Hair Henna
Henna is a green herb with a distinctive scent, widely used as a natural dye for hair to achieve a color different from its natural shade or to enhance its natural hue. Its use dates back to ancient times, when it was employed not only for hair dyeing but also for staining skin, nails, and for decorative body art, as well as for medicinal purposes, including wound treatment and fragrance production. Henna offers numerous health benefits as it can help eliminate fungi and bacteria, combat certain types of cancer, and assist in blood clotting during instances of bleeding.
Types of Hair Henna
Henna is categorized into three primary types, each imparting a distinct color to the hair:
- Neutral Henna: This powder is green in color and has a scent reminiscent of herbs. It contains numerous natural compounds and is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties. When applied to hair, it imparts a blonde shade while promoting growth, protecting against damage, and enhancing shine and vitality.
- Red Henna: This powder appears green and has an aroma similar to hay. It is widely used and provides a reddish-orange dye that harmonizes naturally with the hair’s original color, blending seamlessly. Additionally, it strengthens and smooths the hair.
- Black Henna: This green powder emits a scent akin to frozen peas and is derived from indigo. It colors hair black; however, it is less favored due to its potential to cause black stains on the skin and sensitivity reactions if misused.
How to Remove Henna Color from Hair
For those looking to remove unwanted henna color from their hair, here are some effective methods:
- To change an unwanted henna color to a more desirable one, reapply henna but with the intention of achieving a darker shade. By mixing henna paste with Turkish coffee, you can obtain a dark brown color, or by combining it with hibiscus juice for a deep red hue, or adding cinnamon powder for a chocolate-like shade.
- Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to your hair, avoiding the scalp, and let it sit for a quarter of an hour. Then massage your hair with any available mineral oil, cover it with a plastic cap, and wrap your head with a warm towel or use a hairdryer until you feel heat. After about ten minutes, wash your hair thoroughly with a suitable shampoo for colored hair and lukewarm water to remove both alcohol and henna dye.
- Use anti-dandruff shampoo, known to effectively strip away henna and chemical hair dyes.
Benefits of Henna for Hair
Here are some key benefits henna offers for hair:
- Treatment for dandruff.
- Hair coloring and tinting.
- Creation of hair care products.
- Enhancement of hair growth and prevention of hair loss; it is an effective remedy for boosting hair growth.
- Maintenance of a healthy scalp, as it combats dandruff with its antimicrobial properties.
- Strengthening and repairing hair damage; it balances hair’s pH levels to improve elasticity, removes excess oils, and stimulates the hair follicles.
- Acts as a protective barrier for hair.
- Increases hair shine, considered one of the secrets to beautiful and lustrous hair in regions such as the Middle East, India, and Egypt.
- Thickens hair and significantly reduces hair fall.
- Protects hair from harmful sun rays.
- Shields hair from external factors and pollution, acting as a protective cover against these environmental aggressors.
- Promotes the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows.