Henna is a common option for natural hair dyes, but many people mistake it for being a bright orange or red color. But as my henna experience taught me, you can achieve gorgeous, rich tones without the unwelcome redness.
I wanted to color my hair naturally, but I didn’t want the bright red that henna frequently produces. I eventually figured out a method that gave my hair a rich, earthy tone after some trial and error.
I’ll outline the easy steps I took to dye my hair with henna in this post, along with some advice that came in handy and helped me avoid the typical redness.
- Preface
- Goal – copper without redness and darkening
- Initial base and desired shade
- My experience of lightening henna and basma
- Selection of henna, grinding
- Non-coloring herbs
- Nuances of the result
- What you will have to give up
- pH and temperature of water, decoctions
- Key points, part one
- Application and coloring time
- Compilation of the mixture and staining technique
- Care after coloring
- Gray hair and individual characteristics
- Key points, part two
- Video on the topic
- HENNA HAIR COLORING at home.// Perfect red without dye.
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- Colorless henna D’alpana. Cool❤️
- Why you shouldn’t dye your hair with henna?
- Henna hair coloring. How to get red, chestnut and chocolate hair color? My 26 years of experience!
Preface
It’s no secret that the community welcomed me five years ago because I had the desired redhead and knew how to get it. It was also the catalyst for me to start writing and venture out into the world. After coloring my hair, I was not happy with the quality, so I searched for the Holy Grail and found it right here.
Lawsonia, or henna for short.
It was her long, dazzling gold henna hair that caught my attention.
Thanks to henna, hair is thicker, glossier, and chemical dye-free. Above all, though, is its range of colors.
And for the next few years, these arguments not only made me think twice but also piqued my interest in herbal coloring. For life, I hope. In a brief period of time, a vast amount of information about various henna varieties, brewing techniques, additives, and holding times was understood.
After reading the material about herbal coloring, I was almost paralyzed with a question:
If your natural base is not close to natural blond, how can you achieve copper without turning your hair red or darkening it?
My natural base
Things did not go as well as I would have liked, as usual. A period of making mistakes, realizing, and accepting that certain color nuances with my natural base are unachievable passed. This, in my opinion, is a crucial turning point in my journey toward herbal coloring.
It is impossible to radically change the image.
In addition to acting as a film on the hair cuticle, henna rejuvenates and accentuates the natural color of the hair from the inside out. And it’s really lovely when self-awareness is echoed by henna renewal.
Henna encourages accepting oneself for who you are in addition to color.
Goal – copper without redness and darkening
Initial base and desired shade
Find out how deep the tone of your natural color is.
Brightness and intensity increase with increasing tone (lighter) (copper, without sharp darkening);
The result of coloring is more muted (reddish-brown, rapidly darkening) and deep the lower the tone (darker).
You can compare this to paper in this way: the lighter the paper, the more vibrant the herbal pigment is, and the darker the paper, the more subdued.
Another important factor is the color nuance of the natural color.
- If the shade is warm and golden – henna will emphasize and enhance natural data. The hair will be filled with pigment, like a gold bar;
- If the shade is cold and ashy – all the warmth and gold will be muted. Like copper dishes under a light patina.
Starting from the original base is the only way to really know whether or not to use herbal coloring to get the desired color.
Professional hair dye can lighten an original tone that was too dark, but henna fades more quickly from bleached or colored hair. If there was no basma on the canvas, you could also lighten the henna. It is challenging to lighten the herbal pigment and then get a cold shade.
Herbs on their own are insufficient for henna coloring after a deliberate increase in the UGT with paint. Though there are a lot of combinations you can make, coloring and herbal care together aren’t always practical and call for more thorough rinse-off and leave-in procedures.
My experience of lightening henna and basma
Haphazard attempts to lighten basma and henna resulted from misinterpreting my appearance and preferences.
I used basma hair dye for a while, but eventually I grew bored with the shade. I have a striking appearance, very fair skin, and I think I look good in chocolate and black hues. But they didn’t match my idea of who I was. And occasionally my skin appeared to be dead.
One day, you are completely happy with who you are, and the next, an elderly woman who has gained a few years. Such sudden shifts in self-love are extremely out of balance and can lead to hasty decisions.
An attempt was made to remove the basma with such a reckless act. mainly by exposing the strands to the sun while using warm oils and an acid/lemon juice solution. Without significantly sacrificing quality, everything was cleaned up from the roots to a dark red shade and the ends to a chocolate shade. A decent herbal film, in my opinion, was essential to preserving hair quality.
