Instant DIY henna hair dye recipe

This instant DIY henna dye recipe will give a little bit of henna and a whole lot of love to your hair. Once you start using henna for your hair, you can’t go back.

Throughout history, henna has been valued for its natural dyeing properties and its ability to strengthen and enhance hair color, add shine and nourish the hair. It promotes overall hair health

The use of henna for natural hair care can be traced back thousands of years in various cultures and civilizations, particularly in regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used henna to color and condition their hair. Henna was also highly regarded in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

Henna benefits for hair care

Henna is a natural plant-based dye that has been used for centuries for its coloring and conditioning properties. It is derived from the leaves of the henna plant, scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis.

Henna was considered a safe and effective alternative to synthetic hair dyes.

Even today, henna remains a popular natural hair care ingredient, cherished for its numerous benefits. Its usage has transcended cultural boundaries and is embraced by women worldwide who seek natural alternatives for hair coloring and conditioning.

The enduring popularity of henna in hair care is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has garnered over centuries of use. Its natural properties make it a sought-after choice for those looking to maintain healthy, vibrant hair without relying on harsh chemicals.

Apart from its use as a hair dye, henna also offers several benefits for hair care. Here’s how henna can be beneficial in hair care:

100% Natural Hair Coloring

Henna is popularly used as a natural hair dye. It imparts a reddish-brown to burgundy color to the hair. Unlike chemical hair dyes, henna does not penetrate the hair shaft but coats the hair cuticles, resulting in a semi-permanent color that fades gradually over time. Henna can be a great option for those looking for a natural alternative to traditional hair dyes.

Strengthens and Conditions Hair

Henna has natural conditioning properties that can help strengthen the hair and improve its overall health. It forms a protective layer on the hair strands, making them thicker and less prone to breakage. Regular use of henna can enhance the hair’s natural shine and luster.

Adds Volume and Thickness

Henna can give the appearance of thicker and voluminous hair. It coats the hair strands, adding a layer of thickness and body. This can be particularly beneficial for those with fine or thin hair.

Controls Dandruff and Scalp Issues

Henna has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help alleviate dandruff and scalp issues. It helps balance the scalp’s pH level, soothes irritation, and reduces itchiness. Henna can also help control excess oil production, making it suitable for those with oily scalps.

Enhances Curl Definition

If your hair is curly or wavy, henna can enhance curl definition and make the hair more manageable. It helps define and separate the curls, resulting in a more pronounced and uniform curl pattern.

Protects from Sun Damage

Henna has natural UV-blocking properties that can protect the hair from sun damage. It forms a shield around the hair, reducing the impact of harmful UV rays and minimizing color fading caused by sun exposure.

It’s tender on the scalp

Henna has a pH of around 5.5 – much closer to that of skin than any chemical hair dye. This means the tingling, itching or burning associated with box dyes won’t happen with henna. This gentle pH also helps reduce cuticle damage and hair fiber breakage.

DIY easiest henna hair dye recipe

Here’s a simple and easy recipe for making henna paste to use on your hair:

Ingredients:

• Henna powder (100% pure and natural)
• Hot water
• Lemon juice from 1 lemon (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap or shower cap
• Gloves (to protect your hands from staining)
• Plastic or wooden spoon (to mix the ingredients)
• Towel or old T-shirt (to protect your clothes)

Instructions:

1. Start by pouring the desired amount of henna powder into a mixing bowl. The amount will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. Generally, 100-200 grams of henna powder is sufficient for short to medium-length hair, while longer hair may require more.
2. Gradually add hot water to the henna powder while stirring continuously. You can add lemon juice that helps release the dye from the henna and enhances its color. The goal is to create a smooth, thick paste with a consistency similar to yogurt or mashed potatoes.
3. Allow the henna paste to sit and develop for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the dye to release fully and intensify. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a shower cap to prevent the paste from drying out.
4. Before applying the henna paste to your hair, make sure your hair is clean and free from any styling products or oils. It’s best to apply henna to damp hair, as it helps the paste spread more easily.
5. Put on gloves to protect your hands from staining. Divide your hair into sections for easier application.
6. Take a small amount of henna paste and apply it evenly to each section of your hair, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends. Make sure to saturate the hair thoroughly, ensuring all strands are coated.
7. Once your hair is completely covered in henna paste, pile your hair on top of your head and cover it with plastic wrap or a shower cap. This will create a warm and humid environment, allowing the henna to work effectively.
8. Leave the henna paste on your hair for at least 2-4 hours. For more intense color, you can leave it on overnight. The longer you leave it on, the deeper the color will develop.
9. After the desired time has passed, rinse the henna paste out of your hair using warm water. You can follow up with a conditioner if needed.
10. Avoid shampooing your hair for the next 24-48 hours to allow the henna dye to fully oxidize and deepen in color.

Instant henna hair dye recipe

The ingredients for this instant henna dye recipe and basic steps are the same, however there are some differences:

• You have to gradually add very hot (almost boiling) water to the henna powder while stirring continuously.
• Don’t let the henna paste to sit – apply to your scalp and hair immediately. You have to be very careful with the paste temperature not to burn your scalp. Be cautious and reasonable.
• Quickly pile your hair on top of your head and cover it with plastic wrap or a shower cap. Additionally, wrap it up with a thick towel (on top of the plastic wrap) to keep the hair mask warm.
• Leave the henna paste on your hair for 1.5-2 hours and then thoroughly rinse your hair using warm water. Dry your hair naturally. Avoid shampooing for 24-48 hours to allow color to set.

Remember, the final color result may vary depending on your hair’s natural color and condition.

Stain protection tips

It’s important to note that henna can stain surfaces, so take precautions to protect your surroundings and clothing during the application process.

• Wear plastic gloves
• Wipe away any drips from your face and surfaces immediately with a paper towel.
• Use an old pillowcase until you shampoo your hair again.

When using henna for hair care, it’s essential to choose high-quality henna powder without additives or chemicals. Conduct a patch test before applying henna to the entire hair to check for any allergic reactions.

Overall, henna can be a natural and beneficial addition to your hair care routine, providing color, strength, and conditioning properties.

Enjoy your henna-treated hair, and embrace the natural beauty and conditioning benefits it provides!