Facts on Henna Hair Color
Henna has a fascinating and "colorful" history that extends back to the time Before Christ. The henna plant is one of the oldest known forms of cosmetics and is safe, according to Hennacaravan.com. Henna powder is used to dye hair red and for the purposes of the Eastern art called Mehndi. Henna has hennotannic acid it in, which attaches to the collagen in skin cells and the keratin found in hair and fingernails to result in the color red appearing on your hair or on your skin. Does this Spark an idea?
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Forget the Black Stuff
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First off, be aware that henna is never black---it is always red. If you are considering purchasing henna that is black, think again. Black henna is outlawed in Canada. According to Madrasi.com, henna that is black is not henna---it is indigo. If you use it, your hair will turn black. However, because indigo is a natural colorant, it can be teamed with henna, but the powder will be red, not black.
Hennabee.ca explains that the black color comes from PPD (para-phenylendiamine), which is a chemical that is added to the henna paste or powder. PPD is used in some permanent hair dyes. It is also utilized to make printing ink, greases, gasoline and other black rubber products. It can enter the bloodstream via the skin, damage the liver and kidneys and have an effect on asthma. Henna is intended to be all natural and not contain chemicals. It is a semipermanent hair dye, according to Remediesdirect.com.
It Will Eventually Fade
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Henna will cover gray hair, but not totally. It will eventually fade away, although quite slowly. It will take about six months for it to disappear completely from your hair. You can reapply it about once a month. Henna will help condition your hair. It will not lighten your hair but, instead, highlight hair strands. The way henna will look on your hair depends on several factors, including how long you keep the henna on your hair. Your hair history, such as bleaching it or dying it black, will also impact the outcome.
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Good Conditioner
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Essential oils are included in most henna compounds, so it is especially good for dry hair. You can mix henna with eggs to soften and condition your hair. Some women mix it with vinegar, which also conditions your hair. If your hair is particularly dry, mix henna with water, milk and one or two egg yolks, and apply this composition to your hair once a month to make your hair softer and more manageable. If you have oily or normal hair, add eggs, water and lemon to the henna, and apply the mixture to your hair once a month, according to Madrasi.info.
Lawsonia Inermis
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Henna is the common name for Lawsonia Inermis, a plant that grows in southern Asia, northern Africa and the Middle East. This plant produces an aromatic blossom. The plant is harvested, and the leaves are carefully dried and crushed into a powder. This powder, which becomes a paste, is what is used for hair dye and for henna tattoos.
Warning
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According to Renaissancehenna.com, henna should not be used on anyone who is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme deficient. Do not use on babies or children. If you are terribly anemic, do not use henna.
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