Hibiscus For Hair: Shampoo, Oil & Hair Masks For Ultimate Benefits

Why buy thousands of hair products when you can have one herbal solution - hibiscus? Hibiscus oils, shampoos and hair masks are time-tested solutions for treating hair fall and dandruff, aiding hair regrowth and preventing premature graying.

Both the flower and leaves of hibiscus are used in traditional medicine for their powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and nourishing properties. Read on to know how hibiscus benefits your hair and the most effective ways to use it in your hair care routine.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“The properties of hibiscus are predominantly helpful to cure hair problems caused by the elevated Pitta dosha. Also, it can regenerate your hair follicles and replenish hair growth in bald spots by balancing vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi,(Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Is Hibiscus Good For Hair?

Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, amino acids, mucilage fiber, moisture content, and antioxidants. Hibiscus nourishes your locks, promotes the growth of luscious hair, and adds a natural satin-soft texture to your mane.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, “The properties of hibiscus are predominantly helpful to cure hair problems caused by the elevated Pitta dosha. Also, it can regenerate your hair follicles and replenish hair growth in bald spots by balancing vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas.”

Hence, hibiscus is a fantastic herb to add to your hair care routine. Try herbal hair care products that include hibiscus, especially if you have elevated Pitta dosha.

What Are The Benefits Of Hibiscus For Hair?

1. Promotes Hair Growth

Hibiscus flowers and leaves are rich in invigorating ingredients - flavonoids & amino acids.Flavonoids enhance blood circulation on your scalp [1] and revive dormant hair follicles, thereby stimulating new hair growth.

Amino acids trigger keratin production in the cells of your hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth.

2. Protects Your Scalp From Sun Damage

Hibiscus plants are packed with resilient properties that keep your scalp protected from sun damage - a major cause of hair thinning, split ends and discolouration [2].

According to a research named, Study on Anti-Solar Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Flower of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn, flavonoids in hibiscus act as a sunscreen to protect your hair from UVB rays.

3. Delays Premature Greying of Hair

Elevated Pitta dosha may cause premature greying of hair. Hibiscus is rich in natural pigments, antioxidants, and vitamins that can give a crimson tinge to your grey hair and bring out a darker shine to your natural hair color [3].

4. Prevents Dandruff

Excess Kapha may cause oily dandruff flakes, and excess Vata may cause dry dandruff flakes. With anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties[4], hibiscus curbs the growth of dandruff-causing yeast on your scalp, unclogs dandruff flakes from your hair follicles, and prevents dandruff recurrence.

5. Deeply Conditions Your Hair

Elevated Vata dosha makes your hair dry and frizzy with split ends. Hibiscus acts as an ultra-emollient that traps moisture in your hair shafts and restores elasticity in your hair strands.

Hibiscus’ mucilage fiber prevents breakage and conditions your hair to make it silky and smooth.

6. Regulates Sebum Secretion On The Scalp

Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum to lubricate your hair. Hormonal imbalances and an elevated Kapha dosha triggers excess oil secretion, making your hair oily and sticky.

The astringent properties of hibiscus balance the activity of these glands to maintain the natural moisturization of your hair.

7. Prevents Scalp Infections

According to a research named Rosa sinensis (Hibiscus) - a versatile Indian origin plant, hibiscus’s strong anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiviral abilities can be traced to the presence of flavonoids, especially anthocyanins [5] in the flower.

Thus, using hibiscus in your hair care routine can prevent common scalp infections like folliculitis, ringworm, impetigo and others.

How To Use Hibiscus For Hair?

1. Hibiscus Oil For Hair Growth

Applying hibiscus, combined with coconut oil, is the easiest way to grow long hair. Hibiscus pacifies Vata Dosha, promotes hair growth by reducing protein loss, and moisturizes your hair.

Process

• Take a bunch (depending upon the size of your hair) of hibiscus petals and leaves and blend them into a smooth paste. You can also use hibiscus powder.
• Heat an adequate amount of coconut oil in a saucepan and add the hibiscus paste into it. Continue boiling it until you see powdery particles float to the bottom of the pan.
• Close the lid and put it aside until it cools down to normal temperature. Store it in a container.

When To Use?

• Apply it to your hair regularly or at least thrice a week.

