Wondering what natural henna is? Only the herb derived from the Lawsonia inermis shrub, which dyes hair colors ranging from copper to intense red, is legally entitled to the term " hair henna. " However, in Poland, it's common practice to call all herbal mixtures "hair henna."
They can contain various herbs which, due to the content of appropriate dyes, when mixed according to a specific recipe, will give the hair the desired color.
It is always worth checking the composition of the mixture you purchase to make sure that it contains absolutely nothing but plant ingredients, because it sometimes happens that a product labeled as natural henna for hair contains really strong chemical dyes under inconspicuous-sounding names.
For this reason, if we want to dye our hair naturally, it is worth spending some time and learning about the ingredients that are actually of natural origin. 
Natural henna - what herbs does it contain?
The most commonly used hair dyes are lawsonia, which imparts a red hue, and indigo, which imparts a black hue. These two herbs, mixed in varying proportions, are found in virtually every natural henna shade, whether brown or black.
Lawsonia is a plant cultivated both in India and in countries bordering the Mediterranean, where the weather conditions are favorable for its growth. It is primarily used as a hair dye, but interestingly, a more intense color can be achieved on hair dyed with leaves from young plants.
In addition to coloring, lawsonia also has a number of caring properties and has a beneficial effect on both the hair and scalp. This natural henna creates a protective coating around each strand, significantly thickening the hair and adding volume to the entire hairstyle. It also serves as protection against harmful external factors.
Additionally, lawsonia has a beneficial effect on the scalp, which directly translates into hair growth, as hair follicles have an ideal environment for development. Natural henna has antibacterial and anti-dandruff properties, and also prevents the growth of fungi on the scalp. Natural henna is, above all, the safest possible coloring, strengthening hair, and deeply regenerating it.
Indigo henna
The second most common herb found in natural henna hair mixtures is indigo. For centuries, it has been cultivated primarily for its excellent quality dye used in dyeing fabrics, making paints, and also for hair coloring. Indigo blooms with beautiful purple or pink flowers, and its shrubs are considered highly ornamental and can be found in many gardens.
Natural henna with indigo extract perfectly smooths the hair's surface, unifying its structure. It also adds shine and volume. 
How does amla affect hair?
In addition to the color-imparting herbs Lawsonia and Indigo, herbal coloring also includes additional herbs that also impart color or serve as excellent skincare supplements. One of these most important herbs is the increasingly popular Amla, or Emblica officinalis .
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of vitamin C and other valuable nutrients. It is used, among other things, in the very popular rejuvenating and regenerating paste called chyavanprash.
Amla is also a component of many herbal mixtures used in Ayurveda to treat a wide range of ailments affecting various body systems. Amla's cosmetic properties are not limited to hair, but it must be admitted that it is a plant that enjoys enormous popularity in hair and scalp care.
Enriching natural henna with amla significantly enhances its nourishing properties. Above all, amla prevents hair loss and strengthens hair follicles. This is crucial for healthy hair growth and helps combat thinning, lack of density, or weakening hair due to various causes.
Amla oil is also used, rubbed into the scalp, but using hair dye is an excellent way to enhance the color while also improving the condition of the hair. This can be achieved by adding amla to a herbal coloring mixture, such as henna for hair.
WHAT IS BHRINGRAJ AND HOW DOES IT WORK ON HAIR?
Bhringraj is an exotic plant known in Sanskrit as "the ruler of hair." Its hair-strengthening power has been known for centuries. Bhringraj also eliminates graying, slightly darkens hair, and can help combat baldness. It is also taken orally.
According to Ayurveda, it can also aid memory, calm hyperactivity and racing thoughts, and help combat insomnia. Used in natural facial cosmetics, bhringraj also has an effective rejuvenating effect! Natural henna with bhringraj added can therefore have a beneficial effect not only on the nourishment of the hair and scalp but also on the entire body.
HOW TO USE NEEM IN HAIR COSMETICS?
Another valuable plant used in natural henna is neem, also known as Azadirachta indica. Neem has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It creates an unfavorable environment for all kinds of fungi and microorganisms on the skin, which can weaken the hair follicles and hair itself, but also cause inflammation, breakouts, and other skin problems. Natural henna with neem also has properties that slow down graying.
WHAT OTHER PLANTS CAN BE FOUND IN NATURAL HENNA?
Acacia Concinna is the mysterious Latin name for shikakai, a powder obtained from the nut. Shikakai powder can be used on its own as an excellent and most natural shampoo, while added to natural henna for hair, it will thoroughly cleanse the scalp.
Additionally, it normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, which can be an excellent way to get rid of the problem of oily hair – which is actually the skin on the head that produces excess oil.
Shikakai also prevents dandruff. Natural henna contains shikakai primarily to regulate skin balance and add shine and softness to hair.
Another interesting plant that can be found in natural henna is bacopa monnieri, or brahmi. It is one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine, primarily affecting the nervous system. Ayurvedic doctors believe it significantly improves memory and concentration, thus rejuvenating the mind.
Interestingly, brahmi helps combat addictions—to alcohol, drugs, and even... sugar! Natural hair henna containing brahmi, in addition to its traditional Ayurvedic benefits, is excellent for brittle hair. It also stops hair loss and strengthens the scalp.
Arnica Cordifolia is a beautiful plant with yellow flowers, related to the sunflower. It doesn't have coloring properties, but when used in natural henna for hair, it has strengthening and rebuilding properties. It also restores scalp balance, providing anti-inflammatory properties and helping to combat dandruff.
Natural henna for hair enriched with the arnica cordifolia plant will therefore be an excellent natural cosmetic that will not only add color, but also nourish the hair and care for the scalp.
In India, aloe is called "kumari," meaning a young girl or virgin. This name is directly related to the properties of the plant, which has been considered a fountain of youth for centuries. Aloe tones, regulates, cleanses, accelerates healing, deeply moisturizes, regenerates… the list of its properties and uses is truly long.
Powdered aloe added to natural henna will have a wonderful effect on your hair. Its smoothing and regenerating effects will be noticeable immediately after use. Aloe added to natural henna will enhance its soothing properties, and any inflammation on the scalp will be soothed.
WHAT IS THE MATTER OF CLEAR HAIR HENNA?
Another interesting herb used to nourish hair is cassia. The leaves of this plant are a great alternative to hair conditioners and allow for completely natural hair care. Cassia contains a high level of chrysophanic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, as well as anthraquinones, which have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
The presence of these compounds in natural henna for hair primarily promotes a healthy scalp, providing the right environment for healthy and strong hair growth. Cassia also directly affects hair, restoring shine to even hair damaged by styling, styling, or simply weakened hair, reducing brittleness and improving elasticity.
Essentially, cassia is a natural hair henna that doesn't change hair color and is intended solely for hair care. However, those with naturally very light, chemically lightened, or gray hair can achieve a beautiful golden glow with cassia, and it can even slightly tint such hair.
To sum up, it can be said that the wealth of Asian herbs used for hair coloring with natural henna should encourage anyone who wants not only to take care of their health but also to comprehensively ensure the natural growth of strong and healthy hair to use herbal coloring.
