Painting with black henna. What is the use of coloring. Colorless henna hair masks

What's happened henna and what useful properties it has, as well as, my personal, proven method of brewing henna, which does not dry out hair.

The first time I dyed my hair with henna was when I was 18. And no, then I didn’t think about my health yet, just like a simple student - it was much cheaper than ordinary chemical dyes.

My natural hair color is probably what they call mouse. Dark blond and somehow inanimate.

I always really liked and I'm still crazy about red hair. There is something mystical about him that has always attracted me. Nature did not endow me with a redhead, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

For more than 13 years I have been a redhead. Shades changed - from a very light, reddish blond to a dark, reddish hue. For myself, I already know that red is my color, this is how I feel from the inside.

I used to constantly use a recipe where henna was simply mixed with water. I put it on for a couple of hours, washed it off with shampoo and that's it!

About 5 years ago, I read on one of the forums about natural beauty that the color will be deeper and brighter if henna is mixed with some kind of acid medium - such as vinegar, lemon or orange juice.

The color really was brighter, but the problem was that the henna dried my hair very much, as a result of which they began to split.

About a year ago, I met a girl from India who had gorgeous black hair with reddish highlights. To be honest, all Indian girls have very beautiful, super thick hair.

We started talking, where I said that henna is a constant friend of my hair, and I really like the result, but it dries my hair very much. To which she told me that henna will dry itself, and even with lemon juice.

So she shared with me her recipe, which does not dry the hair, gives it a reddish color, nourishes, gives volume and thickens the hair. I still use this recipe today.

Henna no longer dries out my hair, but makes it voluminous, strong, shiny and healthy. I'm not overjoyed at all!

The photo for this post shows how my hair looks before and after henna. And if the color has not changed much (probably, for so many years of use, henna has firmly ingrained into my hair), then changes in the structure and smoothness of the hair are visible to the naked eye.

What is henna?

It is a greenish powder obtained by crushing the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis shrub. The leaves of this shrub contain a dye element - Lawsone, due to which henna colors not only the hair, but also the skin in a red-orange color.

Cultivated in the warm tropical climate of northern Africa and northern and western Asia.

Mankind began to use henna several millennia ago. Some scientists claim that even Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it to maintain the beauty of their hair.

Why is henna better than regular hair dye?

I perfectly understand that not everyone, like me, is in love with the red hair color. But now there are many different types of henna with an admixture of various herbs that will help to achieve a variety of hair shades, of course, depending on the natural, original hair color.

It is important to understand that henna is not able to lighten hair, as this requires bleaching of the hair pigment.

  • closes the hair cuticle, attaching to the hair protein and does not penetrate into the hair cuticle, but envelops it, while ordinary dye penetrates the hair shaft.
  • absolutely natural and if you choose high-quality henna, it does not contain chemical components that can be absorbed into the blood when applied to the scalp.
  • safe and does not cause allergic reactions, unlike paints.
  • gives incomparable shine, smoothness and strength to your hair, making each individual hair shaft visibly thicker. Hair looks thicker and more voluminous.
  • has an antifungal effect and can be used to combat dandruff, unlike chemical dyes that can provoke this very dandruff.

Henna in Indian style

And no matter how they should know everything about henna, using it in their culture not only for dyeing hair, but also for Mehendi - mehndi (traditional application of henna to the skin in the form of intricate patterns).

Here is how I prepare henna:

1. Henna, powder: quantity depending on the length and thickness of the hair. My thin, mid-back hair takes about 3/4 cup.

Note: henna is different. And not only the end result, but also your health depends on its quality. I was terrified to learn that unscrupulous companies add heavy metal impurities to henna. So choose quality over quantity.

2. Strong solution of black tea. In a small saucepan, I boil water (I take 2 cups just in case) and as soon as it boils, I add 4 tablespoons of black tea there. And on a slow fire, stirring occasionally, I brew it.

Note: I am a big fan of turmeric (a very strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects) and I try to put it not only in food and morning smoothies, but also in henna. I even put it in a homemade coffee scrub once, but then I went all covered in yellow spots. Turmeric strengthens hair and prevents hair loss.

My henna also contains chili pepper, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation, creating a feeling of warmth, which helps the color to set in even better.

Spices (1 teaspoon each) I add with tea and boil.

3. Then I dilute the henna with this tea solution to the consistency of full-fat yogurt. I cover and clean in a warm place for 2 days to infuse.