2. Hibiscus Shampoo To Prevent Build-Up

‘’Excess Pitta dosha accumulates heat in your hair follicles, causing damage and hair loss,’’ says Dr. Zeel. The cleansing properties of hibiscus help balance the pH of your scalp, fight oiliness and build-up of dandruff, while activating your hair follicles.

Process

• Take 5-6 hibiscus leaves and about 10-12 hibiscus petals.
• Boil the leaves and petals in a bowl of water. See that the quantities are sufficient to make shampoo for your hair.
• After it cools down, add 1-2 tablespoons of gram flour to it. Gram flour pacifies Pitta and Kapha.
• Replace your regular shampoo with this herbal blend and wash your hair thoroughly with the natural foam.

When To Use?

• Using it 2-3 times a week is recommended for a clean, healthy scalp.

3. Hibiscus + Amla Hair Pack For Volumizing Your Hair

Amla is a tridosha pacifier. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and nutrients that strengthen your hair follicles and promote thicker and stronger hair [6]. You can make a tonic combining amla and hibiscus to add volume to your hair.

Process

• Blend a bunch of hibiscus petals and leaves into a smooth paste.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of amla powder to the hibiscus paste. Mix it with water to a comfortable consistency and apply it to your hair.
• Leave the hair pack for 40 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and wash your hair.
• Remember to wash your hair with herbal shampoo as it retains the pack's impact and clears the residue.

When To Use?

• Do it 1-3 times a week.

4. Hibiscus + Aloe Vera Conditioning Hair Mask

Aloe vera pacifies Pitta, and balances Vata and Kapha doshas. It moisturizes your hair and works as an intense repair conditioner. Adding it to hibiscus can give your hair a smooth and shimmering texture.

Process

• Blend a bunch of hibiscus petals and leaves into a smooth paste.
• Squeeze out fresh aloe vera gel and mix it with the hibiscus paste.
• Apply it on your whole scalp and spread it evenly from root to tip of your hair. Leave it on for around 45 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water before washing your hair with herbal shampoo.

When To Use?

• Do it before every hair wash.

Vedix Tip:

Use crushed hibiscus flowers and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil as a hair tonic. Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes with lukewarm water. It can regrow your hair from dormant follicles.

5. Hibiscus + Fenugreek Anti-Dandruff Hair Pack

Fenugreek pacifies Kapha and Vata. It can treat dandruff and also strengthen hair roots. Combine hibiscus and fenugreek to make an excellent medicine for curing your dandruff and growing healthier hair.

Process

• Soak 1-2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds for a whole day or overnight in water.
• Grind the soaked seeds along with a bunch of hibiscus leaves and flowers.
• Bind the paste using 1/4 cup of buttermilk/curd if you are Vata dominant, coconut milk/cow milk for Pitta dominant, and aloe vera gel for Kapha dominant.
• Gently massage the paste into your scalp and leave it for an hour.
• Rinse it off with cold water before washing it with a herbal shampoo.

When To Use?

• Do it once a week.

6. Hibiscus + Henna Hair Pack For Darker Shine

Henna pacifies Pitta and Kapha and balances Vata. Henna leaves contain a red-orange dye molecule, lawsone, which gives your hair the orange-red pigment. Adding it to hibiscus can delay the greying process of your hair and enhance its shine.

Process

• Take a bunch of hibiscus petals, hibiscus leaves and henna leaves to blend them into a smooth paste.
• Take half or one whole lemon to squeeze the juice into the herbal paste. Lemon pacifies Vata dosha.
• Apply the paste to your hair strands from root to tip. Leave it for an hour.
• Rinse it off with cold water before having a herbal head bath.

When To Use?

• Do it 1-3 times a month.

7. Hibiscus + Yogurt Mask For Stronger Hair

This mask is best to strengthen your hair roots. Also, it is efficient in preventing premature greying.

Process

• Grind a hibiscus flower with 3-5 leaves into a fine paste.
• Add half a cup of yogurt into the paste.
• Apply it throughout your scalp and hair.
• After an hour, wash it off using lukewarm water and mild Ayurvedic shampoo.

When To Use?

• Do it once a week.

8. Hibiscus + Onion For Hair Regrowth

This combination of herbs works tremendously to activate your dormant hair follicles and simulate rich hair regrowth.

