Why using Henna is Good for Hair and Scalp

Henna has been used within South Asian countries for centuries now. It has emerged as a major fashion trend nowadays, from applying onto hands and feet to application in the hair.

The application of henna in hair isn’t something new. Many elderly women use it to dye their hair.

However, henna has a lot more benefits than just being used to dye hair.

The application of henna has turned from simple dyeing to solving many hair problems.

Apart from being used as a hair dye, there are many more ways it can help. Let’s look at some in more detail.

Using it as Hair Dye

If you like having your hair coloured but are looking for a cheaper and more natural alternative, then henna is an option.

Using henna as a hair dye is one of the most well-known properties that it has. It also has the benefit of being chemical free.

It helps the grey coverage and you can add honey into it too for added shine in your hair.

Henna can give a mild to bold look in your hair depending on the way you make the paste.

Making a henna paste from dry henna powder is a very simple process.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp dry henna powder
• 2 tsp black tea water

Instructions

1. Place the powder into a bowl and mix in the black tea water. Allow it to soak for six to eight hours.
2. Apply this paste to your hair and leave in for three hours. Later, rinse it off using just water.

You can use shampoo the next day for a deep black colour. For a thicker consistency, you can add indigo powder mixed in with water to the paste.

Henna is applied on hair for not only dyeing purpose, but it has many benefits for the hair too.

Moreover, for better results, you can mix the dry henna powder with different natural products.

Let’s get deep into discussing why henna is s good for the hair.

Reduces Dryness

After all the damage in hair which henna can fix, don’t you think it can fix dry hair as well!

If you believe henna may not work for your hair, you can make add some natural ingredients in it as well.

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp of henna powder
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 tbsp of coconut milk or coconut oil

Instructions

1. You can mix all the ingredients above and apply the paste on to your hair for better results.

Olive oil also helps tone down the inflammation caused by dandruff.

Controls Dandruff

One of the main issues with hair is dandruff. Some products which are said to reduce dandruff may not be effective.

Henna is one way which can combat this issue. There are several hair care tips which are made with it and if used regularly, it can result in immediate removal of dandruff.

One helpful and simple remedy is to mix it with egg whites.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of henna powder
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix the powder with the beaten egg whites and olive oil to form a paste.
2. Massage the paste into your hair and leave in for an hour. Thoroughly wash out.

Henna cleans the scalp of all impurities whereas, the egg has anti-oxidising properties which help in protecting the scalp from further harm.

You can also use the henna and mustard oil for dandruff removal as well.

Reduces an Itchy Scalp

Sometimes a dry scalp will result in itchiness and that can be annoying especially if it is on a regular basis.

Using henna leaves can help with that as it has anti-fungal properties.

It also helps to reduce the oil quantity in the scalp which in return reduces itchiness.

Great for Hair Growth

It can be a problem when the hair does not grow as fast as you would like. Trying different shampoos and oils may not work but henna can lead to hair growth.

It has certain natural properties that stimulate hair growth. It unclogs pores and balances the pH level which leads to growth in hair.

For better results, you can also add sesame oil into henna to encourage hair growth.

Ingredients

• 250 ml of sesame oil
• 5 tbsp of henna powder

Instructions

1. Heat up the sesame oil and henna powder together. Heat for around six minutes.
2. Allow it to cool before applying it into your hair.

Apply it on a weekly basis and changes will be noticed.

Keeps the Scalp Clean

As already mentioned, henna helps keep the natural acid-alkaline balance in order.

It also helps in removing any dust particles and excess oil from the scalp.

You may try different shampoos and products for this, but henna paste knows how to its job better than any other product.

Repairs Split-Ends

Split ends occur when the hair follicles are damaged due to extensive use of heating tools and chemicals.

It can prevent hair from looking its best but henna can repair them while conditioning the hair.

It absorbs into the hair follicles and helps to nourish them. The result is healthy looking hair and a lower likelihood of split ends.

A simple remedy can be made using ingredients found in the home.

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp henna powder
• 2 tbsp of yoghurt
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice

Instructions

1. To prepare this paste, simply mix all the ingredients above in a bowl and let it sit in your hair for about an hour.
2. After an hour, thoroughly rinse out using warm water.

Yoghurt is filled with proteins, vitamins, and other vital nutrients that nourish hair from within and condition it deeply.

Lemon juice help enhance the damage-repairing qualities of henna.

If you do not like the dark henna colour, let the paste sit for half an hour and later wash it off with lukewarm water.

Softens Hair

One issue with long hair is that it can become hard and this can cause it to become tangled. Henna is a way of softening it and making it more manageable.

