Every woman knows that hair coloring harms their condition and appearance, despite the fact that modern manufacturers of dyes constantly insist on the minimum content of harmful components. But still there are dyeing methods and dyes, the use of which not only does not spoil the hair, but even makes them healthy, strong and shiny - the pride of their owner. This is a henna and basma stain - natural dyes, which are used by a large number of women in the world.
About the benefits of henna and basma
Henna is the dried and ground leaves of a plant of Lavsonium, native to North Africa and the Middle East. The leaves of this shrub contain a large amount of essential oils, vitamins, tannins.
Due to the content of essential oils, the persistent smell of which absorb hair during dyeing, henna also has a relaxing effect. The tannins, which are rich in henna, normalize the sebaceous glands of the scalp, thereby preventing the appearance of dandruff. A complex of vitamins, including vitamins of groups C, B and beta-carotene, nourishes the hair, making it soft, shiny and silky.
Another natural dye is basma, which is obtained from the leaves of indigophera. This plant can be found in East Asia. Basma, like henna, contains a large amount of vitamins and essential oils.
Hair coloring with henna and basma has its advantages, the main one of which is that they can be used during pregnancy, since they do not contain additional chemical components.
Cons of staining with natural dyes
Undoubtedly, there are a lot of advantages of staining with henna or basma, but there are some disadvantages of this method of painting that you need to know in advance:
- henna is a very persistent dye, so after dyeing hair with henna it is impossible to change their color, you should wait until the hair regrowth;
- hair coloring with henna and basma is long-term, since these dyes last longer on hair than chemical dye, about 7-8 months; but it is still necessary to tint the hair every 2-3 months so that the color is juicy;
- the intensity and shade of color depends on the natural color of the hair; so, on fair hair, henna or basma give a very bright color, and on hair of dark shades - less bright;
- Does not recommend frequent (2 times a month or more) staining with henna or basma, since you can achieve the opposite effect, the hair will become dull.
Hair color selection
Before dyeing hair, you should determine the result that will be obtained after dyeing. The first hair coloring with henna and basma involves a mini-test: apply dye to a thin strand of hair, rinse the mixture after 30 minutes, the result will allow you to know in advance the color that will be obtained after dyeing.
It should be noted that the color intensity depends on the mixture itself, as well as on the staining time: the longer the exposure, the more intense the color.
How to get different shades, coloring hair with natural dyes?
When dyeing hair with one henna:
- brown and black hair will acquire shades of red, from copper to copper-red;
- brown hair can acquire shades from orange-red to sandy-red;
- owners of blond or gray hair can get flashy shades, from carrot to red.
Henna is used as a separate dye, unlike basma, which must be mixed with henna in various proportions.
Henna and Basma - proportions:
- to get black, you must observe the proportion of henna: basma = 1: 3;
- a dark chestnut color will turn out if you add henna to the mixture: basma = 1: 1 beet juice or red wine;
- Golden-red color can be achieved if henna: basma = 2: 1 is added to the mixture of chamomile.
After choosing the appropriate shade, you can begin to prepare the mixture for staining, and then directly to the painting itself.
Rules for preparing the mixture for staining
The mixture is best brewed in ceramic or glassware. The powder should be mixed with hot water, the temperature of which should not exceed 80 degrees. Do not pour henna powder with boiling water, as it loses its properties.
Hair coloring with henna and basma can be done in two ways:
- mix henna and basma powder immediately, preparing a mixture for coloring;
- dye your hair with henna, and then immediately basma, this method allows you to monitor the color intensity.
Henna should be applied to clean, slightly dried hair. For staining with henna, gloves, a brush or a sponge should be used to gently apply the mixture to the hair, bypassing areas of the skin, since this dye is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not rub off.
After coloring, you need to wrap your hair with plastic wrap, then a towel - in order to create a greenhouse effect that will allow the henna to soak the hair well. The staining time must be chosen independently, it depends on the desired result, usually the exposure time is from 30 minutes to 2 hours or more.
After a certain time, wash the mixture with hair with warm water. Do not use shampoo, as the color of henna is manifested and fixed within 2-3 days, allow the dye to soak into the hair tissue.