Henna Hair Coloring Tips

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a flowering plant, possessing a burgundy dye molecule called lawsone, which is more concentrated in its leaves. Lawsone bonds with protein and this explains the usage of henna as a dye to color the hair, skin and nails. It is also used to dye silk, wool and leather. Natural henna can give a natural red color to the hair. Products which are labeled as black or brown henna contain some other dyes and ingredients. Hence, it is better to choose natural one (without any other dyes or chemicals) over other hair color products. Henna is now so popular, that the plant is commercially cultivated in many countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Egypt.

Benefits of Henna Hair Color

One of the advantages of henna over other hair color products is that it is natural and is beneficial for the hair in many ways. As henna is a natural hair color, it is almost devoid of any side effects. Apart from dyeing the hair, it is also a good conditioner, which imparts a lustrous shine and smooth texture to the hair. It is also believed that henna has antifungal properties, which helps in controlling dandruff. It also contains several nourishing constituents that strengthens the hair. Application of henna on the hair makes it more tangle-free and manageable. Unlike some of the commercial hair dyes, which can cause side-effects in some people, pure henna is free of such problems, but can cause serious reactions in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Tips for Henna Hair Coloring

As in the case of cosmetics and other beauty aids, the origin of hair coloring can also be traced back to the ancient Egypt civilization. It is believed that henna was used as a hair dye, by the Egyptians, for the first time in 1500 B.C. Since then, the popularity of henna hair color has been on the rise. Being a natural hair color, henna is preferred as a hair dye by many people across the globe. You can also try it on your hair with the help of the following henna hair coloring tips.

• Always remember that application of pure henna can change the hair color to natural red only. The black and brown versions available in the market may either contain some other natural dyes or chemicals. It is better to use pure henna powder. Repeated usage is found to be beneficial for gray hair too.
• Take a sufficient quantity of powdered henna in a plastic bowl. Add some warm water and lemon juice and mix it to make a paste with the consistency of yogurt. Cover the bowl and keep it overnight to allow the release of the dye.
• Mixing the right ingredients is very important, as far as the end results are concerned. If you are having dry and brittle hair, add some drops of mustard oil into the paste. If you have dandruff, two teaspoons of yogurt can be added. In case of oily hair, lemon juice is good. If you want a darker tint, you can add some dried gooseberry powder to the mixture.
• Wash and dry your hair before applying the henna paste. Wear some old clothes and cover the floor with some newspaper to protect from spillage of the paste. If you are applying henna for the first time, then you have to do a strand test to check whether you are allergic to henna hair coloring. This can be done by applying it on a few strands of hair, starting from the roots to the tips. If you develop any reactions, then don't proceed with the application.
• If you are not allergic, then you can proceed with the application of henna. Wear hand gloves to prevent staining of your hands. First, part your hair in the middle. Apply the henna paste through the parting, making sure that you are covering both the sides and the entire length of the hair on both sides. Next, roll these strands in the shape of a bun. Repeat the process of parting and application. Other such strands should also be rolled over the first one in a clockwise direction. Continue the procedure till the whole scalp and entire hair is covered with the paste.
• Leave the hair like that for one or two hours. Once the paste becomes somewhat dry, wash it off with running water. If the paste is completely removed, then shampoo the hair and let it dry naturally.

Now, feel the difference in your hair texture. It should have become smooth and shiny with a change in color. If you are having dark hair, application of henna gives a red highlight, which can be seen in sunlight. Henna hair coloring makes blonde hair look natural red in color, while red hair turns to a deeper red shade. White hair turns to a natural red color with the usage of henna. For deeper color tones and for maintaining the color change, you have to apply henna frequently. Always make it a point to buy pure and natural henna, without any harmful chemicals.