What is rosewater? How does it work?

Rosewater is a colloidal suspension of rose oil in water. It can be made at home by boiling rose petals in water. Rosewater has emollient properties, which attract moisture (humidity) to the hair and bind that hydration within the hair’s cortex. Because it is a mixture of oil and water, it will pose a risk for slippage when applied to fragile, immature locs. 

Rosewater, like any other water-based substance, has a short shelf life unless you add pH adjusters or preservatives. You can expect your refrigerated homemade rosewater to last up to 7-14 days maximum before it begins to harbor bacterial growth.