Henna is a natural product that is becoming increasingly popular in the world of cosmetics, loved for its ability to color hair without the damage associated with chemical dyes. In this article, we will explore what henna is and how to use it; we will also look at its pros and cons to help you decide whether it is the right solution for you.
What is henna?
Henna is a powder obtained from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
This powder has natural colouring properties thanks to the presence of a molecule called lawsone, which binds to the keratin in the hair, giving it a reddish tone. Henna is therefore a natural hair dye.
Types and colours of henna
- Red henna
Among henna hair colours, this is the most common. It gives shades ranging from orange-red to copper brown, depending on the natural base colour of the hair. - Neutral henna, Cassia obovata
This does not colour the hair, but is used for its strengthening and conditioning properties. - Black henna, Indigofera tinctoria
Often used in combination with red henna to create darker shades, such as brown.
How to use henna and how to colour your hair with henna
Preparing the henna
- Choose the right henna for your hair
Make sure you buy pure henna, free from chemical additives. Read the label carefully and choose certified organic products whenever possible. - Mix the henna powder
In a non-metallic bowl, mix the henna powder with warm water until you obtain a smooth, even paste. You can add ingredients such as lemon juice, tea or yoghurt to improve the texture and enhance the colouring properties. Coffee or tea can also be added to intensify the effect. - Let it rest
Cover the bowl and leave the mixture to rest for 8 to 12 hours. This allows the lawsone to develop fully.
Applying henna to the hair
- Prepare the hair
Wash your hair with a silicone-free shampoo, such as Arganiae argan oil shampoo, to remove any product residue. Then dry the hair until it is slightly damp. - Application
Wear gloves and protect your shoulders with a towel, as the mixture tends to drip easily and may stain your clothes. Apply the henna paste to the hair in sections, making sure to cover every strand from root to tip. - Processing time
Cover the hair with a plastic cap and leave the henna on for 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the colour intensity you want to achieve. - Rinse
Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing for 48 hours to allow the colour to fully settle
Pros and cons of henna
Pros
- Natural and safe:
Henna is free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia and peroxides, making it suitable for frequent use. - Strengthening:
As well as colouring the hair, henna helps strengthen and condition it, leaving it shiny and full of volume. - Long-lasting:
Henna colour is resistant and fades gradually, helping avoid a harsh regrowth effect. - Versatile:
Henna can be used to cover grey hair and can be mixed with other natural ingredients to create different shades and colour results.
Cons
- Long application time:
Preparing henna and leaving it on the hair can take several hours, making the process quite time-consuming. - Unpredictable results:
The final colour may vary depending on your natural hair colour, the quality of the henna and the processing time. - It does not lighten the hair:
Henna has no lightening properties and cannot be used to turn dark hair into lighter shades.
Arganiae henna for hair: natural hair colouring
Arganiae henna hair dye is a completely natural colouring treatment that can be applied to all hair types, not only to add colour but also to care for the hair.
As well as helping strengthen the hair, it leaves it full of vitality and softness, protecting it from external aggressors and supporting healthy-looking growth.
Using henna gives the hair coppery highlights that vary depending on the starting colour. On lighter hair, the result may be an intense copper red, while on darker hair it creates beautiful red reflections, especially visible in the sunlight.
Henna for hair is a fantastic natural alternative to chemical dyes, ideal for anyone looking for a safe, nourishing way to colour their hair.
However, henna hair colouring requires patience and a little experimentation to achieve the desired result. If you are ready to take the time it needs, henna could be the perfect choice for naturally coloured, healthy-looking hair.
Are your hair dry and brittle? Give it nourishment and shine with Arganiae argan oil for hair: a certified organic oil formulated to repair, nourish and illuminate your hair in one simple step.
Henna for hair: what is it and how do you use it?
Henna is a natural product that is becoming increasingly popular in the world of cosmetics, loved for its ability to color hair without the damage associated with chemical dyes. In this article, we will explore what henna is and how to use it; we will also look at its pros and cons to help you decide whether it is the right solution for you.
What is henna?
Henna is a powder obtained from the dried leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
This powder has natural colouring properties thanks to the presence of a molecule called lawsone, which binds to the keratin in the hair, giving it a reddish tone. Henna is therefore a natural hair dye.
Types and colours of henna
Among henna hair colours, this is the most common. It gives shades ranging from orange-red to copper brown, depending on the natural base colour of the hair.
This does not colour the hair, but is used for its strengthening and conditioning properties.
Often used in combination with red henna to create darker shades, such as brown.
How to use henna and how to colour your hair with henna
Preparing the henna
Make sure you buy pure henna, free from chemical additives. Read the label carefully and choose certified organic products whenever possible.
In a non-metallic bowl, mix the henna powder with warm water until you obtain a smooth, even paste. You can add ingredients such as lemon juice, tea or yoghurt to improve the texture and enhance the colouring properties. Coffee or tea can also be added to intensify the effect.
Cover the bowl and leave the mixture to rest for 8 to 12 hours. This allows the lawsone to develop fully.
Applying henna to the hair
Wash your hair with a silicone-free shampoo, such as Arganiae argan oil shampoo, to remove any product residue. Then dry the hair until it is slightly damp.
Wear gloves and protect your shoulders with a towel, as the mixture tends to drip easily and may stain your clothes. Apply the henna paste to the hair in sections, making sure to cover every strand from root to tip.
Cover the hair with a plastic cap and leave the henna on for 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the colour intensity you want to achieve.
Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing for 48 hours to allow the colour to fully settle
Pros and cons of henna
Pros
Henna is free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia and peroxides, making it suitable for frequent use.
As well as colouring the hair, henna helps strengthen and condition it, leaving it shiny and full of volume.
Henna colour is resistant and fades gradually, helping avoid a harsh regrowth effect.
Henna can be used to cover grey hair and can be mixed with other natural ingredients to create different shades and colour results.
Cons
Preparing henna and leaving it on the hair can take several hours, making the process quite time-consuming.
The final colour may vary depending on your natural hair colour, the quality of the henna and the processing time.
Henna has no lightening properties and cannot be used to turn dark hair into lighter shades.
Arganiae henna for hair: natural hair colouring
Arganiae henna hair dye is a completely natural colouring treatment that can be applied to all hair types, not only to add colour but also to care for the hair.
As well as helping strengthen the hair, it leaves it full of vitality and softness, protecting it from external aggressors and supporting healthy-looking growth.
Using henna gives the hair coppery highlights that vary depending on the starting colour. On lighter hair, the result may be an intense copper red, while on darker hair it creates beautiful red reflections, especially visible in the sunlight.
Henna for hair is a fantastic natural alternative to chemical dyes, ideal for anyone looking for a safe, nourishing way to colour their hair.
However, henna hair colouring requires patience and a little experimentation to achieve the desired result. If you are ready to take the time it needs, henna could be the perfect choice for naturally coloured, healthy-looking hair.
Are your hair dry and brittle? Give it nourishment and shine with Arganiae argan oil for hair: a certified organic oil formulated to repair, nourish and illuminate your hair in one simple step.