Henna Hair Dyeing

There is a way to dye hair without hurting it and it is with henna. It not only helps change your looks, but also improves hair structure.

They say, when a woman changes her hair style, it will change her life. For the changes to be pleasant it is worthwhile using one of the most effective yet mild ways of changing hair style. There is a wide range of recepies. You can have golden hair curls or dark blue and black locks. You only need to add special ingredients to henna.

Before you dye your hair with henna, mind that after it you will not be able to use usual hair dye, because henna creates a protective layer around every hair. Sometimes you may have unexpected effects. Hair can become blueish or greenish. Be ready for these fantastic effects, too.

If you want to dye your hair effectively, prepare all the necessary things. Henna must be fresh. You can tell it from its colour. The ideal henna colour is deeply green. However, brown colour is not a good sign.

Other things include:

• ceramic bowl
• old towel
• rubber gloves
• a spoon
• facial oily cream
• essential oils: rosemay, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus
• shampoo
• shower cap
• hot water 90-95 C

You can have lemon juice instead of water. Acids help colouring pigment penetrate hair structure.

How much henna do you need? It depends on hair length and thickness. For short hair 50 grams are enough. Longer hair (below shoulder) will need up to 300 grams.

Place henna powder inside a bowl, pour hot water on it and mix it thoroughly till the mass becomes smooth. It must be as thick as cream. For the colour to dye evenly add one of the essential oils mentioned above. They also help pigment penetrate deeper inside hair. Next the mixture should stay a while in a warm place. It may take from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Spread the mixture over clean slightly wet hair starting from the back of the head. It is important not to use hair balms or masks before dyeing. Put rubber gloves on your hands and apply oily cream to your face, ears and neck to avoid colouring them. When your hair is completely covered with henna, put on a shower cap. You can put a towel over it to keep your head warm. It will help better dye hair.

The time of dyeing depends on the initial hair colour and the desired result.

15-20 minutes will be enough for blond girls who wish to become redhaired.

40-50 minutes are long enough for darker hair.

1.5 - 2 hours is just right for black hair.

After dyeing wash away henna with pouring water without shampoo. Keep your gloves on to avoid colouring your hands.

If you add certain ingredients to your henna, you can have different shades of hair.

If you want reddish hair, add beetroot juice, hibiscus tea or boiled red wine instead of water.

Ground coffee beans, black tea, cacao, ground cloves with red wine will help hair become brown.

Despite stereotypes you can have lighter shades with henna's help, too. For this brew two tablespoons of camomile with half a glass of hot water, then add it to henna. Or you can cut rhubarb, boil it for 20 minutes and use its broth instead of water.

Enjoy your new hair made with henna's help.