Nachricht » Hair & Beauty
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How to Use Hibiscus Powder for Hair: 5 DIY Masks and Rinses
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.
- Mix everything in a bowl to a smooth, spreadable paste.
- Apply to damp hair from roots to ends.
- Cover with a shower cap and leave for 20 to 30 minutes.
- 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.
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Bentonite Clay Mask Recipes: 6 Easy DIY Face Masks
Bentonite clay is the base of countless homemade face masks. On its own it mixes with water into a smooth grey-green paste, and it combines easily with kitchen-cupboard ingredients. Here are six easy bentonite clay mask recipes to try. For the full basics, read our step-by-step guide to using bentonite clay.
Bentonite clay is for external use only. Do not eat or drink it.
Before you start
- Patch test: apply a little of the mixed paste to the inside of your elbow 48 hours before using it on your face or scalp, and don't use it if you notice any irritation.
- Mix in a glass, ceramic or wooden bowl with a wooden or plastic spoon.
- Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eyes and lips, and don't use on broken or sore skin.
- Rinse off before the mask dries completely, then moisturise.
- Each recipe makes one mask. Mix it fresh each time.
1. Classic bentonite clay and water mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer, leave for 5 to 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
2. Apple cider vinegar clay mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water. It will fizz as you stir. Apply for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse. This is the strongest mix here, so start with a short time.
3. Honey and clay mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 1 teaspoon of runny honey and enough water to make a smooth paste. Apply for 10 minutes and rinse.
4. Yoghurt and clay mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 1 to 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt. This makes a creamier, gentler-feeling mask. Apply for 10 minutes and rinse.
5. Aloe vera and clay mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 1 teaspoon of aloe vera powder and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, or use ready-made aloe vera gel. Apply for 10 minutes and rinse.
6. Rose petal and clay mask
Mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 1 teaspoon of rose petal powder and enough rose water or plain water to make a paste. It has a soft floral scent. Apply for 10 minutes and rinse.
Bonus: oat and clay scrub mask
Add 1 teaspoon of finely ground oats to any of the recipes above. Once the mask has been on for a few minutes, wet your fingertips and massage gently in small circles as you rinse it off.
How often should you use a clay mask?
Once or twice a week suits most people. Clay can feel drying, so always follow with a moisturiser, and use it less often if your skin feels tight.
Want more ideas? Try our Ayurvedic face masks.
Shop our Premium Bentonite Clay Powder.
