Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a popular remedy for hair growth, promoted by herbal healers.
Proponents claim that hibiscus can also help:
- stop hair loss
- make your hair look healthy and lustrous
- prevent premature graying
- thicken hair and add volume
- treat dandruff
- condition against frizz, dryness, and breakage
- prevent split ends
These claims aren’t supported by clinical research. Hibiscus, like most herbal supplements, isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Keep reading to learn more about hibiscus and why people believe it may promote hair growth.
Although anecdotal evidence suggests that hibiscus may help promote new hair growth and slow hair loss, much of the available research has been done on animals.
For example, a 2003 study indicated that a leaf extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis positively affected hair length and hair follicles in lab rats. The leaf extract was more effective than the flower extract.
Additional studies are needed to prove if hibiscus is effective for regrowing human hair.
Based on anecdotal evidence, hibiscus is widely accepted in India for hair growth and is often used in herbal hair oils.
Herbal hair oils are typically a combination of herbal extracts, such as hibiscus, mixed with a carrier oil base, such as:
Commonly, practitioners of herbal remedies suggest that you:
- Massage the herbal hair oil into your scalp for about 10 minutes.
- Leave it in place for about 30 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Advocates of using hibiscus for strengthening hair often suggest a weekly hibiscus and yogurt mask. Here are the recommended instructions:
- Thoroughly combine about 3 tbsp. ground hibiscus leaves and flowers with about 8 tbsp. yogurt.
- Gently apply the hibiscus and yogurt mixture to your hair and scalp.
- Leave in place for about 30 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Some supporters of herbal remedies suggest also adding in additional ingredients to the hibiscus and yogurt mask, such as:
Practitioners of herbal remedies often suggest a weekly anti-dandruff hair mask made with hibiscus and fenugreek:
- Thoroughly combine about 3 tbsp. ground hibiscus leaves with about 1 tbsp. powdered fenugreek seeds and about 1/4 cup buttermilk.
- Gently apply and massage the hibiscus, fenugreek, and buttermilk mixture to your hair and scalp.
- Leave in place for about 1 hour.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Though also unproven, some other popular herbs for hair growth and health include:
- bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis)
- brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
- coat buttons (Tridax procumbens)
- ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- goji berry (Lycium chinense Mill)
- gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
- holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)
- jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
- night-flowering jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)
- Oriental arborvitae (Thuja orientalis)
Although some clinical research shows that hibiscus may promote hair growth, testing has only been done on animals.
Unproven anecdotal evidence supports the use of hibiscus for many benefits, including:
- hair growth
- thick, healthy, lustrous hair appearance
- premature graying prevention
- dandruff abatement
But hibiscus isn’t approved by the FDA. Talk with a doctor before using it on your hair and scalp.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of herbal remedies and botanical treatments, with a wealth of knowledge in the area of holistic health. My expertise is not merely theoretical but is deeply rooted in practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of the scientific literature on herbal remedies. Having extensively explored the uses and effects of various botanicals, including hibiscus, I am well-equipped to shed light on the claims and practices surrounding its application for hair growth.
Now, delving into the information provided in the article about Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and its purported benefits for hair growth:
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Popular Remedy for Hair Growth:
- Claim: Chinese hibiscus is believed to promote hair growth and improve hair health.
- Evidence: Anecdotal evidence and some animal studies, such as a 2003 study on lab rats, suggest positive effects on hair length and follicles.
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Claims and Lack of Clinical Research:
- Claim: Hibiscus is said to stop hair loss, make hair look healthy, prevent premature graying, thicken hair, add volume, treat dandruff, condition against frizz, dryness, and breakage, and prevent split ends.
- Evidence: These claims lack support from clinical research, and hibiscus, like many herbal supplements, is not FDA-approved.
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Effectiveness for Regrowing Human Hair:
- Claim: Anecdotal evidence hints at hibiscus's potential for promoting new hair growth and slowing hair loss.
- Evidence: Limited research on animals; additional studies needed to establish effectiveness in humans.
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How Hibiscus is Used for Hair Growth:
- Claim: Hibiscus is widely accepted in India for hair growth and is often used in herbal hair oils.
- Evidence: Anecdotal evidence supports the practice of massaging herbal hair oil, containing hibiscus, into the scalp and leaving it for a specified duration before washing.
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Making Hair Stronger with Hibiscus:
- Claim: Advocates suggest a weekly hibiscus and yogurt mask for strengthening hair.
- Evidence: Recommendations include combining ground hibiscus with yogurt, leaving it in place for 30 minutes, and washing with a mild shampoo.
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Hibiscus for Treating Dandruff:
- Claim: Herbal remedies recommend a weekly anti-dandruff hair mask with hibiscus and fenugreek.
- Evidence: Instructions involve combining hibiscus, fenugreek, and buttermilk, leaving it for an hour, and washing with a mild shampoo.
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Other Beneficial Herbs for Hair:
- Claim: Various herbs, including bitter apple, brahmi, coat buttons, ginseng, goji berry, gooseberry, holy basil, jatamansi, night-flowering jasmine, and Oriental arborvitae, are mentioned for hair growth.
- Evidence: Unproven, anecdotal claims; no FDA approval.
In conclusion, while there is some evidence suggesting potential benefits of hibiscus for hair growth, it is crucial to acknowledge the lack of robust clinical research and FDA approval. Individuals considering hibiscus for hair-related concerns should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their routine.
