Introduction
Henna is a natural ingredient which has been used since times immortal to provide color to hair and skin. However, in modern times, the orange tint of henna is not preferred by many and hence cream based hair colors got a preference over henna. But this is where henna based hair color comes into play and is gaining immense popularity due to its natural composition and myriad benefits. Derived from the henna plant, it offers a safer alternative for coloring hair. And contrary to popular belief that henna will spoil hair, henna based hair color can provide hues that match modern style and also nourish hair.
In this blog, we will talk about henna based hair color in further detail and cover its benefits, application process and essential tips so that our readers can understand it better and use it for their advantage.
Benefits of Henna Based Hair Color
Natural Ingredients
In today’s age of wellness and sustainability, the trend towards embracing natural solutions extends beyond our diet and skincare routine to encompass grey hair coloring as well. Ammonia, paraben, and other aggressive agents commonly present in hair coloring products strip the hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Moreover, these chemicals penetrate the hair shaft, causing structural damage and weakening its integrity over time. This can lead to issues such as split ends, frizz, and overall dullness. Hence, transitioning to gentler, natural alternatives like henna based hair color is not just a choice but a necessity for maintaining luscious locks and a healthy scalp. Natural ingredients might work slow, but could provide long lasting results.
Hair Health Benefits
Henna has a lot of benefits for hair health and its beauty. Here are a few of them, which in turn also make henna based hair color a great choice to dye grey hair.
- Strengthens Hair: Henna coats the hair shaft, creating a protective layer that strengthens each strand, reducing breakage and split ends.
- Enhances Hair Texture: Regular use of henna can improve the texture of hair, making it smoother, softer, and more manageable.
- Promotes Hair Growth: Henna stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth and preventing hair loss.
- Conditions Hair: Henna acts as a natural conditioner, moisturising hair and leaving it shiny and lustrous.
- Balances Scalp pH: Henna helps to balance the pH of the scalp, preventing issues like dandruff and scalp irritation.
- Natural Sun Protection: Henna forms a protective barrier on the hair, shielding it from the harmful effects of UV rays and environmental pollutants.
- Adds Volume: Henna gives hair a thicker appearance by coating each strand, resulting in added volume and body.
- Improves Scalp Health: Henna possesses antimicrobial properties that help to keep the scalp clean and free from infections.
Long-Lasting Color
Henna based hair color offers unparalleled longevity compared to traditional hair dyes. The secret lies in henna’s natural composition and its unique interaction with the hair shaft. Henna molecules bind tightly to the hair cuticle, creating a lasting color that gradually fades over time, rather than washing out abruptly like chemical dyes. Additionally, henna’s conditioning properties help seal moisture into the hair, further extending the lifespan of the color. For those seeking vibrant, long-lasting results without compromising hair health, henna based hair color is the ultimate choice. Further, ensuring the right application can further increase the longevity of these colors on hair.
Preparing for Henna Hair Coloring
Choosing the Right Henna Product
It is interesting to note that today we see many forms of henna based hair color in the market. Since henna is a versatile ingredient, it could be used in different ways to apply on hair, and depending on what works better for you, you can make the choice. Henna can be used in its original form to apply on hair. To cover the orange shade that it leaves on hair, application of Indigo post henna is essential as it gives the required black color to hair. The other available variation is a henna paste. Caaru’s henna based hair color comes in powder form and one must mix water to make a paste and apply. This is a great option for those looking for different shades, just like the choices they get in regular chemical based hair colors, yet want a safer option which is convenient to use too!
Preparing Your Hair
To use henna based hair color and ensure that you get the right shade and grey hair coverage, it is essential to keep your hair dry and oil free. So, apply henna based hair color on clean hair only, without the prior application of any other product as that could leave a coating on hair and prevent henna from doing its job.
Further, few things you will need handy before application are an old towel, a bowl to make the paste, a glass of luke warm water, a brush or gloves (included in a Caaru pack, along with shower cap too).
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide
- Begin the application process by taking the required amount of henna hair color in a bowl (preferably steel or glass that can be washed easily). Add luke warm water in small portions and keep mixing to avoid any lumps. Wear gloves and mix with hand or use a brush. Do not use hands directly. Cover your shoulders with an old towel and once the paste is ready, start the application on hair. Ensure your hair are combed and apply the color in small strands of hair and continue till all hair are covered. Keep things neat by avoiding any color from spilling on the hair line. If needed, pre-coat the hair line with vaseline or oil to avoid staining.
- Leave this on hair for about 30 minutes and then wash it off. First wash with normal water to get rid of the excess color and then use shampoo. For Caaru henna based hair color, we recommend the use of shampoo to avoid any particles of henna from staying behind on hair as that in turn could result in dryness.
- Blow dry/use conditioner and style as you like and you are all set to get going! That’s it. There is nothing complex about using henna based hair color.
Tips for Achieving Vibrant Color
To ensure that you get the right shade that lasts longer, take care of the following things about henna based hair color –
- Pick the right color shade. Just like there are shades of varying intensity and darkness available in the chemical hair color category, the same goes for henna based hair color. The right choice of shade depends on your skin tone, hair texture and personal style. So firstly, make the right choice. Further, you can also mix 2 colors of Caaru henna based hair color to get a unique shade! If you are looking for further help with how a hair color can make you look younger, read our blog here.
- Ensure you add just the right amount of water to henna based hair color powder to make a paste that is not too thick as that will not spread on hair easily, nor too thin which will give a lighter shade and fade away soon too.
- Do not apply on oily hair.
- Do not wash away the color too soon, nor keep it for way too long.
- You must use a shampoo to wash away the color. Just water is not enough to clean hair post application of henna based hair color.
Aftercare Tips
Washing and Maintenance
Caaru henna based hair color does not require excessive maintenance and it lasts long. If you follow the application process right, you can expect great results! The presence of amla and shikakai helps keep hair soft as well.
For further enhancement of hair health, follow regular practice like oiling, massaging hair scalp and yoga, along with using products made out of natural ingredients.
Touch-Up Recommendations
To maintain the color, you can do a regular touch up of greys that appear and there is no need to always fully color the entire head. If you have chosen the right shade, it will just blend in and the coloured greys will not stand out oddly. One box of Caaru henna based hair color can easily last for about 4-6 touch ups. Once applied, this henna based hair color can easily last upto 30-40 days and in this period, you can maybe just do a touch up once if you really feel like a few greys are appearing.
Conclusion
We hope this has given you a deep insight about henna based hair color to dye your grey hair. To conclude, we would like to summarise stating that if you are looking for a safer alternate to chemical based hair color then henna based hair color can be your thing! It will give the same color shade and results and yet cause lesser damage to hair. But one must be cautious as many brands claim to be henna based, yet load up their products with harsh chemicals.
At Caaru, we add minimal chemicals to the composition, just to control the orange shade of henna and balance the application time. We are transparent about it and this gives us the flexibility to offer multiple shades for you to choose from. So give henna based hair color a try and we assure that you will be super happy with the choice you make!
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