Henna for Hair

Henna is obtained from a flowering plant. It is used to dye hair, skin, fingernails, leather, and wool too. It is also used to make temporary tattoos. There are two types of henna, one is used to get a black dye effect, the second type is used to get a red dye effect.

It is available in powder form and can be made into a paste, and then applied to hair or other body regions. It can be used for coloring, for growing hair longer, or for conditioning it, or to prevent hair loss.

Henna dye is an all natural and safe hair dye, which permanently colors the hair and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals. Hence, it is a better option over the commercial dye products which contains bleach or other chemicals.

Things you will need:

• Lemon juice
• Plastic bowl
• Disposable plastic shower cap
• Spoon
• Disposable plastic gloves
• Few towels
• One old t-shirt
• Henna powder
• Water
• Brush to apply dye

Step #1: You can apply the paste on oiled hair to condition your hair better. However, if you are thinking of coloring your hair then make sure the hair are washed clean with shampoo before the application.

Step #2: Buy a packet of quality henna powder, and then pour it in a plastic container. Then add juice of 1 lemon to it. Start mixing the juice with the paste, then keep adding water to the powder, and mix it till it becomes a paste that has consistency of plain yogurt.

Step #3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit overnight at room temperature, this will make your dye last even more and give it a vibrant color.

Step #4: In the morning, comb your hair, wear an old t-shirt and divide your hair into various sections. Mix the paste again, and then start from your hair scalp and apply the paste till the hair ends.

Step #5: Make sure you use plastic gloves while handling the paste. This way using a brush apply the paste on all the hair sections. If you have long hair, then you can tie it in a bun if you like. Ensure, there is no paste on your neck, around your ears, or forehead, or these skin areas will also get dyed.

Step #6: Then cover your head with the disposable shower cap. Let the hair mask sit around 2 - 4 hours. If your hair are resistant to hair dye, then you can leave it for a few hours longer.

Step #7: Then wash your hair clean with water and try to remove as much paste out of hair as possible. Then use shampoo to wash your hair.

This way you can use henna for coloring or conditioning hair whenever you want. If you want to use it to prevent hair loss, then you will have to use it twice in a month. If you don't like the red dye color that henna gives, you can also consider adding one teaspoon of coffee while making the hair mask. This will give a darker brown tinge to your hair. By using coffee, you will still get a brown hair color, and will be able to avoid the red shade.