If you love using henna for your hair, you probably know it can give you a gorgeous color and strengthen your hair. But did you know that adding essential oils to your henna paste can make it even better?

Not only do essential oils help release more color from henna, but they also add a lovely scent and keep your hair from feeling too dry. But not all oils work the same way, some are perfect for deepening the color, while others help keep your hair soft and shiny.

So, which essential oils should you use? Let’s find out!

Why Add Essential Oils to Henna?

Henna is amazing, but it needs a little help to reach its full potential. That’s where essential oils come in. They contain terpenes, natural compounds that help henna release richer, deeper color. Without them, your henna might not stain as well.

But color isn’t the only reason to use essential oils:

• Boosts Henna Hair Color: Oils like tea tree and eucalyptus help henna develop a darker, longer-lasting stain.

• Keeps Hair from Feeling Dry: Henna can leave hair a bit dry, but essential oils lock in moisture and add softness.

• Smells Way Better: Henna’s earthy smell isn’t for everyone. Essential oils add a lovely scent, making your henna routine way more enjoyable.

Think of essential oils as the secret ingredient to getting the best out of your henna, better color, softer hair, and a scent you can’t forget.

1. Tea Tree Oil – The Color Booster

Tea tree oil is one of the best choices for henna because it helps release more dye, giving you a darker and longer-lasting stain. It’s packed with terpenes, which are like little helpers that bring out the best in henna.

Another bonus? Tea tree oil has a fresh, slightly medicinal scent, which can balance out henna’s strong earthy smell. It’s also known for keeping your scalp feeling clean.

• Best for: A deeper, longer-lasting henna stain.

• Scent: Fresh, slightly medicinal.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops in your henna mix.

2. Eucalyptus Oil – For a Richer Tone

Eucalyptus oil works just like tea tree oil when it comes to boosting henna color. It helps the dye release better, giving your hair a richer, more intense shade.

What makes eucalyptus oil different? It has a cool, refreshing scent that can make your henna mix smell amazing! Plus, some people find it gives their scalp a slight tingling feeling, which can be refreshing while waiting for the henna to set.

• Best for: Deepening henna color and adding a refreshing scent.

• Scent: Cool, fresh, and minty.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops in your henna paste.

3. Lavender Oil – Gentle and Soothing

Lavender oil is perfect if you want a mild scent and a calming experience while applying henna. While it doesn’t darken the stain as much as tea tree or eucalyptus, it does help your hair stay soft and moisturized.

If you find henna drying, adding lavender oil can help balance that out. Plus, who doesn’t love the relaxing scent of lavender? It makes the henna process feel like a mini spa day.

• Best for: A slight color boost, softer hair, and a relaxing scent.

• Scent: Sweet, floral, and calming.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops for a pleasant, relaxing mix.

4. Rosemary Oil – The Shine Booster

If your hair feels dull after using henna, rosemary oil is your best friend. While it doesn’t improve the color much, it adds shine and helps your hair look healthy and full.

Rosemary oil is also great for your scalp. Some people say it helps keep their hair feeling fresh for longer, so if you want to boost shine and softness, this oil is a great addition to your henna mix.

• Best for: Shinier, softer hair.

• Scent: Herbal and slightly woody.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops for a glossy finish.

5. Clove Oil – For a Warmer, Reddish Tint

Want a richer, warmer henna color? Clove oil is your secret ingredient! It helps bring out deep auburn and reddish tones, making it perfect for those who want a warm, fiery shade.

But be careful, clove oil is strong! Too much can feel irritating on the scalp, so only use a few drops. Also, it has a spicy scent, which some people love and others might find intense.

• Best for: Improving red and warm tones in henna.

• Scent: Spicy, warm, and slightly sweet.

• How much to use: Just 2–3 drops (a little goes a long way!).

read more Clove Oil For Hair - Benefits, Uses, and Home Recipes

6. Geranium Oil – Floral Scent & Moisture

If you love floral scents, geranium oil is perfect. While it doesn’t do much for darkening henna, it keeps your hair from feeling dry and adds a lovely rose-like fragrance to your mix.

Geranium oil is great for those who feel their hair gets too dry or stiff after using henna. It helps keep strands soft, smooth, and manageable.

• Best for: Moisturizing and adding a floral fragrance.

• Scent: Sweet, floral, and slightly rosy.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops for extra moisture and fragrance.

7. Cajeput Oil – A Hidden Gem for Darker Stains

Cajeput oil isn’t as well-known as tea tree or eucalyptus, but it works just as well - sometimes even better, for deepening henna stains. If you’re looking for a darker, long-lasting color, this oil is a great choice.

It also has a fresh, slightly camphor-like scent, which can balance out henna’s earthy smell. Some people say it even helps their henna last longer before fading.

• Best for: A darker, longer-lasting henna stain.

• Scent: Fresh, slightly medicinal.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops in your henna paste.

8. Sweet Orange Oil – A Citrusy Moisture Boost

If you love fresh, fruity scents, sweet orange oil is a fantastic choice! While it doesn’t do much for deepening color, it helps keep your hair soft and moisturized, making it great for those who feel henna can be drying.

Sweet orange oil is also known for its light, refreshing scent, which balances out the henna’s earthy smell. Plus, it contains natural antioxidants that can help keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

• Best for: Moisturizing and adding a fresh, citrusy scent.

• Scent: Sweet, fruity, and uplifting.

• How much to use: 5–10 drops for extra hydration and a fresh fragrance.

How to Use Essential Oils in Your Henna Mix

Adding essential oils to your henna is super easy and makes a big difference in color, moisture, and scent. Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare your henna paste: In a bowl, mix henna powder with lemon juice, tea, or warm water until you get a smooth, thick paste (like yogurt).

2. Let it rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 4–12 hours at room temperature. This allows the dye to release, giving you a richer color.

3. Add essential oil: Once the henna is ready, mix in 5–10 drops of your chosen essential oil. Stir well to blend it evenly.

4. Apply to hair: Put on gloves and apply the henna section by section, making sure your hair is fully coated. Wrap your hair in plastic or a shower cap to keep it from drying out.

5. Wait & rinse: Leave the henna on for 3–6 hours (the longer, the better for color). Rinse with water only, no shampoo for the first 24–48 hours to let the color deepen.

And that’s it. Enjoy beautiful, rich henna color with the added benefits of essential oils.

Final Thoughts

Using essential oils in your henna mix can make a big difference in both color and hair softness. If you want deeper color, go for tea tree, eucalyptus, or cajeput oil. If you prefer softer, shinier hair, try lavender, rosemary, or geranium oil.

No matter which oil you choose, your henna will smell better, feel better, and look even more stunning.

Do you have a favorite essential oil for henna? Let us know in the comments.