The mass as a whole turned red as the basma progressively grew together.
And I was blind to the fact that my hair turned an ugly shade of reddish-brown. I went overboard and was unaffected by the measure. I used oils and tried-and-true methods. And they produced essentially no outcomes.
Henna ate it tightly and refused to leave me after repeatedly coloring the entire length.
Regular peroxide and citric acid proved to be the effective remedies. Don’t do that. Compared to basma, there was a more noticeable decline in quality. However, the color was pleasing due to its pleasant copper tone and lack of redness. But later, the happiness brought about by the color gave way to melancholy because of the hair’s poor quality.
I am still feeling the effects of my self-loathing and misperception to some extent. My hair might have reached my waist by now.
The key to herbal coloring is self-awareness, self-control, and reliability.
While herbal coloring is all about continuous discovery, I believe that experimenting and stepping outside of your comfort zone are the constant sources of novel experiences and enjoyable self-discovery.
Selection of henna, grinding
The regions of growth and collection of henna for hair coloring correspond to the distinct characteristics of grinding and shading. Since the youngest and greenest leaves are chosen for production, which alters the pigment’s brightness and intensity, Rajasthani or Indian cuisine is thought to be the best.
The most typical
However, henna for body art such as mehndi is also sold, in addition to henna for coloring. The primary distinction between them is the percentage of coloring pigment Lawsone, which ranges from 0.3 to 1.4% in henna for coloring and from 1.6 to 2.4% in henna for mehndi.
The most pigmented henna for mehndi, with the best grinding and cost-effective use, is used for this purpose. Usually with Rajasthani origins.
Crucial! As long as the powder’s pigment content stays below 1.4%, henna is a safe dye. Herbal products containing anything other than Lawsonia inermis are prohibited. Regretfully, manufacturers almost never provide the precise percentage of content in their products that are sold.
What else can be in the composition except Lawsonia INERMIS?
The choice of henna must be made extremely carefully!
Manufacturers occasionally make the mistake of adding coloring to herbal powders without disclosing that it is a part of the blend. Benefits of such a product are hard to assess, and color is simple to obtain.
How can I know that the powder I bought comes with a column?
Looking at the composition listed on the packaging is the easiest thing to do. While PPD (paraphenylandiamine), which is the same color as pure henna, can cause allergic reactions and increased skin sensitivity, it rarely does.
The powder may contain visually white or colored granules that, when dissolved in water or rubbed between the fingers, impart color. When powder containing PPD comes into contact with water, it can instantly release an extremely bright, artificial pigment.
Characteristics of every kind of henna
- Rajasthani henna– basic, red-copper option for various purposes. Easy to find a well-ground powder. For obtaining rich and light copper shades, and for the base under basma – it is perfect.
- Yemeni henna – the reddest of all hennas. Grinding varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
- Iranian or Egyptian henna – light copper. Most often, coarse grinding is found, which is why the action is not the most gentle and has a clear drying effect.
- Henna for mehndi, most often Rajasthani – the finest grind and the best pigmentation of all. Shades vary from intense red to brown.
Actually. All varieties will have +/- the same color when the raw materials and grinding are of the same quality.
Source of the photo: nightblooming.com
I would frequently read at the outset of the trip that using Iranian henna would result in light copper shades. Even so, I found the decision to use Iranian henna to be highly debatable due to its rough texture, poor pigmentation, difficulty in application, and careless attitude toward hair. I don’t think the game is worth the candle.
Havsonia definitely dries things out!
Which coarse grinding exacerbates. Hair that looks like it belongs in an advertisement won’t be achieved just by henna alone without additional cosmetic moisturizing and improved general care.
Henna does not promise hair growth. Treatment after treatment is crucial.
However, the mixture’s acidic pH will make the canvas more lustrous, silky, and elastic. The hair becomes notably denser because henna adheres to the cuticle, maintaining its original color without drastically changing it.
When it comes to herbal coloring, the quality of the powder is very important.
It is possible to counteract the drying effect of other herbs in addition to henna by selecting a high-quality grind.
- Powders of coarse, uneven grinding – are not suitable and will only worsen the condition of the hair. But for soft and flowing hair it will come in handy if the goal is primarily in rigidity and density.
- The smallest, without grains and debris – what you need.
Henna for mehendi is the most enjoyable in every way; it’s very moisturizing and velvety, uses very little, and has the softest effect. I once decided on Prem Dulhan because of the pigment’s intensity and the more challenging task of achieving color balance.
