My newest hair fad is henna for dying my hair. The last time
I visited Savy chic hub, Dabs of naijahaircangrow was raving about the many
benefits of using henna on her hair. I made a mental note to try henna soonest
on my hair so upon returning from my trip, I got some henna in the form of
Nupur which is a blend of 100% natural henna and 9 natural herbs – Brahmi,
shikakai, aloe vera, methi, bhringraj, amla, neem, hibiscus and jatamansi
(truthfully I have never heard of some of these herbs).
Naturally being my hair ocd self, I can never use anything
on my hair without some research and I read some rave reviews of henna. The
most important being –
·
You need to know what you want from your
treatment….are you seeking to just strengthen your hair without color. Use cassia
obovata which is popularly referred to as ‘neutral henna’…seeking to lighten
your strands and have a red tone? Use red henna, which is the original henna…..trying
to darken your hair color cos you are in love with black hair? Advisable to use
‘indigo henna’.
·
Henna is not a permament hair dye….yea the color
will last but it needs regular coloring as shampooing, swimming, blow drying
all cause degradation of your color, though it will never turn brassy or bronze
like your ammonia filled hair dyes.
·
Henna strengthens your hair strands, almost like
a protein treatment and this can lead to dry and brittle strands, so always
follow up each treatment with a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment.
·
Ensure you use 100% henna of body art quality. A
lot of brands claim to be natural henna and will usually claim you can lighten
to ‘light blonde’, ash brown’ ‘chestnut brown’ etc….these are not natural henna
as the only color you will get from henna is red. These brands usually contain
metallic compounds and / or salts which can damage your hair, so be cautious!
Now, what are the benefits of
using a henna treatment?
·
It helps thicken your hair as it provides a
double coating to your strands and aids in preventing thinning and hair loss.
·
It is a healthy way to color your hair without
the damage that comes along with using hair dyes that typically contain ammonia
and hydrogen peroxides
·
You can use henna as a great conditioner that
helps maintain the quality of your hair
·
It helps strengthen your hair thereby making it
resilient to damage and breakage.
·
It is antifungal so can help prevent dandruff
How do I use my henna?
Well, I followed my package instructions which was to mix my
henna with water and/or oil and soak for about 4-6 hours ( I used Olive oil). I
used a whisk to mix it properly.
I prepooed with a mix of crème of nature argan oil intensive
therapy conditioner and amla oil and detangled after an hour under my shower cap.
Then washed my hair as I normally do with Aubrey organics honeysuckle moisturizing
shampoo. I put in the treatment first using a brush but decided I preferred my
fingers ( I should state here that it’s advisable to use the henna when naked
in your bathroom as its very messy and henna can stain your clothes). I wrapped
it with my cling film and tied a scarf tightly to secure it in place. I had a
bath afterwards and then went to bed.
Next morning I rinsed it out with water pouring
loads of water to rinse and then I used my vo5 moisture deep conditioner to cowash my
hair to wash out the henna completely. I then deep conditioned with my baby
sitrinillah. I don’t think I can explain with words how moisturized and yet
strong my hair felt. I had my fingers in my hair all day long, lovingly playing
with my new growth as I’m 9 weeks post relaxer. I intend to use henna on my
hair monthly henceforth
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