Overview About The Benefits And Uses Of Hibiscus For Hair Care

Hibiscus is a plant that is widely grown for ornamental purposes. These plants that grow like woody shrubs, are mainly found in the tropical regions across the globe, especially in Asian countries like India. You may find numerous hibiscus varieties with showy flowers of different colors and color combinations. Apart from being a popular ornamental plant, hibiscus is also said to have various health benefits. Different parts of this plant are used for both skin and hair care too. It has been suggested that hibiscus can lower high blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels. This article will provide you with information about the use of hibiscus for hair care.

Hibiscus Hair Treatment

Even though most of us are familiar with hibiscus plants, very few are aware of their use for hair care. In fact, the plant has been highly valued in India and certain other Asian countries for its uses in hair and skin care. It is an important herb used in various ayurvedic hair treatment products. You may find hibiscus extracts in many of the herbal hair care products like oils, shampoos, conditioners, etc. If you are interested in knowing more about the use of hibiscus for hair care, then continue reading this article.

Benefits of Hibiscus for Hair and Skin
As mentioned above, hibiscus is a plant that is used for natural beauty care. Even though, there are numerous types of hibiscus plants, the variety with red flowers (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is mainly used for hair and skin care. Even the plain white hibiscus flowers are sometimes used for these purposes. Hibiscus is claimed to be effective in curbing hair fall and dandruff. According to some, hibiscus is also effective in boosting hair growth. It is also used as a remedy for premature graying and split ends. Application of ground hibiscus leaves and flowers is believed to be beneficial for the scalp, as it has cooling and soothing properties. This herb is also found to be a good conditioner and moisturizer for hair. It can make the hair soft, supple and shiny. As far as skin care is concerned, hibiscus is believed to treat acne, suntan and dark circles. It is also used for improving complexion, skin tightening and for preventing wrinkles.

How to Use Hibiscus for Hair

Hibiscus can be used on the scalp and hair in many different ways. You may use it to prepare hair oil or as a shampoo or conditioner. The following are some tips and guidelines about using hibiscus for hair care.

• In order to prepare hibiscus hair oil, you have to take a few flowers and leaves of hibiscus (preferably red flowers). You need half a cup of chopped flowers and leaves of hibiscus that has to be crushed well. Add the crushed hibiscus to a pan and add a cup of coconut oil into it. Cook the mixture over low heat, till fumes develop. Turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool, before storing. Gently massage a small amount of this oil before bath, at least two times a week. You may rinse it off with a mild herbal shampoo.
• If you want to use hibiscus as a shampoo, you have to collect a few leaves and flowers of hibiscus. Grind them to a fine paste and apply it on the scalp as well as hair. Let it settle for about ten to fifteen minutes. You can rinse this off with lukewarm water. You may also make a paste of hibiscus powder with water (or rose water) and apply the mixture on the scalp. Rinse it off after an hour.

The above said is a brief overview about the benefits and uses of hibiscus for hair care. This herb is used as such or in combination with other natural hair care products like henna, amla, etc. You may try this natural remedy for keeping your hair health, smooth and shiny.