Buzz
Henna is a natural, plant-based dye that can be used to color your hair with a reddish-brown tint. The application process can be a bit messy, so it's crucial to take precautions to avoid staining your forehead or surrounding skin. After applying the Henna paste, you need to wrap your hair in plastic and let it sit for several hours before rinsing. Preparation is key when using Henna for hair dye, as the powder must be mixed and left to sit for a few hours before application. Therefore, you should prepare the mixture in advance.
Steps
Preparing the Henna Application
Mixing Henna Powder. Henna comes in powder form and must be mixed with water before applying it to your hair. Combine 1/2 cup (50 g) of Henna powder with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of warm water and mix thoroughly. If needed, add a tablespoon (15 ml) of water at a time until the mixture reaches a mashed potato-like consistency.
- Once the powder and water are mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 12 hours.
- When you're ready to apply the Henna, add a bit more water to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
Wash and dry your hair. Your hair needs to be clean before applying Henna powder. During your shower or bath, use your regular shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and styling products. Rinse thoroughly. After bathing, towel-dry your hair, use a blow dryer, or let it air dry.
- Avoid using conditioner as the oils in it can prevent the Henna from fully penetrating your hair strands.
Protect your hairline with oil. If you have long hair, tie it back to keep it away from your face, shoulders, and neck. For shorter hair, use a headband to prevent it from touching your face. Apply a small amount of coconut oil, body butter, or petroleum jelly along your hairline, including your forehead, neck, and ears.
- The oil acts as a barrier between the Henna and your skin, preventing staining around the hairline.
Comb and part your hair. Let your hair down and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle it. This step ensures your hair is smooth and free of knots. Part your hair down the middle and let it fall evenly on both sides.
- There’s no need to section your hair, as you’ll apply the Henna in layers.
Protect your skin. Henna can get messy, so it’s best to wear old clothes and drape an old towel or cloth over your shoulders for protection. Pull the towel over your shoulders and neck, securing it with clips or pins. Since Henna can stain your skin, wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands and nails.
- You can also use a plastic cape, poncho, or haircut cape for added protection.
- Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe off any stray dye immediately.
Applying the Henna mixture
Apply the mixture to a small section of hair. Start with the outermost layer. Take a section of hair about 5 cm thick from the center back of your head. Separate this section from the rest. Use a large dye brush or your fingers to apply 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 g) of Henna paste to the roots. Spread the mixture down to the ends, adding more if needed.
- Henna paste isn’t as smooth as regular dye, so ensure the hair is evenly coated from roots to tips.
Twist the hair and secure it on top of your head. Once the entire first section is coated, twist the hair a few times and wrap it into a bun on the crown. The sticky Henna mixture will hold the bun in place, but you can use clips for extra security.
- For shorter hair, twist and clip the section on top to avoid interference while applying Henna to the next section.
Apply the mixture to the next section of hair. Continue with the outer layer. Take a new 5 cm thick section next to the first. Use your fingers or a dye brush to apply the Henna paste to the roots. Spread it down to the ends, adding more paste as needed, until the entire section is covered.
Twist and wrap the new section around the first bun. Twist the dyed section a few times and wrap it around the initial bun. The sticky Henna will hold it in place, but you can use clips for added stability.
- For shorter hair, twist and clip the section onto the first bun.
Continue applying the mixture to the remaining hair. Work through small sections as before, moving toward the front and sides of your head. Apply Henna to thin sections about 5 cm wide to ensure even coverage. Once the outer layer is fully coated, repeat the process for the inner layers until all your hair is covered.
- Keep twisting and wrapping each section around the initial bun.
Press the paste around the hairline. Once each section of hair is coated and twisted into a bun, you can begin pressing the mixture around the hairline, adding more to areas that appear thin or need extra coverage. Pay special attention to the edges and roots.
Let the paste set and rinse it out
Wrap your hair in plastic. After your hair is fully covered, use a long piece of plastic wrap to encase your hair. Wrap it around the hairline, covering your entire head and crown, but leave your ears exposed.
- Wrapping your hair in plastic keeps the Henna paste warm, moist, and allows it to set.
- If you need to go outside while the paste sets, you can wrap a scarf over the plastic for added coverage.
Keep the Henna paste warm and let it set. It typically takes 2-4 hours for the Henna paste to set. The longer you leave it on, the deeper and brighter the color will be. Keep the paste warm to enhance the dye’s effectiveness. Stay indoors if it’s cold outside or wear a hat if you need to go out.
- You can leave the Henna paste on for up to 6 hours if you want the most vibrant results.
Rinse thoroughly with conditioner. Once the Henna paste has set, put on gloves and remove the plastic wrap. Stand under a shower to rinse out the Henna mixture. Apply conditioner to help soften the paste.
- Continue applying conditioner and rinsing until the water runs clear and no paste remains in your hair.
Wait a few days for the color to fully develop. Hair dyed with Henna typically takes 48 hours to reveal its true shade. Initially, your hair may appear bright orange. Over the next few days, the color will deepen and become less orange-toned.
Touch up new hair growth. Henna is a long-lasting dye, so you don’t need to worry about fading or washing out over time. You can reapply Henna for a deeper, richer color or simply touch up the roots as they grow out.
- When touching up roots, leave the Henna on for the same duration as the initial application to achieve a consistent color.
What you’ll need
- Henna powder
- Towel
- Coconut oil
- Dye brush
- Old clothes
- Old towel
- Hair clips
- Gloves
- Damp cloth
- Comb
- Plastic wrap
- Conditioner
Warnings
- It is not recommended to apply Henna to hair within 6 months of perming, straightening, or using other chemical dyes. Similarly, avoid these treatments for 6 months after applying Henna.
- If you’ve never used Henna before, test it on a small, inconspicuous strand of hair a few days in advance to ensure the desired color. Apply the paste to a small section, leave it on for 2-4 hours, then rinse. Wait 48 hours to observe the final color.
Tips
- Protect floors and countertops with cloth to avoid staining from the dye.
- Henna always produces a reddish tint. On black hair, it results in a reddish-brown shade, while on blonde hair, it creates an orange-red hue.
- If the Henna mixture drips after application, add 1/4 teaspoon of Xanthan Gum as a thickening agent to make the paste more adhesive.