Note: henna does not like metal, so do not use metal utensils for brewing it, only ceramics or glass. Stir it with a wooden or plastic spatula or spoon.

4. Before applying henna, I wash my hair, as it is better fixed on clean hair. I put henna on dry hair, when it is wet, it starts to flow and creates a mess.

I always add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, Shea butter and argan oil and a couple of drops of oregano and orange essential oils to my henna.

Note: You can add any oils. Oil is necessary not only to nourish the hair, but also to prevent their dryness. Through trial and error, I already know that olive oil and shea butter work best for my hair.

I add orange essential oil just for the smell. And oregano - for its antifungal properties. It will help those who have problems with oily scalp or dandruff.

5. Mix the mixture well with a wooden spatula. I apply it along the partings to the roots with a brush, after combing the hair well. And then hands on the entire length of the hair.

Note: henna stains the skin, so I advise you to wear rubber gloves if you do not want to have yellow palms

6. After I finish applying the henna, I massage my scalp for a couple of minutes. Then I put my hair in a bun and put plastic bags over my head. Whole 2! And then I wrap my head in a towel. Henna loves heat!

I keep henna for 2 hours. I used to try to do it at night, but it was very difficult and uncomfortable to sleep.

7. I wash off the henna first with just warm water. Then I apply conditioner and massage the scalp and hair itself. I flush. I apply the conditioner again, wait a couple of minutes and rinse until the water runs clear. I do not recommend washing off henna with shampoo, this can lead to very tangled hair and not such a bright color.

After that, I rinse my hair with vinegar, I have already written about this method. ,which not only adds shine, but also fixes the henna.

Note: a couple of days the hair will smell like henna. But the smell doesn't bother me at all.

Also, I try not to wash my hair after henna for at least 3 days. So that the color does not wash off and last longer.

I use henna every 3 months. I buy this natural, without impurities.

It has the ability to accumulate in the hair and with each application, the color of your hair will look deeper and richer.

Nature didn't give me gorgeous hair and I can't boast of thick hair, but henna gives my hair the thickness and volume it needs. Hair looks well-groomed, smooth and shiny.

Henna is a natural, time-tested way of hair care that not only colors the hair, but also takes care of its appearance and health.

How do you dye your hair with henna? And how does your hair look after that?

* Important: Dear readers! All links to the iherb website contain my personal referral code. This means that if you visit this link and order from the iherb website or enter HPM730 when ordering in a special field (referral code), you get a 5% discount on your entire order, I get a small commission for this (this has absolutely no effect on the price of your order).

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Henna is a dye of natural origin. It was used by the inhabitants of the ancient East. With it, they dyed their hair and made drawings on the body called mehendi.

Currently, henna is used both as a decorative and as a cosmetic care product in the composition of masks. Let's look at why henna for hair is so popular, reviews, the benefits and harms of its use.

What substances does henna contain

Henna is a powdered substance obtained from a plant called Lavsonia Enermis.

Henna gives a beautiful color and heals hair

More bright color shoots from the top of the bush- they are used in the manufacture of henna for mehendi. Hair dye is obtained from the lower leaves. The leaves are collected, dried and crushed.

Henna contains many beneficial substances, including:

  • vitamin C,
  • vitamin K,
  • b vitamins,
  • traces of essential oil.

Useful properties of henna

As a natural dye henna can be used for hair benefits. Henna envelops the hair from the outside, makes it even and provides protection from the negative effects of the sun. At the same time, the hair becomes more lush, healthy, thick.


Henna

The harm of henna to hair, unlike industrial dyes that change the structure of the hair and penetrate inside, is minimal, which allows henna to receive a lot of positive feedback.

The tannins contained in henna determine the effect of staining on the functioning of the sebaceous glands, normalizing their work. That's why henna will give an additional pleasant effect for those with oily or dry hair.

The film that forms on the surface of the hair tightens the peeling scales, preventing the ends from being split. Henna also has a beneficial effect on the scalp. As a result - prevention and disposal of dandruff. E The effect is noticeable after the first staining.

The negative impact of henna on hair

People's reviews allow us to talk about the unpleasant consequences of using henna for hair and even causing some harm to the hair. We are talking about the reverse side of the drying effect of henna: with frequent use, the hair loses a lot of moisture, becoming dry and weak.

If you use henna correctly, then you will notice only its beneficial properties.

Don't go from one extreme to another. Remember that too much henna makes hair stiff, inelastic and unruly.

