The Lowdown on Henna

For those of us who cringe at the thought of chemically coloring our hair, henna is a healthy alternative, and if applied properly it can do your hair good. A powdered extract of the Egyptian plant Lawsonia Inermis, henna has been used as a natural hair and skin dye for thousands of years, mainly throughout India and the Middle East.
Henna is best suited to dark or reddish hair types, and not to lighter hair—unless you’re aiming for bright orange locks!

If you have noticeable white or gray hair, beware as they will also turn orange.
When shopping for your henna, be sure to choose “body art quality henna”. This variety binds with the keratin in your hair shaft to create thicker and softer hair.
Experts claim that body art quality henna provides a strong, permanent color that is easy to rinse, while the majority of henna products on the market, or “compound henna”, contain additional ingredients including dyes and metallic salts, which can be harmful in the long run. If you want to color your hair, wait a good three months after your henna application.
While body art henna is more expensive, it is worth the investment.

Here’s how to apply:

• Mix henna powder with lemon juice (or any citrus juice, such as orange or grapefruit) until you’ve made a thick, clumpy paste. Let mixture sit overnight at room temperature.
• Apply generously to dry hair on your scalp and from the back of the head to the front. Avoid getting henna on your ears and neck as it will stain the skin for a few days if left on.
• Cover your hair in plastic wrap for between 2 and 5 hours. The longer you leave it on, the more intense the color will be.
• Rinse henna with warm water, and shampoo to get the last bits out. Your new hair color will be brighter in the first few days, but should darken with time.