Hennaing hair

Hair henna is the process of dyeing hair using a natural plant dye – henna. Henna comes from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, which are collected and dried and ground into a fine powder – this is red henna.

Henna is also a mixture of herbs that dye hair in various colors. Hennaing hair is not only about changing the color of the hair, but also about caring for and strengthening it.

How does henna work on hair?

Henna dyes hair by binding to keratin in its outer layer. It creates a natural coating that adds volume, shine and strengthens the hair structure.

Unlike chemical dyes, henna does not penetrate deep into the hair, which makes it gentle and does not damage its structure. By binding to the outer layer of the hair, henna thickens the hair and gives the optical impression of more hair on the head.

Hair Henna - What is the process like?

Preparation of the mixture : Henna powder is mixed with water (and optional additional ingredients, such as lemon juice) to form a paste. Mix until the consistency of thick cream.

Application to hair : The mixture is applied evenly to the entire hair using gloves. A cap is placed on the hair to avoid dirt. It is best to put a hat on the cap. Henna likes warmth.

Action time : The paste remains on the hair for about two hours, but hennaing the hair can even last overnight depending on the desired effect and what our hair needs.

Washing off : After the appropriate time, the henna is washed out of the hair and the color sets in the following days. You should wait one day before using shampoo.

Why people choose hair henna - composition

Hair henna is popular among people who prefer natural methods of coloring without the use of chemicals. In addition, henna not only colors the hair, but also nourishes it, strengthens it, gives it shine and improves its overall condition.

Popular chemical dyes, such as those offered in supermarkets and drugstore chains, often contain ingredients that can be harmful to the hair, scalp and general health, for example by causing allergies. Here are some of the most controversial and potentially harmful substances that are often found in chemical hair dyes and should be avoided:

Ammonia is a strong chemical that works by opening the hair cuticles so that the dye can penetrate. Ammonia is irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It can dry out and weaken the hair and irritate the scalp. Regular use of dyes with ammonia weakens the structure of the hair, causing it to become brittle and dull.

P-phenylenediamine (PPD) is used in hair dyes to achieve lasting, deep color, especially darker shades. PPD is a known allergen. It can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation, itching, and in extreme cases even swelling, rashes or hives. Long-term exposure to PPD can lead to the development of allergies and hypersensitivity.

Resorcinol is an ingredient used to enhance color and stabilize dyes. It can cause skin and eye irritation and allergic reactions. It is also suspected of affecting the endocrine system, which raises concerns about long-term use.

Hydrogen peroxide (also known as peroxide) is used in hair dyes to lighten and open the hair cuticle, allowing the dye to penetrate the hair shaft. It is harsh on the hair, leading to dryness and weakness. High concentrations of peroxide can also irritate the scalp and lead to brittle hair.

Isopropyl alcohol is used in hair dyes as a solvent or drying agent. Isopropyl alcohol can cause dry skin and hair. Regular use of products containing this ingredient can lead to weak hair, brittleness and loss of shine.

Although chemical dyes offer quick and permanent color results, they contain ingredients that can be harmful to your hair, scalp, and overall health. Some of these ingredients, such as ammonia, PPD, and hydrogen peroxide, can lead to irritation, hair damage, and allergic reactions. Those with sensitive skin, allergies, or health concerns may want to consider alternatives like hair henna, which do not contain harmful chemicals and offer a more gentle approach to coloring.

Color effects of hair henna

Henna dyes hair mainly in shades of copper, red, chestnut, brown, black. The resulting color depends on the natural shade of hair. Hennaing hair will not lighten it, because it is necessary to remove the pigment from the hair. This is a chemical process.

Henna Mahogany Red - red henna - dyes hair in shades of deep, warm red with a distinct mahogany, brown-red tone. As with any natural henna, the color effect depends on the initial hair color.

On dark hair (brunettes, brown-haired women) the hair gains a subtle, warm mahogany shine. The color will not be very intense, but it will give the hair depth and a healthy shine.

On light hair (blond, light brown) you will get an intense, warm shade of red with a mahogany tone. On blond hair the color may come out more expressive and bright, while on brown hair it will be deeper and darker.

