Henna for hair

Naturalness has become the latest trend of our time. While manufacturers of well-known brands continue to improve the formulations of chemical compounds, more and more girls prefer products that have long been known for their healing properties. Henna for hair is one of the most popular ways to improve the condition of the hair.

Henna is a powder from the Lavsonia plant. Oriental women used it even before our era, which is much longer than the use of this remedy by European girls. In our country, lavsonia raises many questions and disputes, and therefore it is important to understand its essence, because it can bring significant benefits. So, lavsonia grows in warm countries. Its main suppliers are Iran, Egypt, Morocco, India. The climate of these countries, although similar, still has its own differences, which leaves an imprint on the lawson itself, for example, Indian henna has more tones than Iranian.

The production of henna can be considered waste-free, because every particle of this medicinal plant is used.So, oils are extracted from the flowers, a coloring powder is extracted from the leaves, and colorless henna is made from the stems for girls who only want to strengthen their hair with a miraculous gruel, while not coloring them.

The powder itself has a light green muted tone, reminiscent of khaki. The smell of henna is herbal and almost neutral. Ideally, the consistency should be finely ground, which is what products from Indian manufacturers are famous for. However, there is also a coarser grinding, for example, unground leaves can be found in Iranian stamps. At the same time, Iran has a much lower cost. This factor affects the ease of application and rinsing of the mixture from the hair.

It is worth saying that the tone of the powder can be close to brown. You should not be afraid of entering into the composition of artificial additives, however, you still need to be wary. The color directly depends on the type of henna, and, of course, the highest category with a light green tint is considered to be the best. Lavsonia leaves, from which such a rich color is obtained, are harvested in the summer, instantly drying them in the burning sun, while chlorophyll, which affects the color saturation, is preserved at the maximum dosage. The middle and lower grades in the name denote leaves that are subject to slow drying and have lost chlorophyll in their composition, which means that staining with them is practically ineffective.

Features of henna are directly related to its use. So, Lavsonia powder is used:

• when coloring curls in color from red to burgundy;
• when strengthening hair follicles;
• dandruff treatment;
• normalization of the fat balance of the scalp.

This effect is achieved thanks to the beneficial components that can be seen in this plant.So, the composition contains an acid that binds keratin in the hair structure, smoothing fluffy scales. Tannins and essential oils found in lavsonia are responsible for the shine of curls, comparable to professional lamination.

It is impossible not to say about chlorophyll, which contributes to persistent and bright coloring. The process of coloring curls does not harm, because the coloring pigment only covers the curls, without being introduced into the natural structure of the hair. Hair after henna procedures is not afraid of the aggressive sun and sea water, because invisible protection envelops and covers with a thin, imperceptible film. Continuing the theme of henna staining, it is important to say about the hypoallergenicity of the product. Natural henna in bags, consisting only of powder, does not cause any unpleasant symptoms in people with sensitive skin. This gives it superiority over chemical dyes.

However, today you can buy lavsonia in various forms. For example, liquid henna is a ready-to-use product. The powder in such products has already been turned into a slurry of ideal consistency with the addition of various hair benefits, for example, burdock oil. Such additives are not a simple marketing ploy, because any herbal dyes dry curls, and oils serve as neutralizers of this process.

Tinted henna - Another frequent inhabitant of supermarket shelves. It is a tinted balm based on henna. At the same time, dyes, emulsifiers and other chemical compounds can also be observed in the composition, and therefore it is important to carefully study the list of components before buying.Otherwise, tint products are really good, because the content of various softeners in them has a positive effect on the condition of the hair, which acquires a light shade.

Professional henna also available for sale. Interestingly, in colorless formulations, not lavsonia is used, but cassia. This is another type of medicinal plant belonging to legume varieties. Only henna from Lavsonia can be considered real. For eyebrows, a mixture obtained from Lavsonia powder is used. At the time of the procedure, not only the hairs, but also the skin are colored and healed.

