Henna For Hair: A Comprehensive Guide To Using This Natural Hair Dye

Written by Urvi Dalal6th Aug 2020
Henna for hair: a comprehensive guide to using this natural hair dye

Henna has been used as a natural hair dye since centuries, especially in India and Egypt. Before the advent of boxed dyes and artificial hair colours, plant-derived hair colours, like henna, were the only option.

The reason behind the popularity of henna for hair is because of the fact that apart from colouring your hair and covering the greys, it also packs a lot of hair loving nutrients. From conditioning and strengthening your hair to providing it with deep nourishment, this amazing natural hair colouring agent does it all.

But, if you are new to the hair colouring scene, and want to start using henna for your hair, then lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place! Read on for a detailed and comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about using best henna for hair.

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

- Henna is an evergreen, flowering plant, which belongs to the loosestrifes family

- The origin of using henna for beauty purposes started in Egypt in 1200 B.C. and not India

- It was initially used to dye nails

- Henna also has a lot of medicinal uses. It was used to treat headaches and fevers

- It is also used as a deodorant and antiperspirant

 

Benefits of using henna for hair

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

 

1. Improves the health of your scalp

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

Henna is well known for its incredible antifungal and antibacterial properties. These qualities are really helpful when it comes to keeping your scalp clean and free of infections. Additionally, it also provides a cooling and calming sensation, which helps keep itchiness and inflammation at bay.

 

2. Deep conditions your hair

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

Using henna hair masks with other conditioning natural ingredients is a great way to ensure that your hair remains smooth and frizz-free for a longer period of time. You can use ingredients such as curds, honey and even eggs to reap all the conditioning benefits of henna.

 

3. Restricts hair fall

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

Another great benefit of using henna for hair is that it helps to balance the pH levels of the scalp, unclogs pores and controls excess sebum production. These qualities go a long way in improving the health of your scalp and keeping your follicles healthy. All these factors come together to reduce hair fall and boost hair growth.

 

4. Strengthens hair

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

Henna is brimming with a lot of potent hair-loving nutrients, all of which help nurture and strengthen your hair. It protects hair against environmental aggressors by creating a protective layer. Additionally, it seals the hair cuticle, which not only prevents frizz but also delivers your hair a silky, smooth shine.

 

How to use henna for hair

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

There are a number of ways in which you can use henna for your hair, but it is especially used as a natural hair dye. Here’s how you dye your hair using henna.

Step 1: Soak some henna powder in water overnight. You can even use black tea or coffee decoction instead of water. These ingredients will help intensify the colour of henna on application. Mix it until it forms a thick paste.

Step 2: Next morning, wash your hair and apply the henna paste on freshly cleansed, product-free hair and leave it on for about two to three hours.

Step 3: After two hours, thoroughly rinse your hair with only water until your hair is completely clean. Do not use any shampoo right away.

Step 4: Let the colour settle in your hair for about 24 hours and then wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner to get rid of the remaining dye, if any.

Apart from using it just like a hair dye, henna also makes for an incredible ingredient to make nourishing hair masks. Read on to find some simple recipes.

 

1. Henna + banana deep conditioning hair mask

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

  • To make this hair pack, start with mixing henna and water to make enough paste to cover your strands and allow it to rest overnight.
  • Next morning, add an over-ripe mashed banana to it and mix the ingredients well.
  • Apply this hair mask to the entire length of your hair and allow it to sit for about five to seven minutes before washing it off with a gentle shampoo.

Why this works – Banana is very commonly used in a lot of DIY hair conditioning masks, thanks to its intensely moisturizing and nourishing properties. When mixed with the hydrating properties of henna, it works like a dream to smoothen and moisturize even severely dry and damaged strands.

 

2. Henna + fenugreek anti-dandruff hair mask

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

  • Take some curds in a bowl and add about two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds to it.
  • Allow it to soak overnight.
  • Next morning, transfer this to a mixer jar, and add two tablespoons of henna powder to it, and grind everything to a smooth paste.
  • Apply it on your hair and scalp, and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
  • Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner.
  • Repeat this process once a week for the best results.

Why this works – The soothing properties of henna calm any inflammation and itchiness, while the fenugreek and curds help eliminate the dead skin and dandruff.

 

3. Henna + amla anti-hair fall hair mask

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

  • Start by mixing together three tablespoons of henna powder and two tablespoons of amla powder.
  • Break an egg into this mixture and add a dash of lemon juice.
  • Mix all the ingredients together until it forms a thick paste and apply this hair mask all over your hair and scalp.
  • Leave it on for about an hour and wash it off with a gentle shampoo.

Why this works – This hair mask is an excellent source of protein, which is a very important nutrient needed to restrict hair fall and promote healthy hair growth.

 

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair:

Frequently asked questions about henna for hair

Q. How long does colour from henna last on the hair?

A. Even though this depends on your lifestyle and how often you wash your hair, in most cases, henna lasts on your hair for about four to six weeks.

Q. Does henna make your hair thicker?

A. Henna sticks to the hair cuticles and weighs down your hair. This makes your hair appear thicker over time and it reduces breakage.

Q. How often can I use henna on my hair?

A. If you don’t show any side effects to henna, you can use it as often as you like. Since henna is a natural hair dye, it does not harm or damage your hair and is therefore quite safe to be used.

Urvi Dalal

Written by

Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!

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