How to paint over gray hair with henna and basma: is it possible to do this, reviews, technology, how long to keep it on, how well natural dyes hide gray hair

Many people find dealing with gray hair to be a frustrating challenge, but there is a natural solution available that doesn’t involve chemical dyes. Popular options for people looking for a natural way to cover gray hair are basma and henna. These plant-based powders have been used for centuries, providing hair with both color and nutrition.

But it can be difficult to get an even color with basma and henna, especially on gray hair. Knowing the appropriate combination and application methods is crucial. It is possible to achieve a rich, consistent shade that looks natural and lasts longer with a little perseverance and the appropriate technique.

This tutorial will show you how to use henna and basma to successfully cover gray hair, guaranteeing a consistently gorgeous and even result.

Question	Answer
Can henna and basma cover gray hair?	Yes, henna and basma can cover gray hair, but results may vary depending on the hair"s natural color and texture.
How to achieve an even color?	To achieve an even color, mix henna and basma in the right proportions, apply evenly, and leave on the hair for the recommended time. Multiple applications might be necessary for stubborn gray hair.
What are the challenges?	Gray hair may require longer processing time and could result in uneven color if not applied correctly.

Contents

Features of henna and basma for gray hair
Pros and cons
Shades and proportions when dyeing
Henna
Basma
Henna and basma
Rules and tips
Dyeing techniques
Video on the topic
How to COVER GRAY HAIR and dye your hair a CHOCOLATE color?
Is it possible to paint over gray hair with henna and basma, how to achieve an even color
Henna coloring. Painting gray hair with henna at home. henna and basma in 2 stages.
HENA and BASMA. How to paint over gray hair.Preparation of a coloring solution

Features of henna and basma for gray hair

It’s not until after the age of 35 that many women realize how hard it can be to conceal white hair strands; some even discover this before they reach 30. A multitude of factors can cause curls to turn gray in addition to aging.

In addition to heredity, stress, the environment, hormone imbalances, and other health issues can all affect the appearance of silver in hair. Simultaneously, gray hair is typically highly concentrated in one or more zones (temples, crown), which forces women to search for methods to bring their hair back to an even tone.

Many women choose to dye their gray hair with henna or basma for this reason, sometimes using both at the same time.

The primary benefit of both products is their organic makeup. Some plants can be ground to create coloring powders. The lower leaves of the Lawsonia inermis are the base for henna. Although the dry mixture has an ugly green color, it can be used to dye hair in shades of red, red, golden, or brown.

The range of colors varies according to the nation where henna is made. The distinctive, flamboyant hue is what distinguishes Iranian goods. Additionally, Saudi Arabia, India, is a major exporter of coloring powder.

A byproduct of processing indigo, basma is a member of the legume family. Since the gray-green material causes the hair to shimmer green or blue, it is rarely used in its pure form. Typically, basma and henna are mixed to create muted, long-lasting colors. The ratios, the original color of the curls, the amount of gray hair, and the coloring technique all affect the particular shade and its saturation.

Take note! Work hard if you want to paint over gray hair with basma and henna. Applying them one at a time is advised; this is known as the separate dyeing technique. First is always henna. Another simultaneous method involves combining pre-made dye solutions and applying the homogenous mixture to the hair.

Pros and cons

Because of their natural makeup, natural dyes have a lot of benefits.

have a beneficial effect on the hair structure;
nourish, strengthen curls;
accelerate the growth of strands;
stop their loss;
normalize the sebaceous glands;
can eliminate dandruff in some cases;
make hair smooth, shiny;
are hypoallergenic;
are inexpensive;
allow you to get different shades;
easy to use;
sold everywhere;
when henna and basma are used together, you can effectively paint over gray hair.

Still, you shouldn’t base your decisions only on favorable product reviews. Users are compelled to acknowledge the following drawbacks of dyes due to negative experiences with their use:

if dyed frequently, they can cause harm: they can dry out your hair and make the ends split;
for the same reason, they should be used with caution by girls who have recently dyed their hair with permanent products or had a perm;
despite the gentle composition, they can cause individual allergic reactions: redness, itching, swelling;
henna and basma practically do not recolor permanent or semi-permanent compositions, so it is advisable to apply them to natural-colored hair, even with gray hair;
it is also unlikely that you will be able to change the color with chemicals after experimenting with these natural mixtures;
often dyed hair burns out in the sun;
sometimes, trying to paint over gray hair, women cannot get an even tone;
it can be quite difficult to get the desired shade, especially for the first time;
natural dyes have a specific smell that stays on the hair for some time;
Some girls complain that it is difficult for them to wash out grass particles from their curls;
the use of henna and basma is limited by some contraindications.

Take note! You cannot use the products if you have recently chemically dyed or permed your hair, if your skin and hair are extremely dry, or if you are pregnant or nursing (as these conditions alter hormone levels).

