If you’ve ever contemplated ways to colour your hair using natural methods, chances are you have heard of henna. One of the oldest recorded beauty ingredients to have ever been used in the world, this plant gives out a reddish-brown colour. Henna is commonly found in North Africa, Arabia, India and South, and Central America and is used on hair and to decorate the body.
4 benefits of using henna for hair
Before boxed hair dyes came along, people used plant-based solutions to dye their hair. The reason for henna’s popularity lies in the fact that not only will it give your mane a gorgeous brown colour but it will also nourish it.
Improves scalp health
Henna has naturally cooling properties that help fight conditions like dandruff and itchiness. The antibacterial and antifungal action zaps impurities from the scalp, making it a favourable environment for healthy hair to grow.
Deep conditions hair
Henna builds a layer around your hair and locks in moisture, making it look more voluminous and thick. It keeps the strands conditioned and helps minimise split ends and breakage.
Strengthens hair
Henna seals in the hair cuticle and makes strands look more shiny and lustrous.
Balances the pH levels of the scalp
If you have an oily scalp or dandruff, this ingredient might be just what you’re looking for. It balances the pH level of the scalp and removes excess oils from it. It regulates the functioning of sebaceous glands and leaves your mane healthier!
5 henna recipes for hair growth
Plain henna dye Mix some tea water with henna powder in an iron pan and let it sit overnight. Add a tablespoon of yoghurt for some extra conditioning and apply the mixture to clean hair the next day. Let it sit for two hours or more and wash off with a gentle shampoo.
For dry hair, try a henna and egg hair mask
If your hair needs a serious deep conditioning treatment, try this hair mask. Mix a few tablespoons of henna and one tablespoon of Shikakai powder with water and let it sit overnight. The next day, add an egg to the mix along with some curd and combine it all well. Apply on clean hair and wash off after an hour.
To colour grey hair, try a henna and mustard hair mask
If you’re looking to cover up greys, try using mustard oil with henna. Take a pan and heat a cup of mustard oil in it. Slowly, add henna to this and mix well to get rid of all the lumps and bumps. Turn off the stove and let the paste cool down. Apply it on your scalp and lengths and wash off after two hours.
For thinner hair, try a henna and banana hair mask
Like the first method, soak henna in tea or coffee water overnight. In the morning, you will have a thick mixture and to this, add a mashed banana. Apply it on your wash and wash it off after 30 minutes.
To combat hair loss, try a henna and hibiscus hair mask
If you’re looking to boost hair growth, this mask is the one for you. Mix a few tablespoons of henna with water. Grind a few leaves of the hibiscus plant and add them to the mixture. Apply on clean hair and wash off after 30 minutes.
How to apply henna on hair
Beware, the benefits of henna are multiple but the process of applying it can be very messy. Arm yourself with a hair colour application brush and an old towel or sheet to cover your clothes.
What to keep in mind while using henna on your hair
• To prevent drying out your hair, it is always advisable to combine henna with moisturising ingredients like amla, coconut oil, yoghurt, or fenugreek seed powder.
• Once you have dyed your hair using henna, it is difficult to get the colour off your hair.
• Going for a lightened hair colour in the future can be challenging.
• Heaving henna on for too long can lead to you getting a cold or a cough.
• Colour may bleed initially and fade over time.
Henna vs Indigo powder
Henna and indigo have both been used as natural dyes in ancient history. Henna will give your hair a red tinge and indigo will give it a brown or black colour. Indigo powder can be mixed with henna for a permanent colour whereas using just the latter will give you a semi-permanent tint that fades away quickly.
Conclusion
While using henna, it is important to keep in mind that it can make kinky hair frizzier. Make sure the product you’re using is of great quality as that minimises the chances of allergic reactions. Remember, not all-natural remedies work for everyone so it is best to check with your hairstylist or dermatologist before slathering on the henna mixture on your mane.
FAQs
How do I make sure I get close to my roots while applying henna?
Use a clarifying, detoxing shampoo before applying henna to remove any and all product buildup on your hair and roots. Section your hair and start applying the paste from your roots to your ends. Take your time, the process is tedious but if done correctly, can leave you with a gorgeous tint.
How long does the henna colour last?
It will last for a month at least, based on how often you wash your hair.
Does heating the henna mixture help with getting a deeper colour?
Heat activates the henna so you may want to pop it on the stove or leave it in a sunny place for a while before applying it.