products and shampoos. Gosh, you name it, all of the above contribute to you drying out your scalp.
And if you’re dealing with a dry, itchy, or flaky scalp, hormonal changes, or medical conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or other skin issues, keeping it hydrated isn’t just important, it’s essential.
I first heard about using a mix of glycerin and rosewater on your scalp from Joke Adejumo. She is the founder of Bodied Massage Therapy. She recommended using glycerin and rosewater as a simple way to keep your scalp moisturised without relying on heavy oils that can often clog follicles (and even hinder hair growth!)
Look at it this way. Oils tend to sit on top of your skin and your scalp. While a scalp moisturiser (especially one flaunting a glycerin and rosewater combo) can actually absorb into your skin easier, nourishing your scalp from the inside.
Here’s How You Can Use It To Nourish Your Scalp
- Buy And Decant Your Ingredients Into A Spray Bottle: First, invest in a spray bottle. This makes it super easy to create the mixture and apply it to your scalp while avoiding any mess. Then proceed by creating your scalp-benefitting concoction by pouring equal parts glycerin and rosewater into your spray bottle and shake shake shake. You can also invest in getting a glass container with a dropper if that is more your thing. Whatever floats your boat.
- Spray Directly On Your Scalp: Once or twice a week, spray the mixture directly onto your scalp, focusing on any dry areas. Want a scalp-replenishing tip worth millions? Of course, you do! So, here you go, free of charge. It’s probably best to do this scalp-nourishing ritual on a day when you don’t have anywhere to be. Simply because it makes your scalp feel slightly damp immediately after you have sprayed it, which might knock your confidence a little.
- Massage And, In The Famous Words Of The Beatles “Let It Be“: After spritzing and spraying, gently massage the mixture into your scalp just to ensure all that glycerin and rosewater goodness is fully absorbed.
- Carry On With Your Day: The best part is that there’s no need to rinse it out. You just spray it on, massage it in, and go about your day as you normally would. It’s as easy, quick, and simple as that.
Why Use A Moisturiser Instead Of Oil?
Both moisturisers and oils can hydrate your skin. Fact. But they do it in different ways. Moisturisers are generally preferred because they are typically water-based. It’s this water-based nature that helps it absorb into the skin better, giving deeper hydration where it’s needed.
When it comes to oils, it is a slightly different ball game. Oils primarily act as a barrier. Like with any type of barrier, it prevents movement. When it comes to your skin, oils prevent moisture from moving from your skin into the air, above, up and away. If you had science in school, you know all too well that oil and water do not mix. This is because oil is far less dense than water, so it tends to float on top. Similarly, when it comes to applying it to your skin, it “floats” on top of your scalp to prevent moisture from escaping. And all that floating can come across as heavy, or dare we even say it … greasy.
Using a moisturiser like glycerin and rosewater instead of hair oils has a few major advantages. Number one, while oils can sometimes block your hair follicles if they build up, glycerin is lightweight and doesn’t sit heavily on the scalp. This means you can keep your scalp hydrated without worrying about anything getting in the way of new hair growth.
Number two, a glycerin and rosewater mix doesn’t leave your hair feeling weighed down. Oils are awesome, but they can sometimes leave a residue that makes your roots look limp. BUT with glycerin, your hair retains its natural bounce. And who are we to argue with that?
Tips For Scalp Success
- Don’t Overdo It: Moderation is always key. You really-eally don’t need a lot of this mix. A light mist will typically do the trick. Bear in mind, overdoing anything can go south real quick. Similarly, overdoing your spritzing can almost make your scalp feel too moist, and that does not sound great.
- Avoid The Lengths Of Your Hair: Remember, this is a SCALP moisturiser. It is not a HAIR moisturiser. So try to focus on your scalp only. Glycerin can be a bit sticky if applied to your hair itself. Apply your mixture where it is needed most … at your roots.
- Use It Once Or Twice A Week: A little goes a long way when it comes to glycerin and rosewater. Using it once or twice a week will help maintain moisture without making your scalp oily. The more you know, right?
Grandma’s State-Kept Secret With A Modern Twist
It’s funny how often the simplest solutions are the best. My grandma used to talk about rosewater all the time, but I never thought to use it on my scalp. Now I understand why this little beauty trick has stood the test of time. Glycerin and rosewater may seem old-fashioned compared to the latest fancy serums, but they’re effective, gentle, and best of all, affordable!
If you’re looking for a way to add more hydration to your scalp without the downsides of oils or expensive treatments, I highly recommend trying this combo. It’s easy, accessible, and a great way to give your scalp the TLC it needs.
