Henna and basma

It is difficult to imagine a woman who has not at least once subjected her hair to revolutionary changes with dye. Some use the most contrasting persistent dyes for this purpose, others experiment with tinted shampoos and tonics, and others prefer exclusively natural products without chemicals. The last group includes henna and basma.

Henna and basma, being dyes of plant origin, differ from each other not only in that the first is obtained from the leaves of lavsonia, and the second is indigo. They are not the same in terms of the range of effects on the scalp and hair, the time of use, the color of dyed hair. In addition, henna is an independent dye, but basma can only be used in tandem with lavsan powder, if the goal of dyeing is not blue-green curls.

• Hypoallergenic. Does not cause peeling, irritation, itching and spots;
• Strengthens hair follicles, accelerates hair growth, normalizes blood circulation, prevents hair loss;
• "Solders" hair scales, making curls smooth and shiny, facilitates combing;
• Reduces breakage and the percentage of split ends;
• It acts on the skin as an antiseptic, improving its condition in case of problems with dandruff and increased oily hair.

• It has a strengthening effect on the hair follicles, reduces hair loss;
• Creates a protective film on each hair, protecting it from the harmful effects of external factors: UV rays, wind, salt water;
• Fights dandruff, normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands;
• Increases the density of hair, makes the hairstyle more magnificent and voluminous;
• Hair coloring gives a lasting effect, even on gray hair;
• The main difference from henna is that it practically cannot be used without other dyes;
• Has no contraindications.

It is important to follow the instructions for staining with henna and basma:

• Use only natural dye without the addition of chemicals;
• Take care of your hair after coloring. By themselves, vegetable dyes give a good care effect, but the hair needs additional hydration, nutrition and protection. They can get their curls only from the usual means: masks, balms, serums, vitamins;
• Use henna no more than once every 3-4 weeks. There is a risk that she will dry her hair, make it brittle and unstable to harmful factors;
• Apply henna or basma to clean, damp hair washed with shampoo. But after staining, it is better to refuse to use soap products. The coloring matter will be strengthened in the hair structure only for 2-3 days.

In its pure form, it gives a "classic" copper-red tint, but with the addition of other components, the color can vary from light to dark copper. It also has a general strengthening effect on the hair, stimulates growth, gives shine, prevents brittleness and other problems. It has a somewhat pungent odor and coarse grinding.

The color spectrum is more diverse and allows you to choose a shade that is as close as possible to the natural color of the hair. Brown henna is considered the highest quality. Due to the fine grinding, it is easily diluted, lays down well, and is easily washed off. Indian henna works quickly, has a pleasant smell and a lasting effect.

A substance that gives more restrained and noble shades. It differs from Indian and Iranian in that to achieve a result, you need to keep it on your hair a little longer.

It is not a one-component substance. The composition also includes clove and cocoa butter, some chemical elements. Black henna is no more dangerous than permanent artificial dyes, but is no longer 100% natural and harmless. You can replace the finished black henna with a homemade composition. To do this, you need to take two shares of basma for one share of henna, add ground cloves, black coffee or strong tea to them.

Colorless or transparent henna does not change the color of the curls, but has an almost identical spectrum of action. I use it as a mask or natural hair shampoo, giving hair strength, shine and beauty. There are many recipes for multi-component hair masks with colorless powder. For example, with lemon juice, honey, yolk, oils, vitamins.

Product ready for use.Liquid lavsonia has a creamy consistency, convenient for applying to curls, is sold in a sachet ready-made, does not have artificial components in the composition.

The question is controversial and not even entirely correct. Both vegetable dyes have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the final choice of product depends on the initial and desired hair color. Natural henna and basma give hair strength, thickness, health, if used correctly. Violating the recommendations for use, you can harm your hair, despite the fact that the dyes themselves are environmentally friendly and safe. Lavsonia powder and indigofers have a negative effect on curls that have been permed. They straighten faster, become stiffer and drier.

