Henna is a dye of natural origin, which is obtained from the leaves of lavsonium (cinchona shrub). The henna leaves are first harvested, then dried and triturated. Fresh henna has a yellow-green color, but eventually acquires a reddish hue. Such henna cannot be used.
According to historical information, Iranian henna was used as a medicinal and cosmetic product seven thousand years ago. In this capacity, it is used now. This plant crop contains a large amount of tannins and oils, so its effect on the hair is extremely beneficial.
Pros of using henna for hair coloring
Iranian hair henna protects the strands from the negative effects of the sun and the environment, strengthens the roots and treats hair damaged by improper care or chemical dyes. By the way, henna powder dyes hair for a long time (almost like paint), but it does not violate their structure. In addition, Iranian henna contains substances that tighten the scaly outer layer and give the hair a shiny and well-groomed appearance.
Cons Of Using Henna
Almost the only drawback of using henna for hair coloring is that this vegetable dye dries hair and scalp very much. Therefore, henna is not recommended for coloring dry, brittle or damaged hair.
Another negative point is the stains on clothes and towels that cannot be removed by any means. You need to work with henna with rubber gloves, and to avoid stains on your face, neck or clothes, you should use a special wrap made of polyethylene or rubberized fabric.
How to make henna
Iranian henna is brewed in two ways - cold and hot. The hot method involves brewing henna in boiled water at room temperature, cold - in acidic water without preheating. You can use dry wine, water with vinegar or with lemon. Pay attention to the dye consumption rate:
1. For short hair - 50 g henna.
2. For hair length to the neck - 100 g.
3. For medium-length hair (on the shoulders) - 150 g.
4. For long hair - 250 g.
The subtleties of the staining procedure
Everything necessary for coloring hair with henna needs to be prepared in advance. Before applying henna to the hair, it should be carefully rubbed with a wooden spatula so that there are no lumps. Hair should be dyed with a flat comb, smearing strand by strand from all sides.
Duration of staining is determined by the desired color intensity. It is very important that the hair is warm during the dyeing process, therefore it is recommended to cover the head with a warming bandage. Since the dye contains only natural components, you can not be afraid that it will damage your curls. On average, such a remedy as Iranian henna is kept on the hair from 45 minutes to two to three hours.
Hair should be thoroughly rinsed with plenty of water at the end of the procedure. Then they need to rinse with acidified water for shine.
Please note: Iranian colorless henna for hair is used for coloring. White henna or “color” henna has nothing to do with Iranian.