Last updated on October 17th, 2023 at 11:08 am
For years’ henna has been used as a beauty-enhancing ingredient for hair and skin in many communities. Coupled with its numerous benefits, it is never a bad idea to use henna on your hair. Henna is a permanent hair color solution that stains each strand of hair in vibrant color.
Henna cannot penetrate your hair shafts which means it does not alter the molecular bonds of your hair. However, how do you find the best henna for hair use, and what should you expect from it?
Recommended Henna (At a Glance)
- Red / Orange Henna Hair Dye / Color – 1 Pack – The Henna Guys
- 100% Pure Henna Powder For Hair Dye The Henna Guys (200g)
- Just Jaivik 100% Organic Indigo Powder – 227 gms
- Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder
- Godrej Nupur Henna Mehndi for Hair Color
Which henna is bad for your hair?
Black henna contains a toxic chemical called PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which makes the hair dyes more permanent and results in darker hair color. Unfortunately, the chemical is also present in most hair dyes that you buy or get in the salon.
Ensure your henna does not have additives, preservatives, or chemicals like PPD. These compounds will damage your hair as well as your scalp. In addition, they may make your hair thin and brittle.
Which henna is chemical-free?
Pure, organic henna is safe for your skin and hair. Your aim should be to buy chemical-free henna. We have compiled a list below of natural henna powders you can use on your hair.
Top 5 Best Henna for Hair
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Red / Orange Henna Hair Dye / Color – 1 Pack – The Henna Guys
The Henna Guys henna is a natural single ingredient hair color that contains nothing but pure henna powder. The henna naturally contains red pigment that colors hair red. It is made from premium selected henna leaves to make the most delicate milled henna powder.
The henna powder is triple sifted, resulting in a finer pasted that is easier to mix, apply, and rinse off. In addition, the powder is 100% natural, and it has zero chemicals and zero metallic salts.
Features
- 100% Natural
- Product weight: 100 Grams
- Basic Application Kit
Pros
- Zero Chemicals, Zero Metallic Salts,
- Triple cloth sifted for a smoother paste
- Cruelty-Free, Parabens-Free, and Gluten-free
- Comes with a Shower cap, Gloves, and Instructions
Cons
- It does not work on grey hair
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100% Pure Henna Powder For Hair Dye The Henna Guys (200g)
This henna powder is Ammonia-free, pesticide-free, gluten-free, and peroxide-free. It is 100% natural, raw, vegan, and free of harmful additives. The powder has a high lawsone content for improved results. All while being chemicals and metallic salts free.
The powder can be used for hair coloring and conditioning. It gives red undertones on black / dark hair, dying grey hair to red/orange. The triple sifted powder ensures you get a non-clumpy paste that is easy to apply and wash off. Its red color also makes it the best henna for gray hair.
Features
- 100% Natural
- High Lawson Content
- Triple Cloth Sifted
Pros
- Forms non-clumpy paste for easy application
- Free of Harmful Additives
- Chemicals and Metallic Salts Free
Cons
- Color does not last long
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Just Jaivik 100% Organic Indigo Powder – 227 gms
This 100% pure indigo powder provides nourishment for your hair during the colouring process. It is a natural but effective hair colouring solution that offers gentle conditioning for your hair.
It can be used to color hair regularly as it is chemical, paraben, ppd, peroxide, and ammonia free. So there is no chance of hair damage. Additionally, it is easy to apply and washes off easily leaving your hair feeling smooth and manageable.
You can expect to achieve color change in 60-90 minutes by simply mixing it with water to form a thick paste and applying it to your hair. Lastly, it comes packed in an aluminium foil pack to preserve its freshness.
Features
- 100% chemical-free
- Powder form
- Size: 227 grams
Pros
- Nourishes the hair
- Natural hair conditioner
- Easy to use
- 100% organic
- No expiry date
Cons
- Leave residue on hair if not rinsed out properly
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Hannah Natural 100% Pure Henna Powder
This henna powder is made from 100% pure henna leaves. It is 100% chemical-free making it an ideal hair conditioner. The kit comes with two packs of 50 grams each, pair of gloves, a shower cap, and complete detailed instructions.
The henna will produce a vibrant red color that is permanent and fade-proof. The henna powder can also be used as a hair strengthening conditioner.
