Dyeing your hair with henna. We answer all your questions about henna.
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Are you looking for a natural and charming way to dye your hair and bring it to life? Dyeing your hair with henna could be the answer you've been waiting for. In this article, we're going to explore everything you need to know about dyeing hair with henna: what it is, its benefits, how it covers those tricky gray hairs, if you can use it with chemical dyes, and more. So, get comfortable and prepare to discover the secrets of henna!
What is henna?
Henna is like a gift from Mother Nature for your hair. It is obtained from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant and has been used for centuries to dye and condition hair, although with the appearance of chemical dyes, its use decreased.
Many women continue to use this natural dye to color their hair and avoid chemical dyes due to all the effects they can have on both your health and your hair. In conclusion, it is a true marvel of nature.
Benefits of dyeing hair with henna
- It's Natural and Free of Harmful Chemicals: The best thing about henna is that it doesn't contain those harsh chemicals found in commercial dyes, as it is 100% natural. So you can relax, without worrying about possible side effects for your hair or your health.
- Provides shine and nourishment: Not only will it give you a beautiful color, but it will also leave your mane with an enviable shine. Henna deeply nourishes each strand, strengthening it and reducing split ends. This benefit is one of the most famous among all women who use henna to dye their hair, therefore, it is a huge reason for you to start dyeing with henna.
- Goodbye Gray Hair: If gray hairs are appearing, don't worry! Henna is a master at covering them and giving them that radiant touch of color. You'll have young, vibrant hair in no time without damaging it every time you dye your hair.
- Strengthens hair: Many women dye their hair with henna as a protein treatment, since, although it is not actually one, incredible results are achieved, hair is strengthened and becomes more resistant. In addition, as henna coats each strand, greater density and volume are also achieved.
Does dyeing hair with henna cover gray hairs?
One of the most frequent questions our clients ask is whether dyeing hair with henna is enough to cover those famous gray hairs. Of course it is! Henna adheres to gray hairs without problems, giving them a spectacular tone and, of course, covering gray hairs.
Although to completely cover gray hair it is necessary to do a double application with Henna colors. To do this, you will start by applying a base color and then the desired color, but for greater effectiveness we recommend individual and not mixed applications for a better result.
But, you are probably wondering what the base color is that you have to dye with in the first application, as this will depend on the color/shade of hair you want:
If you want to dye your hair a dark color, you should first apply Natural Copper Henna (Lawsonia Inermis – Will dye gray hair a coppery color) and if you want to dye your hair light colors, Neutral Henna (Cassia Obovata – Will lightly dye gray hair blonde)
This double application is necessary because Henna works by creating a film over each hair. The thicker the film, the more intense the color will look and the less visible the gray will be.
Can henna be applied over chemical dye?
Well, yes, you can, but wait, my friend! Before combining products, keep in mind that applying henna over a recent chemical dye can lead to unexpected surprises, so it's best to wait about 4 weeks after using chemical products before trying henna. This will help avoid any strange reactions.
Although the result will depend on the dye, so you should take into account what you have previously dyed your hair with.
- Ammonia-free dye: If you have dyed your hair with an ecological ammonia-free dye... Go ahead! You won't have to wait to dye your hair with henna, you can even do it on the same day you dyed it with the ecological dye.
- Ammonia dye: If you have used this type of dye for your hair, you must wait at least 4 weeks before you can dye your hair with henna.
- Bleaching: If you have recently bleached your hair, whether highlights or your whole head, it is vitally important that you wait at least a month and a half before dyeing with henna.
What ingredients can I add to henna?
If you've been looking for information about henna or someone has told you about it, I'm sure they've mentioned adding ingredients like coconut oil, lemon, or orange, and you don't understand anything. Well, let me explain: there are many ingredients you can mix with henna powder to achieve different effects. For example, to enhance the color of henna you can add an acid like lemon; I'll leave you an article where we explain step-by-step how to prepare and apply henna with lemon.
Another ingredient you can add to henna so that it doesn't dry out your hair and scalp is a Conditioning Balm. To do this, add a tablespoon of Conditioning Balm to the Henna paste to help with both application and removal, as Henna is astringent and can dry out hair and scalp. However, once the Henna is removed, you should also apply the balm to your hair to continue hydrating it. Although, it will not only hydrate it, but it will also give it shine and softness.
Finally, other ingredients you can add to henna are: Coconut oil, hibiscus infusion, orange juice, AMLA, egg, vinegar, chamomile, almond oil, jojoba oil, lavender essence, and a long etc.
Can I dye my hair with henna as many times as I want?
One of the best things about dyeing your hair with henna is that you can dye it as many times as you want, need, or feel like it, since every time you dye your hair with henna, it will cover the cuticle of your hair, which will increase its shine and strength. Isn't that incredible? So, what are you waiting for to leave aside the chemical dyes that make your hair feel even more damaged every time you dye it and enter the wonderful world of henna, giving your hair the natural care it deserves. Not only will you give it a brilliant touch of color, but you will also nourish and strengthen it.
Remember to follow the tips for a harmonious relationship between henna and your hair. Shine with your magical hair, and go conquer the world! 🌟
Frequently asked questions about dyeing hair with henna
If you are going to take the step of dyeing your hair with henna, it is important that you have some concepts and steps to follow clear. Below we leave you a list of the main doubts women have when dyeing with henna.
Do the two applications to cover gray hair with henna have to be on consecutive days or when?
How long should the henna mixture be left to rest?
Should henna be applied to clean or dirty hair? Wet or dry?
Is it necessary to add extra ingredients to henna?
Is henna suitable for all hair types?
Will my hair fade with washing?
Healthy hair will fade little after the first wash, as natural hair treatments adhere better to healthy, naturally lubricated hair.
If you have previously undergone a chemical process, it may fade more, but over time, pigment retention will be restored.
Tip: Use old dark-colored towels during applications and the first few showers, as henna and indigo can stain fabric, although difficult stains will disappear with washing.
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