The henna It is a plant that has been used to naturally dye hair for centuries. In addition to being a chemical-free alternative, henna can also help to effectively cover gray hair.
That is why this time we explain how to use henna to color your hair and hide unwanted gray hair.
What is henna?
Henna is a shrub that grows primarily in warm regions like parts of India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The leaves of the plant contain a natural pigment used to dye hair and skin.
Henna is considered a safe and natural option for coloring hair because it does not contain any harsh chemicals that can damage your hair.
Benefits of henna for hair
Henna is not only a natural alternative to chemical dyes, but also has other benefits for the hair:
- Strengthens hair: Henna strengthens hair, making it softer and shinier.
- Promotes Growth: Henna stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth.
- Reduces Dandruff: Henna has antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff and relieve dry scalp.
- Protects Hair: Henna forms a protective layer around each hair and helps protect it from damage from the sun and other environmental factors.
How is henna used to cover gray hair?
Below we explain step by step how to cover gray hair with henna and achieve optimal results:
1. Choose the right henna
The first step to good results is to make sure you are choosing high quality, pure henna. Pure henna is dark red to brown in color and contains no other additives. You can find it at natural product stores or online.
2. Prepare the mixture
Follow the instructions on the henna packaging to prepare the right mix. Usually, the henna powder is mixed with hot water until it forms a thick, smooth paste. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to set the color.
3. Let the mixture rest
Cover the mixture with a cloth and leave it on for about 8-12 hours to allow the henna pigments to dissolve.
4. Apply the henna.
Wash your hair with shampoo and make sure it is completely dry. Section your hair and apply the henna liberally from root to tip. Make sure that all of your hair is evenly covered. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
5. Cover your hair
After applying the henna, cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in plastic wrap to retain the heat and allow for better dye absorption.
6. Let the henna work
Leave the henna on your hair for at least 2-4 hours. The longer you leave the henna on, the more intense the resulting color will be. You can wrap a warm towel around your head to keep warm.
7. Rinse and wash
After the henna has sat long enough, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid using shampoo for rinsing for 24 hours as this will allow the henna color to cure properly.
8. Ensures color durability
To make the henna color last longer, avoid frequent shampooing of your hair and use gentle, natural hair products.
With these simple steps you can paint your hair with henna and cover gray hair naturally. Remember that the end result will depend on your natural hair color and the amount of gray hair you have. If you have any questions or want a specific colour, it is always advisable to consult a natural color specialist for the best results.