Everyone seems to be searching for the secret to growing long hair, but the real question should be: how can you retain the length you already have? The answer might surprise you—henna.
Known for its vibrant dyeing properties and use in stunning cultural hand art, henna is more than just a natural colorant. It’s a game-changing treatment for strengthening hair and promoting healthier, longer locks. Let’s dive into why this ancient ingredient is your hair’s new best friend.
What is henna?
Henna, derived from the leaves of the Lawsonia Inermis plant, has been used for centuries as a natural hair dye and conditioner. Its unique chemical composition and long history of use have made it a popular choice for hair care across various cultures. Beyond its dyeing capabilities, henna offers several benefits for improving hair health, reducing breakage, and promoting a healthy scalp. In this post, we’ll explore the amazing benefits of henna and its equally impressive cousin, neutral henna or Cassia (Cassia Obovata).
Henna for hair growth:
Whilst henna does not stimulate hair growth per se, it has amazing properties to increase length retention and reduce breakage (which in my humble opinion is wayyyy more important since breakage is natural hair’s no.1 enemy of progress).
Henna contains lawsone, a natural dye molecule that binds to the keratin in hair. This process creates a protective layer around each strand, reducing porosity and strengthening the hair shaft. Research highlights that this bond fortifies the hair against damage caused by mechanical stress (e.g., brushing or heat styling) and reduces breakage.
Cassia henna is derived from the leaves of the Cassia Obovata plant. Cassia contains anthraquinones, which are known to also bind to the keratin in hair, forming a protective layer that enhances strength and reduces breakage. This has similar effects to traditional henna (Lawsonia inermis) but without the intense pigmentation.
Henna for shiny and frizz-free hair :
Struggling with dull, frizzy hair? Henna might just be the solution you’ve been searching for! One of the first things you’ll notice after a henna treatment is how shiny and manageable your hair becomes.
When applied, henna works wonders to enhance your hair’s texture and manageability. Its natural conditioning properties smooth the hair cuticle, creating a sleek surface that reflects light for a noticeable shine. At the same time, it tames frizz, leaving your hair softer and easier to style.
By reducing tangling and making combing a breeze, henna helps minimize the mechanical damage often caused during grooming. With regular use, you’ll notice not just shinier hair but also healthier strands that are easier to manage.
Henna to increase hair thickness:
For anyone with fine or thinning hair, henna might be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. If you’ve always dreamed of hair that’s as voluminous as a lion’s mane, henna could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
While it’s impossible to increase your hair density (the number of hair follicles per square inch of your scalp), henna can create the illusion of thicker hair. The coating action of henna and cassia plumps up each strand, making your hair feel fuller and more robust. This is especially beneficial for those with fine hair looking to add body and texture.
P.S. Curious about ways to potentially increase hair density? Check out this blog post here for more insights!
Is henna a one-use fix and how often can it be used?
Henna treatments provide cumulative benefits, strengthening hair from root to tip, improving elasticity, and reducing split ends over time. However, it’s not a one-use miracle. To see lasting results, regular applications are key—but moderation is essential. Overusing henna without proper aftercare can sometimes cause dryness, as the treatment may strip hair of moisture if not balanced with hydration.
For optimal results, aim to use henna every 4–6 weeks. This frequency is manageable given the lengthy and sometimes messy application process. After each treatment, follow up with deep moisturising or conditioning routines to counteract any potential dryness and maintain your hair’s softness and shine.
The downsides of henna for natural hair
While henna offers many benefits for natural hair, it’s important to be aware of a few potential drawbacks:
Permanent Bonding with Hair
Henna’s active dye molecule, lawsone, binds strongly to the keratin in your hair, creating a semi-permanent stain. This bond is tough to remove, and while it may fade slightly over time, it often leaves a residual colour that’s difficult to fully wash out.
Impact on Hair Dyeing
Henna’s orange-red stain can interfere with synthetic dyes, leading to uneven or muddy colour results. Bleaching over henna-treated hair is challenging, as the lawsone molecule reacts with oxidizing agents, making it hard to lift the colour evenly. Unfortunately, the effect is permanent and can only be reversed by cutting the hair.
Cassia Obovata: A Gentler Option
Cassia, a milder alternative to henna, contains chrysophanic acid, which imparts a subtle yellow or golden tint on lighter hair. The bond it forms with keratin is temporary, making it a less intrusive option than henna. However, it may still cause slight build-up over time, affecting dye absorption.
Drying Effects
Henna’s astringent nature can dry out hair if overused. To counteract this, mix it with hydrating ingredients like conditioner, aloe vera, honey, or oils for added moisture.
Permanence of Henna vs. Cassia
Henna’s dye is permanent, and it can darken with repeated use, which may not be ideal for everyone. On the other hand, Cassia provides conditioning benefits without altering hair colour permanently.
No Protein Repair
Unlike bond-repairing treatments, Henna and Cassia works by coating the hair, offering strength without restoring broken protein bonds.
Time-Intensive Application
Henna treatments require significant preparation and application time (1–2 hours), which might be inconvenient for those with a busy schedule.
By understanding the pros and cons of henna and cassia, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your hair care goals.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Henna Base
- Measure the henna powder into your non-metallic bowl based on your hair length:
- Short hair: 20-30g
- Shoulder-length: 50-75g
- Long hair: 100g or more.
- Gradually add warm water or your chosen liquid base to the henna powder, stirring until you achieve a smooth, yogurt-like consistency. Avoid lumps by mixing thoroughly.
Step 2: Let the Henna Rest
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 6–8 hours (or overnight). This resting period allows the dye to release, enhancing the mask’s effectiveness.
Step 3: Customize Your Henna Mask
- After the resting period, mix in your chosen add-ins:
- For Strength and Volume: Add 1–2 tablespoons of amla powder.
- For Moisture: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, conditioner, or honey.
- For Scalp Stimulation: Add 5–10 drops of rosemary or peppermint essential oil.
Step 4: Apply the Henna Mask
- Shampoo your hair.
- Wear gloves to prevent staining your hands and nails.
- Section your hair into manageable parts and apply the henna paste from roots to tips, ensuring even coverage.
- Once your hair is fully coated, wrap it in a shower cap to prevent the mask from drying out.
Step 5: Leave It On
- Let the mask sit for 1–5 hours, depending on how much conditioning or strengthening you want. Cover with a plastic cap to avoid letting it dry completely, as this can make it harder to rinse out.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
- Rinse the henna out with lukewarm water. Avoid shampooing immediately after, as henna continues to condition the hair for 24–48 hours post-application.
Step 7: Condition the hair as normal
- To combat the drying effects of henna, use a deep conditioner or a rinse-out conditioner after rinsing out the henna mask.
Tips for Best Results:
- Remember, use henna masks once a month for strengthening and shine without overloading the hair.
- If you prefer a colourless option, substitute cassia obovata for henna. Cassia provides similar conditioning benefits without the red tint.
Final words
So there you go!
Now you know everything you need to know about how to use henna for hair growth, length retention, shine and thickness 🙂
Both henna and cassia offer unique benefits for natural hair, but choosing the right one depends on your hair goals and preferences.
Hope you learned something interesting with this!
With love,
A type 4 natural ♥