Henna hair color is a natural alternative to traditional chemical hair color products. Unlike traditional dyes, henna is actually good for your hair and produces a rich, vibrant color. These facts about henna will have you throwing out your old hair dye and reaching for 100 percent natural henna.
What Is Henna?
Henna is a plant grown in the hot, dry climates of northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, parts of the Middle East, and South Asia. Once the leaves are harvested, dried, and powdered, henna hair color may be mixed with water or a mildly acidic fruit juice and applied to hair.
How Does It Work?
Henna contains a chemical, lawsone, that binds with the keratin in your hair and stains it. This is different from traditional hair dyes that coat the hair strands with color. Because it's a stain, it will combine with your natural color to produce that distinctive reddish-orange hue. The exact intensity will depend on your natural hair color and how long you leave the henna on during the coloring process. Henna hair color can be mixed with other natural plant dyes like indigo to achieve darker shades other than red.
Is It Natural?
Henna itself is 100 percent natural. Be sure, however, to check carefully when you purchase a henna product. Some manufacturers claim to be all natural, yet they add chemicals to achieve a certain color. Look for manufacturers that pride themselves on offering all-natural products. Lush, for example, produces 100 percent natural vegetarian-based products, so you know that Lush Henna Hair Dye, $27.95, will be free of chemicals.
Is It Easy to Use?
Henna hair color can be messy, so good preparation is key. First, prepare the product according to the manufacturer's instructions. Because henna can dye your skin, you'll want to wear gloves and old clothing while applying the product. Also, protect the skin along your hairline by applying a thin layer of Vaseline or a similar product. Next, working in small sections, apply the henna from root to tip until all your hair is covered. Then, wrap your head snugly with plastic wrap to keep the henna warm and moist for two to four hours. Finally, when the time is up, put on a fresh pair of gloves and rinse the paste from your hair.
Will It Work on Gray Hair?
Yes, henna color products are known to cover up grays. After an initial application, the resulting color will be reddish-orange. To achieve a darker color, you'll need to apply again using a mixture of regular henna and indigo. Experiment a bit to find the correct mixture for your desired hair color.
How Long Does It Last?
Henna-dyed hair can retain its color for six weeks or longer without fading.
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