Can you use hibiscus and henna together? I’ve received the question several times and I would like to share the answer with you. Yes, you can mix henna and hibiscus together for a richer color or simply for the benefits of each powder. However, I need to warn you to combine the two powders with caution. If mixed improperly, the color will turn purple instead of red; therefore, the best way to mix hibiscus and henna is to add the hibiscus in a tea form.
How To Mix Hibiscus and Henna
To make the tea, mix 1-2 tablespoons of hibiscus powder with warm water and allow the mixture to sit until it resembles a traditional tea. Next, strain the tea into the container you are using to mix your paste and follow with mixing in the henna powder. Let the hibiscus and henna sit at least 8 hours (preferably overnight) for the color to release.
Tip: It is best to wait until the time of application to add other ingredients because adding them during the initial mixing process will increase the time needed for the henna to release color and affect the final color.
Please note: The intensity will vary based on natural color and hair texture. If you find that you have mixed the hibiscus and henna incorrectly and the color is incorrect, please do not use the paste…discard the paste and remix.
If you would like to see a video of HOW TO MIX HENNA AND HIBISCUS, please refer to my latest post. I show you step-by-step how I mix hibiscus tea and henna powder. You can also see my color results.
If you are unsure or afraid to mix the two on your own, some henna sites sell hibiscus and henna together in their burgundy color kit. Kits come with instructions and exact measurements for desired color results. However, I purchased my products separately. I was able to purchase the Jamila henna for my local Indian grocery and I purchased the hibiscus powder online.
Benefits and Uses of Hibiscus Powder
- Conditions hair leave luster and bounce
- Promotes hair growth
- Slows premature graying
- Stops loss and shedding
Due to its conditioning property, people don’t use hibiscus mixed with henna but as a post henna conditioner. When using hibiscus as a conditioner, it is best to use it as a powder mixed into a paste instead of the tea. However, if you would like to do a tea rinse, you are definitely able to do so. Personally, I see better results with a pure hibiscus paste and I have received great results with mixing the powder with other ingredients. One mix that I have used that works great is hibiscus with Silk Elements conditioner and other Ayurvedic powders. Let me tell you, it was heaven in my hair. Cherrelle (my hair) loved it!
A Word of Caution
Due to the acidic nature of hibiscus, do not combine lemon or other acidic ingredients to speed the color-releasing process. Hibiscus alone will speed the process and replace all other acids you would normally mix with henna. Mixing hibiscus with other acids can damage your hair.
Final Thought on Mixing Henna and Hibiscus
Can you use the two together? Yes, you can! I say first try the hibiscus tea in your henna. Next, try it as a conditioning treatment or mix the powder with a commercial conditioner. Trying each method will allow you to determine which method is best for your hair or your personal preference. Experimentation is the best way to find out which works better for you and your hair.
Be sure to subscribe for more tips on Ayurvedic powders and recipes. Please visit my other post for recipes to mix henna, mix an Ayurvedic co-wash, and mix an Ayurvedic treatment.
Have you tried to combine hibiscus and henna? How did you like the results? Are you thinking of combining the two ingredients?
Feel free to submit your questions.
Can I use store bought hibiscus tea if I am unable le to get the powder to achieve the same results?
I wouldn’t advise it because it has other ingredients other than the hibiscus.
I want my hair less orangey, more red, but not too dark. Think about on par with Little Mermaid but with natural resources lol.
Any idea what the hibiscus color results looks like when applied on lighter hair, with and without henna? How long does the hibiscus alone last? Does it last longer if its mixed with henna? Thank you!
I just purchased hibiscus powder and was wondering how I would use it for henna. Thanks for the suggestions and tips. I usually use green tea with my henna to release the dye and obtain some color on my hair. But I would like to try to get more red undertones. How many tsps. would you recommend or is it all trial and error? Thanks!! And your hair is very lovely
Can you do it without the oils?
Yes, you make the mixture the same way and leave out the oils
Awesome, how long do you keep it in? Mine’s mixing waiting the 8 hours right now…I have really dark black hair and I’m hoping for just a light tint of red so I used only 1 TBSP of hibiscus powder
I let mine stay on for at least four hours. Most people leave it on overnight but I can’t sleep with it in my hair.
I know this post is old, but I was looking to dye my hair purple naturally, as purple as possible not red, and I saw that you said if mixed improperly this will create purple, can you please elaborate on the shade of purple and how to get it please?
I’m sorry but I can’t tell you how to intentionally turn the color purple. I will say the darker the flower the more purple the end result will be and that leads me to believe if you at least double the powder, that might help. I would say experiment and color test until you find your perfect mix.
Since I henna weekly, do you think the hibiscus would be drying to my hair /scalp or is it not as bad as lemon juice?since I do it so often, I thought I should take its acidity into account. I currently do chamomile tea with my henna so I don’t know how hibiscus compares to that tea in terms of acidity.
Hibiscus is equal to lemon. I believe lemon has a ph of 2 and hibiscus is 2.5. Chamomile is a 6. Tea has a much lover acidity level and higher ph.
oooo…where did you get all your goodies from?!?!
You should see my container with all of my powders. hehe Anywho, the methi came from my local indian grocer. the hemp came from vitacost.com. the silk element you can find a Sally’s. EVOO from the grocery store. and the hibiscus came from ayurnaturalbeauty.com