From controlling dandruff to covering bald patches, the uses of hibiscus leaves for hair are many. Well, let’s see how we can add this flower to our haircare routine to get a healthy mane.
While it may be all the rage now but hibiscus leaves for hair is not a new trend. This flower has been used for centuries, especially in India as an Ayurvedic treatment to treat various types of illnesses, and is also very common in natural skin and haircare remedies. From nourishing your skin and giving it a healthy glow to strengthening your hair roots and ensuring thicker growth, the hibiscus flower is one natural ingredient that never disappoints.
The hibiscus flower basics
But unsure how to use hibiscus leaves for hair? From easy DIY hair packs to a tea rinse, it is as easy as it can get. That’s not all. You can also go ahead and drink it as it also strengthens your body from the inside. Whether it is calming skin irritation or treating weak hair follicles, hibiscus can do it all.
So the next time you are at the supermarket, go ahead and get a pack of its tea. Take all the advantages of hibiscus leaves’ benefits for hair and add them to your haircare routine.
Benefits of hibiscus leaves for hair
Promotes natural collagen production
Hibiscus is a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential to produce collagen in your body. We all know that collagen is a superpower for the skin and makes it healthy and younger-looking. But it also does wonders for your hair. The amino acids in collagen help with hair growth, strengthen hair follicles and maintain a healthy scalp.
Soothes inflammation
This trumpet-shaped flower may also be your one-stop shop for inflammation and irritation. Whether you have itchy skin or a greasy scalp, hibiscus can soothe it all. Loaded with beta-carotene, it also acts as a shield against free radicals like pollution and dust that can otherwise damage your scalp and hair.
Hydrates scalp
Every dermat or expert or friend you have consulted must have told you that water is extremely important for your skin. But if that doesn’t convince you, water intake also helps with the hair’s health. Well, level up by drinking hibiscus tea to increase your water consumption, detox your body, and hydrate your skin and your hair! You need to stay hydrated for better blood circulation which in turn increases the speed of hair growth.
If you keep forgetting to drink water, adding hibiscus tea to your breakfast or evening snack time is a great way to increase your water intake. Since hibiscus has a naturally citrusy, fruity flavour, it makes for a really yummy replacement for water.
Aids better hair growth
Did you know that hibiscus leaves for hair are an age-old remedy to control bald patches? Since it is loaded with vitamin C and also helps with blood circulation, the leaves stimulate weak and dormant follicles. This in turn helps in regrowing hair and in some cases also recovering from baldness. The hair that grows back is also said to be healthier and stronger.
Strengthens hair roots
Another hibiscus leaves benefit for hair is the ability to strengthen the roots. If your pores are clogged and your scalp is not allowed to breathe, it can weaken the hair at the roots leading to hair fall. The amino acids in hibiscus encourage blood circulation and delivery of oxygen to your scalp and keep your hair strong and voluminous.
Reduces frizz and dandruff
Did you know that a hibiscus tea rinse can also control frizziness, calm stray hair strands and also help get rid of dandruff? It keeps your scalp hydrated as dryness is a leading cause of dandruff. It also soothes the itchiness that arises as a side effect of your scalp flaking.
How to use hibiscus leaves for hair
Okay, say that you are convinced that hibiscus is the next hero ingredient. So, how to use hibiscus leaves for hair? If you begrudgingly oil your hair because you hate the greasiness but understand its importance, you can kill two birds with this one stone – The Dove Elixir Nourished Shine Hair Oil. Loaded with hibiscus and argan oils, it nourishes and protects hair. Along with defending your locks from free radicals, it also adds a shine to your hair. Get all the advantages of overnight oiling in 30 minutes with hibiscus and argan oil at your fingertips.
All you need to do is take a couple of drops and massage it to your hair from the root to the tips. You can use it either before or after washing your hair! But if you like a challenge, try some home remedies with DIY packs of hibiscus leaves for hair.
Tea rinse for frizz and dandruff
- Step 1 - Brew a cup of hibiscus tea as usual and let it cool down.
- Step 2 - Mix the tea with 200 ml of water. You can increase the water level depending on the length of your hair.
- Step 3 - Wash your hair and then apply this tea rinse all over your hair and scalp, ensuring that every single strand is covered
- Step 4 - Massage the tea rinse into your scalp for a few minutes. You can leave it on for 30 minutes or for a few hours.
- Step 5 - Rinse it out and follow it up with a conditioner.
Hibiscus and yogurt for stronger hair
- Step 1 - Blend three to four hibiscus leaves and flowers to form a paste.
- Step 2 - Add four tablespoons of yogurt to the paste and mix to form a smooth consistency.
- Step 3 - Apply this paste to your hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Step 4 - Leave it for on an hour. You can cover your hair with a shower cap to prevent a mess.
- Step 5 - Wash off your hair with water and a mild shampoo.
Hibiscus hair mask for dry hair
- Step 1 - Add two tablespoons of crushed hibiscus petals, coconut milk and honey each to a bowl.
- Step 2 - Add four tablespoons of aloe vera gel and two tablespoons of yogurt to the mix and blend well to form a thick paste.
- Step 3 - Apply this paste to your scalp and hair and let it stay for 30 minutes.
- Step 4 - Wash off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
Hibiscus and egg for hair growth
- Step 01: Mix three tablespoons of crushed hibiscus flower and two egg whites together in a bowl to form a paste.
- Step 02: Apply this paste evenly on your scalp and hair and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Step 03: Rinse off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.
Fun facts about hibiscus
In China, it is known as the ‘shoe flower’ because they use the hibiscus flower to polish their shoes.
Tahitian and Hawaiian women wear this flower behind their right ear as an indication they are single. On the other hand, married women wear it behind their left ear.
Hibiscus flower is a natural dye and was once used not just in paintings, but also as a natural blush and lipstick.
Because of the citrus-like taste, this flower is commonly used in soups, chutneys, salads and jams.
FAQs on hibiscus leaves for hair
Is it safe to drink hibiscus tea every day?
Yes, drinking hibiscus tea in moderation every day is safe and does not cause any adverse effects. You can drink one to two cups of this tea in a day and notice changes in your skin and hair with time.
Does hibiscus tea help in losing weight?
Research does support the claim that drinking hibiscus tea can help people to lose weight and prevent obesity. But this needs to be backed by a good diet and some physical exercise to see visible and longer-lasting results.
Does hibiscus tea reverse hair greying?
While there is no concrete evidence, ancient India has been using it as a natural remedy to darken hair colour.
The red flower not only looks beautiful but also offers a wide range of benefits; it is particularly used to address a lot of hair concerns. Right from hair loss to dryness, using hibiscus leaves for hair can put an end to all of them.