Non-coloring herbs
Non-coloring herbs can help if the original base is too light and you want to color with henna without the color fading or becoming darker.
Herbs that don’t color and/or impart a golden hue:
If the original base is not light enough, a coloring mixture for the roots can and should be made with cassia, rhubarb, and pigment-free henna. They will lighten the henna’s color and/or lessen its intensity, which will eventually stop too much pigment from building up.
About turmeric!
To be honest, I think this is a waste of spices and don’t see the point.
Despite their differences, cassia (colorless henna) is the primary ally of henna in the coloring composition that I take into consideration. It is a great coloring aid because it is predictable and readily available. For the length, I like to use depigmented henna, rhubarb, and amla.
Henna always has the advantage over other herbs, regardless of how much of it is added to the mixture.
Why is amla included among the herbs that do not change color?
For the whole length of the hair, I view amla primarily as an acidic activator that brings out and fixes the golden pigment of cassia and/or rhubarb in a herbal coloring composition. Additionally, adding to henna is already secondary. thereby encouraging the coloring’s longevity and pigment release while also reducing the intensity of the red hues.
Crucial! Amla loves lumps, so it might take some time and work to get a smooth consistency free of lumps. Furthermore, you can even achieve chilly, ash-brownish tones by combining it with other herbs like brahmi, shikakai, etc. Still, the durability is poor.
When used properly, amla can accentuate brown and golden tones while reducing red ones.
I’ll supply a picture from my own archive. Here, the roots are dyed multiple times with henna for mehndi, and the tips are basma. And following a toning mixture consisting of amla, cassia, and rhubarb, a color similar to golden-copper was achieved. Regretfully, it’s currently challenging to find rhubarb powder that meets acceptable quality standards.
Oils can also lessen the intensity of the henna pigment, in addition to non-coloring herbs. However, because of the scalp’s unique reactions, I would not think of this option.
Remember that adding non-coloring herbs will dilute the shade and make it look more watercolor-like. Perhaps this is not the result that fans of rich color are hoping for.
Nuances of the result
And because you enjoy changing your appearance and aren’t prepared for a lifelong dependence on herbs, you might want to think about using professional coloring supplies.
I dyed my hair red for a while, and not just at home. It is challenging, in my opinion, to keep the canvas’s color pure copper without creating dips. The color nuance of direct pigments and tinted balms varies (some being more red, some more copper, and even Marseille), and only a portion of the pigment is retained after washing.
About direct pigments and balms for color brightness with henna
I searched for a very long time, wanted to, but never had the courage. Not every tinting agent is entirely removed by washing. I also want to keep using herbal masks for a long time without worrying about erratic outcomes. Well, aside from henna, I just feel more at ease without hair or head dye. This has a kind of twisted serenity and naturalness to it.
Damaged ends tend to absorb more color, which can sometimes make the roots appear lighter. Growing hair sticks out a lot against the dyed background. For me, henna proved to be a less complicated and generally more convenient choice.
You will have to settle for a "diluted" color if you decided you wanted to use henna to dye your hair a light copper color but your original UGT was too dark.
To be honest, I tried using henna to get a deep copper color. to the point where my hair started to burn. You can read the results of my attempts again above under the heading "Lightening Henna and Basma." In a nutshell: oils and citric acid in the hopes of removing something.
To find and love my own unique henna color, it took me time, pain, and effort.
Indeed, it lacks the brightness and foxlike qualities that I would like to see. Indeed, the hue varies greatly based on the lighting, and at times I appear more golden brown than red. However, after going through the pains of misinterpreting myself, I gave up and am hoping that my certainty will endure. I adore what I see: warm sunlight and serene, golden shimmers.
Additionally, it’s critical that the hair color highlights the benefits and blends in with the overall appearance.
Henna is a real chameleon. If not basma, the color of hair after herbal dying varies with the lighting. All you have to do in this situation is forgive and accept forgiveness.
What you will have to give up
Herbal dyeing, which is done mainly for color, means that you will have to give up the special effects of henna, like increased density.
Henna helps to achieve tactile density by layering and renewing pigment on the hair cuticle in a systematic manner. The hair gets thicker, darker, and takes on the habits of a low-porosity type (it loses volume and becomes overly cared for right away, which can be a plus in some cases).
Henna that has not been colored can have the density of colored henna without the need for additional care or pigment.
