Henna, also known as mendhi, is a reddish-brown dye that is derived from a tropical shrub’s (Lawsonia inermis) powdered leaves. It is used to dye hair and even to decorate the body in artistic patterns by dyeing the skin. Henna can be used as an alternative to regular box hair dye and provides a number of benefits that aren’t experienced with chemical box dye.
Here’s everything you need to know about henna hair dye:
The benefits of using henna on your hair
There are many benefits associated with using henna on your hair. These include:
- It reduces hair breakage
- It promotes hair growth
- It can halt the production of dandruff
- It can fix split ends
- It can make your hair thicker and healthier
- It can reduce scalp itchiness and oiliness
- You can use it as a deep conditioner
- It can make your hair soft; and
- It’s a safer alternative to regular hair dye, especially for those who are allergic to the compounds found in box hair dye
Important things to note before using henna
- You should wait at least a month to use henna if you’ve used chemical dye on your hair recently
- Avoid getting the henna near your eyes or mouth. If you get henna into your eyes, wash it out with cool water immediately
- Avoid applying the henna dye on broken skin or open wounds
- Always do a patch test to determine if you’re allergic to henna
Dye your hair using henna in these simple steps
1. Shampoo your hair
This will help remove any excess oil and dirt before you apply the henna dye to your hair. Make sure you dry your hair with a towel.
2. Do a strand test and a patch test before applying the henna fully.
This is to make sure you know what colour your hair will look like and aren’t met with any unpleasant surprises after you wash the henna off.
3. Mix the henna to prepare for the application
- Get a 1-litre mixing bowl for every 100g/full packet
- Make sure you’ve covered surfaces to prevent staining
- Add lukewarm water to the henna powder in the mixing bowl
- Mix with a spoon and make sure the consistency of the product is like paste
4. Divide your hair into 4 sections
This makes it easy to apply the henna to all parts of your hair.
5. Using a hair dye brush or a gloved hand, apply the henna to your hair section by section.
You should always apply the henna from the scalp and roots to the top of the hair. It is also recommended that you apply the henna from front to back for even coverage.
6. Massage the henna into your hair and then cover with a plastic cap
You should leave the henna on for one to two hours. At two hours, the colour will deepen.
7. Rinse the henna out and condition
Rinse out the henna without shampoo until all the product is removed. You can use a conditioner to remove some of the dried paste. You should avoid shampooing your hair for 24 hours after using henna dye and remember that it may take 2 days for your hair colour to show properly.
Henna is an alternative to regular box dye that presents a number of benefits. It’s long-lasting, derived from a natural source, and will strengthen your hair during the dyeing process.