Carefully! An unexpected shade may be encountered by people using henna on dyed hair. In this case, you should not count on a uniform color.
For blondes, the use of henna is not indicated, unless it is a colorless henna.

What do trichologists say about henna?

Reviews of doctors regarding henna differ. They believe that henna for hair does more harm than good. There is even such a point of view that henna does not strengthen and heal hair, but rather weakens it.


Henna dyed hair

In addition, according to doctors, it can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss. However, nothing is known about the quality of henna, which served as the basis for such a conclusion.

Interesting fact! Statistically, a relationship was found between the disease of leukemia and the application of mehendi patterns to the skin (about 60% of women in South Asia).

After a number of recent studies, the idea of ​​genotoxicity of henna was expressed, as a result of which it was decided not to recommend pregnant women to use this natural dye, like any synthetic dyes (for a different reason).

Opinions of hairdressers about henna for hair

Some hairdressers speak negatively about henna powder.

Experts say that “real” henna looks like a bar of soap and is sold exclusively in handmade cosmetics stores.

Such a tile contains cocoa butter, other natural oils, linalool. Of course, when used in combination with these components, the beneficial effect of henna will be more pronounced.

Henna for hair - reviews

The benefits and harms of henna from the point of view of ordinary people are manifested in a different way. Modern girls often prefer henna to synthetic paints.


The result of staining with colorless henna

Of the ambiguous consequences of staining, they note that with subsequent clarification it is very difficult to get rid of yellowness.

However excellent reviews receive colorless henna masks. Discussions on the topic of the popular staining method are even conducted in many periodicals.

What to add to henna for hair benefits

Original henna color varies from red to bronze(since the paint does not completely cover the natural shade of the hair). But all other colors offered on the market are obtained by mixing with synthetic dyes, which do not add to the usefulness of this natural paint.


The result of staining with henna and basma

When preparing masks, it is permissible to add cocoa butter, which have a caring effect.

How to cook henna

In order for henna to have only a beneficial effect on the hair, and not harm, some rules and recommendations for preparing the composition should be followed.


Stages of dyeing hair with henna at home

For example, for these purposes Only non-metal utensils are suitable or metal, but with an enamel coating. Otherwise, according to reviews, the paint reacts with the metal.

It is worth noting that preparation for staining must begin in advance. To do this, henna is poured with water, achieving the release of hennatonic acid, a coloring matter.

Note! The rate of a chemical reaction is not affected by the temperature of the water, but by the temperature of the air in the room. At +20°C, henna takes up to 5-6 hours, you can prepare the paint in the evening.

Once at a temperature of +35°C, the mixture will be ready in a couple of hours. As a result, it turns brown (air oxygen oxidizes hennatonin). Do not boil henna with boiling water- when stained, a weak ugly shade will turn out.

The saturation of the color can be influenced by adding dry wine, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the mixture - this will make the medium more acidic and the resulting color brighter.

You can add a few drops of your favorite oils.

Owners of thin hair it is advised to take not water, but kefir as the basis for the henna mixture. Before that, it is desirable to warm it up. Do not be afraid that he will curl up. However, for those who are not ready for this, there is another way - just leave it for a couple of hours without a refrigerator.

Rules for the use of henna

It is advisable to wash your hair before using henna.


Henna coloring: before and after

Staining is carried out as follows:

  1. The mixture is applied to the hair (the prepared mixture should have the consistency of sour cream), and they are successively carefully stained.
  2. The head is insulated.
  3. The holding time depends on the desired result. It takes about 2 hours to dye a brunette's hair. For light brown hair, 1.5 hours is enough.
  4. Rinse should be over a container (basin) so as not to stain anything. The water should be colorless at the end. When washing off henna, it is advisable to abandon the shampoo.

The chemical oxidation reaction, which was already mentioned earlier, continues after the staining procedure, therefore within a few days the color will become brighter, acquiring saturated colors. For the next three days after dyeing, it is advisable not to wash your hair.

Henna hair masks: recipes

Henna masks often contain moisturizing ingredients, which compensate for the negative drying effect of henna. For those who are afraid of drying their hair, recipes that allow the addition of oils are suitable.


Colorless henna is suitable for making a mask

All masks are applied to slightly damp hair. The head is insulated (it is more convenient to use a winter hat instead of a towel and a shower cap instead of a film for this). When washing off the mask, you will have to use shampoo, however, you can take a natural one.

