Benefits of Applying Henna on Hair: Nature’s Hair Care Secret

Benefits of Applying Henna on Hair: Nature’s Hair Care Secret
Henna is a natural remedy that is synonymous with being applied to the hands as part of a celebration. But did you know that it is also known for an extensive roster of health and beauty benefits when applied to the hair? Henna, when applied to the hair, can give you stronger, shinier, and healthier hair. It is a natural and safe way to color your hair without damaging it with chemical-based dye products. In this blog, let’s discuss the various benefits of applying henna to hair, how to apply henna, and the side effects of henna on hair. 

What is Henna? Benefits of Henna Powder for Hair

Henna powder is made from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder, which can be used to create a wide range of products, including henna powder for hair. Unlike conventional hair colors that are made of artificial dyes and can inflict severe damage to your hair, applying henna to your hair improves the health and appearance of your hair and makes it shiny and soft. A few benefits of henna powder for hair are: 

•     Reduces Grey Hair 
•     Soothes and nourishes the scalp 
•     Reduces hair fall 
•     Suitable for a sensitive scalp 
•     Reduces hair breakage 
•     Leaves a uniform hair color 

Benefits of Applying Henna on Hair

There are several benefits of applying henna to hair. These include:

•  Improves Scalp Condition: Henna has cooling, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, which are great to improve the texture of your scalp. If your scalp is itchy, you feel relieved after applying henna to your hair. 

• Increases hair strength: Henna helps to repair hair damage in the hair shaft by coating it and augments its strength and elasticity. Applying henna can also help prevent hair breakage, repair, and hair loss. 

• Prevents Dandruff: Henna can eliminate excess dirt or oil from the scalp. Applying henna to your hair will help you fight dandruff and prevent it from coming back. 

• Balances oil and pH production: Henna is a hero ingredient for people with an oily scalp. It takes care of oil production and restores the pH balance of our hair, leading to healthier hair follicles. 

• Improved hair color: Henna is a popular natural hair dye that can help you to enhance the hair’s natural pigment and prevent it from premature greying. 

• Softens Your Hair: Henna has multiple nutritional properties that can transform your dry, damaged, and unhealthy hair. Once you apply henna to your hair, you will notice your locks becoming softer. As a result, your hair will also become more easily manageable

• Gets Rid of Oxidative Stress: An imbalance in the development of free radicals in the body can trigger oxidative stress. Apart from hampering other parts of your body, oxidative stress also hurts your hair. It can lead to hair damage, breakage, loss, and even premature hair greying. The antioxidant properties of henna are useful for reducing oxidative stress.

Side Effects of Henna on Hair

Henna is beneficial in several ways for the hair. But in some cases, it can also prove to be disadvantageous. Some side effects of henna on hair can include redness, burning sensation, flaking, itching, and contact dermatitis. It is recommended to do a patch test on one strand of your hair to see if there are any reactions before continuing to apply the henna to the hair. You can also consult your dermatologist before applying henna to your hair. 

Can I Apply Henna on Oily Hair?

Yes, you can! Henna is good to be applied on an oily scalp as it can retain some of the scalp’s natural oils and prevent dryness. Ensure your hair is not too dirty or oily and your scalp is clean and product-free for the henna to work and give you the needed result. If your hair is too dirty or oily, wash your hair with a mild shampoo, pat the hair dry, and then continue to apply the henna. 

How Much Time Henna Should Be Kept on Hair

To get the best result, apply henna for at least 2 to 3 hours to deeply condition and color your hair from the roots. If you are using henna as a conditioner without changing the colour of your hair, you should keep the henna in your hair for 1 to 1.5 hours. If you want a stronger colour or to hide grey hair, keep the henna for up to 4 hours. Always cover your hair with a plastic shower cap after applying henna. Dry henna on hair can give you breakage which is it’s better to keep it covered. 

Henna Application on Hair: The Right Way

Henna is usually available in powder form, which needs to be mixed with water and other ingredients for added benefits. The paste should then be applied to dry hair. For best results, leave the henna on hair for at least 2 -3 hours. Here is the correct way to apply henna to hair: 

1. Cover your shoulders with an old towel or sheet to avoid staining. Put on gloves. 
2. Start from the centre of your head, take a few strands, and start applying henna with a brush. Make sure to cover your scalp with henna, too.
3. Gather your hair on top as you go. You can use hair clips for this.
4. Once done, cover your head with a shower cap or a polythene bag.
5. Leave it on for 4 to 5 hours or overnight, depending on how dark you want the colour.
6. Ideally, apply it during the day and sit under the sun if possible. You can also sit under a dryer. The heat will help with the deeper penetration of the colour.
7. Rinse your hair slowly under cool water until all the henna has come off. 
8. Do not shampoo immediately after. Let the colour settle in for a day, and shampoo your hair after 24 hours.
9. Wipe with a towel and let your hair dry naturally.

Conclusion

Henna is nature’s gift for your hair; it offers a natural, safe, and chemical-free way to soothe, nourish, strengthen, and colour your hair. Whether you want to treat scalp issues like dandruff, grey hair, or hair fall, or just want to add shine and colour to your hair, there are many benefits of applying henna to hair.