Henna is a plant-based dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis. The traditional use of henna for its hair-dyeing capabilities are well-known. However, it has a lot more hair benefits. Henna can and is often used to encourage hair beauty and growth. We have explained how henna can aid hair growth and included 7 easy ways to use it. Keep scrolling to learn more!
What Is Henna?
Henna is a dye obtained from the leaves of the henna tree. The tree is also known as the mignonette tree or the Egyptian privet. Henna has been used for centuries to create body art, dye hair, and medicinal purposes. It is still used by some cultures to adorn their feet and hands with designs in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East for celebrations like weddings and festivals. The depth of its stain can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the henna, the length of time it is left on, and the individual’s skin or hair type. What Are Its Benefits? Henna may manage dandruff, balance scalp pH and oil levels, and prevent split ends and hair fall. It may boost hair strength and stimulate hair growth. Who Can Use It? Anyone who wishes to dye their hair (especially those with damaged hair and an itchy scalp) can use henna. How Often? Use it once every 4-8 weeks. Caution Using low-quality henna or overusing it may irritate the skin and damage hair. People with sensitive skin may experience skin discomfort and redness. Henna may interfere with hair treatments like perms and relaxers.
Alexandra Graham, a belly dancer and blogger, shared that she was told that dying one’s hair with henna is permanent and irreversible. However, after researching a bit about it, she decided to go ahead with it. Alexandra writes on her blog, “It was scary orange at first. However, henna does take a few days to ‘settle’ and come to its true color (i).” After the color darkened over the next few days, she observes, “I love the way my hair looks now, and when I decide not to continue with the henna, I will just let my hair grow out.” Henna has a rich history and continues to be a popular and versatile natural herb for hair growth. Check out the benefits of this plant-based dye below.
Benefits Of Henna For Hair Growth
1. Maintains Scalp Health
Henna has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (1), (2). It can be cooling for the scalp and help maintain scalp health. It inhibits the growth of Malassezia, fungi that cause dandruff (3).
2. Balances Oil Production And pH Levels
Henna not only keeps issues like dandruff at bay but is also an excellent ingredient for balancing oil production and the pH of your scalp (4). It removes the excess oil from your hair and also restores the normal functioning of the sebaceous glandsi A microscopic gland that opens into hair follicles and releases a waxy substance called sebum to prevent dryness. (4).
3. Promotes Hair Growth And Reduces Hair Fall
A study showed that henna helped reduce hair loss (5). It also prevents split ends, reduces hair damage, and boosts scalp health. Boosted scalp health, unclogging of pores, and balanced pH levels can put a stop to hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
4. Repairs And Strengthens Hair
The nutrients in henna help in nourishing your hair while also repairing the damage. Research shows that henna reduces split ends, hair loss, and hair damage, thereby strengthening hair (6). It also helps prevent scabiesi It is a contagious, intensely itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. and scalp acne, keeping the scalp clean.
5. Conditions Hair
Henna is a herbal conditioner that keeps hair moisturized while removing excess sebum. It can be especially beneficial when used in hair packs in combination with other hydrating ingredients. Henna helps minimize issues, such as hair breakage and split ends (6). Regular use of henna may help improve hair texture by smoothing the hair cuticles and reducing frizz.
6. Medicinal
Henna possesses a large range of beneficial properties. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antidermatophytici It refers to the inhibitory activity against a group of fungal infections that affects the skin, hair, and nails. properties, anticancer, antiviral, wound healing, immunomodulatoryi The property of a substance used to modulate the response of the immune system of the body useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. , hepatoprotectivei A chemical substance that has the ability to prevent damage to the liver. It is the opposite of hepatotoxicity. , tuberculostatici An antituberculosis or antimicrobial agent that can inhibit the growth of tuberculosis bacilli and Mycobacterium infections. , antifertility, and protein glycation inhibitori It inhibits glycation which is the covalent attachment of sugar to the amino group of proteins or lipids. properties (7). Using henna for hair offers numerous benefits, but it can also come with some adverse effects. Check out the next section to learn more about them.
Henna For Hair Growth – Side Effects And Precautions
It is crucial to ensure that the henna you are using is 100% organic. This is because most henna powders available on the market include harsh chemicals, such as PPD (Paraphenylenediamine), to improve the color results. These chemicals can cause the following problems:
Paraphenylenediamine is an allergen that can cause adverse reactions upon contact with skin. You may not have a reaction from the first couple of uses, but the more your skin comes in contact with the chemical, the more likely you are to have an allergic reaction (8).
The chemicals added to henna powders can also be extremely drying. They may end up overprocessing your hair, causing it to become rough, dry, and unmanageable. This can lead to issues like breakage, bad hair texture, and extremely unmanageable hair.
If henna comes in contact with your eyes, it can cause redness, irritation, watery eyes, and itching (9). If this happens to you, rinse your eyes with cold water immediately. If problems persist, visit an eye specialist as soon as possible.
How To Prepare Henna For Hair Growth
This henna hair pack will not only boost your scalp and hair health, but it will also help color your hair and cover grays. By combining henna with other natural ingredients, you can customize the hair treatment to meet your specific needs. Whether you are looking to add moisture, strengthen your hair, or enhance its color, adjusting the mix can offer more targeted benefits for healthier and more vibrant hair. In addition to coloring your hair, henna also unclogs your pores, removes excess oil, balances pH levels and strengthens your hair, and provides it with thickness and volume. If you do not want to use henna to dye your hair, do not let it develop overnight and start applying soon after mixing it with water. You Will Need
1/2 cup henna powder 1/4 cup warm water Gloves Coconut oil Applicator brush Shower cap
Prep Time 12 hours/5 minutes Processing Time 2-3 hours Process How Often? Once a month. Henna, by itself, is an excellent ingredient for hair growth. However, using it in combination with other ingredients can improve its efficiency. Here’s a list of seven henna hair treatments that help boost hair growth.
