Hibiscus powder is made from the dried, ground flowers of the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa). It has a deep red colour and a tart, cranberry-like smell, and it has long been part of traditional Indian hair care, where it is mixed into hair masks, rinses and oils. Here's how to use hibiscus powder for hair at home, with five easy recipes.

Before you start

• Patch test: mix a little and apply it to the inside of your elbow 48 hours before using it on your scalp. Don't use it if you notice any irritation.
• Colour: hibiscus has a strong red pigment. On blonde, bleached or grey hair it can leave a temporary reddish tint, so try it on a small hidden section first.
• Staining: it can stain towels, grout and light fabrics. Wear an old T-shirt and rinse the shower afterwards.
• Keep it away from your eyes, and don't use it on broken or sore skin.

1. Classic hibiscus hair mask

You'll need: 2 tablespoons of hibiscus powder, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 3 to 4 tablespoons of plain yoghurt.

1. Mix everything in a bowl to a smooth, spreadable paste.
2. Apply to damp hair from roots to ends.
3. Cover with a shower cap and leave for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse well with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition as usual.

2. Hibiscus and aloe vera mask

Mix 2 tablespoons of hibiscus powder with 3 to 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel to a smooth paste. Apply to damp hair, leave for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly. This is a lighter mask that rinses out easily.

3. Hibiscus hair rinse

Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of hibiscus powder into 500 ml of just-boiled water and leave to steep for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine cloth or coffee filter and let it cool completely. After shampooing, pour it slowly over your hair, massage it in, leave for a few minutes and rinse with cool water.

4. Ayurvedic hair paste with amla and bhringraj

Mix equal parts hibiscus, amla and bhringraj powder with warm water to a smooth paste. Apply to hair, leave for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse. This is a classic Indian hair care blend.

5. Homemade hibiscus hair oil

Gently warm 100 ml of coconut or sesame oil with 2 tablespoons of hibiscus powder over a very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes; don't let it bubble. Leave to cool and infuse, then strain through a fine cloth. Massage a little into your scalp and lengths, leave for an hour or overnight, and wash out with shampoo. Store the oil in a clean, dry bottle and use within a few weeks.

Tips for using hibiscus on hair

• Mix the powder with liquid gradually to avoid lumps.
• Use a glass or ceramic bowl, as hibiscus can stain plastic.
• Rinse thoroughly: a second rinse helps remove any grainy bits.
• Most people use a hair mask once a week.

What can you mix with hibiscus powder for hair?

Popular partners include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, yoghurt, and other traditional hair care powders such as amla, bhringraj, shikakai and aritha. Some people also add hibiscus to henna for a redder tone.

Shop our Organic Hibiscus Powder, or read more hair and beauty guides.