When painting over gray hair, blondes should exercise caution because overly vibrant hues or a blue-green tint on the strands could result.

Shades and proportions when dyeing

You will need between 100 and 300 grams of coloring powder for short and medium-length hair. Those who have long curls should get ready with roughly 300–500 grams of dry matter.

The overall volume will stay roughly the same whether it is made entirely of henna or with some basma added. The precise amount is also determined by the hair’s thickness, structure, and condition, as well as by how much silver has been dispersed throughout the strands.

Henna and basma are said to be able to be painted over gray hair to achieve a uniform shade as long as the white hairs only make up 40% of the hairstyle. It will also be a successful experiment if the dye is applied to all gray hair.

You will need to put in a lot of effort to have a harmonious appearance when your hair is between 40 and 90% gray.

Very few people are able to paint over gray hair successfully the first time. Typically, there are a few steps you must take in order to update your hairstyle. It is possible that until the color becomes deep and saturated, you will have to walk around wearing an unattractive color on your head for a while. especially considering the gorgeous and varied color scheme.

Henna

Lawsonia powder is generally regarded as the greatest choice for dark curls and works well with both Iranian and Sudanese henna. An Indian brown product will come in handy to paint over gray hair. It is diluted with freshly brewed natural ground coffee for a more expressive tone. Additionally, light brown hair can be beautifully shaded with Indian brown henna, and if turmeric is added, the mixture will dye the hair strands a delicious milk chocolate color.

Rich red for light hair and copper color for dark hair can be achieved with natural dye exported from Sudan. Additionally, it will aid in the concealment of gray hair, particularly when combined with:

with colorless henna. If you take both products in equal parts, you can make strawberry blonde on completely gray hair. On light brown and chestnut hair you will get a light red color;

with basma. The curls will have a brown-copper or chestnut shade. The final result depends on the proportion, the amount of gray hair and the original tone of the strands.

Iranian henna is extremely helpful in producing a wide range of colors. When combined with other ingredients, it gives curls the following shades in addition to red in its pure form:

wheat. To do this, mix the coloring powder from Iran with a decoction of chamomile, horseradish or dandelion root;
ocher. You will get a multifaceted yellow-red color if you add a decoction of onion peel;
golden — the result of combining Iranian henna with turmeric or chamomile;
creamy golden. This color can be obtained by adding chicory;
yellow-orange will be obtained thanks to orange and tangerine peels;
light red is possible by combining Iranian henna with ginger, tea tree essential oil or parsley;
dark red — by adding cinnamon;
deep brown, chocolate, chestnut — the result of combining not only with natural coffee, but also with nutmeg, oak bark decoction, walnut shells;
plum. For this color, add elderberries to the main ingredient;
ruby color will be possible thanks to beetroot or cranberry juice, as well as red wine.

Suggestions. If you need to cover gray hair on blonde, bleached hair, use Indian golden henna (you can also use cinnamon and turmeric) or blend light-toned Iranian dyes with natural ingredients.

Basma

When indigo powder is pure, it can dye different textiles a stunning emerald and azure. Make sure to mix basma and henna if you want your gray hair to look different. You can add ground coffee that is natural. Note that these suggestions are only applicable to natural, 100% basma.

If it has been mixed with other ingredients by the manufacturer, you won’t need to do any more adjustments. Before using the product, thoroughly read the ingredients list.

Henna and basma

Out of all the natural compounds that can be used to paint over gray hair, this pair is possibly the most well-liked. Beautiful shades can be obtained with aging time and different proportions and variations. The suggested ratios (henna: basma) are as follows:

1:1 — gives a chestnut color of varying intensity (depending on the original hair color);
1:2 — chocolate or brown. To get black, you need to increase the holding time from 1 hour to 1.5–2 (for gray hair – even longer);
2 (or 1.5):1 — red on blondes and bronze on women with dark hair;
3:1 — light brown, but only suitable for those with light locks.

You must leave the mixture on your hair for five to six hours in order to cover gray hair. If this isn’t feasible, arrange for multiple steps to be taken in order.

When using separate dyeing, there is one rule to keep in mind: the longer you leave basma on after henna, the darker and more saturated the color will become. The first component typically lasts an hour, while the second component takes between 20 and 120 minutes on average.

Gray hair can be successfully covered with henna and basma, but getting an even color requires patience, the proper mixing ratios, and careful preparation. You can achieve a consistent, natural-looking shade without using harsh chemicals if you know how these natural dyes work with gray strands.

