Hibiscus for Hair: Benefits & How to Use

Reviewed By Experts

In Ayurveda, Hibiscus enjoys a position of name and fame for its multiple Hibiscus hair benefits. Those vibrant red flowers in your garden can give you long, healthy tresses tumbling down beautifully. The scientific term for Hibiscus is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. (HRS). Before going into the details of the benefits this herb brings for your hair, let’s have a look at its chemical structure:

In traditional medicine, both the flowers and leaves of Hibiscus are used for healthy hair [1]. This herb is Kapha-Vata Shamaka; i.e. it can pacify the Vata and Kapha Dosha. [5] In this article, we’ll study the various aspects of Hibiscus hair benefits, which include Hibiscus leaves benefits for hair, hibiscus flower benefits for hair, and more. Read on:

Plant Part	Constituent Reported
Flower	Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Apigenidin, Ascorbic Acid, Quercetin, Oxalic Acid, Citric Acid, pelargonidin, fructose
Leaves	Malvalic Acid, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Resin, Sterols, Sterculic Acid, Fatty Acids, Fatty Alcohol
Stem	ß-sitosterol, Teraxeryl acetate, Cyclic acids
Root	Saponins, mucilage, tannins, phytosterols, amino acids, fixed oils

Hibiscus Benefits for hair

Stimulates healthy hair growth

Hibiscus flower extracts are rich in amino acids, which can produce Keratin, a vital structural protein in your hair strands. Keratin can promote hair regrowth, give you stronger hair, and minimize the issue of frequent hair breakages. [1], [2], [3]

Natural hair dye

You can color your hair naturally with Hibiscus flower extracts. Chemical hair dyes sold commercially will do irreparable damage to your hair. Using Hibiscus as a natural hair coloring agent can color your hair safely with a tinge of crimson. [3]

Stops premature graying

Traditionally, Hibiscus served as a natural hair dye for grey hair. The powerful vitamins and antioxidants in Hibiscus extracts can produce melanin, the naturally occurring hair pigment that stops premature graying, an outcome of aggravated Pitta Dosha, and maintains the natural color of your hair. [3]

Supports hair regrowth

One of the hibiscus powder hair benefits is that it may be applied to your scalp to activate the dormant hair follicles and allow new hair growth on the bald patches. [3]

Removes Dandruff

The anti-microbial properties of hibiscus leaves [1] make it a potent Ayurvedic remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp. Being an effective astringent, it can clean your scalp thoroughly. It can destroy the dandruff-causing microbes and remove all the dandruff flakes from your scalp. [2] According to Ayurveda, Vata Dosha imbalance can cause dandruff. Hibiscus leaves can balance an aggravated Vata. [3] This is one of the notable hibiscus leaves benefits for hair.

Acts as a natural hair conditioner

Hibiscus leaves, and flower extracts can condition your hair by locking in hair’s natural moisture. Mucilage fiber in Hibiscus extracts [3] can treat the frizz, soften hair [3], and restore the elasticity of your hair.

Regulates sebum production on the scalp

Over-secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands on your scalp can make your hair excessively oily, sticky, and luster-less. One of the Hibiscus hair benefits is that it can balance your Kapha Dosha and regulate the production of sebum. [3]

How to use Hibiscus for hair

Hibiscus may be used in the following forms to reap the maximum Hibiscus hair benefits:

As Hibiscus Powder

Powered Hibiscus flower petals and leaves may be used in DIY hair packs or masks to reap all the Hibiscus hair benefits. Hibiscus powder hair benefits may give you healthy, strong, and shiny hair. Mixing Hibiscus powder with other natural ingredients like Curd (Dadhi), Aloe Vera (Ghrit Kumari), Fenugreek seeds powder (Methi powder), Indian Gooseberry (Amla/Amalaki), Henna etc., can give you hair health-boosting packs or hair masks and let you experience the best Hibiscus hair pack benefits. [3]

As Hibiscus Shampoo

Take fresh Hibiscus petals and leaves and wash thoroughly in water to remove the impurities. The amount of leaves must exceed the amount of flower petals. Boil them in water. That gives you a gelatinous residue which may be used for hair wash. To balance the slimy nature of the gel shampoo you may consider adding the Pitta-pacifying gram flour to it. [3] This gel-like homemade shampoo may be used on your scalp and hair regularly to experience the best Hibiscus gel for hair benefits.

As Hibiscus Oil

Hibiscus Oil is hair oil infused with a paste of Hibiscus flower petals and leaves. This Ayurvedic hair oil is an excellent scalp nourishing agent and hair fortifier. To prepare this hair oil, you need to boil the petal and leaf extracts in coconut oil, a Vata-pacifying ingredient. [3] Once it is done, let the oil cool down to normal temperature and store it in an airtight vial. Instead of the freshly made paste, you can even use Hibiscus powder for preparing this oil. [3]

As Hibiscus Tea

Steeping the shriveled, dried flower petals of Hibiscus may be used to make the tarty Hibiscus tea. You may drink the tea to reap the Hibiscus health benefits and may also rinse your hair with the tea to experience the best Hibiscus tea benefits for hair.

FAQs

Conclusion

Hibiscus is a celebrated Ayurvedic herb known as Gudhal or Lalambari in Hindi. Hibiscus for hair growth in Hindi encompasses all the Hibiscus hair benefits discussed in this article. If you wish to bid adieu to your hair woes, you must incorporate Hibiscus floral and leafy extracts into your hair care routine.

Disclaimer

This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References

1. Therapeutic Uses of Hibiscus -A Review Article
2. FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF HERBAL PRODUCTS CONTAINING HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS
3. USE OF RICE WATER (Oryza sativa) & HIBISCUS (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) FOR HAIR NUTRITION AND HAIR GROWTH
4. Hibiscus Benefits, Usage, Dosage, Remedies, Side Effects
5. Medicinal Uses of Flowers: A Comprehensive Review Based on Nighantus