Dry Hibiscus Flower: Uses and Benefits for Skin & Hair
If you've been watching beauty reels or trying out home skincare recipes, you have to have seen a deep red, sun-dried flower get all the hype, and the hype is because of the dry hibiscus flower.
From its rich color to even brighter benefits, this flower has moved out to the forefront of natural beauty from herbal tea.
So, what’s the hype about? We're going to explore the hibiscus flower: uses and benefits for skin & hair, and why this ancient plant extraction is fast becoming a new beauty staple.
What Is A Dry Hibiscus Flower?
The dry hibiscus flower is the bloom from the hibiscus plant. This tropical beauty is separated from the beauty of its large and beautiful petals by its medicinal and cosmetic uses.
After the flowers are harvested, the blooms are left to sun-dry or air-dry to preserve the flowers' nutrients. The dried body of the flower allows for easy storage and instantly becomes extremely versatile for beauty treatment formulations.
From face/mask to hair/scalp oils, the powder form, or whole dry flower form, can be infused, blended, or steeped to release a lot of beneficial properties embedded deep in the dry flower.
Dry Hibiscus Flower: Uses and Benefits for Skin
Let’s talk about the skin. Blink blink!
1. Natural Exfoliant
Dry hibiscus flower provides a gentle exfoliation to the skin, thanks to naturally occurring acids (yes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) in particular).
Exfoliation means removing dry, dead skin cells without scrubbing them off for brighter, smoother skin underneath.
You can mix hibiscus powder with yogurt or honey for a super fast at-home glow-up mask.
2. Anti-Aging Properties
Now we’re getting to the good stuff. Dry hibiscus flower: uses and benefits for skin & hair include one significant anti-aging gift. It promotes collagen production. For most, this was attributed to the abundant vitamin C in the flower.
Collagen is what keeps your skin firm and plump and hibiscus helps slow down those fine-lines so you can have time to work it out!
If you’re trying to get away from synthetic retinol, or anything else with toxic ingredients (and all of the side effects), you may have found your natural guru!
3. Deep Hydration for Skin
Here’s a funny fact about hibiscus flower—it’s mucilage! That gooey sticky stuff that hydrates and comforts dry or inflamed skin.
The glorious flower is full of mucilage, which is great if your skin is tired or sun-damaged. Hibiscus flower water, or toner, will help soothe your chaotic skin.
Dried hibiscus flower: uses and benefits for hair
We love multi-taskers, and hibiscus is certainly one of them... let's discuss hair now.
1. Fosters Hair Growth
One of the most talked about (and completely legitimate) dried hibiscus flowers: uses and benefits for skin and hair is that it stimulates hair growth. Hibiscus is packed with amino acids that will nourish hair follicles, strengthen the roots, and enhance growth.
Making a weekly hibiscus hair mask using coconut oil or aloe vera can make your strands feel fuller and healthier over time.
2. Reduces Hair Shedding
Many people believe in hibiscus as a way to reduce hair thinning and breakage. The nutrients in dried hibiscus flowers stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, which is a significant factor in lowering excessive shedding.
Try massaging hibiscus-infused oil into your scalp for 10 minutes before washing. Your scalp will love you.
3. Natural Conditioner
Do you want soft, tangle-free hair without using a chemical product? Yes, please!
The mucilage in dried hibiscus flowers acts as a natural slip agent, which makes detangling easier, and gives your hair silky smoothness without any weight down. You can add the powder to your regular conditioner for extra goodness.
How to use Dry Hibiscus Flower at Home
Now that you know all about the dry hibiscus flower: uses and benefits for skin & hair, here is the best way to use it in your own routine:
DIY Hibiscus Face Pack
What you will need: 1 tbsp hibiscus powder, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rose water
How to use: mix it all together to a smooth paste, apply it evenly on your face, and do not take it off for 15-20minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water for glowing skin.
Hibiscus Hair Mask
What you will need: 2 tbsp hibiscus flower powder, 3 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp coconut oil
How to use: Apply this to your scalp and strands, leave it for 30 minutes, and then wash off with a tempered shampoo.
Hibiscus Scalp Rinse
Boil a few hibiscus flowers in water, let them cool, and use them as your final rinse after shampooing. It will add shine and strengthen your scalp.
Pro Tips
Always do a patch test before applying any new natural ingredient to your face or scalp.
When you're storing your hibiscus flower, put it in an airtight jar, and ensure you keep it somewhere where moisture isn't present to keep it fresh and ready to use.
You need to be consistent with your use. You may feel instant softness; however, the greater benefits for skin and hair will come with consistent use over time.
Where can I buy dry hibiscus flowers?
When you are searching for a dry hibiscus flower, whether it be online or in a local herbal shop, you should be seeking organic and grown chemical-free, with no additives, good color of deep reddish-purple, and a quiet floral aroma.
You will want to avoid any products that you find have artificial colors and/or preservatives.
Many beauty brands are now offering products infused with hibiscus, but it's undeniably a different and far more meaningful experience to make your own.
Why is the dry hibiscus flower trending
The growing popularity of hibiscus flower for uses and benefits for skin & hair can be linked to the growing clean beauty trend. People are finding more value in utilising natural solutions that are tried and tested, as well as a sustainable approach.
It is also worth noting that while it is still deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, there is also scientific research to back the uses of hibiscus, which marries tradition with innovation.
Final Remarks
The dry hibiscus flower: uses and benefits for the skin & hair are not just a trend, but a part of a beauty renaissance.
From hair growth to fading acne scars, this colourful flower does it all without the chemical-laden products and the rising prices of hair salons.
Whether you're a DIY'er or someone who is learning about clean beauty for the first time, you need to try hibiscus! It creams, works, and shows that sometimes the best things we use can be found in nature!
