What Is Henna?

Pros of Using Henna Hair Dye

• Natural and Plant-Based:

  • Unlike traditional hair dyes that can weaken and damage your hair over time, henna actually strengthens the hair shaft, reducing breakage and making your hair feel thicker.

• Long-Lasting Color

  • Unlike chemical dyes that can fade within weeks, henna bonds to your hair in a way that leaves a permanent tint. There will be some fading after about a month, but the color will not fully wash out. You can keep the color vibrant by reapplying every two weeks or as needed to maintain your preferred color.

• Gorgeous Shine

  • One of the most immediate effects I noticed was how shiny my hair looks after using henna. The dye leaves a protective layer over each strand, giving your hair a healthy, luminous shine.

• Covers Greys

  • Not only does it cover grays, but it can also blend them into your natural hair color for a multidimensional look.

The Cons of Using Henna Hair Dye (Because Nothing’s Perfect) 

• Messy Application

  • The process involves mixing the powdered henna with water to create a paste. The paste is thick, green, and a bit like mud. It’s messy to apply, and you’ll want to wear gloves, old clothes, and maybe even cover your bathroom with plastic sheeting. Seriously, this stuff stains EVERYTHING.

• The Smell

  •  Henna has a very earthy, herbal scent—like freshly mowed grass mixed with mud. Some people love it, but if you’re not into strong natural smells, it can be a bit much. The scent can linger for a few days after you’ve dyed your hair, so be prepared for that post-henna “aroma.”

• Time-Consuming

  • It takes approximately 15 hours from start to finish. The freshly-mixed henna hair dye will need to set for 8 - 10 hours before you apply it. I recommend mixing it the night before. Once your hair is fully coated, the color will take 3 hours to absorb into your hair. Plus a couple hours for showering, rinsing, and drying. About 15 hours total from the time you mix the henna paste to drying & styling your hair.

• Limited Color Range

  • Henna can darken your hair or add a red tint. Henna cannot lighten your hair.

Henna Hair Dye Tips

• Do a Strand Test

  • Henna can react differently on various hair types, so always do a strand test before committing to a full-head application. This will give you a better idea of how the color will develop on your hair.

• Apply to Clean, Damp Hair

  • Wash out all product, oil, and conditioner with just shampoo. You want to keep anything from getting between your hair and the dyeing power of henna.

• Use Old Towels & Sheets

  • Henna can stain fabric, so keep that in mind when sleeping or rinsing. Use an old towel and pillowcase for the first few days to avoid any unwanted stains.
  • Be sure to cover your bathroom floor and counters as you apply the henna to your hair.

• Be Patient

  • Henna’s color deepens over time. The color you see immediately after rinsing might not be the final result—give it 48 hours to oxidize, and you’ll see the full intensity.

• Use a Barrier Balm on Your Skin

  • Apply a layer of a skin-friendly balm like lip balm or petroleum jelly around your hairline, neck, and ears to keep your skin from staining. 

• Do Not Combine With Chemical Hair Dye

  • Wait at least one month since your last chemical dye before using henna on your hair.

• Avoid Eyes & Mouth

  • If the dye gets in your eyes, flush with water and contact a physician if irritation continues.
    
    

• After Care

  • Wait at least 24 hours before shampooing and avoid oil based conditioners for at least a week.

How to Use Henna Hair Dye

Supplies:

• Henna
  • Order here and use code ashlee10
• 1 cup of distilled warm water or freshly brewed black tea
• Glass bowl
• Spoon
• Cling wrap
• Plastic gloves
• Shower cap

Instructions:

• Pour desired amount of henna powder into your bowl and slowly mix in water or tea until pudding like consistency is reached.
  • Short length hair - 4.5 tbsp
  • Shoulder length hair - 8 tbsp
  • Mid Back length Hair - 100g
  • Mustache - 3 tbsp
  • Half Beard - 4 tbsp
  • Full Beard - 8 tbsp
• Mix paste until clumps are gone. Cover with cling wrap and let sit for 8 - 10 hours; this will allow for full dye release.

• Once ready, apply henna paste directly to dry hair with gloved hands.
• Section your hair and starting from your roots, work the paste evenly through to the ends.
• Gather your hair on top of your head and cover completely with a plastic shower cap.
• After 3 hours, thoroughly rinse your hair with cool water to remove all henna. Wash until water runs clear (do not use shampoo).
• Use a blow dryer for 10 - 15 minutes.
• After 24 hours, you can use color safe shampoo to lock in color. Avoid oil based conditioners for one week.
• Hair color will darken and reach full intensity within 48 - 72 hours.

My Favorite Henna

Shop Here & Use Code ashlee10

Learn More About Natural Hair Dyes Here

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