Beneficial for the scalp henna and wheat germ mask:

  1. A bag of colorless henna - 25 g.
  2. 3 art. l. amla oils.
  3. 1 st. l. burdock oil.
  4. 1 tsp grape seed oils.
  5. 1 tsp wheat germ oils.

Henna must be diluted with hot water, let it brew, after a while add oil. Apply to hair, warm. Wash off after half an hour.

Mask against hair loss with cottage cheese:

  1. 3 art. l. henna.
  2. 2 tbsp. l. lemon juice.
  3. 2 yolks.
  4. 200-300 grams of cottage cheese.

All ingredients must be mixed and applied to the head. Put on a hat and cover with a towel to keep warm. Keep the mask for 30-40 minutes.

White henna mask:

The simplest, but no less effective, can be considered a mask consisting of colorless henna. To prepare it, take water in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3.

Instead of water, it is permissible to use decoctions of herbs.

Combine henna and water (herbal decoction). The effect of the mask can be adjusted adding oils to the mask:

  • against loss - castor and olive (enough for 1 tbsp. l.);
  • for shine - almond;
  • for food - castor.

Henna and kefir mask for more hydration and nutrition

Kefir is often used as the basis for firming masks. A very simple recipe, but provides excellent results due to its composition.

Note! Before preparing the mask, it is necessary to warm the kefir, leaving it for a couple of hours at room temperature. For dry hair, you should choose a fatter kefir, and for oily hair - kefir with a reduced fat content.

The mask is applied to clean or slightly contaminated hair.

For maximum effect kefir masks must be kept by warming the head with a towel.

Mix 2 tbsp. l. henna and 4–5 tbsp. l. kefir (depending on the length of the hair). Apply, keep for half an hour. It is acceptable to add essential oils or a couple of tablespoons of cocoa(not recommended for blondes).

As it turned out, henna for hair reviews are quite contradictory. The benefits and harms of this dye, as well as the result of staining, depend largely on compliance with the rules for preparation and use.

The following video will talk about the use of henna:

This video will tell you about hair coloring with henna and basma:

If you want to learn how to make colorless henna hair masks, watch the following video:

This article is about how to dye your hair with henna correctly. To obtain an excellent result, the dissolution and application of the powder should be carried out according to the instructions. It is optimal to use henna once a month. This useful article describes all the nuances and discusses the advantages of the technique.

Instructions for dyeing hair with henna

A set of accessories for dyeing

For a simple procedure you will need:

  • comb with ponytail;
  • natural dye (several packs of henna may be needed, the volume of the powder is calculated based on the density and length of the hair);
  • hot water;
  • a special brush with a wide bristle;
  • warming cap;
  • towel;
  • neutral vaseline or fat cream;
  • a suitable piece of parchment;
  • unnecessary clothes or a tight cape;
  • an enameled or porcelain container for brewing paint and a wooden or glass tool for stirring the substance;
  • cotton wool;
  • gloves - a rubber or polyethylene product for protecting hands and nails.

Proper preparation of henna

To properly prepare the coloring composition, systematically stir the powder diluted with very hot water, adding the liquid little by little until an elastic consistency convenient for application, homogeneous without dense lumps, is obtained. It is necessary to achieve optimal density, since a too dense mass can unevenly color the hair, and an excessively liquid one will flow. Hair must first be washed in the traditional way and slightly dried. You should change into home work clothes in advance or use a cape. Lubricate the face and neck with plenty of cream or petroleum jelly, which will protect the skin from accidental staining.

Application of natural dye

It is important to distribute natural dye through the hair at a fast pace. The warm mixture colors the curls as intensely as possible. Good for fixing the optimal temperature of the contents of the container, place it in a large bowl filled with hot water. The process of applying henna should start with the processing of a parting that delimits the entire mass of hair into the front and back. Both halves of the parting, extending from one ear to the other, should be thoroughly soaked with gruel. A properly selected brush allows you to work through the entire hair and, importantly, to paint the root zone with high quality.

Separating small strands alternately with a comb with a ponytail, soak them with henna. Some sources recommend that at the first staining, first work with the bulk of the curls and their ends, and then apply the dye to the roots. Other sources point to the primary treatment of the roots to obtain a therapeutic effect. The border of hair growth, passing along the forehead and temples, should be lubricated last, otherwise the brightest accents that differ from neighboring strands may be fixed in these areas. Having finished working with the occipital area, you need to move on to the front section. It is not necessary to comb the dye at the ends, it is better to soak them with a slightly diluted gruel residue. After dyeing your hair, you need to create a warm environment, for this you can take a plastic shower cap or parchment soaked in hot water. It is not bad to lay twisted cotton wool along the growth line. A warming cap is put on top, it can be a tight hat, scarf or towel.

