Isn't henna just a wonderful thing?
Also known by its botanical name, Lawsonia Inermis, Henna is native to the Asian sub-continent and has been used for centuries as a dye for hair, skin, and fabric.
For years, if not centuries, Henna has been used as a natural remedy to nourish, strengthen, and beautify tresses. Recent studies show that the leaves from the henna tree are rich in proteins and antioxidants that enhance your hair health and offer a soothing experience.
However, the majority of people still don't know the actual benefits of henna for hair - All they know is that henna is a good dyeing agent that colors and condition your hair.
So, what other features does this hair dye pack? And is henna better than conventional hair dye?
Here are 10 Benefits of henna that can surely turn you from Henna Curious to Henna Lover!
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Improve Hair Growth
Henna is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that help strengthen your scalp from within and boost natural growth - The results; no more breakage, thinning, and hair fall. Furthermore, henna can be used with a variety of other herbal ingredients and essential oils. The possibilities are endless on how you can use it.
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Nourish Scalp
Henna has natural properties of nourishment which when applied on your scalp transforms dull and dry locks into shiny, long, and luscious hair. Its antifungal and antimicrobial properties help in soothing your scalp, which controls scalp irritation. Just apply, let it rest, and you have nourished hair at home.
Read More:Â What is white Henna? Is it a clear alternative for pure henna?
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Control Dandruff
The antifungal properties of henna help in controlling dandruff and itchy scalp. As henna helps nourish your scalp and remove dirt and grease from your hair, you can use it as a deep conditioner to fight that extra layer of itchiness.
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Multiple Shades Available
Henna dye gives different shades depending on the base color of your hair. For instance, if you’re using henna to cover your grays, the resulting shade will be reddish-orange color. If you have dark brown or black color, the result will be the same, just a little lighter.
Additionally, Henna can be used with other herbal powders such as Indigo and amla to offer dark brown, medium brown, and deep red shades.
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Smooth tresses
Although henna let alone is great to smooth your tresses and deep condition your scalp, when mixed with other natural ingredients it offers double the benefits. Mix henna with ayurvedic powders such as Hibiscus, Amla, Reetha, Neem, Fenugreek, or Cassia, to feel the difference after one wash.
All of these powders have their own benefits which when applied, will help soothe your hair for days.
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Relieves Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance of free radicals on your scalp. This results in hair loss, premature graying, breakage, and hair damage. Henna is rich in antioxidative, and antibacterial properties that help reduce oxidative stress and offers a soothing experience.
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Reduces Split Ends
Often when our hair is dry, it leads to split ends; and simply trimming them off isn’t enough. Split ends mainly happen when our scalp is dry or it’s not receiving enough natural moisture. To break this never-ending cycle, opt for a natural solution such as Henna powder.
Henna contains all the essential proteins and molecules that can help nourish your hair; reducing split ends.
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Balance pH Level
Henna is one of the best herbal ingredients that can help you control excessive oily scalp. It calms your sebaceous glands, naturally controlling oil production. It also restores the natural pH of your scalp, improving the hair follicles and adding volume.
Also Read:Â What is a Henna Tattoo? Complete guide to all your curiosities
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It fades Nicely
Unlike conventional hair dye that leaves patches on your hair after some time, henna will typically fade evenly and naturally. On darker hair, henna can even last 8 weeks and by comparison, the maximum a box dye can last is 4-6 weeks.
However, frequent touch-ups are required to get your desired color - As henna takes time if you have previously dyed your hair with chemicals.
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Colors your hair naturally
If you're looking for a natural hair color then henna is the best option. Henna can be mixed with cassia, indigo, and other herbal powders to give a lighter or darker shade, depending on the preference.
Furthermore, the benefit of using a natural hair color is that it requires low maintenance. It already adds shine to your hair, conditions it, and improves growth - Which is everything you can expect from a hair treatment.
Conventional vs Henna Hair Dye
There are pros and cons to everything.
So far, we've mentioned the benefits of henna hair dye but how does Henna compare to conventional box dye?
For starters, Conventional hair dye offers a lot of shades - And we mean a lot. You can find any color you've ever imagined in the market. In terms of henna, you're only limited to 10-12 shades, depending on your color preference.
Also, henna hair dye is a bit of a long and messy process. On average, a 2-step henna application process can take up to 8 hours.
Conclusion
If you're done exposing your mane to harsh chemicals and looking for a natural solution to color, condition, and cover your grays - Henna is your answer.
Sure, the application process is a bit lengthy, but considering the benefits it offers, it’s worth a try. Henna helps with hair growth, it adds shine to your scalp, conditions, hydrates, and balances pH levels for a soothing experience.