Rules and tips

Henna cannot be brewed with boiling water. The water temperature should fluctuate at 70-80 °C.
To dye dry or normal gray hair, you can dilute the henna powder with slightly warmed kefir. For oily strands, water with vinegar or lemon juice is suitable. The trick is that thanks to the acidic environment you will get a bright, saturated color.
To prepare basma, you will need regular hot water, you can also use boiling water.
When combining the mixtures, make sure that they are warm. Do this immediately before you paint over gray hair.
When diluting dry mixtures, do not use metal utensils. A glass container would be optimal.
The finished solution should have the consistency of thick sour cream. If it is too liquid, it will flow down your hair, face, and clothes. If it is pasty, it will harden before you have time to distribute it over your hair.
Do not dilute coloring powders for future use and do not store them in the refrigerator.
To make it easier for you to wash off the natural dye later, add 1–2 chicken yolks to the prepared solution. Glycerin, cosmetic oil, or flaxseed decoction will help prevent dry hair.
A cold composition will paint over your hair more slowly, including gray hair. So that it does not cooled down, use a water bath. But do not overheat the mixture! A microwave oven will not work in this case.
Natural dye will best fit clean hair. It is also believed that the strands should be slightly moistened, but there are no strict recommendations.
First, tint a couple of locks to understand what the color will be, how long you need to keep the composition for this.
Pay special attention to gray hair. It is dyed first.
If you divide your hair into zones, start applying dye from the back of the head. In this area, hair takes the longest to tint.
Using a mixture of henna and basma, insulate your head with polyethylene, then with a towel.
With the separate application method, only henna needs to be wrapped.

Dyeing techniques

You can achieve nearly the same outcome with both simultaneous and separate methods. However, the second technology is more frequently used to achieve a deep black color and to paint over gray hair.

The ability to monitor the color of your hair being dyed and change the shade online is another benefit of using the separate method.

In any case, prepare such a set so that you do not have to choose:

dry powders in the right amount;
2 containers for the preparation of mixtures and the same number of brushes/sponges for their application;
sticks or spoons for mixing solutions – 2 pieces;
fat cream, you can vaseline;
clothes that are not sorry to stain, or a hairdresser peignoir;
comb in the form of a scallop;
clamps or hairpins;
gloves;
shower cap to warm hair. Can be replaced with food film or plastic bag;
towel.

Take note! Make sure you don’t have any allergies to natural dyes before you paint. After applying the completed mixtures to the area behind your ear, wrist, or elbow bend, wait 15 to 20 minutes before checking.

The following order of events is suggested by the simultaneous staining method:

Prepare dyes according to the instructions. Each in their capacity. Then mix them.
Leave the finished solution in a container with hot water (a kind of water bath).
Treat the hairline with Vaseline or cream so as not to stain the skin on the face, neck, behind the ears.
Put on old clothes/hairdressing cape and gloves.
Divide the hair into 4 zones: the back of the head, the crown, the temples. Secure each part with a hair clip or clip.
If the gray hair is distributed approximately evenly over the head, start dyeing from the back of the head. In any case, pay special attention to the gray hair.
Divide the zones into small strands and dye them with a warm mixture, moving from the roots to tips.
Having completed the procedure by processing the top of the head, collect your hair in a bunch, warm your head with polyethylene and towel.
Check periodically how the composition covers gray locks. You may need 1-2 hours for the transformation if the strands are soft, and more if they are hard.
After the required time, rinse the solution with warm water.

Distinct method of dying:

Dilute the henna, and put the basma aside for now.
Treat the skin on the face, neck and behind the ears cream. Put on work clothes, including gloves.
Separate and dye the curls in the same way as with the simultaneous method.
Warm your head, periodically check what color you get.
Wash off the henna.
Prepare the basma.
Apply it to slightly dried hair.
Do not warm your hair.
Wash off the composition with warm water when you get the desired result.

Furthermore. It is possible to put off the basma application step until the following day.

Shampoo and conditioner should not be used when washing off natural dyes (relevant in the first 72 hours after dyeing). Take only a small amount of the product if needed. Superior: air conditioner. The color can be fixed with vinegar or rosehip decoction rinses. You need one tablespoon of any liquid for every liter of water.

Try using basma and henna no more than once every two to three months if you want to paint over gray hair or change the color of your hair. To tone the roots in between procedures is an easy task.

You can be content with your gorgeous, healthy hair and put an end to concerns about how you look when your hair turns gray by adhering to proportions, guidelines, and all the subtleties of any coloring technology.

Henna and basma are natural alternatives that can give your hair a deep, long-lasting color if used to cover gray hair. Achieving an even shade may require some perseverance and practice, but the benefits can make the effort worthwhile.

The right application and preparation are essential for success. Your gray hair will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your hair if you follow the suggested steps and mix the right amounts, giving your appearance a lively and harmonious appearance.

Henna and basma are great options if you want to color your gray hair without using chemicals. They strengthen and nourish your hair in addition to adding a gorgeous color, which will ultimately make it healthier.