Henna Hair Dye

Henna leaves are commonly used to make a powder which is then used to make tattoos or hair dye. Ammonia in the artificial hair colors may damage the natural beauty of hair. There are almost no side effects of henna, and it renders a deep red color with minor variations in the shade. It helps to control dandruff and covers all the gray patches. It is suitable for both men and women.

Although this powder looks green, the color it renders is deep red. A paste of the powder and water is made to prepare the dye. It is advisable to cover your hands while you mix the paste as it can also color your hands. Here is the procedure to make the dye.

There are a number of ingredients that influence the shade of this dye. Here are the primary ingredients that you would need.

• Boiling water, 1 cup
• Henna powder (sifted), 3 tsp.
• Black coffee or tea, 2 tsp.
• Eucalyptus oil, 1 tsp.

1. The very first thing you must do is to make a decoction of black tea or coffee. Filter this mixture.
2. Combine henna powder and eucalyptus oil in a separate bowl.
3. Now, add the decoction to the powder.
4. Make an even paste and keep it aside for around 12 hours.

5. Chamomile can also be added as another ingredient.
6. The next thing to do is to apply it to your hair. It is very similar to applying a hair color.
7. After application, put a shower cap or a plastic wrap on your head. This keeps the dye warm and hence, is more effective.
8. Once it has dried into your hair, it feels like mud. However, the results are worth the wait.

9. The shade depends on the time for which it is allowed to stay on hair. You can keep it for 2 to 4 hours or even a day.
10. The only thing you must remember is that you must test whether you are not allergic to henna before you go for it.

11. For testing, you can apply a small amount of the paste on the inner part of your elbow, where the skin is much thinner, and then leave it for some time. After a while, wash the skin and after two days, check whether you have developed any reaction. If there is no reaction on the skin, go ahead. Otherwise, you should avoid using it.

Apart from being a good hair color, there are a lot of benefits of this dye. It conditions the hair properly and renders a moisturizing effect. It has antifungal properties that makes it a popular choice in hair care products. It improves the blood circulation and soothes hair strands to the tip. Another benefit is that it fights against infection and hence, controls dandruff.

Henna has many other healing effects and is a popular herb used in Ayurveda. It is advisable that you always check for original henna powder, so as to get the best results.