Additionally, you can periodically create masks for the length out of herbs that don’t color the fabric in order to preserve its density. This is an illustration of my method. Maybe you shouldn’t use this method of care if there is dryness after application.
pH and temperature of water, decoctions
Lawsonia and Acid
Lemon juice or acid, vinegar, and amla are added to the paste to intensify the coloring. Because citric acid’s pH remains stable, it is the most dependable and predictable option.
The addition of acid significantly aids in the pigment’s release and further fixation on the hair cuticle. Regretfully, the color appears pleasing at first due to its brightness and intensity, but it will eventually darken due to the acidic coloring.
Important!
It is important to note that henna coloring darkens and fades with time. This occurs more quickly with more acid because there is a greater amount of pigment released as a result. However, because of the acid, the coloring lasts longer.
Refusing to add acid is advised if Rajasthani or henna for mehendi was selected for coloring with an inadequately light UGT. The pigment will be golden, more controllable, and less tenacious. This works only to the benefit of light shades with a hint of red.
Not only can acid be added to obtain more pigment, but steeping time and water temperature can also be changed.
The temperature of the water and persistent
Aside from acid The temperature of the water has an impact on the amount of pigment released and the staining intensity.
The right temperature allows you to remove only the pigment’s grains and as much of it as possible. Time, or persistence, has an impact on pigment release in addition to water temperature.
Why are you requiring the paste?
It will help to further extract the pigment if you give the water a little time to warm up before applying.
- With very hot water rapid discharge and subsequent destruction of the pigment occurs. This paste is ready to apply here and now.
- With warm water pigment release occurs more slowly, it takes time. (about 1 – 3 hours.)
- With cold water the slowest and
less intensiverelease of pigment occurs (about 5 – 6 hours.).
I always dilute the henna I use for coloring with room temperature water. Bento: Henna adds color to mehendi in both warm and cool water. Moreover, using cold water produces golden tones rather than red ones.
If necessary, but only if you’re determined, place a container in the sun or a water bath, cover it with a film, and watch the time. The mixture’s surface will exhibit a slightly reddish-brown pigment film, which is the most indicative result.
Preservation "for later"
Henna can be prepared ahead of time by pouring cold water over it, covering it with film, and storing it in the refrigerator, as there isn’t enough time to insist before dying. When the temperature is high enough, the pigment release will cease and then restart.
You must remove the container from the refrigerator and either leave it at room temperature or place it in a water bath for a short period of time on the designated day, but preferably a little earlier. It’s possible to freeze the remaining paste. Ideally, though, not more than once.
This is a great post about how temperature and pH affect henna. In my opinion, it is practically the most helpful resource available in the community for herbal dyeing.
More pigment equals more water.
Adding more water is one way to encourage the release of pigment. Simply dilute the henna liquid, let it stand for a while, and then use non-staining cassia or the remaining henna, for example, to adjust the paste’s consistency to your desired level.
Henna really loves water, especially when used for mehendi. Henna expands and thickens slightly during infusion; therefore, I frequently add a small amount of water (by eye only) to make the consistency more manageable and lump-free.
Different concoctions
Everyone has probably heard of the remedies for hibiscus for redness, strong tea for a brown hue, and chamomile decoction for goldenness.
Decoctions and infusions, in my opinion, cannot significantly alter the color. Because of the acid content, hibiscus can only slightly lessen the intensity of coloring, while tea, chamomile, etc. can also aid in the release of pigment.
A decoction of flax seeds, for instance, will be very helpful for the mixture’s plasticity. Pouring hot water over the seeds and letting them brew in a thermos for a while is sufficient; after that, strain the seeds and use them as intended. Sugar, starch, kefir—I don’t think about it. Adding different actives to herbal mixtures seems pointless to me as well—all of it will just be wasted.
Important!
This is just my viewpoint based on my own experience. It’s cool if you like it and you can see the outcome with actives!
Key points, part one
- To reduce the intensity of coloring, you should pay attention to adding non-coloring herbs.
- For less pigment release and greater controllability of the mixture, you should think about excluding acid.If you really want to – use a pinch of citric acid, the most stable and predictable.
- A large amount of water will help to compensate for the lack of acid.
- Decoctions and infusions – cannot dramatically affect the color. Only slightly reduce the intensity of coloring, and increase the plasticity of the mixture.
- The water temperature should be room temperature, if not cold, for less pigment release.Zbrewing with water at room temperature reduces the intensity of red shades and golden ones come to the fore.