Features
- Ingredients: 100% pure henna leaves
- Two packs of 50 grams each
Pros
- 100% chemical-free
- Excellent hair conditioner
- It comes with a pair of gloves, a shower cap, and complete detailed instructions
Cons
- Can over dye light hair
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Godrej Nupur Henna Mehndi for Hair Color
The Godrej Nupur Henna contains the nine natural herbs, Brahmi, Shikakai, Aloe Vera, Methi, * Bhringraj, Amla, Neem, Hibiscus, and Jatamansi. These herbs help to promote hair growth, color, and condition hair. They also help make your hair strong and silky—this 100% chemical-free all-natural herbal henna.
It comes in a 400-gram pack, and it can be used multiple times. The henna is guaranteed to produce an unmatched rich burgundy shade and quality each time.
Features
- Infused with nine herbs
- Size: 400 gm
- Rich burgundy shade
- Contains conditioning polysaccharides
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Excellent hair conditioner
- 100% chemical-free
Cons
- It smells like dried herbs
Advantages and Disadvantages of henna for hair
Henna is a natural product that has many benefits when used on hair. But it also has its quacks. Here is a list of pros and cons of using henna on your hair;
Benefits
- An inexpensive box-dye alternative
- It can be done at home, with or without assistance
- You can customize shades you want from one product
- An excellent option for those who are looking to cover gray hairs regularly
- It covers well and blends naturally
- No required wait time between henna treatments
- It can be mixed with other natural ingredients to enhance results and benefits
- It can be left on the hair for more extended periods to deepen the color without damaging it
- It acts like a deep conditioning treatment that helps to improve hair health and elasticity
- Regular use of henna may increase hair growth
- Henna has antibacterial properties that improve dandruff or acne on the scalp
- Provides permanent dye results and lasts longer than traditional dye
- Henna color is less prone to fading. It fades gradually for a subtler and natural-looking effect
- It does not leave such a harsh line between along the un-colored hair when your roots grow in
- It also helps to reduce hair loss due to it heir strengthening effect
- Excellent alternative for people who are sensitive to traditional dyes
Cons
- It cannot be used to lighten the hair. It can only darken the color
- Each application will add another “layer” of color
- It should not be used on top of chemical hair dye
- It is recommended you wait at least a month or two after your last dye or perm
- Henna reacts with metals and should not be prepared in metal bowls or mixed with metal utensils
- The color may appear different for the first 72 hours
- Heat styling can darken the shade, especially within the first three days
- Exposure to sun and washing over time will cause subtle color fading
- The color can change dramatically in different lighting
- Hair may feel coarse immediately after rinsing
- The color will bleed for the first few washes
- Application is time-consuming, and it also requires a lengthy preparation in advance
- Its thick, gritty consistency makes application extremely messy
- It can stain skin and nails. And other surfaces, fabrics, and utensils
- It has a very earthy smell similar to hay. Which may be off-putting to some.
- Different henna powder brands have different consistencies, ingredients, and grit
- Henna is difficult to rinse out once it has dried on your hair
- It may lead to over-bright results when used on light hair
- Darker hair colors may not experience any color changes
- May cause hair dryness, especially if left on the hair for a more extended period
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction
- It may loosen your curl pattern
FAQs:
How long is the application process for Henna Hair Dye?
Henna does not contain color developers that usually speed up the application process time. As a result, it takes a longer time to get a result. Therefore, you should leave it on for 3-4 hours.
Does Henna give 100% grey coverage?
Henna is made from plant-based ingredients, and this may not always guarantee 100% coverage as the powder color intensity may vary.
Can henna provide coverage with only one application for first-time users?
You may need to use it severally to get full coverage. Fortunately, henna does not have a waiting period before you can use it again. However, it is advisable to wait 72 hours for the color to develop before doing another application.
Henna only comes in red color naturally; how do you get other shades?
You can mix it with other herbs like indigo which naturally contains blue color, to create a unique blueish shade. You can also mix it with other herbs such as amla or cassia to create a different color. You can also mix henna with brewed tea or food coloring to alter the resulting color.
Can I wash my hair right after rinsing henna?
Wait for at least 48-hours before shampooing your hair. The sulfate in the shampoo will wash out the hair color before it gets a chance to settle in.
Conclusion:
The best henna for hair should be 100% natural first and foremost. It should also be easy to mix. The packaging should come with a set of instructions. Which will help guide you on the best way to mix your henna for best results. It should also be in a resealable dark pack to avoid light or air damage to the leftover henna.