Henna Hair Directions

Henna leaves hair brightly colored, smooth, and chemical-free.

Used for centuries to color skin, fabric and hair, henna is an all-natural, non-toxic dye derived from the henna tree (lawsonia inermis). A permanent pigment, henna dye is a good alternative for those who experience allergic reactions to chemical dyes, for women who are pregnant or nursing, or for those who need an eco-friendly alternative to other commercially produced dyes. The henna process can be messy and time consuming, but practice and forethought make the experience a pleasant one.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Wear an old T-shirt, and use towels that you will not mind staining with henna. Place newspapers on the floor beneath you to protect floors from any drips and spatters. Slip on a pair of plastic or latex gloves to protect your hands from the henna dye.

2. Prepare henna for your hair according to package instructions. If you wish to mix your own henna paste for hair, the Internet is full of recipes for henna dyes in a variety of colors. Be aware that some henna dye has to sit for four to eight hours before application, so plan accordingly.

3. Perform a strand test on your hair after the henna is prepared. Snip a small piece of hair from behind your ear or the nape of your neck, or use hair gathered from your hair brush. Apply the henna with your fingers or a small brush, then let the henna set for several minutes. Rinse and observe your hair color, then adjust as needed.

Application

1. Start with clean hair, either dry or damp. Dry hair means the henna will be less likely to run, while damp hair makes for a more even application. Section your hair into several small, manageable sections along your scalp, securing each with a small clip until you are ready to apply the henna.

2. Using a hair dye brush, wooden spoon or your gloved hands, apply a thick coat of henna from root to tip, starting with the under-most section of your hair near the nape of the neck. Thoroughly coat the hair, focusing especially on tips, where hair is drier and especially porous. When you have coated the section of hair with henna, roll and clip or pin hair gently into place. Avoid squeezing the henna paste out of the hair. Repeat with all remaining sections, paying special attention to the roots and the tips.

3. Cover hair with a shower cap or saran wrap after all hair has been coated with the henna paste. Let henna sit for a minimum of two hours, longer if your hair is especially dry.

4. Rinse hair thoroughly until the water run-off is completely clear. Shampoo and condition hair as usual following application. Towel-dry your hair and avoid washing it or styling it with heat for several days following your application.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply vaseline around the edge of your scalp and on the tops of your ears to avoid henna stains.

• Different additives enhance the effect of henna - tea adds depth to brown tones, lemon juice makes reds brighter, while red wine makes the same dyes darker.

• Henna is a permanent hair dye. It can only be removed by cutting or growing out your hair, so be sure you are ready to commit before hennaing.

• Do not henna your hair if you have a perm or if hair is chemically relaxed - the henna may affect the efficiency of the chemicals used in either process.

References

• Henna for Hair
• Henna Hair Dye
• How to Apply Henna
• Henna for Hair: Tips and Usage