Is natural henna safe for hair?
Hair growth
What does henna hair dye entail?
What are some of the benefits of using henna instead of traditional hair dyes?
Henna provides shiny, beautifully coloured hair and causes hair growth without the damage and hairfall that most chemical hair dyes cause.
But what is henna, exactly? What are the benefits of it over ordinary hair dye? Is there any danger? Is it true that once you begin using henna, you cannot stop?
We investigate henna and whether it is the appropriate choice for your hair.
What does henna hair dye entail?
The leaves of the lawsonia inermis – or henna plant – are gathered and processed into a thin, intensely coloured powder to manufacture henna hair colour. The powder is blended with liquid to make a thick, mud-like paste that leaves a deep stain on hair.
Pure henna is frequently blended with other plants to provide a variety of colour effects. Among them are:
- Cassia plant powder (from light starting shades – cassia will not brighten hair) for lighter colours like strawberry blonde and coppery red.
- Dark colours like chocolate brown, auburn, burgundy, and black benefit from indigo plant power.
As a general rule, pure henna will produce a deep red henna tone, and the more indigo added to the mix, the darker and deeper the colour will become.
What are some of the benefits of using henna instead of traditional hair dyes?
- It is organic
Henna is free of the chemicals and additives that are commonly found in hair dye. Toluene, para-phenylenediamine, and lead acetate are examples. It can be used as a perfect hair mask too!
- It is not harmful to the hair
Henna strengthens and protects hair strands by bonding with the hair's cuticle and strengthening it from within, unlike most chemical hair dyes, which were known to roughen and damage the cuticles in order to give colour.
- It is kinder to the scalp
Henna has a pH of about 5.5, which is far higher than any chemical hair dye. This means that henna will not cause tingling, itching, or burning like box dyes. This gentle pH also helps to prevent hair fibre breakage and cuticle damage.
What are the drawbacks of using henna rather than normal hair dye?
- Inconsistent colour results
Henna's colour outcomes might be unpredictable, especially if you have a lot of grey hair or have already coloured your hair. Because of the differences in tone and condition, each strand pulls the henna pigment differently, resulting in a variety of hues.
A strand test is recommended beforehand.
- The application process can be cumbersome
Don't be surprised by the messy nature of mehndi application. Henna for hair has the viscosity of runny mud once blended, and it can get everywhere. Did we mention that it stains?
- If you want to change things up, it's difficult to cover
True, henna leaves leave a strong mark on the hair that is difficult to remove. Any dye applied on top of henna may not take effect because it bonds with the hair cuticle.
Metallic salts, a commonly used component in pre-mixed henna dyes, are to blame for hair shooting up in flames, not the henna itself.
Is there any danger in using henna?
Some people have reported allergic reactions to 'black henna,' the type used in black temporary tattoos. This is actually a chemical dye called para-phenylenediamine, not henna. This is a common cause of allergic responses, so avoid anything claiming to be black henna for hair or black henna hair dye that contains this component instead of natural henna. Henna derived from the henna plant is typically considered to be quite safe and well tolerated.
How to dye your hair with henna
Step:1 Choose your henna first
Henna powder or premixed henna dye are the two possibilities. The pre-mixed product may be better for novices because liquid and/or other plant colours are already added.
Make sure the pre-mixed product you're using is made entirely of henna and plant dyes, with no chemicals, additives, or metallic salts. If you choose powder, you can use it alone or mix it with another plant powder like indigo or cassia to achieve the necessary depth. Then, until you attain a smooth mud-like consistency, blend it with a warmed acidic beverage (lemon juice, vinegar, or orange juice all work!)
Allow the covered mixture to sit at room temperature for a few hours to allow the dye pigments to escape.
Step 2: Implementation
This is where the fun (and mess) begins. Before you begin, gather some old towels, put on gloves, and apply a barrier lotion like petroleum jelly to your hairline.
Apply the henna paste to your hair in thick layers, part by section. To fully coat each strand, you'll need a lot of products.
Cover with a shower cap or loose cling film.
Step 3: Implementation
Natural henna takes longer to develop than other hair dyes, which take less than an hour.
Henna should be left on the hair for 3–6 hours. The colour effect varies depending on the hair's initial colour and condition, but it usually deepens and darkens the longer you keep the henna on.
Step 4: Rinse
Rinse your hair with the showerhead while wearing gloves for as long as it takes the water to flow clean. There's no need to shampoo or condition your hair. Apply your favourite serum or hair oil after gently towel-drying.
If you don't think the colour is strong enough, repeat the technique in a day or two to have a richer result.
How long will henna stay in your hair?
It varies on your hair's health and how often you wash it, but henna normally lasts around two months before gradually fading. The henna colour may never fully fade from the hair.
Although henna shampoos do not add colour to your hair, they may help you preserve the brilliance longer and cause hair regrowth too!