Also at risk are owners of too dry and damaged hair. Such curls dyes in their pure form will make even more dry, brittle and prone to damage. However, this does not mean that the owners of dry hair are doomed to use only artificial dyes. To use henna on capricious hair, you need to choose the right base on which the mixture will be prepared. Oil and milk bases are best suited: olive or burdock oil, whey, kefir, heavy cream. Basma is diluted exclusively with hot water.

The disadvantages include the duration of the staining procedure. The exposure time can last no more than 15 minutes, but the application of the mixture to the curls itself takes longer than the application of the creamy consistency of artificial dyes. Washing off the herbal mixture is also harder.Failure to comply with proportions, as well as the use of henna or basma on dyed hair, can lead to an unpredictable result. Hair often acquires unnatural shades of blue, pink, cherry, bluish spectrum, and it can be very difficult to wash them off.

Vegetable dyes are a versatile product. They are hypoallergenic, harmless and gently affect the hair structure. Paint based on henna and basma can be used at any age, does not harm in the presence of diseases and during pregnancy. You can paint with henna and basma for any initial hair color, you just need to correctly calculate the proportions and time. The light brown color is more receptive, so the shade will appear brighter and faster on it, for black it will take more patience and time, for brown the colors of Indian and Turkish henna are suitable, both in pure and combined form. Black color for dark hair, which will emphasize their beauty, can be obtained without adding basma. It is enough to use ready-made henna with cocoa butter and cloves.

For gray curls, special recommendations are provided. To begin with, it is better to paint gray hair with a light shade of henna, and then re-cover it with a mixture of henna and basma, otherwise there is a risk of getting too bright, unnatural and very persistent shade. It is also recommended to add a spoonful of base oil, such as olive oil, to the mixture for dry hair. This will protect them from dryness and brittleness and provide additional care.

The combination - henna plus basma significantly expands the palette of colors for hair coloring. Depending on the proportions, the red henna pigment will be more or less noticeable, and the black basma will give a light blond or rich dark color.You can mix colors in several ways:

It involves the phased application of henna first, then basma. The procedure begins with the preparation of hair. They need to be washed with shampoo, blotted with a towel, dried a little in a natural way. Do not use a hair dryer, it can dry out the strands. While the hair is drying, dilute the henna in the right proportions in a bowl and mix well. Apply the resulting mixture warm to the hair, starting from the back of the head and carefully distributing it from roots to ends with a comb and a special flat brush. You can massage with gloved hands. Then you need to wrap your head in polyethylene and a towel or put on a hat, withstand the time required for dyeing in the desired color. Thoroughly rinse the scalp and curls with water at a comfortable temperature. You can use hair balm. When the dyed hair is dry, repeat the procedure using a new mixture.

Its essence is in dyeing hair with a mixture of henna and basma. To prepare the paint, both powders are diluted in different bowls according to the rules that are prescribed for each of them on the package. When the mixtures have cooled to a temperature of 40 degrees, they must be thoroughly mixed and placed in a bowl of warm water so that the total mass does not cool down in the process. You should also start from the back of the head, dividing the strands along the parting and moving from the roots to the tips. After the time dictated by the desired result, the mixture can be washed off the hair, the curls can be treated with a conditioner.

The correct ratio of colorants is the key to a good result. In order not to get into an unpleasant situation when the resulting color is very far from the expected one, it is important to calculate the proportions and time in advance.For convenience and accuracy, there is a special table of proportions and time depending on the original hair color and expected results. The technology for preparing the mixture is quite simple. To obtain paint from henna and basma, you must:

• Determine the original color of the curls according to a special table. You can find it on the powder packaging or on the Internet;
• Calculate the required number of grams of dry powder based on the length of the hair. For example, 30-50 g of one component is enough for short curls, and the length to the shoulders requires 130-150 g of each. The right amount can also be calculated according to the recommendations on the package;
• Based on the desired result, measure out the grams of the substance in the powder;
• Dilute henna and basma in separate containers, following the instructions. It is important to consider that henna loses its properties if it is diluted with hot water, while basma, on the contrary, dissolves only at a temperature of 80-90 degrees. It is necessary to connect gruels after they have cooled to a comfortable temperature;
• The resulting mixture can be mixed a second time, when it is a little infused, and applied to the hair with a special flat brush.

