Hair care is matter of great concern for many. Pollutants in the environment all around as well as poor food habits in people have a negative effect on hair. In the endeavor of managing hair care, Hibiscus or “gudhal” is considered very beneficial. This is due to the great nutritional values of hibiscus leaves and flower.
Hair masks made from this herbal element are believed to be immensely effective. Such masks are considered suitable for both oily and dry hair. It is also known to help control hair fall due to calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus and vitamin C.
Hibiscus powder has many good effects on hair and some suggestions of use are as follows:
Hibiscus hair pack
Hibiscus powder can be used with tea or water. Enough quantum of it should be used and the combination be applied on clean and moist hair. Once a few minutes have gone by, a teaspoon each of yogurt, coconut milk and coconut oil should be used. This should be rinsed off thoroughly after half an hour.
Hair strength pack
Another hair pack which can help in enhancing hair strength involves additional elements. 3 tablespoons each of honey and yogurt, Coconut milk, 6 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel along with the main ingredient – 3 ounces of Hibiscus petal powder. The mixture should be consistent and paste should be used in good quantum on the hair. A shower cap on this for 30 minutes should be used and then the hair should be washed off with lukewarm water. This treatment can make hair glossy if used twice a week.
Cleanser
The hibiscus powder can be used as a hair cleanser by making a paste. The paste should be rinsed off after keeping on for 3 to 10 minutes. Aritha and Shikakai can be used for washing away excess oil from hair along with it.
Hibiscus anti-dandruff hair pack
Fenugreek seeds should be soaked overnight. These seeds should be put into butter milk along with hibiscus powder. This paste should be used regularly for keeping dandruff away. Another such anti-dandruff pack could be made by mixing hibiscus powder with mehendi and lemon juice. This pack will also act as a hair conditioner.
Hair fall rescue
A bowl of red hibiscus powder is required for this, to which yogurt and rosemary essential oil needs adding. 3 tablespoons of yogurt, drops of rosemary oil and a tablespoon of hibiscus powder will make a solution. The paste, once it turns pink, will signal that it’s ready for use.
Hair regrowth
Hibiscus powder comes from hibiscus flowers. Some hibiscus flowers and leaves in same quantum can be made into a paste or powder. To this add some olive oil and water. The resultant mixture paste should then be applied to the hair from root upwards. This hair pack should be rinsed away after 15 minutes and is believed to aid regrowth of hair.
Hibiscus and henna
In this paste, Henna powder is mixed with one to four tablespoons of hibiscus powder. In order to avoid grittiness in the hibiscus, water should be added later. This mixture should then be used on moist hair for good results.
Hibiscus oil
For this first some coconut oil should be boiled in a pan and then Hibiscus powder should be added to it. The gas should be turned off once oil starts reddening. More hibiscus powder should then be added to this concoction.
Mixture
Hibiscus powder can be added to any one of these – coconut milk, flax seed, yoghurt or Rhassoul. The mix should then be used on damp hair. The rinsing should be done after 15 minutes. This is best for people with light hair.
After wash rinse
For this mixture, in 2-3 cups of boiling water, 2 to 4 tablespoons of Hibiscus powder should be used. After a 20 minute steeping, the liquid should be strained while still warm. This should be used for hair washing and afterwards tea should be poured over the hair. The hair should then be rinsed off after a while for improving hair quality.
Hibiscus powder has many uses. It can also be mixed with apple cider or white Vinegar for a final wash. Aloe vera gel and glycerin may also be used with Hibiscus powder to protect hair from adverse effects of rain water.