Unfortunately, such a vegetable dye has its drawbacks, which in specific cases overlap the advantages. However, let's start with the positives. As stated earlier, natural henna is a completely natural product, impregnated with many oils and vitamins. It allows you to get rid of dandruff and make hair follicles stronger, further enhancing their shine. Another important factor is the possibility of using henna by pregnant and lactating women. It can be used both for coloring and for mixing healing masks. The disadvantages of henna include:

• incompatible with conventional paints. So, henna cannot make a red-haired beauty out of a brunette with dyed curls. The maximum possible effect is a thin copper overflow of hair in the sun;
• Henna is difficult to paint over with chemical paints. On blond hair, the color can easily turn green after such procedures;
• blondes who decide to dye their curls with henna will acquire this shade for an indefinite time. It is almost impossible to wash off henna from light strands, because it tenaciously eats into the scales of the hair;
• ineffective in painting over gray hair;
• has a negative effect on perm, straightening elastic curls;
• long and frequent use negates all the beneficial properties of the plant, making the curls dull and split ends.

Summarizing the above, we can say with confidence that henna is able to transform hair, giving it a mysterious shade, however, it is important to feel the measure in its use.

If you want to entrust your hair to professionals, it is recommended to treat the choice of a henna manufacturer with particular trepidation. And you should start with the study of Indian henna, because it is she who wins in terms of thoroughness of grinding and a variety of tones.

A prominent representative of henna from India is the brand Lady Henna. In its assortment you can see natural brown and red henna. It is worth noting that in order to obtain a soft brown tone, henna in the composition is mixed with another natural dye - basma. Besides, Lady Henna represents natural dyes based on henna. Thanks to dyes, the color palette of products varies from copper-red tones to burgundy. However, the word "natural" in the name does not exclude chemical components, and therefore an important factor here is to check for possible allergies to components.

Another representative of Indian henna, which can be bought in Russia - Aasha. It is also represented by species diversity. So, henna can be divided:

• ayurvedic;
• herbal.

The first type, presented in several shades, saturates and nourishes the hair, giving it a light tone from red to brown. Herbal henna, which contains a colorant, can become a permanent paint, however, as in the previous case, allergic reactions are possible. Completely natural herbal henna cannot be considered.

Khadi is a brand of natural cosmetics from India. In its assortment you can see shampoos and hair oils, as well as cosmetics for face and body skin care. Didn't stay Khadi and away from the production of henna. Five stylish shades, one neutral and two types of basma - that's what the brand owns today. It is worth saying that each product is completely natural and contains nothing but henna and basma.

In addition to Indian henna, you can also find Moroccan henna on sale. Manufacturer Sahara Tazarin produces a 100% natural finely ground product that is in no way inferior to Indian. It is worth saying that the price of such products is an order of magnitude higher, because Moroccan lavsonia is considered one of the richest in essential oils and other useful substances.

Henna in all its variety of tones can be colored or colorless. The brightness of the shade depends on the variety and country of origin. So, it is believed that you can get the most fiery red shade with the help of Sudanese lavsonia. Iran and India cannot be compared with it in saturation, however, with the knowledge of some tricks, they can give an equally attractive tone.

What color happens?

Indian Lawsonia is available today in several colors, namely:

• gold;
• chestnut;
• swallowtail;
• burgundy;
• tea tree.

However, it is important to be on the alert here, because the natural color of henna is only red, which means that chemical or natural dyes were added to the paint. The latter, of course, will only make your hair more beautiful. Chemical additives contain, in most cases, paraphenylenediamine, which is famous for its mass of allergic reactions. It should be avoided and not settled for beautiful shades with it. You can use pure lawsonia powder mixed with various additives.

• So, from a mixture of henna, you can get a chocolate tone if you mix it with cocoa or coffee, as well as with walnut or nutmeg shells.
• A light palette of red is available by mixing henna on a decoction of orange peels. For blondes, chamomile infusion or lemon juice is the best option.
• The languid color of hibiscus is easily achieved when mixed with beetroot juice, plum water or red wine. In this case, the ideal shade will turn out with both Iranian and Indian lawsonia. Natural dyes will not harm your hair.

Coloring curls with henna is always an interesting process with a share of adventurism, because shades may vary. The color can successfully lie on dark and dyed hair, creating a beautiful tone. Henna will fall on light brown curls much brighter, delighting with a copper overflow. According to experts, the maximum manifestation of color occurs on the second day.

Today, beauty salons are moving away from classic coloring, offering more modern options. So, in the salon you can try the trendy ombre henna. Dark roots in it smoothly turn into clarified tips. At home, it is almost impossible to achieve such a result.

