16 Effective Ways To Use Hibiscus For Your Hair

Simple and easy ways to incorporate hibiscus into your hair care routine.

Reviewed by Tiffany Young, Certified Trichology Practitioner Tiffany Young Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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Hibiscus For Your Hair

Image: Shutterstock

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. The flower is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it ideal for rejuvenating the hair. Studies suggest that this botanical flower 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.

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

Benefits Of Hibiscus For Hair

Hibiscus powder and oil improve hair health
Image: Shutterstock

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.

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).

protip_icon Quick Tip
According to Ayurveda, hibiscus reduces hair fall as it may help reduce the body’s excess heat and boost blood circulation.

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

Homemade hibiscus oil
Image: Shutterstock

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

Hibiscus and yogurt hair mask
Image: Shutterstock

This plant-based hair mask is claimed to help soften and strengthen your tresses. It also makes your hair manageable and provides hair nourishment.

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.

Note: Alternatively, you can use hibiscus powder for hair if you can’t get your hands on fresh flowers.

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.
How Often?

2 times a week.

6. Hibiscus Shampoo For Gentle Cleansing

Hibiscus shampoo
Image: Shutterstock

As hibiscus is an excellent ingredient for scalp health, it can also be used as a herbal remedy 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.

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.

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

Hibiscus and egg hair pack
Image: Shutterstock

This hair pack is enriched with proteins (16). It works well to control oiliness and hair fall. If you have oily hair, this natural hair treatment 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.

11. Neem Leaves And Hibiscus For Hair Growth

Neem can help treat dandruff (17). It is also said to promote hair strength and aid 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. It also imparts hair shine.

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.

16. Hibiscus, Fenugreek Seeds, And Aloe Vera For Itchy Scalp

Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce itching on the scalp (21). And aloe vera, with its healing and moisturizing properties, can help soothe an itchy scalp (22).

You Will Need

  • 20 hibiscus flowers
  • 8-10 hibiscus leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds
  • 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel

Process

  1. Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in a glass of warm water.
  2. Blend the hibiscus leaves, flowers, and fenugreek seeds to a fine paste.
  3. Add aloe vera gel to the paste and mix well.
  4. Apply this paste to your scalp and hair.
  5. Massage it into your scalp for about 10 minutes.
  6. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

How Often?

2 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 (23).

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 Different 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.

5 different ways you can use hibiscus for healthy and shiny hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Hibiscus is a wonderful ingredient to incorporate into your hair care regimen to enhance the natural beauty of your tresses 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

Can hibiscus help with split ends?

Yes. Hibiscus is packed with nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids that moisturize and strengthen the hair (3). Hibiscus extracts also retain the natural moisture in the hair, maintaining its elasticity. Therefore, hibiscus reduces the formation of split ends.

Is hibiscus suitable for all hair types?

Yes. Hibiscus is suitable for all hair types. It adds shine to straight hair. The flower boosts the moisture level in curly hair and enhances its elasticity.

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.

Does hibiscus have any side effects on hair?

No, but always do a patch test before applying it for the first time to check if you are allergic to it.

Does hibiscus make the hair white?

No, it is a natural dye that helps produce melanin and prevents premature graying of hair.

Which part of the hibiscus is good for hair?

Both hibiscus leaves and flowers help condition the hair, improve hair elasticity, and prevent hair breakage.

Is hibiscus good for black hair?

Yes, it acts as a natural conditioner that improves the shine and strength of black hair.

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.

Illustration: Effective Ways To Use Hibiscus For Your Hair

Hibiscus For Your Hair_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to make a DIY Hibiscus Hair Mask for extreme hair growth! Get ready to promote healthy hair growth with this easy-to-follow hair mask tutorial. Check out the video below!

References

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
    https://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. Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extracts
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299542917_Evaluation_of_antibacterial_and_antifungal_activity_of_fenugreek_Trigonella_foenum-graecum_extracts
  22. ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  23. Study of colouring effect of herbal hair formulations on graying hair
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471652/
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Tiffany Young
Tiffany YoungCertified Trichology Practitioner
Tiffany Young is the CEO and founder of ThinHairThick and a certified trichology practitioner with 6 years of experience. She is also a recognized expert in the hair and beauty industry with celebrity clientele. Her own personal struggles with hair loss created an opportunity for her to deep-dive into learning all things related to medical conditions and external factors that contribute to hair loss.

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Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona Sinha
Ramona SinhaEditor
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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