Completion of the staining process

The instructions on the package describe in detail how to dye your hair with henna correctly, and you can also find recommendations on the desired color. The exposure time is selected on an individual basis, it is difficult to predict the final result, since it depends on the condition of the hair. At the end of the session, you need to thoroughly rinse your hair without using shampoo. It is advisable to refrain from washing your hair for 3 days. It is important that the use of henna produces a cumulative effect, that is, with each procedure, the color will become deeper and more beautiful, and the structure of the curls will be stronger and more elastic.

Henna hair coloring: herbal treatment mask that gives beautiful deep colors

Facts about henna hair coloring

The use of paint of natural origin has a number of undeniable advantages, we list them:

  • with regular dyeing, the hair acquires a healthy shine;
  • henna is unable to damage the hair and destroy the natural pigment, it smoothes the scales, creating a gently enveloping film;
  • using a natural dye, you can masterfully mask gray hair, getting natural colors;
  • the richest palette can vary at the request of a woman, this is achieved by making various additives;
  • the composition does not contain dangerous components (peroxide and ammonia), since henna is made from the dried leaves of a plant called lavsonia;
  • a stable result of staining, treatment of dandruff and disinfection of the scalp;
  • the dye is ideal for women of any age, is not contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation;
  • the density of each hair and the density of the hair as a whole increases;
  • elastic and non-porous hair is easy to style;
  • due to the presence of tannic components, a complete nourishment of the scalp is achieved and hair growth is accelerated;
  • Henna has always had a low cost, so using a dye, you can significantly save on hair care.

If your hair has not been bleached, chemically dyed or permanently permed, then feel free to start using natural Lavsonia powder. Otherwise, due to damage to the curls, you can get unexpected colors. Having studied in detail how to dye your hair with henna correctly, start changing. Be sure that henna is in harmony with basma, natural coffee, turmeric, egg yolks, kefir, herbal decoctions, vegetable oils, essential oils, ginger, onion peel decoction, red wine, ginger, cocoa, black tea and hibiscus. Using additives, you can get different attractive colors, such as dark blond, chocolate or fiery red.

Fashion trends extend not only to clothes and makeup, but also to hair color. Preferences change with seasons and destinations. It may also not fit the contours of the face or the structure of the hairstyle. Sometimes girls just want to radically change something in themselves and feel like a completely different person. All these problems have long been solved by coloring agents. At the moment, both chemical and natural dyes are used. What are their differences, advantages and disadvantages, and whether it is possible to dye previously dyed hair with henna with chemical paint, we will analyze in this article.

natural paints

Women have been using natural dyes since ancient times, observing their effect on changing the pigment of the hair. We know a few of them, although quite a lot of plants have such properties. Yes, natural paints are made from plants. This is easy to guess. By the way, some of these paints are used not only for hair, but also for painting the body. For example, henna. In India, they paint their hands, feet and face with national patterns. It stays on the skin for up to a month. But on the hair it is much longer, but no one has canceled the growing roots, which need to be tinted periodically. But is it possible

Types of natural paints

The most famous and widespread natural dyes are henna and basma. Less used are sage decoction, alder bark and even black coffee (will give a chestnut tint to hair), walnut shell (color black), chamomile tincture with vodka (lighten hair). Henna will color the hair depending on the saturation of the original color and duration of staining. Basma will dye her hair black. The result of the use of natural dyes is highly dependent on the correctness of the staining technique used. If mistakes are made in the preparation of the mixture, the color may not seize at all, immediately washing off with water.

Advantages and disadvantages of natural paints

Naturalness is a very important characteristic. Even chemical dyes we try to choose with the presence of natural ingredients in them to reduce damage to the hair. And such paints, as wonderfully treat and nourish the scalp and hair, give shine, accelerate growth. With the help of them, gray hair is well painted over. With regular dyeing with chemical compounds, it is recommended to dye with natural dyes at least once or twice a year so that the hair does not lose its strength and shine. Since this recommendation exists, it means that the question of whether it is possible to dye dyed hair with henna disappears by itself.