Gray hair will be covered with an intense mahogany red, it will get the effect of red streaks if gray hair occurs unevenly. On gray hair henna gives more visible effects and makes the hair have an orange shade. This is an introduction to start hennaing gray hair in the chosen color.

Henna Dark Chocolate dyes hair a deep, dark brown with a warm, chocolate tone. This is a shade that resembles dark, dark chocolate, and the effects depend on the natural hair color.

On dark hair (brunettes, brown-haired women) the hair will take on a deeper, intense brown with a delicate chocolate shine. The effect is subtle, but gives the hair definition and a warm shine.

On light hair (blond, light brown) the hair will become dark brown, with an intense, warm shade of dark chocolate. On light brown the effect may be more visible and intense.

To dye gray hair, you must first henna your hair red.

Hazelnut Henna dyes hair a medium, cool brown. This is a shade that resembles a light, nutty brown.

On dark hair the shade will be subtle, adding cool, brown highlights.

On light hair (blond, light brown), the hair will become distinctly light brown, with a cool shine.

Hennaing your hair with Caramel Brown Henna will give you a warm, medium brown with distinct caramel highlights, which gives the effect of sunny, golden tones in the brown.

On light hair (blond, light brown), the hair will take on an intense, caramel brown, which will look warm and golden.

On dark hair, henna will add warm, caramel highlights that will be visible in the light.

Henna Ebony Black dyes hair a deep, intense black color with a cool, neutral tone, without red or blue reflections. On dark hair, you will get a distinct, intense black, deepening the natural shade. On light hair (blond, light brown), the hair will become distinctly black, with a cool, neutral tone. However, you should avoid hennaing chemically dyed blond hair and gray hair - they may get green reflections.

WHAT WE CALL HENNA IN ORIENTANA

Henna is a natural plant dye obtained from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It contains the active chemical lawsone, which is responsible for its red-coloring properties. Henna has been used for thousands of years in ancient cultures of the Middle East, Africa and India, not only for dyeing hair, but also skin (for tattoos) and nails. It is valued for its coloring and care properties. In India, the name henna is also used for herbal mixtures together with Lawsonia created to dye hair in various colors.

Hair tinting - WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO

Composition

• Henna : It is a completely natural product. Its basic ingredient is the ground leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It does not contain artificial dyes, ammonia, oxidants or parabens. By choosing high-quality henna, you can be sure that it is a safe product, free from chemical additives.
• Chemical dyes : They consist of synthetic ingredients such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide (peroxide), artificial pigments and various preservatives. Some chemical dyes may contain irritants that weaken the structure of the hair.

HEnny in pastes, creams and other non-powdered forms

• Henna in the form of a ready-made paste is a product that is already mixed and ready for direct use. It does not consist exclusively of natural ingredients like henna powder. It contains chemical ingredients that intensify the coloring.
• Henna in the form of a cream or gel is convenient and easy to apply, but it contains chemical color intensifiers and preservatives.

origin

Hair henna should only be done with hennas of reliable brands and should not be purchased from places such as AliExpress or Allegro. Using henna for hair from an unknown source may involve many risks and consequences, both for the health of the hair and scalp. Sometimes even a thorough check of the composition of the henna is not a guarantee that its packaging actually contains these ingredients.

Unknown henna may contain harmful chemicals such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD). This ingredient, which is sometimes added to henna to achieve darker shades, can cause severe allergic reactions, burns, skin irritations, and even permanent scarring. PPD is especially dangerous if not properly labeled on the packaging. Unknown henna may contain heavy metals such as lead and mercury, which are toxic to the body. Using such products can lead to long-term health damage

How to henna your hair?

The process of hennaing your hair is relatively simple, but it does require diligence and patience. Here are the steps you need to follow to properly dye your hair with henna:

Hennaing your hair is not only about changing the color but also about care

Henna has many care properties that can significantly improve the condition of your hair.

Henna hair works as a natural conditioner, strengthening the hair structure. It creates a thin coating around the hair shaft, which protects it from mechanical damage and environmental pollution.

Thanks to the protective layer created by henna, hair becomes thicker and more voluminous. This is especially important for people with thin, delicate hair, which appears thicker and stronger after henna.