But, even knowing the sequence of actions, it is not as easy to color your hair on your own as it seems at first glance. It is important to follow some useful recommendations:

• The preparation and mixing of paints should take place in porcelain dishes using wooden spoons or special brushes. Metal can oxidize, and plastic, when interacting with hot water, releases harmful substances, which will not benefit the hair;
• The fresher the powder, the better it will set, so when buying it is important to pay attention to the date of manufacture.When diluting the dry matter immediately before staining, it must also be taken into account that the fresher the mixture, the better it will work;
• If some ingredients need to be added warm, they should be heated in a water bath;
• The timing of staining is very important. You need to carefully select the appropriate number of minutes or hours for yourself, based on the recommendations in the plate. In order not to be mistaken, you should conduct a preliminary color test on an inconspicuous strand of hair;

• Before dyeing, be sure to protect the skin of the forehead, ears, neck and hands with gloves, greasy baby cream and clothes with a high neck and covered shoulders. You also need to cover the floors in the work area with oilcloth or newspapers;
• The greenhouse effect will enhance the release of the dye from the substance to the curls. It is not necessary to put on a plastic cap for henna, but Basma needs it;
• It is necessary to wash off the remnants of the powder from the hair for a long time and thoroughly, rinsing the strands under running water. If this is not done, small pellets will have to be combed out with a comb after the hair dries;
• It is worth refraining from washing your hair with shampoo for the first two to three days. At this time, the pigment only manifests itself. There may be a deceptive feeling that it turned out to be too bright, and after using the shampoo, the color will not be intense enough;
• Optimal results appear on the hair after the first wash. If an important celebration or meeting is planned, this feature is very important to consider;
• If the result is still not satisfactory, it is worth treating the dyed curls with warm coconut or olive oil, wrapping with a film and warming with a towel. After a few hours, rinse thoroughly with shampoo.

Recipes for making paint from plant ingredients at home are very diverse. A suitable composition is selected in accordance with the type and color of the hair. For light types, it is recommended to use mixtures with more henna than basma. For brown-haired women and dark blond, proportions of 1: 1 are suitable, for brunettes it is better to focus on the predominance of basma. In addition to basma and henna, homemade paints may contain other components:

• Cahors or cranberry juice. When added to henna, they give a shade of "mahogany";
• Ground coffee. For chocolate-colored hair, you need to dilute henna with warm boiled coffee;
• Beet juice. When freshly squeezed, when added to the mixture, it gives noble shades of burgundy. The same effect can be achieved by using very thick tea leaves, elderberry juice, hibiscus;
• Chamomile. Hair coloring with a mixture of powdered lavsonia leaves and carefully crushed chamomile gives the curls a warm, honey-golden color. A similar color can be obtained by replacing dry chamomile with turmeric.
• Saffron. Interesting honey overflows are given by paint, to which a saffron flower is added. Boil the powder for two minutes, add the rhubarb and stir into the mixture. No need to add too much, just dial it on the tip of the knife;
• Ground cloves. Enhances black and deep chestnut pigment in a mixture of basma and henna, makes the color rich and multifaceted. Clove assistants are coffee, ground walnut shells, black tea;
• Cocoa. If the goal of staining is a natural chestnut color with a soft brown tint, then cocoa powder should be used. He does an excellent job with this task, giving the hair a natural beauty and an interesting play of color;

