Benefits of Using Henna

 

 

Maintaining healthy hair is a must for many of us.  There is always a new product that we are searching for to make our hair longer and thicker.  Although we strive to have beautiful locks we can put our hair through the ringer with years of using blow dryers, curling irons, hairsprays and gels. In the past, I used chemical dyes on my hair but over time, I was left with frizzy dry lifeless hair. I wondered where did my hair go and how can I get it back? When attempting to repair the damage, many products on the market contained alcohol and toxic ingredients so this continued to cause even more havoc, taking my hair on a downward spiral.  When looking for a healthy hair solution, the best way to bring your hair back to life and achieve those desired results is by using Henna.  Henna is a great alternative to using commercial hair dyes because, it is free of chemicals and has a healing effect on the hair and scalp. It contains nutrient rich properties that repairs, strengthen and adds shine to your tresses.   

 

Origin of Henna

Henna is a natural dye that is derived from the plant Lawsonia inermis.  Henna has been used for centuries and is found in the hot climates of Egypt, Pakistan, India and Morocco.  The flowering plant grows 12-15 feet high and the leaves are harvested, dried and ground into powder.  The henna plant leaves contain lawsone, which is a reddish-orange dye that binds to keratin (a protein) in our skin and safely stains hair, skin and fingernails.  This natural herbal powder is used as temporary body art (mehndi), in which decorative designs are created on the body.  The people of ancient Egypt and India used this form of temporary tattoo for religious ceremonies, wedding festivals, and for simple body adornment.  Throughout the ages Henna has also been known to have medicinal healing qualities.  For instance, it is cooling to the head and helps with such ailments as headaches, lice, stomach pains, burns, and is a fever reducer when applied to the skins surface.

 

 

 

Buying Henna Powder

It is important that when buying Henna that it is 100% natural and safe.  There are many henna powders and products on the market claiming to sell pure henna powders when in fact it is mixed with harsh chemicals such as PPD (Paraphenylenediamine).  PPD is used to improve color results and is an allergen that can have harsh reactions to the skin.  It can cause skin irritations such as burns and itching if used on a regular basis.  It can also lead to issues like breakage, frizz and unmanageable hair because the chemicals will strip away any moisture from your hair.  In addition, some henna powders may have a brighter green color because some farmers or distributors may spray a green dye on the leaves while they are drying.  This green dye is used to intensify the look of the henna powder making it more aesthetically pleasing.  Since some people think greener is more acceptable, distributors of henna powder often sell it in hopes of increasing sales.  Unfortunately, the only thing this does is add a chemical dye to henna, which defeats the purpose of this amazing herb.  In reality, good quality henna is sifted several times and ranges in color of olive-green to brownish green.

 

 

 

How Henna Works

Promotes Hair Growth

Henna strengthens roots and hair follicles causing hair to grow longer and fuller.  Henna contains natural properties that add a protective coating around each strand and prevents damage and split ends.  This wonderful herbal powder boosts scalp health, unclogging of pores, and balanced pH levels put a stop to hair loss by promoting healthy new hair growth.  Not only will henna help your hair grow faster, but it will also prevent damage through styling and environmental stresses.

 

 

Conditions Hair

Henna makes hair thick and shiny giving locks added moisture.  The natural minerals give hair volume and smooths out the hair shaft making hair glossy and bouncy.  Henna is hydrating and helps minimize issues such as hair breakage and dryness.  It is known widely for repairing damaged hair by acting as a natural conditioner which gives your mane the essential nutrients that is needed to help nourish and aid in improving hair texture.

 

 

Natural Hair Dye

Henna is a non-damaging plant-based dye that is used to color hair and is safe and natural minus all the harsh ingredients.  The henna plant contains lawsone, which is a reddish-orange dye that binds to the keratin in our hair making it stronger and more manageable.  Henna adds a vibrant rich color that deepens and get richer in color with each application.  Because it does not strip hair as traditional dyes do there is no danger of hair damage over time.  Henna rejuvenates hair, helps nourish and aids in improving flexibility with each use.  Henna final color results are dependent of your hair’s natural hair color.

 

 

Eliminates Dandruff and Dry Itchy Scalp

Henna can kill harmful bacteria and fungi by restoring the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp.  Not only does henna keep dandruff at bay, it is also an excellent ingredient for balancing oil production.  It removes the excess oil from your hair,  unclog follicles, and restores normal functioning of the sebaceous glands.  The balancing of the pH level helps seal the hair cuticle, which helps improve hair elasticity and leads to locks that are lustrous.

 

 

Covers Gray

Henna is a great way to cover gray hair because unlike chemical hair dyes, henna is safe to use and does not contain PPD, ammonia or metallic salts.  Henna causes gray hair to turn a red or reddish-orange hue giving your hair beautiful highlights.  Henna deepens in color and richness over time and does not change the structure of your hair fibers or cuticle.  The great thing about using this herbal powder is that it can be reapplied as needed and lasts up to 6-8 weeks.  It is cost-effective and covers hair more deeply and the hair color lasts longer than synthetic hair dyes.

 

 

Common Questions

Is Henna Drying?

Some users of Henna say that henna can be drying to the hair.  Some additions that can be used along with henna to prevent drying are yogurt, eggs, aloe vera and essential oils.

 

What color will my hair be?

Blonde hair will range between a vibrant red to orange red.

Red hair will be a copper color

Brown hair will be a soft red

Black hair will have a reddish tint that is normally seen when in sunlight

 

Can I use henna over top of chemical hair dye?

It is recommended to wait 6 to 8 weeks before applying henna, so hair can detox from chemical hair dyes.

It is also important to wait 6 to 8 weeks after dying your hair with henna before attempting to use chemical dyes.

 

Can henna be used on my hair type?

Yes, henna can be used on all hair types and textures.

 

Do a strand test before using & Happy Hennaing!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 


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