Application and coloring time
It is advised to thoroughly clean the scalp and hair beforehand to remove any debris and care product residue in order to ensure that Lawson adheres well to the cuticle. In any case, I think it’s important to take this step. Any sulfate shampoo that cleans well and doesn’t contain film formers will do.
On a damp or dry surface?
- On damp hair the paste is distributed more easily and economically, the pigment binds more firmly to the hair cuticle and, accordingly, the color accumulates and darkens faster.
- For dry hair Henna is applied
A little harderjust as well, but not so quickly contacts the cuticle. For light shades – what you need!
Additionally, regarding the outcome The quantity of pasta has an impact on the hair. If there is a large amount, the staining is more intense; if there is little, it is less intense.
The longer the henna is applied, the darker the color of the hair.
It is worthwhile to begin with a 30-minute exposure and progressively extend or shorten it based on the desired outcome in order to achieve light shades.
Compilation of the mixture and staining technique
You can move on to the mixture’s compilation after considering all the subtleties.
Sadly, or rather, fortunately, scales or measured spots are necessary when combining henna mixtures for controlled shades.
It won’t continue to pour and occasionally produce the same outcome. The amount of non-coloring herbs and their percentage will vary, resulting in uneven accumulation of shade.
Gms and a periodic ratio of herbs are needed for a consistent outcome.
Finding out how many grams of dry powder are sufficient for your hair thickness is also essential. Most visitors to henna coloring, in my opinion, have probably done strengthening herbal masks and have a general idea of how much is required for their thickness. For medium thickness, 20 to 30 grams of dry powder is usually used.
The percentage of non-coloring herbs added to the henna depends on the desired color and how light the natural tone is. This helps to lessen the intensity of coloring.
Similar to watercolor, the outcome in this case is less intense the more water (cassia) is added to the color (henna).
Regretfully, I will not advocate for pre-made measurements. Everybody has a different first base, and so do their preferences for the desired color.
Conduct a strand test if the situation permits.
Take about 30 grams of dry powder (but be mindful of your own thickness!). Mix 50/50 henna and cassia. Avoid adding acid; instead, brew at room temperature with water and let the resulting paste sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Apply to slightly damp hair, and let it sit for approximately 40 minutes on average.
After 24 hours, rinse with shampoo and assess the initial and subsequent outcomes. Proceed with the analysis of the results to determine whether to add acid, pour in hotter water, decrease or, conversely, increase the percentage of henna coloring, or increase the overall amount of dry powder for coloring intensity.
A brief explanation of the coloring method
I never hesitate to color the roots, just like when I use both commercial and homemade coloring supplies.
As hair grows longer, the henna’s sensitivity to temperature changes on the scalp increases, making the coloring changes more noticeable.
The easiest way to color with herbs is to use a regular coloring brush, a container that works for you, and an extra towel or T-shirt. It is up to you whether or not to wear gloves. I have to admit that I find it really awkward to wear gloves. My roots are already automatically dyed, and I don’t have any issues with red fingers.
About metal utensils
It’s generally advised against using metal utensils when applying henna. I believe that using a regular spoon or any other utensil will not cause any supernatural events; it’s just a matter of convenience. I continue to use a glass dish.
I advise beginning the dying process at the back of the head, the center parting, or both, and working your way down to the temples. Since the hair in these areas is the thinnest and most delicate, starting from there will result in the greatest pigment absorption. Regarding the thickness of hair and the temples separately.
To keep the henna moist and prevent it from drying out, it is advised to cover the hair that has been covered in paste with a piece of plastic wrap or a cap. You can also use insulation.
If the henna runs after application, it has a consistency that is too liquid. Only use a towel or napkins to wipe this area; the next time, consider using less water. Citric acid can be used to try cleaning reddish streaks and spots on the fingers, neck, and ears. To avoid stains, you can also apply cream to the areas in contact.
Care after coloring
It is not advised to shampoo your hair for a few days following hair coloring to preserve the longevity of the herbal pigment. The pigment darkens and oxidizes in a few days as a result of air and sunlight binding it more tightly to the hair cuticle.
However, if you skip cleaning after herbal coloring, you may experience a gradual darkening of the color in addition to itching and scalp issues (if you have a particular predisposition). Here, I recommend using shampoo and staying comfortable.
I constantly cleanse my hair after coloring with very mild shampoos that aren’t good for my oily scalp. I refrain from using peeling and for several days I do not apply different tonics to the scalp.
If the goal is color rather than darkening, I suggest thoroughly cleaning the scalp and hair roots after herbal dyeing.