The same goes for other natural dyes. It is possible and in some cases even necessary. However, there are disadvantages and even contraindications to their use. It is very difficult to find the right shade. You never know how long you need to keep the dye on your hair to get the desired result. Yes, and it will be impossible to fix it in the near future. Now, chemical dye is often added to henna to concretize the shade. However, such paint can no longer be called completely useful and natural.

Contraindications of natural dyes

The most important contraindication is allergic reactions. Like chemical paint, henna and basma should be tested in advance on a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. The consequences of allergies can be terrible, so you should take this issue seriously. Otherwise, the improvement of hair will not only not be achieved, you can even lose them altogether. This is especially true for henna with the addition of synthetic dyes. This mixture can cause severe skin burns and blisters. When buying, be sure to read the composition, it should be unambiguous and easy to understand. There should not be any extra incomprehensible components, except for the henna itself.

Is it possible to dye henna-dyed hair? This question also carries a lot of weight. If your shade is dark chestnut or black, then henna is unlikely to cause much damage to the color. If you are the owner of a lighter shade, then the reaction can be unpredictable. But is it possible to dye dyed hair with colorless henna - this is a completely different question. It is recommended when treating previously dyed hair. Such a procedure will not cause changes in the color structure.

Keep in mind that frequent use of henna dries out the hair. Any tool has both beneficial and negative consequences of use. So it's not worth it to overdo it.

Coloring at home

When buying natural paint, first of all check its reaction with your skin. You will have to wait a few days, and if red spots and other allergic signs are not noticed, you can start dyeing your hair.

Read the instructions carefully. After mixing the paint powder with water, it should settle for some time. Basma is used only in combination with henna or coffee. Otherwise, the color will be blue-green. That is, initially the hair is dyed with henna in accordance with the instructions, and only then with basma. The duration of contact of the mixture with the hair is determined by the desired shade. This time can reach 6 hours.

After staining, you can not use shampoos for several days. However, these paints themselves clean the hair and scalp well. As a last resort, you can use natural products, such as eggs, as a shampoo. The so-called dry shampoo will not hurt either. It comes in powder form, similar to baby powder. This powder absorbs excess oil and sebum on the hair and scalp, which makes the hair look much fresher.

Is it possible to dye henna dyed hair

Let's go back to the original question. Can henna be used on dyed hair? If your original shade is a dark color, then henna, even in the worst case, will not cause much harm to the color. As a maximum, a copper tint will appear. If the shade of hair is light, then after dyeing you will not return to it very soon. Henna is very poorly washed off and is not repainted with either natural or chemical dyes. Depending on the components of the previous paint, a greenish tint may appear.

Is it possible to dye henna dyed hair with natural dyes? Yes, you can. However, henna will not kill darker basma. The result is copper roots and dark hair ends. It is worth remembering the drying effect of henna with frequent use. If you do not want to get a shock of dry hair and dandruff, it is worth dyeing no more than once every 1-2 months.

Adalind Koss

Henna has been used to change hair color for many years. This is one of the popular dyes donated by nature. The habitat of this plant is Asia and Africa. It is a well-known remedy in northern Africa and the Middle East.

Benefits of henna hair coloring

Among the advantages of dyeing hair with henna are noted:

cooling effect. The use of henna will make you feel cool, so its use in summer is especially useful. It has antimicrobial properties;
henna leads. This is an excellent remedy for itching and irritation. Helps to activate, gives hair health and strength;
henna. Systematic use will help to completely paint over. It helps to slow down the aging of curls.

Henna has many useful features:

green chlorophylls tone curls;
hennotaninic acid fights germs and fungi on the scalp. Hair becomes softer, stronger, more magnificent, dandruff disappears;
resins regenerate curls without weighing them down. After using henna, the hair is restored, but remains light;
tannin fights hair loss, strengthening roots;
polysaccharides are a natural conditioner. It moisturizes the skin, fights against;
acids reduce fat content, normalize the function of the glands;
pectins give additional volume;
essential oils have a positive effect on the skin and curls, strengthening them.

The principle of henna

The main principle of the action of henna on hair is that the plant contains Lawsone tannin molecules. They are not noticeable because they are masked by chlorophyll. When the leaves are kneaded and mixed with acidified water, the molecules come out as the cellulose cell walls disappear. Coloring substances pass from the mixture, destroying the epidermis, into the hair shafts, they combine with keratin.

If this is too complicated an explanation, then this process is also described as follows: if a wet bag of tea is left on a white fabric, then the tannin will turn into fibers. This leaves spots. And the longer the tea lies on the fabric, the darker the color of the stain.

