The Ultimate Guide to Using Henna for Hair to Unlock Its Full Benefits

Lawsonia inermis, a plant from which derived oldest natural hair care, Henna. It has a rich historical past from the North African region to Asia, henna leaves have been widely used since ancient times for psychological and medicinal benefits. There are lots of other chemical hair dyes that colour hair effectively but henna not only dyes hair, it nourishes hair by nourishing the scalp. This article guides how to use henna in the right way, unlock it benefits and tips to maximise its results for healthier natural beautiful hair.

Henna leaves contain lawsone which is a natural dye molecule that binds with keratin (a protein that is present in the hair) to impart a reddish orange tint. Applying henna helps strengthen the hair shafts making them thicker and glossier.

According to a study in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences in 2015 reported that henna contain antifungal and antimicrobial properties which help control dandruff and scalp infection. The best thing is, it is free from ammonia or any other chemicals, which makes it safe even for sensitive scalps. Henna balances the pH level of scalp and regulates oil production by reducing hair fall.

Take your henna powder, combine it with lukewarm water. If you want deeper colour, you can add tea or coffee then. Let the solution rest for 6-8 hours. You can apply the solution on clean hair section by section. Remember as henna causes stains, when you are applying, make sure to cover your shoulder or other work areas with an old towel or sheet to avoid staining in clothes or skin.

Leave it for 2-3 hours then rinse it with water. If you wish for deeper colour then avoid shampooing for next 24 hours.

To get extra benefits, you can add Amla powder for shine or Fenugreek seeds for growth or Coconut oil for moisture. After all these processes, always do a strand test to check the intensity of the shade.

• To get better results apply henna once every 3-4 weeks.
• To maintain the freshness of leftover henna store it in the freezer.
• To achieve darker natural shades like brown or black mix henna with indigo.
• Do not use metal bowls to mix henna as metals react with henna weakening the colour release.

Henna is a natural hair dye but it is more than that; in it contains a traditional beauty secret that people used it for centuries as ornamentation. When it is used correctly, it offers a sustainable path that is free from chemical for hair.

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Q1. Are mehndi and henna are the same thing?

Ans: Yes

Q2. Is henna mehndi good for hair?

Ans: Yes, pure henna is good for hair.

Q3. What hair colour is most damaging?

Ans: Lighten or bleach strands