HENNA- HOW TO NATURALLY DYE YOUR HAIR
WHAT ABOUT HENNA?
Hennea (Lawsonia inermis) is a flowering plant from which you can extract a yellow-green powder, through the dying of its leaves and branches. Since the antiquity the henna extract was used to dye skin, hair and fingernails.
HOW TO USE HENNA?
The henna powder is mostly used in India and Africa for cosmetic purpose, mainly for temporary tattoos (mehndi) or as natural hair dye.
IS HENNA COMPOUNDS FREE?
Henna should be compounds free, but some chemicals can be added to alter the color of henna. It is better always to check its chemical composition.
HOW MANY HENNA COLOURS DO EXIST?
There is no such plant as “blond”, “black”, “red” or “brown” henna. The plantLawsonia inermis has only one color that is red-orange. Different henna colors (blond, black or neutral henna) can be obtained by adding chemical compounds.
WHY IT IS BETTER TO USE HENNA INSTEAD THAN DYE?
Henna is not only use for cosmetic purposes. Hair bleach, chemical compounds and permanent hair color are a disastrous combination for human hair. Henna hair dyes are a great alternative to synthetic hair dyes because they do not alter hair.
On the contrary, henna is one of the best natural remedies for hair growing, it helps to prevent dandruff and hair loss. Henna also acts as a good conditioner for your hair and helps to grow your hair.
CAN HENNEA BE USED ON ALL HAIR TYPES?
Contrary to chemical dyes, henna is perfect if you are trying to achieve a shade of red, brown or black. It is difficult, however, to lighten the hair by using henna. The final hair color result depends on the natural color of your hair. Different henna colors can be obtained by different combination of henna. Henna color lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. If you have synthetic hair color, it is better to let the chemical color run out, and apply henna later.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY HENNA?
You can easily find henna on websites or in every herbalist’s shops.
HOW TO USE HENNA.
Apply henna is not like applying any how hair dye. It should be creamy and easy to apply on your hair. The recipe is simply. After having made it, let it oxidize in a bowl covered with plastic and allow henna to cure for some hours (max 12). Then, once oxidized, put it into a plastic bottle and apply it on your hair (see pictures below).
Be careful when you choose a henna hair color. Understand that the final result could disappoint your expectations, that the color only lasts 3 months, and that henna is quite difficult to apply. In my experience, I can say that if you want a deeper color, leave the henna for about 2-4 hours, or even longer. You can leave it in overnight if you want. I put henna on my blonde natural hair and the result was a red-orange nuance.
HOW TO PREPARE IT.
Please, notice to avoid steel or metal bowls to prepare and mix henna.
The exact quantity of henna to dye your hair depends on your hair length. My hair are quite long, so I took from the herbalist’s shop 300 g red henna powder contained in two papers for 7 euros.
Add some lemon juice, grapefruit juice, yoghurt, or something else sour a little bit at a time. Put the henna powder in a plastic bowl and mix it with hot water or karkadé infusion. Mix it well with the help of a wood spoon. Some henna needs a lot of liquid, some need less. So, there is no way to be precise and add the exact amount of liquid! When your henna paste is a little thinner than smashed potatoes, it means you have stirred it enough. Cover paste with plastic wrap and let it rest for a while. I also add some spices, such as curcuma. Since henna powder tends to dry your hair, use a lot of conditioner to help with the process.
OXIDATION:
Let your henna stay until it there is dye release. That depends on the temperature of your henna. I usually let it stay in overnight. To check if your henna is ready take a pinch of it with your finger and notice if it turns orange.
APPLICATION:
Henna powder should be applied on freshly shampooed hair I usually wash them the day before dying my hair with it. Try to apply henna paste on wet hair and ask someone to help you with application. Prepare a small amount of henna and place the hair in the henna for 2 to 4 hours. Henna needs time to oxidize (darken), and usually in 48 hours it will show it’s final color.
Be careful with henna! Drape towel around your neck and shoulders to protect clothing. Cover surface of the face and body to avoid soiling them. Remember to put on the gloves! To apply henna, section hair and apply it in one section.
LAYING TIME:
After you have hair covered with henna, wrap your hair in a plastic wrap and cover it with a shower cap. Allow henna to remain on the hair for 2 to 4 hours. Rinse out with water. Use shampoo and condition if you want.
WASHING:
To make removal of the henna easier, use some cheap conditioner. Wash and remove the henna with water, then put some conditioner. Repeat if necessary.
To speed up the processing time, use heat, such as heat cap.