• Salt. The addition of salt helps the coloring matter to reveal its full potential. It enhances the release of pigment when the powder is combined with a liquid, due to which a deep, rich chestnut or dark shade is obtained. Also, sea salt additionally strengthens the hair follicles and takes care of the health of the scalp;
• Burr oil. Useful for dry and weak hair as part of a mask with henna. In this case, you can use both ordinary and colorless henna. A mask with burdock oil will prevent hair loss, make hair thicker and well-groomed, smooth, strong and elastic;
• Kefir. Masks with henna on kefir, with regular use, strengthen the hair and activate their growth, give them a healthy look, shine and volume;
• Egg. A mask of colorless henna with the addition of egg yolk is used for density and active hair growth. For a better effect, you can add vitamins and essential oils to it. The most versatile are retinol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, base oils of olive, castor bean, apricot, essential oil of avocado, jojoba, macadamia;
• Honey. Masks with natural honey perfectly restore, nourish and strengthen damaged curls. To make the mixture as useful as possible, it is better to dilute henna not with water, but with heated serum. The more liquid the honey is, the easier it will be to wash it out of the hair.

There are other recipes designed for different types of problems or normal hair. It is not difficult to pick them up, the main thing is to know the characteristics of your hair and have a specific goal.

An urgent question for those who decide to use natural dyes for transformation is whether henna and basma can be applied to already dyed hair. Doing this is highly discouraged.The result can be unpredictable, and it will be very difficult to cover an ugly color. Especially problematic is the secondary painting of clarified curls. On them, henna and basma can appear in purple, blue and green hues.

The reverse process is also impossible. Not a single artificial dye is able to completely cover the color of hair dyed with henna or basma. Red or black pigment will "shine through" the new color, which will make it uneven, and the hairstyle will look sloppy. Attempts to bleach the hair will result in blue-gray, emerald and dirty colors.

Time is one of the decisive factors in hair coloring. The end result directly depends on how much the coloring mixture affected the curls. Using henna and basma, you should be guided by special tables that include colors and the recommended staining time. If the hair is a light blonde, it will take from 1 to 20 minutes to change the color, depending on the desired result. Natural blondes will need 5-25 minutes for a lasting effect. Dark blonde requires 8-10 or 25-35 minutes. Light brown-haired women need from 10 to 45 minutes, dark ones - up to an hour and a half. On brown and black hair, you can keep the mixture up to 2 hours, on gray hair - up to 3. The countdown begins from the moment the hair is completely covered with the mixture and wrapped in polyethylene.

Despite the fact that henna and basma have a cosmetic and therapeutic effect, you should not dye your hair every week. The recommended frequency of use is to dye your hair once every 4 weeks, then the result will be of high quality, beautiful and durable. More frequent use of henna can lead to negative consequences.The curls will become dry and brittle, it will become impossible to repaint them in a different color. The hairstyle will increase in volume and begin to look more magnificent, but not at all due to the fact that the hair will grow thicker. Frequent henna staining “splits” the keratin scales of the hairs, making them stick out in all directions, due to which the hair becomes fluffy and voluminous. It will be very difficult to restore such damage, therefore, in the use of henna and basma, the measure must be observed.

Natural cosmetics made from herbal ingredients, which are easy and convenient to prepare at home, are very popular among the fair sex. Henna and basma, including deserved accolades. Mainly they value naturalness, benefits for hair, richness of shades. Eco-friendly natural dyes are easy to make at home, using the recipe to create any desired shade. Also, among the positive aspects, the availability of the ingredients necessary for dyeing hair with henna and basma is noted. Cosmetic properties of colorless henna deserve special attention. It is used not only in hair masks, but also in facial skin care.

The disadvantages of vegetable dyes include the difficulty of applying the mixture to the hair, especially long hair and washing it off after the procedure. Leaves often remain in the hair, which are difficult to wash under running water and require additional effort. Also, the negative points include the fact that henna dries the strands and can worsen the condition of the hair. Beginners are alarmed that it is more difficult to predict what color hair will acquire than when using chemical dyes.

How to dye your hair with henna and basma at home - in the next video.