Therefore, before starting the painting procedure, henna must be diluted with citrus juice and let it brew overnight. During this period, the pigments are completely released.

Henna is a plant substance that positively affects the health of the hair in general, as well as their appearance.

The final color directly depends on the shade of the hair, because the dye molecules are mixed with keratin. Therefore, each curl is different in color, and all people will get different shades.

The use of henna gives curls shine, smoothness, regenerates them after chemical dyes. But before using henna, you should try it on one of the strands.

Henna preparation

To prepare henna for painting, it is necessary to mix the powder with slightly acidified water for several reasons. Cellulose is dissolved in the paint to release the pigment. Hydrogen in the coloring particles must be preserved until the binding of keratin and henna. This will make it possible to make the shade dark and save it. If hydrogen does not have time to attach to the coloring particles, then the color turns bright orange and rapidly fades.

It is enough to mix the paint and lemon juice. If the skin reacts to lemon irritation, then choose the juice of other citrus fruits. Vinegar and wine are also suitable, but leave an unpleasant odor. Lemon tea is also good.

Remember the rules for mixing henna. This will help to avoid unpleasant situations and unwanted hair color.

Do not add yogurt, because. its protein prevents the release of pigment and "eats" the paint. It is not advised to mix henna with coffee. It changes color, and the curls will get an unpleasant smell. If you mix henna and coffee, you get a deeper chestnut shade. 2 tablespoons are added to the composition. to restore depleted curls. Clove powder enhances the color but can cause skin irritation. Never use boiling water to dilute henna. This gives a copper-orange tint to the curls.

Diluted henna needs to be covered with a film and allowed to stand overnight. During this period, the dye will come out, and it will be ready for manipulation. To speed up the process, place the dishes in heat (35 degrees). Then the paint will be ready in 2 hours.

So, how much henna is required for coloring:

if the curls are short, then 100 g is enough;
for hair reaching the shoulders, it takes 2 times more - 200 g;
if the curls are just below the shoulders - 300 g;
for curls to the waist, half a kilogram of henna is required.

One spoon contains 7 g of henna. And in half a glass - 50 grams.

There are several important tips for using henna:

it is permanent paint. It is not removed from the hair;
hair slowly darkens. If the shade is too saturated, do not worry. It will take a couple of days, and it will become darker;
with each procedure, more dyes are absorbed into the hair. If the curls have darkened a little, carry out the procedure again;
if you like the shade, you don’t need it to darken, then paint only the roots;
henna is allowed to dye hair after conventional paints. Before doing this, check on an inconspicuous area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hair;
in addition, it is important to check henna for an allergic reaction.

Rules for applying henna

So, consider the rules for applying henna to hair:

Henna is used on clean curls for best results.

It doesn't matter if they are dry or wet. But it is better to perform manipulations on wet curls, so the paint is more absorbed. Don't forget about testing.

Cream should be applied along the hairline and on the ears. This will help to avoid staining the skin.
Divide the hair into 3 cm sections. This approach helps to better cover the curls, without skipping.
Use gloves to protect your hands.
Apply henna along the entire length of the curl.

Take a small strand each time. Manipulations continue until all curls are covered evenly. If paint remains, it needs to be distributed. After application, a slight heaviness is felt.

Leave henna to act.

For a light shade, it takes 40 minutes under a towel and 60 without it. Dark hair will need at least 50 minutes with a towel and 80 without it.

Rinse curls with warm water.

It takes a long time to wash off henna. Divide the curls into strands and wash them in turn.

Then use your usual shampoo.

Henna coloring of roots

To stain the roots with henna, there are 2 ways. The first one is as follows:

paint must be applied to the roots with a special tool;
making movements to the right ear, it is required to separate curls of 1-2 cm;
when you reach the ear, all the hair needs to be shifted to the other side and start from the center of the head, moving to the left;
after painting the front, move on to the back. You will need 2 mirrors. One is behind and the other is in front. Apply similarly: divide the curls by 2 cm;
after the end of the manipulations, cover the hair with a film and a towel.

For the second method, you will need to purchase a hair dye bottle or a pastry bag. These devices help simplify the staining process and make it more accurate.

How to wash off henna

On the bags they write a warning that henna cannot be washed off. And on the hair that was dyed by her, you can not use chemical dyes. Therefore, there is an opinion that henna is too resistant paint, it cannot be removed in any way. But is it? How to wash off henna on your own?