Process

• Take 3-4 spoons of hibiscus juice by straining the paste made of hibiscus leaves.
• Take 3-4 spoons of onion juice by straining the onion pulp.
• Mix the two ingredients in equal amounts and apply it over the hair thinning spots on your scalp.
• Leave it for about 15 minutes and wash it off using lukewarm water.

When To Use?

• Apply 2-3 times a week.

9. Hibiscus + Almond Oil For Deep Nourishment

This is the best treatment if you have severely dry and frizzy hair due to elevated Vata and Pitta doshas.

Process

• Grind equal amounts of hibiscus flowers and leaves into a smooth paste.
• Add 1-2 spoons of almond oil into the mixture.
• Apply it to your scalp and hair.
• After half an hour, wash it off with lukewarm water.

When To Use?

• Repeat 1-2 times every week.

10. Hibiscus + Neem For Healthy Scalp

Neem has excellent properties that can keep your scalp cool, clean, and moisturized. When it is combined with hibiscus, it can be your go-to treatment to resolve Pitta-related scalp conditions and hair loss.

Process

• Mix neem juice and hibiscus juice in equal amounts.
• Apply it to your scalp and hair.
• Leave it for half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

When To Use?

• Apply once a week.

11. Hibiscus + Egg Protein Treatment

Hibiscus combined with egg white can be a rich source of all the nutrients necessary for thicker and stronger hair growth. It also regulates your overall scalp pH levels.

Process

• Prepare a fine paste by grinding 3 hibiscus flowers.
• Add 2 egg whites into the paste.
• Mix well and apply it to your scalp and hair.
• Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash your hair using an Ayurvedic hair cleanser.

When To Use?

• Use 3-4 times a month.

12. Hibiscus + Coconut Milk For Split Ends

The combination of hibiscus and coconut milk is the best treatment to repair your damaged, broken hair and split ends.

Process

• Grind a few hibiscus petals into a paste.
• Add the paste into a small cup of coconut milk.
• Add a spoon each of honey, yogurt, and aloe vera into the mixture.
• Mix well and apply the paste to your hair thoroughly.
• After 30 minutes, wash it off with normal water.

When To Use?

• Apply 1-2 times a week.

What Are The Side Effects Of Hibiscus?

The topical application of hibiscus on your scalp and hair does not have a record of side effects. Hibiscus tea is widely known for its fantastic health benefits and boosts your immune system. It lowers hypertension and blood pressure, as well as regulates the menstrual cycle in women.

However, avoid hibiscus consumption if you have low blood pressure (hypotension). Its buds and root extracts are also used as a natural contraceptive [9] in traditional medicine and thus, it’s not recommended during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Hibiscus For Hair

1. Does Hibiscus Change Hair Color?

Bright-colored hibiscus flowers are a rich source of natural dyes [7] known as anthocyanins, which can make your hair darker. Also, hibiscus can trigger melanin production in the follicles and delay premature greying of your hair.

If your hair is already grey, hibiscus provides a crimson tinge, which stays for 2-3 months on your hair. [8]

2. Which Colour Hibiscus Is Good For Hair?

The brightly hued or the brightest red-colored petals of a hibiscus flower works best for your hair. These flowers are rich in amino acids that can stimulate keratin (building blocks of your hair strands) production in your hair follicle cells. The red-colored hibiscus contains rich pigments to give your hair a natural dark shade.

3. Can We Use Hibiscus Leaves For Hair Daily?

According to a study, In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa- sinensis Linn, hibiscus leaf extract is a more potent hair growth promoter than hibiscus flowers. Hence, using hibiscus leaves in your daily hair care routine, as an oil, tonic, shampoo or conditioner, can help promote thicker hair growth and keep your hair healthy and nourished.

The Last Word

• Both hibiscus flowers, as well as their leaves, are advantageous for your hair. They can help in strengthening the root of your hair follicles and promote hair growth.
• While sun, pollution, harsh chemicals, and stress can take a toll on your hair, adding hibiscus as an important ingredient in your hair care routine can prevent damage and hair loss.
• You can easily create topical hair masks at home using fresh hibiscus flowers and leaves by mixing them with other beneficial natural ingredients.

Know Your Dosha Now