How to Use Butterfly Pea Flower for Hair: Recipes and Honest Benefits
Butterfly pea flower is a beautiful, antioxidant-rich botanical, and here is the honest take: it makes a genuinely lovely conditioning rinse that adds shine, a soft blue tint and scalp comfort, but the claims that it "boosts hair growth" are traditional and anecdotal, not clinically proven. Enjoy it for its real conditioning and cosmetic benefits, with modest growth expectations. Here is how to use it, honestly, plus safety notes.
Key takeaways
- Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins) that give its vivid blue.
- It genuinely conditions, soothes the scalp and can lend a subtle tint and shine.
- Growth claims are traditional and unproven, keep expectations realistic.
- Great in rinses, infused oils and masks; pairs well with aloe and honey.
- Patch test, and note the blue pigment can tint very light or blonde hair.
What is butterfly pea flower?
A vivid blue flower native to Southeast Asia, Clitoria ternatea is widely used in teas and cooking (it turns purple with lemon) and has a long traditional role in herbal and hair care. Its striking colour comes from anthocyanins, antioxidant plant pigments that also feature in its conditioning appeal.
Honest benefits for hair
- Antioxidant-rich conditioning: soothes and softens hair and scalp, a real benefit.
- Shine and a subtle tint: the pigment can add gloss and a soft blue-ish hue, especially on lighter hair.
- Scalp comfort: traditionally used to calm irritation.
- Growth support: traditional and anecdotal only, there is no solid clinical proof it regrows hair, so treat those claims with healthy caution.
How to use it: 3 recipes
1. Butterfly pea flower rinse
Steep ¼ cup dried flowers in 1 cup boiled water for 15 to 20 minutes, strain and cool. After shampooing, pour through hair and scalp, massage, leave a few minutes, rinse cool. Adds shine, a soft tint and moisture.
2. Infused hair oil
Steep ¼ cup dried flowers in 1 cup carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) in a sealed jar in a warm, dark spot for about two weeks, shaking occasionally, then strain. Massage into scalp and hair once a week and wash out.
3. Conditioning mask
Mix a cooled strong flower infusion with ¼ cup aloe vera gel and 1 tbsp honey. Apply to hair and scalp, leave 30 minutes, rinse with shampoo, for deep moisture.
Prefer a consistent, no-fuss base? This gentle, sulphate-free cleanser with biotin, argan oil and rosemary works nicely alongside botanical rinses. A cosmetic support, not a medical treatment.
View Grow MeWatermans is a UK family business that has sold over 5 million bottles since 2012. The range is vegan and cruelty-free.
Frequently asked questions
Does butterfly pea flower really boost hair growth?
There is no solid clinical evidence that it regrows hair. It conditions, soothes and adds shine, real benefits, but growth claims are traditional and anecdotal.
How often should I use it?
Once or twice a week as a rinse, oil or mask is plenty.
Will it dye my hair blue?
It leaves at most a subtle tint, more noticeable on very light, grey or blonde hair, and negligible on dark hair. Patch test if unsure.
Can I drink the tea for hair benefits?
The tea will not directly affect hair externally, though its general antioxidant content is part of a healthy diet. Topical use is what conditions the hair.
Is it safe for colour-treated hair?
Generally yes, and it is a gentle, chemical-light option, but patch test and be mindful of the tint on light or freshly-lightened hair.
Butterfly pea flower is a gorgeous, natural way to add shine, softness and a hint of colour while soothing your scalp, just keep growth claims in honest perspective and patch test first. For other natural treatments viewed honestly, see our guides to brahmi powder and batana oil.