And also henna lightening is now possible, which is perfect for pregnant and lactating women who want to change the tone of their curls. Absorbent varieties of henna are mixed here with beneficial fruit acids, brightening hair for maximum benefit. According to clients, the hair after the procedure becomes better than after dyeing.

Classical henna painting can easily take place at home.

Home hair coloring is carried out in several simple steps. So, if coarse henna is chosen, it is important to sift it through a sieve. This will help make the natural hair dye easier to wash off. The amount of powder depends on the length of the hair. For long strands, it is enough to use 2-3 bags of 100 grams, for short ones - one package is enough for 3 applications. You also need to prepare your workplace, polyethylene and a warm hat or towel to keep the mixture on curls. The best option would be the area near the mirror, because the thoroughness of the painting will play a decisive role in the final result.

Henna hair coloring at home - in the next video.

Preparation of a decoction or water for dilution is an important step on which the discovery of the henna coloring pigment depends. Chamomile tea, plum infusion or ordinary boiling water should be cooled to a temperature of 70 degrees. After breeding henna, you need to let it brew. This may take three or more hours. Readiness litmus test - a slightly darkened powder. Some experts advise diluting the already infused mixture with kefir or lemon juice. The latter, it should be said, negatively affects the firmness and elasticity of the curls, making them dry. In addition to the acidic environment, it will not be superfluous to include ylang-ylang or rosemary oils in the composition.

The finished composition of the consistency of liquid sour cream is applied to the hair with a sponge or brush. According to experienced girls, it is more convenient to use a brush from any other paint than combs or sponges. You should start from the roots, moving smoothly to the tips.It is worth noting that the coloring of the full length of the hair occurs a maximum of once every six months, because henna is not afraid of sunlight and salt water, which means that fading is not characteristic of it. Finishing the regrown roots is the only procedure required after applying henna.

Henna, unlike chemical dyes, is applied only to clean, freshly washed hair. So the pigment penetrates the hair better, reliably fixing the saturated color. In addition, the fact that it is not recommended to wash your head for two days after the procedure also speaks in favor of clean curls.

The duration here can vary significantly. So, for a light shade, you should hold the mixture for 40 minutes, for a rich and bright one - all night. Only experiments will help determine the right time. Treatment of hair requires an exposure of 20-30 minutes. After the procedures, the mixture is washed off the head with shampoo, adding a hair mask.

You can use foil or polyethylene to wrap your hair. The first type is recommended to a greater extent for blondes, because after wrapping the hair with polyethylene, instead of a rich red tone, blond hair becomes dirty carrot. This does not happen with dark hair, and therefore you can use one or another method at your discretion.

Despite its naturalness, long-term use of henna without any additional nutrition of the hair adversely affects its condition. Once shiny hair quickly turns into brittle, and even worse, begins to fall out. To avoid such negative situations, it is important to dye the entire length of the hair with henna every six months.Masks based on colorless henna with nutritional supplements are carried out no more than once a month.

First of all, users note the excellent properties of henna as a natural dye. Copper-red color is easily obtained from both Iranian and Indian and Moroccan henna. For dark shades, girls mix henna with basma. It is worth saying that most often the wrong proportions of the ratio of these two dyes are chosen, from which the color floats into dirty, inaccurate shades. Many find a way out in ready-made mixtures of basma and henna, which guarantee a wonderful chocolate tone.

Herbal paints based on lavsonia are also appreciated by ladies. The speed of application and beautiful slogans on the packages lure potential buyers. Hairdressers are strongly advised to avoid such products, because they contain cheap dyes that can cause allergies and harm no worse than chemical paint.

Henna professionals advocate simplicity and naturalness. In their opinion, the healing powder is easy to make caring with the introduction of oils, algae and other beneficial ingredients. The result after such procedures pleases, and the price category does not hit the family budget.

Girls willingly express their opinions about henna, laying out detailed photographs before and after its application. Based on them, it is safe to say that after the first use, the curls begin to shine with the brilliance of the thick hair of oriental beauties. In addition, splendor and visual density are added to this effect, achieved by covering the hair follicles with an invisible film.

Experienced ladies who have been painting their heads with henna for several years now warn beauties about the dangers of its frequent use.With proper application, the color does not lose saturation for a long time, which means that one high-quality procedure every few months will be quite sufficient care with the help of this herbal component.