Most of us have grown up seeing people around us donning gorgeous red hibiscus flowers in their manes. Whether it is carefully tucked in a bun or carefully placed behind the ear, there is no denying the aesthetic appeal of this flower. Did you know, hibiscus (also known as japapatti) can help to treat a variety of mane woes? It has been traditionally used for hair growth, strengthening and to prevent hair loss. To find out some of the best ways to use this plant to up our mane quality, we reached out to Dr Taruna Yadav, senior ayurveda expert at Forest Essentials.
How hibiscus helps with hair growth
“It is known as a ‘keshya’ that is a hair promoting herb in ayurveda and its petals as well as leaves are believed to improve hair growth due to their pitta-balancing qualities,” explains Dr Yadav. In ayurvedic texts, hair loss is thought to have been caused by excessive heat in the body. “The cooling properties make it very useful for those battling hair fall,” she explains.
A 2003 study found that hibiscus extracts helped hair growth in animals but there isn’t clear, recent research that proves it helps with human hair. But, there is a good chance it might considering both the petals and flowers contain amino acids and antioxidants that are essential for healthy hair. When combined with coconut oil and massaged in the scalp, this wonder herb can help awaken dormant hair follicles by boosting blood circulation. “These amino acids produce a structural protein called keratin, which is the building block of hair. It nourishes, strengthens, binds the hair roots, and makes them less prone to breakage,” she adds.
The benefits of using hibiscus on the hair
• It has astringent properties
“It is extremely beneficial in treating oily hair woes including dandruff and itchiness. It maintains the pH balance of the scalp and provides a soothing and cooling effect.”
• It acts as a natural conditioner
“The leaves and flowers contain a high amount of mucilage with conditions the hair. Upon contact with water, this increases in volume and boosts moisture.”
• It can help with hair growth
When used correctly, it can help to make hair stronger, longer, and shinier.
Who should use hibiscus in their hair
“Anyone who is looking for a more natural way to regrow hair, decrease frizz, maintain a healthy shine and some volume can try this ingredient out,” explains Dr Yadav. She recommends patch testing any DIYs or products that contain hibiscus before using it liberally on your roots or mane.
How to use hibiscus for hair growth
Hibiscus-infused oil
“Infuse it with oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil and it will act as a potent hair tonic,” explains Dr Yadav.
What to do: Take eight to 10 leaves and four to five flowers and grind them to a fine paste. Heat 100 millilitres of oil and add the paste to it. Heat the mixture and cool it down. Massage it on the scalp and wash it off after an hour.
Hibiscus and onion hairfall treatment
“This combination helps activate the dormant follicles and stimulates hair growth,” explains Dr Yadav.
What to do: Mix the fresh juices of hibiscus leaves with onion juice and apply them to your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. Use it twice a week.
Anti-dandruff hibiscus and neem mask
“Due to their natural astringent and cooling properties, these ingredients can treat dandruff effectively. Neem possesses antimicrobial properties and this combination acts as an excellent treatment for healthier hair,” explains Dr Yadav.
What to do: Mix hibiscus and neem powder in equal amounts in yoghurt to make a smooth paste. Apply it on the scalp and hair and rinse it off after 30 minutes with a mild shampoo.