How To Use Henna For Hair Growth
1. Amla Powder And Henna
Amla has high vitamin C, iron, and carotene contents that help stimulate and boost hair growth (4). The vitamin C helps boost collagen levels, which, in turn, results in faster hair growth (10). You Will Need
1/2 cup henna powder 2 tablespoons amla powder 1/4 cup warm water Gloves Coconut oil Applicator brush Shower cap
Prep Time 12 hours/5 minutes Processing Time 2-3 hours Process How Often? Once a month.
2. Aloe Vera And Henna
Aloe vera is another ingredient that can help in promoting hair growth (11). In this pack, it helps condition your hair and keeps it from drying out. It also boosts scalp health, fighting off issues like dandruff and scalp irritation/aggravation. You Will Need
1 cup fresh henna leaves 1 aloe vera leaf Gloves Coconut oil Applicator brush Shower cap
Prep Time 5 minutes Processing Time 30 minutes Process How Often? Once a month.
3. Coconut Milk And Henna For Hair
This henna and coconut milk hair pack is an excellent deep conditioning treatment. It not only boosts hair growth but also repairs your hair and makes it super manageable. This treatment tackles dryness, prevents split ends, and adds shine to your hair (6). You Will Need
2/3 cup henna powder 1 can coconut milk 4 tablespoons coconut oil (optional) Gloves Applicator brush Shower cap
Prep Time 12 hours/5 minutes Processing Time 2-3 hours Process How Often? Once a month.
4. Beetroot And Henna For Hair
Beetroot contains folate, which is important to prevent hair fall and graying (12). It has antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties (13). These may help keep the scalp clean and reduce oxidative stress. It nourishes your follicles while also boosting the color that is being imparted to your hair from the henna. You Will Need
1 cup grated beetroot 1 cup henna powder 2 cups water Coconut oil Gloves Applicator brush Shower cap
Prep Time 20 minutes + 2 hours Processing Time 2-3 hours Process How Often? Once a month.
5. Egg And Henna For Hair
This henna hair mask also doubles as a protein treatment. Eggs contain peptides that can boost hair growth (14). The lemon juice nourishes your scalp with vitamin C, which, in turn, gives it a collagen boost, promoting faster hair growth. You Will Need
1 egg 1 cup henna 1 cup water 1/2 cup lemon juice Coconut oil Gloves Applicator brush Shower cap
Prep Time 1 hour + 10 minutes Processing Time 2 hours Process How Often? Once a month.
6. Curd And Henna For Hair
Curd conditions the hair and makes it soft and healthy (15). It contains probiotic bacteria that maintain scalp health. It also helps reduce and prevent dandruff. You Will Need • 1/4 cup henna • 2/3 cup curd • Heat pack • Coconut oil • Gloves • Applicator brush • Shower cap Prep Time 1 hour Processing Time 2 hours Process
- Mix a quarter cup of henna powder and two-thirds of a cup of curd in a glass bowl until you get a consistent mixture. Let this develop for about an hour. 2. Wrap a heat pack around the bowl for added heat while the mixture develops. 3. After the hour has passed, apply some coconut oil to your hairline, ears, and neck to keep them protected from the color. 4. Throw on some gloves and start applying the mixture to your hair with an applicator brush. Start from the roots and make your way to the tips. 5. Wrap each section around the top of your crown as you apply the henna so that you end up with a bun. 6. Once all of your hair is covered in the mixture, cover your head with a shower cap and wait for a couple of hours. 7. Rinse the henna out of your hair with shampoo. Skip conditioning. 8. Let your hair air dry. How Often? Once a month.
7. Castor Oil And Henna For Hair
Castor oil is a well-known hair conditioner, trusted by many as evidenced by the plethora of anecdotal backing. It is known to help preserve hair endings and prevent hair damage (6). It can help prevent hair loss and dandruff and enhance your hair’s natural pigmentation. It also antifungal and anti-inflammatory (16). You Will Need • 2 cups henna leaves • 500 ml castor oil • Gloves • Shower cap • Hot towel Prep Time 2 minutes Processing Time 1 hour Process How Often? 1-2 times a week. This is how you use henna to promote hair growth. Now can you make the process smoother? Better? Let’s learn some expert tips to elevate your henna hair care routine!
Expert Tips For Henna Application On Hair
Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind before applying henna. Which henna is best for hair growth? Use organic red henna. Commercial black henna may contain synthetic ingredients like PPD, which can leave your hair rough and cause side effects like itchiness, sore eyes, redness, and blisters. Should I oil my hair after applying henna? Yes. You may oil your hair after you have washed the henna off. However, avoid shampooing as it may make your hair rough and dry. Does henna work better on wet or dry hair? You can apply henna to both damp and dry hair. Some believe henna is easier to apply on dry hair, while others believe wet hair absorbs henna easier. It all depends on your personal preference. Learn how to add a gorgeous red hue to you hair with a natural henna hair pack! Dive into this video for an easy step-by-step tutorial to increase hair growth and add color to your locks with henna.