The natural properties of henna provide the needed nourishment for hair and can turn your hair from dull and dry hair to soft and more manageable.

This simple to make paste can help make hair softer after regular application.

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp henna powder
• 1 Banana, mashed

Instructions

1. For the application of this paste, soak the powder overnight for a thicker consistency.
2. The next day, add in mashed banana and mix it well with the henna.
3. Apply this paste on to your hair and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Wash it off using cold water.

It may be an odd combination but it is beneficial for hair.

Bananas are rich in potassium, natural oils and vitamins. These minerals soften hair and protect the follicles from drying out.

Ensures Thick and Shiny Hair

You may have used lots of different shampoos after seeing different advertisements for products that promise thick and shiny hair.

However, it becomes a disappointment when it doesn’t live up to what it promised and hair is left looking flat and dull.

But using henna can help almost immediately. Creating a simple hair product can give results after just one use.

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp of henna powder
• 2 tbsp of yoghurt
• 1 tbsp of coconut milk or oil.

Instructions

1. Just mix all these ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2. Apply it on to your hair for about an hour and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Provides UV protection

You apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. But hair stays untouched and unprotected from those rays.

UV rays can leave hair feeling dry and more susceptible to damage. Henna can help protect hair and is a cheaper alternative than other products.

Henna coats a semi-permanent layer which clings to the hair and protects it from sun damage.

For protection, simply soak the powder in water and leave it for overnight. Apply it the next day for about 45 minutes and wash it off normally.

You can add honey, lemon juice, yoghurt or any oil for better nourishment as well.

Less Frizzy Hair

Henna helps in reducing the frizziness in hair, it helps tame down the frizz and fly-aways.

Being a natural product, it helps lock in moisture in the hair and conditions them deeply.

It also helps in making the hair strands stronger all the way down to the roots.

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp of henna
• 3 tbsp of yoghurt
• 1 tbsp of lemon
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup of black tea

1. For the application of this remedy, combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Apply it to the hair and leave it for three to four hours.
3. Rinse off using lukewarm water then wash out normally using shampoo.

Black tea is loaded with vitamins which helps rejuvenate hair and also protects it from further damage.

If you feel this is too much, you can simply use the henna-banana hair remedy for the reduction in frizziness as well.

Strengthens Hair

One problem is when hair strands break when brushing hair. The roots have become weak but henna can reduce the problem.

It removes unnecessary oil and dirt from your scalp which helps retain the acid-alkaline balance in your scalp. At the same time, it strengthens the hair follicles, making them less likely to fall out.

One effective and simple remedy is mixing the ingredient with mustard oil.

Ingredients

• 250 ml of mustard oil
• 5 to 6 Henna leaves

Instructions

1. Heat the leaves with the mustard oil to ensure that they become infused. Heat for a couple of minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
3. Apply it on a weekly basis. Make sure that the oil is used up within a month.

Reduces an Oily Scalp

Some people have naturally oily hair which means they have an oily scalp.

This can be due to several factors such as too much humidity, certain hair serums, dandruff and many more. Henna can be used to counter this.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of henna powder
• 1 egg white
• 2 tbsp of coconut oil (optional)

Instructions

1. Whisk the egg white and powder together, you can add coconut oil too if you prefer it.
2. Massage into the hair and leave for one hour.
3. Wash out thoroughly using warm water and shampoo.

You can also use this method to combat an oily scalp.

Acts as a Deep Conditioner

With all the natural properties that henna has, it is also effective as a deep conditioner for hair.

To make it more effective, you can mix the following ingredients to create an effective remedy.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of regular tea
• 5 tbsp of henna powder
• 3 tbsp of lemon juice
• 2 tbsp of curd

Instructions

1. To form a paste, make regular tea and allow it to cool down. Mix in the henna powder. Add in the lemon juice and curd as well.
2. The paste is ready for application on hair. Leave in for one hour then wash out using a mild shampoo and a conditioner after one hour of application.

Can get Rid of Head Lice

One problem that people can face is head lice which can make for an unpleasant experience.

Nobody wants to have lice or nits clinging to their hair. For those facing that problem, you can give henna a try.

Applying a simple henna paste to your hair and leaving it for at least three hours can help eradicate nits or lice in your hair.

The powder has acidic properties which help kill lice and get rid of any nits with precision.

A natural product like henna is not expensive and is chemical-free compared to some of the mainstream products. It is also a much safer option.

However, make sure to buy original and authentic henna powder. Also, use mild shampoos and conditioners for better results.

Moreover, if you feel the ingredient will cause dryness in your scalp or hair, combine it with different ingredients such as honey and oils.

Using henna can have a lot of benefits to the hair. It is an ingredient which should be tried in order to see the positive results.