15 Effective Ways To Use Hibiscus For Your Hair

Cheers if you have been drinking Hibiscus tea all your life and have never realized how good this flower is for your hair. The benefits of hibiscus for your hair are so many that it deserves much more credit as a herb. Studies suggest that it has the potential to stimulate inactive hair follicles in bald patches (1). In this article, we will look at how this flower helps reduce hair fall, induce re-growth, and prevent premature graying of your hair. Keep scrolling.

In This Article

Benefits Of Hibiscus For Hair

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1. Stimulates Hair Growth

Hibiscus-infused oil can help boost hair growth. It is rich in vitamin C, the deficiency of which is known to cause hair loss (2). The flower stimulates hair regrowth from dormant follicles and bald patches. One study conducted on rats found that the leaf and flower extracts of hibiscus promote hair growth (1). However, most studies in this regard have been performed on animals. More research on humans is required to prove this benefit.

2. Conditions The Hair

Hibiscus seeds are rich in amino acids that nourish your hair, strengthen your roots, and keep your locks lustrous and healthy (3). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the hibiscus acts as a natural conditioner due to the presence of high mucilage. Also, the ultra-emollient property of hibiscus is said to restore the elasticity of the hair and condition your hair (4).

3. Helps Prevents Baldness

Hibiscus helps increase hair thickness and reduce hair loss (4). Also, the use of hibiscus is said to be as effective as the medicines that are used for the treatment of baldness.

Stylecraze SaysAccording to Ayurveda, hibiscus reduces hair fall as it may help reduce the body’s excess heat and boost blood circulation.

4. Treats Dandruff

Hibiscus acts like an astringent and reduces the oil secretion by the sebaceous glands (5). With its antimicrobial properties, hibiscus also curbs the growth of dandruff-causing fungus on the scalp and prevents the recurrence of dandruff (6).

5. Prevents Premature Graying

The natural pigments, antioxidants, and vitamins present in hibiscus are said to help in producing melanin (the natural coloring pigment in our body). Hibiscus has been used as a natural dye to cover gray hair traditionally. It helps prevent premature graying of hair and is a good hair conditioner (4).

So, how do you use hibiscus to reap its benefits? Find out in the next section!

How To Use Hibiscus For Hair?

1. Hibiscus Oil For Nourishment

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Hibiscus-infused oil helps rejuvenate the scalp and promote hair growth. Coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, supplying it with nourishment (7). The oil massage also helps improve blood circulation and increases hair thickness (8).

You Will Need

• 8 hibiscus flowers
• 8 hibiscus leaves
• 1 cup of coconut oil

Process

1. Wash the hibiscus flowers and leaves and then grind them into a fine paste.
2. Heat up one cup of coconut oil in a saucepan and add the hibiscus paste to it. Continue heating the mixture for a couple of minutes.
3. Cover the pan with a lid and turn off the flame. Set the pan aside for the oil to cool.
4. Once the oil has cooled, take 2-3 tablespoons to use and store the rest in a jar or bottle.
5. Massage the oil into your scalp with your fingertips. Work it down to the tips of your hair.
6. Once all of your hair is covered, massage your scalp for an additional 10 minutes. Leave the oil in your hair for 30 minutes.
7. Wash the oil out with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

3 times a week.

2. Hibiscus and Yogurt Hair Mask For Stronger Hair

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This hair mask is claimed to help soften and strengthen your tresses. It also makes your hair manageable and nourishes them.

You Will Need

• 1 hibiscus flower
• 3-4 hibiscus leaves
• 4 tablespoons yogurt

Process

1. Grind the hibiscus flower along with the leaves into a fine paste.
2. Mix the paste with the yogurt until you get a smooth consistency.
3. Apply this hair mask to your scalp and hair and leave it on for about an hour.
4. Wash the mask out of your hair with lukewarm water and shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

3. Hibiscus Hair Pack For Preventing Dandruff

Fenugreek is a popular remedy for dandruff (9). It also exhibited hair growth-promoting effects in mice in a research study (10). Hence, it not only relieves scalp issues but also contributes to hair growth.

You Will Need

• A bunch of hibiscus leaves
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

Process

1. Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water.
2. The next morning, grind the seeds and the hibiscus leaves into a fine paste and mix the buttermilk into it.
3. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for an hour.
4. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

4. Hibiscus Hair Pack With Henna For Dandruff Treatment

This hair pack conditions your hair. It not only moisturizes your hair but also eliminates dandruff and is a natural hair conditioner (11).

You Will Need

• A handful of hibiscus flowers
• A handful of hibiscus leaves
• A handful of henna leaves
• 1/2 lemon

Process

1. Grind the henna leaves and the hibiscus flowers and leaves together. Add the juice from half a lemon to this mixture.
2. Mix well and apply this paste to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for an hour.
3. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Once in two weeks.

5. Hibiscus and Amla Hair Mask For Hair Growth

Amla helps stimulate hair growth (12). It also strengthens your hair and enriches hair pigmentation (13).

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons crushed hibiscus flowers and leaves
• 3 tablespoons amla powder

Process

1. Mix the ingredients to form a paste. You may add some water to get a smooth consistency.
2. Apply the amla-hibiscus mixture to your scalp and hair.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the mask on for 40 minutes.
4. Rinse it out with a mild shampoo.

