The 411 on Henna

I know I am late, but here is the post I promised about the details on Henna!

What is Henna?

Henna, lawsonia inermis, is a plant. It is a large bush, or small tree, that grows in hot, dry climates. There is evidence from Egypt that henna was regularly used to dye hair five thousand years ago, and may have been used in Jericho as early as eight thousand years ago. Henna was used to keep hair healthy and to color gray hair. Henna leaves are harvested, dried, and powdered. When mixed with a mildly acidic liquid, henna will stain skin, hair, and fingernails reddish-orange. The lower dye content leaves are harvested, roughly powdered and sifted, and sold to the hair dye industry.

What color is Henna?

Though henna grows in many countries, henna only comes in ONE color-- a reddish -orangish color. Though there are a range of shades and intensities.

But, you use Henna and your hair is orange?

Henna is translucent and blends with the natural hair color. Therefor, if your hair is dark it will remain dark. If your hair is grey/white it will turn red/orange.

What is Body Art Quality Henna?

Body quality henna is 100% pure henna. Body art quality henna is safe to use on any type of hair-- relaxed, natural, bleached, dyed, grayed, transitioning, etc. The molecules in pure body art quality henna penetrates and bind with your hair's keratin to make the hair thick, strong, and silky.

Why is the dye content important?

The higher the dye content the stronger the Henna and the dye will be. The dye content can range from 1%- 4% lawsone dye content.

Are commercial hennas in colors (black, brunette, chestnut) Body Quality Art Henna?

No! Henna comes in one color in which you can varying shades of that color depending on your natural hair color and the application of henna. Manufactures take lower qulity henna and add toxics such as metal slats, cehmical dyes, para-phenylenediamine, etc. to create these range of colors. These are called compound hennas. Compound hennas are not Body Quality henna.Hair bleach, permanent hair color, and permanent wave solution are a disastrous combination with compound (metallic salt) henna dyes. These can result in green, purple, or totally fried hair. Body art quality henna does NOT have metals, lead, and it does NOT “coat the hair.”

How do you mix henna?

Mix henna with any acidic liquid to create a thick mashed potato consistency. Lemons, bottled lemons, grapefruit juice, vinegar, wine, some acidic teas, such as black tea may be used. I personally use orange juice just because I almost always have it in the house. Cover your henna with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight at room temperature. If you have to have it sooner, put it in a warm place. As your henna rests, it will release dye. The dye must be released from the plant leaf so it can migrate into your hair. This slow, acidic release will get you the best results. If you’re in a hurry, put it in a warm place, but NOT a hot place! Your henna will be ready in two hours. Using gloved hands (Henna will stain your nails and hands) apply the henna very thickly over your hair. When all the hair is covered and the perimeter is wiped clean wrap your head in a shower cap and plastic bag. The heat from your body will keep the henna warm and help the dye uptake.

What are the benefits of henna?

Henna is a great deep conditioner that can temporarily smooth frizzy curls, add bulk to fine strands, leaving hair strong and silky. Personally, I feel that henna makes my detangling sessions easier and faster. My Grandmother swears by the henna adding thickness to her fine strands.

**The property in Henna that dyes hair the reddish color is also the property that conditions the hair**

What type of Henna do you use?

I have only used the Jamilla Henna and Rajasthani Twilight Henna at recommendation of Curly Nikki. Both have a fairly high dye content level.

Where can I buy henna?

I have bought henna from Mehandi. My grandmother has had positive experiences with purchasing henna from Lush and Henna Sooq.

There are TONS of different henna recipes and methods. I would advise you to find one that best meets your needs. 

Source combined with general internet and youtube browsing.

I do not own any of the images used and are meant only for educational purposes.

Stay tuned on how to use receive the benefits of henna with indigo for black hair or alma  to avoid the red color....