Hibiscus oil: its benefits for the hair.

Hibiscus are herbaceous plants belonging to the Malvaceae family. Predominantly cultivated in North Africa, India, and Mexico, they are highly valued for their beautiful ornamental flowers, which bloom in autumn. Thehibiscus vegetable oil (INCI name: Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil) is obtained from the seeds of the plant. Organoleptically, it is a golden yellow liquid that is easily absorbed by the skin. Its scent is light and sweet, with some vegetal notes. It is commonly used in the manufacture of skin and hair care products, due to its numerous virtues. These come from its composition rich in active ingredients that we are going to discover.

The oil extracted from hibiscus seeds stands out due to its composition rich in unsaturated fatty acids, accounting for about 60%. This includes linoleic acid, a omega-6, and oleic acid, an omega-9. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, as it cannot be synthesised by the body. These active ingredients have nourishing properties that allow them to strengthen the hair fibre. Working in synergy with vitamin E, these biochemical actives create a coating around the fibre, which helps to protect the cortex, a structure present within. This mechanism helps to prevent breakage and the appearance of split ends.

Furthermore, the vitamin E found in hibiscus vegetable oil is a powerful natural antioxidant. Indeed, it is capable of eliminating free radicals, which can weaken the hair bulb, and promote hair loss and split ends. The application of hibiscus vegetable oil to the hair thus helps to protect it from certain aggressions such as exposure to UV radiation or pollution.

The oil produced from hibiscus flowers also contains vitamin C. This vitamin promotes the production of collagen by fibroblasts, a protein essential for the scalp. Indeed, according to some studies, it stimulates the synthesis of keratin, the main constituent of hair. This protein thus contributes to the structure and protection of hair fibres. However, it should be noted that the studies mentioned concern vitamin C itself and not hibiscus oil. Therefore, caution should be exercised regarding its effect on collagen production, as the only existing evidence is indirect.