Subscribe

How Often?

2 times a week.

Related: 12 Best Hair Masks For Hair Growth That Actually Work – 2022

6. Hibiscus Shampoo For Gentle Cleansing

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As hibiscus is an excellent ingredient for scalp health, it can also be used to wash your hair. The leaves of this flower produce a slight lather, which cleanses the hair without stripping away its natural oils.

You Will Need

• 15 hibiscus leaves
• 5 hibiscus flowers
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon gram flour

Process

1. Boil the hibiscus flowers and leaves in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Set it aside to cool.
2. Once the mixture has cooled, add the gram flour.
3. Wash your hair by replacing your regular shampoo with this mixture.

How Often?

3 times a week.

7. Hibiscus Conditioning Treatment

The conditioning properties of hibiscus soften the hair and make it more manageable, while the amino acids in it nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

You Will Need

• 8 hibiscus flowers
• Water

Process

1. Crush the hibiscus flowers and add sufficient water to get a fine, consistent paste.
2. Apply this paste on your scalp and hair and wait for an hour.
3. Rinse the hibiscus out of your hair with lukewarm water.

How Often?

2 times a week.

Related: At-Home Deep Conditioning Treatments For Damaged Hair

8. Coconut Milk with Hibiscus For Split Ends

This pack has excellent conditioning properties, making it perfect for dry hair. It battles dryness, repairs brittle hair, and prevents breakage and splitting. Coconut and its extract can reduce split ends (14).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons crushed hibiscus petals
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel

Process

1. Mix the ingredients to get a thick, consistent paste.
2. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Wash the pack out with lukewarm water.

How Often?

Once a week.

Related: What Are Split Ends? 25 Ways To Repair And Prevent Them

9. Ginger And Hibiscus Leaves For Hair Regrowth

Ginger and hibiscus are both amazing hair growth ingredients. When massaged into the scalp, they have the ability to stimulate hair growth from dormant follicles (15).

You Will Need

• 3 tablespoons ginger juice
• 2 tablespoons crushed hibiscus flowers

Process

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth consistency.
2. Working in sections, massage the solution into your scalp and then work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, wait for 20 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water.

How Often?

2 times a week.

10. Hibiscus and Egg for Hair Growth

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This hair pack is enriched with proteins (16). It works well to control oiliness and hair fall. If you have oily hair, this pack may help balance your scalps pH levels and encourage hair growth.

You Will Need

• 2 egg whites
• 3 tablespoons crushed hibiscus flower

Process

1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a consistent paste.
2. Apply this paste to your hair until all of it is covered.
3. Wait for 20 minutes with the hibiscus-egg pack in your hair, then rinse it out with a mild shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

Related: How Eggs Prevent Hair Loss And Aid Hair Growth

11. Neem leaves and Hibiscus For Hair Growth

Neem can help treat dandruff (17). It is also said to strengthen your hair and promote hair growth, though there is no scientific evidence to back these claims.

You Will Need

• 10 neem leaves
• A handful of hibiscus leaves
• 1/4 cup water

Process

1. Grind the neem leaves with water and then sieve the juice.
2. Grind the hibiscus leaves and mix them with the neem juice to create a thick paste.
3. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water.

How Often?

2 times a week.

12. Hibiscus And Olive Oil For Nourishing Hair

Olive oil contains oleic acid that inhibits the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that can cause hair loss (18). Thus, this hair mask can help prevent hair loss.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 5 hibiscus leaves
• 5 hibiscus flowers

Process

1. Grind the leaves and flowers to form a smooth paste.
2. Add a teaspoon of either olive oil or almond oil to the paste.
3. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.

How Often?

3 times a week.

13. Hibiscus Hair Mask With Aloe Vera For Shiny Hair

Aloe vera helps add shine to your hair while dealing with issues such as breakage, hair fall, and split ends (14).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons hibiscus petal paste
• 1 cup aloe vera gel

Process

1. Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply this paste to your hair and scalp. Store the excess in a jar.
3. Leave the paste on for 45 minutes and then rinse it out with lukewarm water.

How Often?

Repeat this 3 times a week.

14. Hibiscus and Onion For Hair Regrowth

Onion juice can help stimulate hair growth (19). Regular use of this hair pack will ensure an increase in hair volume and thickness.

You Will Need

• 1 onion
• A bunch of hibiscus leaves
• 1/4 cup water

Process

1. Grind the onions to a pulp. Using a muslin cloth, collect the juice from the onion pulp in a bowl.
2. Grind the hibiscus leaves with water and collect the juice from it using a muslin cloth.
3. Mix both the juices and apply the mixture to your hair and scalp in sections.
4. Keep the solution on for 15 minutes. Wash it out with lukewarm water.

How Often?

3 times a week.

15. Hibiscus And Curry Leaves For Hair Growth And Premature Graying

Curry leaves are used to prevent premature graying of hair. They also help enhance the hairs natural color and stimulate hair growth (20).