The excess pigment will wash off, but what’s left will continue to oxidize with air, opening up and darkening slightly. examined.
If, after coloring and shampooing, the outcome is unsatisfactory and appears to be the same, wait a day or two and assess the outcome once more. The pigment is still there even after shampooing. All that is different is that the color shift is not as strong or obvious.
The regrown roots can be dyed later to correct for an overly light result. Whether intentionally or not, the herbs will still adhere to the previously colored area and restore its color.
Sulfate shampoo, a lot of conditioner, and oils (I like coconut) can be used to remove unsuccessful dyeing. You might require multiple strategies. I will not suggest kefir, peroxide, or citric acid.
Additionally, you shouldn’t skimp on further hair care. Henna hair, in my experience, is just as demanding as regular hair, requiring more hydration and defense against the elements. particularly if the herbal pigment is not routinely renewed throughout the whole length of the hair.
Keep in mind that using any kind of herbal coloring calls for time and patience!
Gray hair and individual characteristics
I have long since made the decision that I will either grow the silver hair that nature has given me or apply henna to it in order to eventually get a fiery flame. I am not afraid of gray hair.
It might not be appropriate to color gray hair!
Ultimately, the foundation of my present objective is a variety of barriers to the pigment’s release during coloring. Moreover, my hair is not gray anymore.
Everything previously mentioned practically works the opposite way for gray hair:
To achieve longer-lasting coloring, encourage pigment release and aid in fixing if color washes off quickly.
A crucial detail: gray hair will never be darker than hair that has its natural color.
If the plans are more subdued and less dramatic—that is, if there is a lot of gray hair. I would attempt a mixture using equal amounts of henna, amla, and cassia. All the same, for better pigment oxidation and fixation, take the average amount of time (roughly 40 minutes) and skip the shampoo step after coloring. and after that based on the circumstances.
In addition, I wouldn’t use toning with rhubarb. the perception of being able to discern a subtle color change that is both noticeable and unclean. However, I would be especially mindful of amla and avoid using henna without pigment.
In the worst case scenario, quality pre-made herbal paints without colorant (like Khadi or Lady Henna) are still available for coloring in a variety of shades.
Unique attributes
Individual factors, such as the percentage of gray hair, porosity, and hair thickness, should be considered in addition to the presence of gray hair.
By their very nature, people are ever-changing.
The prior method won’t matter if the type of scalp or hair changes eventually.
About porosity
There are moments when I feel that henna applied infrequently seems to exacerbate medium and high porosity. One coloring allows low-porosity type to be polished evenly, while the less fortunate types are only marginally smoothed. That’s just me talking out loud.
It was surprisingly easy to dye my hair with henna without getting the typical red tones. I was able to get a rich brown shade that went well with my natural hair color by experimenting with the ratios when I mixed the henna and indigo. My hair had a healthy shine, no chemicals, and long-lasting effects—all without the unwelcome redness that henna is sometimes associated with.
Key points, part two
- Application of paste (on damp or dry hair) and its amount affects the intensity of coloring.
- The longer the paste is on the hair, the darker the result.
- Several colorings may be needed to achieve the desired color.
- Scales, measuring spoons and a repeatable ratio of herbs are a guarantee of a stable result every time.
- It is necessary to take into account individual characteristics – porosity, hair thickness and the presence of gray hair.
- Aftercare after dyeing affects the color and condition of the hair.
Step | Description |
1. Choosing the right henna | I used a neutral or brown henna blend to avoid redness. This type of henna gives a more natural tone without turning the hair orange. |
2. Mixing with additives | I added indigo powder and black tea to the mix. This helps tone down any red hues and leans the color towards brown. |
3. Application technique | I applied the henna evenly from roots to ends, ensuring every strand was coated to prevent patchy results. |
4. Waiting time | Instead of leaving the henna on for hours, I rinsed it out after 2 hours to keep the color from becoming too intense or too warm. |
5. Final results | After rinsing and drying, my hair had a rich brown tone with no traces of redness, just a natural shine. |
Henna hair coloring is a fantastic natural substitute for chemical hair coloring, particularly if you want to stay away from redness. You can get a rich, deep color that you like by selecting the proper kind of henna and combining it with other natural ingredients.
My experience taught me that you can avoid the typical red tones associated with henna with a little perseverance and experimentation. Changing the application method and recipe has a significant impact on the outcome.
If you’re considering trying henna but don’t want to get too red, I suggest researching the various varieties and experimenting with different mixes. You can have gorgeous, healthy hair by going through this rewarding process.