Various methods have been devised for this. The most effective result is achieved within 14 days after staining, but even older stains are washed off. One of the methods is as follows: the hair is smeared with 70% alcohol and left for 5 minutes. Now you need to prepare a mask from vegetable oil or a special one that is used to remove paint. Apply along the length and cover with a towel. The higher the oil temperature, the better the result will be. Leave the mask on for 120 minutes. If you warm it up with a hairdryer, then the interval is reduced to half an hour. Now flush. Oils are great for removing paint.

There are several ways to remove henna from hair. But experts say that the most effective is with the use of oils.

Another way - . Mix 200 grams with 40 grams of yeast. Apply to hair and let it work. This method removes about 20% of henna. But the hair needs to be washed with laundry soap. And the manipulations are repeated daily for a week.

Another option is to pour 3 tablespoons of vinegar into a bowl of water, dip your hair for 10 minutes, then rinse and grease with balm. The bright red color will change to copper.

There is a way to remove henna with the addition of basma. It is brewed, mixed with olive oil. In a heated form, the mixture is rubbed and left for half an hour. To achieve the result, repeat a couple of times. Another option with basma: brew and lubricate the dried curls for 20 minutes. Helps restore natural color.

It is prepared as follows: juice and finely chopped lemon are applied to curls for 3 hours. Repeat three times a week. The effect is achieved after 7 procedures. Coffee also changes hair color: mix 4 tablespoons with 2 tablespoons of henna and color the curls again.

Lubricate the hair with sour cream for half an hour, warm the hair. This will visibly lighten the curls.

If you believe the reviews, then the most effective results are achieved by using heated oils. The result depends on the structure of the hair. And if these funds do not help, then you can change the red color by painting with basma.

Express method of henna staining

For the express method of henna staining, 50 g for short hair and 200 g for long hair will be required:

henna is diluted with heated water until a creamy consistency is reached (about 1 tbsp per 1 tbsp of water). Place to remove lumps. Then cool. Drip a little concentrated oil into the composition. So the shade will turn out richer, and the paint will fall more evenly on the hair;
cover clothes, apply cream along the hairline and on the ears;
henna dye washed hair. The process starts from the back of the head. After that, the curls need to be combed with a comb, massaged for uniform distribution;
the hair is covered with a film and fixed. Henna acts more strongly in heat, so it is worth wrapping a towel on top.

The average interval for staining reaches 1-1.5 hours. If you need to strengthen the curls, and not change the shade, then keep the henna for 10 minutes. After the time has elapsed, the hair is thoroughly washed with warm water until it becomes transparent. If the gray strands get a pale or yellowish color, then repeat the procedure.

Questions and answers

Consider popular questions and answers about henna:

Is it possible to use other paints after painting with henna?

The answer is yes. You can apply color after pure natural henna. But there is a point that is important to know: conventional dyes behave a little differently compared to the use on uncolored hair.

Using regular dye will not break the structure of your hair, but will give an unexpected result, usually the color is darker than expected. Chemical paint is washed off faster than usual, because. Henna gives hair smoothness and reduces their porosity. Because of this, the paint is not able to absorb well.

Often after henna, you can achieve a darker color by using non-natural dyes. For better absorption, lighten the curls, and then paint. But bleaching hair will be difficult, because henna prevents the absorption of paints.

Remember! If henna was used with basma, then the use of ordinary paint will give the hair shades of green.

Is it possible to restore your color after henna?

No, henna is almost impossible to wash off. To return its shade, the hair will have to be lightened.

How to store henna

It is important to know how to properly store henna in order to preserve its properties. The powder is kept in places without moisture in sealed packaging. Henna is able to retain its properties for a couple of years, and sometimes longer, if it is frozen in a tightly closed container. It is still stored in the cold or in the dark in the cool. Henna is allowed to be stored at a temperature of +21 degrees, but not more than 1 year.

With proper storage, henna is able to save properties for several years. The option of freezing the finished mixture will help speed up the next staining.

The mixture will keep in the freezer for six months. Before being sent to the camera, it is important that the henna releases the dye. Such a tool will have a stronger effect. It is allowed to defrost, then freeze again a couple of times without loss of strength.

Freezing preserves the dye, but use it warm, so the shelf life is reduced. Try to keep the composition out of the freezer for the shortest period of time.

Acidic additives (lemon juice or fruit juice) prolong the life of the substance, because they help preserve the paint with frequent defrosting.

April 19, 2014, 14:28