Author: Namratha Gopal
Henna is an amazing ingredient to naturally dye your hair. Among natural dyes used across the world, Henna is the most effective and popular dyes because of its super effective benefits for hair. In this article I will walk you all through about the complete information on Henna Hair Colour and its usage. Get amazed with the benefits of Henna and let’s begin without much delay –
What is Henna Hair Colour (Lawsonia inermis)?
Henna is a plant-based dye and an evergreen flowering plant that belongs to loosestrifes family. Henna is originally grown in Asia and Mediterranean region but today it is found in wide ranges across the world. It grows on deep, sandy soil at temperatures up to 120F degrees (inversely around 50F degrees as well) to ensure the optimal production of pigment on leaves. This natural coloring pigment is used for coloring hair, dye skin, body arts, fingernails and fabrics such as leather, wool and silk.
Henna plant contains an active compound called “lawsone” which is an orange-reddish dye that binds with keratin (a protein) in our skin to stain it. The stain of the henna leaves varies from burgundy to pale orange depending upon the quality of henna leaves and the mixture that is used to form the henna paste. So having said that, let’s check out the benefits of the henna leaves for hair.
Benefits of using Henna Hair Colour
Who said that henna is just a hair dye? Henna is one of the best and effective hair beauty ingredients that have a power of strengthening the hair follicles, nourishing and conditioning the scalp. Let’s checkout more of such benefits that henna has for hair!!
- Keeps dandruff at bay
- Balances the pH level and oil production
- Curbs hair fall
- Boosts hair growth
- Conditions the scalp
- Strengthens the hair
- Rejuvenates dull and dry frizz hair
- Softens hair and improves elasticity
- Makes your hair lustrous and shiny
- Helps in preventing from the damage
How to use henna for hair?
Before jumping to the recipe, I will be targeting the main 2 points that is restoring the natural hair pigment and for getting an instant hair coloring with all added benefits of henna in the next 2 recipes.
1. If you wanna dye your hair without red or orange tints of henna and do not wish to use chemical dying, then this recipe is completely for you.
Directions and usage:
Take a mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoon of henna powder, 1 tablespoon of indigo powder, 1 tablespoon of hibiscus powder, 1 tablespoon of curry leaves powder and 1 tablespoon of amla powder. Give it a good mix. Now add 2 to 3 tablespoon of curd. Give it a mix and add water in batches to form the thick paste consistency. Let it soak for overnight.
In the morning, make sure you add water if you want the consistency as per your need. Apply the paste concentrating on the roots and tie a bun after the application. Cover it with the shower cap and leave it for 2 to 3 hours. Follow up with the hair wash with plain water only. After 2 days, make sure to apply your hair oil and follow up with hair wash with mild shampoo.
Note that to follow the ratio mentioned above and can vary as per the ratio only in case you need more quantity. Take up this challenge for 3 months. For the first month, apply this paste for once a week. For the second month, apply this paste twice a week and the same should be followed for the third month too. On following this, you can notice that all your gray hair turning to your natural hair pigment. After 3 months, you can apply this paste once in 2 months or a month.
Note that if you want your hair look black, make sure to use the indigo powder in equal quantities as that of henna or can use 1 tablespoon more than that of henna too.
2. This hair pack made with henna is the best hair pack if you are looking for thick and lustrous hair.
Directions and usage:
Take a small mixing bowl and add henna powder as per the quantity you need. Form the paste with black tea decoction and leave it to stay overnight. In the morning, you can add either a tablespoon of lemon juice or a curd. Give it a nice mix and apply to your hair concentrating your roots.
Cover your head with a shower cap and wash it off after 1 hour with plain water. You can notice a shiny and thick hair on a regular usage. Follow up with a hair oil massage after 1 day.
Note
- Make sure to use the freshly prepared paste and then apply it.
- Maintain consistency to see the best results.
- Check if you are allergic to the any of the ingredients used above.
- Use organic products/ ingredients for best results and to maintain the scalp health.
- Do not exceed the time limit (mentioned above) for the hair wash as it can worsen the body temperature making you more driven for cold and fever.
- Do not expect instant results in case of hair care especially since hair growth period is very less and can vary from person to person.
- Can use the following mixtures to the hair packs made with henna- Avocado hair oil – for silky, smooth and strong hair, Eggs – promotes hair growth , Honey – moisturizes the scalp, Curd – adds shine, Green tea decoction – nourishes and strengthens the hair follicles, Coconut milk – treats dry hair, Multani mitti with rose water – treats oily scalp, Mashed banana – treats dry, dull and frizz hair
- If you have chemically treated or dyed hair, refrain from using henna.