You Will Need

• A handful of hibiscus leaves
• A handful of curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Process

1. Blend all the ingredients to get a smooth paste.
2. Apply this paste to your scalp and hair. Massage it into your scalp for 10
3. Keep the paste on for 30 minutes and then rinse it out with lukewarm water.

How Often?

3 times a week.

The bright red petals of the hibiscus flowers have the ability to change the color of your hair. But, how does hibiscus change your hair? Scroll down to find the answer in the next section.

Does Hibiscus Have The Ability To Change Your Hair Color?

Yes, the hibiscus has many natural pigments that help to change the hair color. Generally, most women use henna to maintain their hair color or to delay hair graying. Hibiscus also can trigger melanin production, which imparts a darker color and a natural shine to your hair. It is a natural herbal hair colorant that colors your hair along with stimulating hair growth (21).

As hibiscus is available in different colors, are you wondering which color hibiscus is good for your hair? Scroll down to find out!

Which Colored Hibiscus Is Good For Your Hair?

The bright red petals of a hibiscus flower contain rich pigments and work best for your hair. These brightly-hued hibiscus flowers give a natural color to your hair.

Infographic: 5 Easiest Ways You Can Use Hibiscus For Healthy And Shiny Hair

You must already be convinced of how the humble hibiscus can help your hair be healthy and strong. You also have the detailed steps you need to follow to put it to good use for your tresses. Now, what you need is a way to remind you of how versatile its uses are!

Check out the infographic for a quick snapshot of the simplest of ways you can incorporate the flowers and the leaves of this gorgeous tropical plant in your hair care routine.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Stylecraze TriviaHibiscus is a flower with five trumpet-shaped petals. It comes in white, red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and blue colors.

Hibiscus is a wonderful ingredient to incorporate into your hair care regimen without any side effects. Whether you choose to prepare a healthy hair oil, a wholesome conditioning treatment, or a nourishing hair pack, hibiscus can work wonders for your hair. You can use fresh hibiscus flowers or dried ones as they offer the same results. Try out some of the remedies listed above to experience the benefits yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use hibiscus for thick hair?

You can use hibiscus flower powder and extract, mix it with your regular hair mask and apply it to boost your hair health and make it look thick.

Can hibiscus reverse gray hair?

No. It cannot reverse graying. However, hibiscus can leave your hair with a mild reddish hue and slightly darken your natural hair color.

Key Takeaways

• Frequent use of hibiscus helps reduce hair fall, stimulate hair regrowth, and prevents premature hair graying.
• You can include hibiscus oil, masks, shampoo, and conditioner in your hair care routine.
• While hibiscus comes in many different colors, the red variety is the most suitable for hair care and nourishment.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

1. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12963149/
2. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
3. Nutritional and amino acid contents of differently treated Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814608005268
4. Chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and therapeutic importance of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis- A review
   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326972460_Chemical_constituents_pharmacological_effects_and_therapeutic_importance_of_Hibiscus_rosa-sinensis-_A_review
5. Biologically Active Compounds from the Genus Hibiscus.
   https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880200701575320
6. Rosa sinensis (Hibiscus) -a versatile Indian origin plant
   https://www.jchps.com/issues/Volume%208_Issue%204/jchps%208(4)%2070%20Diana%20Pearline.pdf
7. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
8. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/
9. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) As a Valuable Medicinal Plant
   http://www.ijabbr.com/article_7851_bbd8fa7701b237d7746306a9df24e736.pdf
10. Impact of Trigonella foenum-graecum Leaves Extract on Mice Hair Growth
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318655670_Impact_of_Trigonella_foenum-graecum_Leaves_Extract_on_Mice_Hair_Growth
11. Lawsonia Inermis Linn: A Plant with Cosmetic and Medical Benefits
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299545214_Lawsonia_Inermis_Linn_A_Plant_with_Cosmetic_and_Medical_Benefits
12. Emblica (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) Fruit Extract Promotes Proliferation in Dermal Papilla Cells of Human Hair Follicle
    https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=rjmp.2011.95.100
13. Recent Trends in Potential Traditional Indian Herbs Emblica officinalis and Its Medicinal Importance
    https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2012/vol1issue1/PartA/2.pdf
14. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
15. Investigation of hair growth promoting ability of herbal gel containing Zingiber officinale
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Investigation-of-hair-growth-promoting-ability-of-R.V-BansodP./fcab117f4bed7925d28072c5ee01c21da1557a9c
16. The Golden Egg: Nutritional Value, Bioactivities, and Emerging Benefits for Human Health
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470839/
17. ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF NEEM (AZARDIRACHTA INDICA) LEAVES EXTRACT TO TREAT HAIR DANDRUFF
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333671637_ANTIFUNGAL_PROPERTIES_OF_NEEM_AZARDIRACHTA_INDICA_LEAVES_EXTRACT_TO_TREAT_HAIR_DANDRUFF
18. Inhibition of type 1 and type 2 5alpha-reductase activity by free fatty acids, active ingredients of Permixon
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12477490/
19. Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126069/
20. Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng: an ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review
    https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2014/vol3issue3/PartB/31.1.pdf
21. Study of colouring effect of herbal hair formulations on graying hair
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471652/

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