Henna For Hair – Benefits and Method

When we hear about “henna” the first thing that comes to our mind is temporary tattoo work created with its pigment on hands. Mehndi (Henna) in Indian tradition is typically applied externally during happy moments, weddings and festivals.

The henna is commonly referred to as Mehendi and has been used for centuries to make hair beautiful and healthy. It has got anti-bacterial properties and is a healer for your hair & skin. Applying henna has many benefits, it imparts color to your hair, condition them, restores the pH balance of the scalp, gets rid of hair problems. If you are troubled by the white hairs, premature hair fall, or harshness of your hair then you should give henna a try at home. We are sharing some tips and ways you can use the powerful herb, henna for your hair.

Henna plant botanical name is “Lawsonia inermis” and is a small shrub about twenty feet tall. It is usually found in hot climates that lie in the Middle East region like Egypt, India, Africa, and Morocco. In India henna is used as Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional practices. Henna is a natural herbal powder not only used for coloring hair but also helps prevent dandruff and scalp itching. Its antibacterial and antiviral property helps in healing minor wound and help to fight infections. It acts as a good conditioner for your hair and helps your hair grow and strengthen.

How to apply henna on hair

If you have brown hair or are getting white hair then you must use henna as a remedy. It is also very good for people who are allergic to chemicals, but it is always safe to check if you have any allergies to henna for that you can apply it on a small area of your skin to make sure there is no reaction. Generally, most of us use henna to protect our hair from the sun and dust, and is one of the natural treatments for your hair.

Henna can make your hair stronger and nourish them from the root and give you silky and shiny hair. Applying henna makes your hair rough and dry so if you are facing this problem of the dry scalp after applying henna then you can apply oil to your scalp after washing henna and you can also wash your hairs in a day or two.

Applying Henna Pack twice a month makes your hair beautiful, shiny, and long.
It is a conditioner for hair, it forms a protective layer for hair and provides nutrients and moisture.
It is a 100% natural product that revives those hairs that stop growing. It provides density to the hairs and gives your hair thickness.
It provides color to your hair and also protects them without penetrating the hairs.

Essential things needed before applying Mehndi

Henna (you can choose the color and type you like)
Lukewarm water
mixing bowl
A spoon
Some petroleum jelly
Some olive oil
An old towel
Brush
Gloves (you can use either plastic or rubber gloves for this)
A shower cap

Important things to remember before applying Mehndi

Your hair should not be washed 12 hours before applying the henna.
You can apply water to hair, it is better that you keep the hair dry.
After applying the henna you can wrap the hair.
You can also add a little sugar to make the mixture softer.
You can mix other things (lemon, coffee, sugar, black coffee, egg, yogurt, etc.) in the henna mixture.
Do not adopt other hair loss tips.
Be aware not to mix too many ingredients at one time, as they can cause harm by reacting.
You can apply Vaseline in those places to avoid the Henna being applied to the forehead, ear side or neck.
You can wash your hair with clean water 3 or 4 hours after applying henna. However, you need to shampoo your hair after 48 hours.
As it takes time to impart color to hair and darken them.

How to apply Mehndi

Before applying mehndi, keep all the necessary items with you.
Put Vaseline in the forehead, ear side, and neck so that the Mehndi does not spread around.
Put your gloves on your hand.
Now you can talk your hair in two parts and start applying henna on one end.
Start tying your hair while rotating them and also apply mehndi on the outer layer. After the completion of one end, put mehndi on the other end likewise.
After applying mehndi, cover your hair with a cap of plastic foil so that it can give the right color to your hair.
If you are in a hurry, then wash after 1 hour, or leave them and wash them after 3-4 hours with lukewarm water. Hair will look very shiny and soft.

Color your hair with Henna

In today’s time, people apply Henna only for hair coloring, it not only gives good color to your hair but also protects against harmful side effects. Henna is a very effective herbal remedy for fresh and prolonged hair.

How to use henna

The material you will need

Henna Powder – 2 cups
Amla Powder – 1/2 cup
Shikai powder – 2 tbsp
Egg White – 1
Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Basil powder – 1 teaspoon
Raj powder – 1 tsp

Method:

In the evening, mix all these powders in a vessel, now adding lukewarm water to it, is better if you mix this paste in an iron pot. Because ironware gives more color as Henna is oxidized with iron. Then let it stay like this overnight. The next day in the morning you should apply this paste properly to your hair. After 4-5 hours of applying, wash it with lukewarm water. This will make your hair soft, shiny, and also strong.

Apply mehndi to enhance your hairs

If your hair is not growing, you can use henna to increase hair length. Henna imparts a healthy shine and volume to your hairs, it can be used to make your own essential oils, so that you are free from hair fall, white hairs, and hair pollution. This oil promotes hair growth naturally

The material you will need

Henna powder-5 cups
Indian sesame oil (gingelly or til oil) – 1 / 4kg

Boil the gingelly oil until it is very hot, after boiling 5-8 minutes, add the henna powder to it. Allow the mixture to cool. And after that, you apply it to your hair. If you use it 1 or 2 times a month, your hair will become stronger soon.

Applying henna has some disadvantages also

It provides only a type of hair color for richer results you need to add tea strands, Jamaican flower, chamomile, and an essential oil like olive.
You need to let it rest for more time as compared to other dyes. Commercial dyes need 45 minutes’ time while henna needs 4-5 hours’ time to give color.
Henna will dry your hair so you need to mix it with moisturizing oils and creams.

Suggested Read: 10 Worst Hair Care Mistakes