Henna helps maintain the right level of hair moisture. It acts as a natural barrier, preventing water loss. Hair becomes shinier and softer to the touch.

Henna also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for people with problematic scalps such as dandruff or seborrhea.

Who is hair henna suitable for?

Hennaing your hair is a natural coloring and care method that can be ideal for many people, but not everyone can reap the same benefits. Here’s who hennaing your hair may be particularly suitable for, and who should consider other options:

People who prefer natural products

• Natural alternative : Henna hair treatment is an ideal solution for people who want to avoid chemical hair dyes and prefer natural coloring methods.
• No synthetic substances : Pure henna does not contain ammonia, PPD, or other irritating chemicals, making it gentler on the hair and scalp.

People with sensitive scalp or allergies

• Gentle formula : Henna is much less irritating than most chemical dyes, making it a good option for people with sensitive scalps or prone to allergies to chemical dyes.
• Hypoallergenic properties : Henna is less likely to cause allergic reactions, especially if used in its pure form, without chemical additives.

People who want to strengthen and nourish their hair

• Strengthening the hair structure : Hennaing the hair not only colours it, but also strengthens the hair by closing the hair cuticles, which makes the hair stronger, smoother and more resistant to damage.
• Moisturizing and protection : Henna creates a protective layer on the hair, making it shinier and better protected against external factors such as sun and pollution.

People who want to emphasize their natural hair color

• Highlighting the natural shade : Henna can be a great solution for people who do not want a radical color change, but want to emphasize their natural shade, adding depth and shine.
• Additional highlights : Shades of henna, such as chestnut, mahogany or walnut, can add subtle, natural highlights to your hair that bring the color to life.

People who want to achieve long-lasting results

• Color durability : Henna penetrates the hair structure and does not wash out as easily as chemical dyes. Although the color may gradually change, it often lasts longer and additional applications can deepen it.
• No sudden changes : Unlike chemical dyes that can change color abruptly, henna creates more subtle, natural-looking shades that oxidize gradually.

People with hair that is prone to damage

• Hair Repair and Nourishment : Henna, a natural plant ingredient, strengthens hair and improves its condition. It is ideal for people with thin, brittle or damaged hair that needs regeneration.
• No chemical damage : Henna does not damage the hair like chemical dyes, which can weaken the structure of the hair by opening the cuticles and aggressive chemicals.

Vegetarians and vegans

• Vegan product : Henna is a plant-based product, so it is an excellent choice for people who prefer cosmetics without animal ingredients.

Who might not be suitable for henna hair treatment?

People looking for a dramatic color change

• No drastic changes : Henna does not allow for dramatic color changes, such as lightening the hair. It works best when used on natural shades that are close to the final result.
• Difficulties in obtaining cold tones : Henna most often gives hair warm, reddish-copper shades. People looking for cold shades (e.g. platinum blonde, cool brown) may be disappointed.

People who dye their hair chemically

• Difficulty changing color : After hennaing, it is difficult to switch to chemical dyes because the chemical dyes can react with the henna residues, which can lead to unpredictable effects, such as a greenish tint.
• Multi-layered color : Dyeing with henna after chemical dyeing or vice versa can produce mixed results, depending on the composition of the dye and previous coloring.

People with very light, cool blonde hair

• Undesirable shades : Henna on very light hair can give an intense, red color, which may be undesirable for people with cool blonde tones. Henna usually adds warm tones to the color, which may not match naturally cool tones. Hennaing hair with a mixture containing indigo can give green highlights to chemically lightened hair.

People who like to change their hair color frequently

• Durability of henna : The color obtained with henna is permanent and difficult to remove completely, so people who like to change their hair color frequently may not be satisfied with its durability.
• No lightening possible : Henna does not lighten hair. This means that if someone has darker hair, they will not achieve light colors such as blonde or light red.

People with hair that tends to dry out

• Possible Dryness : Although henna strengthens the hair, it can be a bit drying with frequent use, especially if used in its pure form without any moisturizing additives. People with dry hair should combine henna with moisturizing ingredients (e.g. vegetable oils, yogurt) to prevent excessive drying.