Mixing henna is a fun and easy way to make fresh dye at home. It is a lot like mixing a cake batter - Add in the ingredients, stir the powder, and voila! The mixture is ready to apply.
But unlike a cake batter, henna can be mixed with other natural herbs, such as fenugreek, amla, neem, bhringraj, and more. Each one of these powders has its own benefits that can be fulfilled once you follow the application routine.
So, if you've recently bought henna and are looking for some exciting recipes, follow along as we have some amazing tips to share.
The common ingredients required for Henna Recipe
To start with any DIY recipe, the first thing you have to do is to grab all the right ingredients. In our case, henna being the main highlighted ingredient should be fresh and of high quality.
It is not recommended to use old henna or something which you find in the open market. Many brands sell henna with plant debris that not only affect your overall results but can also damage your hair.
The same goes for all the other herbal powders you will use. Buy the supplies from a reputable store to ensure the quality of the product. Make sure the ingredients are pure and there are no value-added preservatives. Once you’re satisfied that your ingredients are pure and natural, the next step is to grab the materials.
- Bowl and spoon/spatula: Required for the mixing process
- Water or Coffee: The main liquid to mix the ingredients
- Plastic Wrap or Cling wrap: Used to cover the bowl and prepare the mixture
- Essential oil: Used for a variety of different purpose
- Sugar or Lemon: Used to make the henna mixture more subtle and vibrant
- Applicator Kit: Used during the application process of the mixture
Best Henna Recipe for Hair & Skin
A list of the best henna powder recipe for your hair. Perfect to color, condition, and cover grays naturally.
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Pure Henna Powder for Hair (Original)
Main Usage: In case you want the purest henna to enjoy orange to red tones, this one is best for you. The pure henna mixture can be used as hair dye, to cover grays, for touch up, and skin art as well.
Ingredients
- Henna powder (lawson inermis)
- Water (for mixing)
- Application kit
Instructions
- Pour the henna powder into a bowl and slowly add distilled water while mixing
- Keep on stirring the mixture until you get a yogurt-like consistency
- Once mixed, let the mixture sit to activate for 8-10 hours
- Use plastic wrap to cover the bowl
- It is recommended to mix henna the night before the application
- Open the bowl the next day and again mix it for the final time
- Divide your hair into four sections and apply the mixture to your hair
- Use a hair coloring brush to distribute the henna in every direction
- Once done, wrap your hair with a saran wrap
- Wait for 2-3 hours to let the mixture sit on your hair
- After the set time is up, wash your hair with a sulfate-free conditioner
- The henna color will continue to darken after 2-3 days
Detailed Guide: Step by Step Guide on How to Apply Henna on your hair (With Images).
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Henna Powder for a Darkened Hair Color
Main Usage: Perfect for someone who is looking for a dark red to orange hair color. This time, instead of using water, we will use coffee.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Black Brewed coffee
- Application kit
Instructions
- Pour the henna powder into a non-metallic bowl
- Instead of using water this time, you have to mix the henna with coffee
- Gradually add coffee to the bowl and keep on stirring
- Once you get a thin paste, cover the bowl and let it rest overnight
- Apply the mixture the next day
- Make sure to cover each strand of hair, from roots to the tips
- Wait for 2-3 hours for the color to develop
- Wash it with a sulfate-free conditioner
Note: The application instructions are the same as above
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Henna Powder for Lighten hair
Main Usage: Perfect for those that already have a dark color or someone who’s looking for a lighter tone. The following combination is used to best lighten your hair color.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Applicator kit
Instructions
- Add henna powder into a bowl and mix with water
- Add 2-3 tsp of lemon juice in the mixture and stir
- Let the paste rest for 2-3 hours, apply the next day
- Wash with a sulfate-free conditioner
Note: Make sure to do a patch test first.
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Henna Powder for Tattoo
Main Usage: Henna is not only beneficial for your hair but can also do wonders for your skin. In case if you're interested in a temporary body art tattoo, pure henna is your perfect choice.Â
Ingredients
- Henna powder (lawson inermis)
- Applicator bottle or cones
- Water (for mixing)
Instructions
- Put the henna powder in a bowl and mix it with water
- Add more water as per consistency to make a thin paste
- Let the henna paste sit for 2 hours
- Once done, add the paste to the applicator bottle or cones
- Apply the freshly made henna paste on your skin
Note: Make sure to do a patch test before application. You can also buy pre-made henna paste or henna cones from us as well.
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Henna & Amla - Boost Volume and Strengthen
Main Usage: Alma powder is a great source of nutrients, vitamins, iron, calcium, and phosphorus to make your hair look healthier and fresh all day long. The following recipe can be used to strengthen your hair, minimize hair gray, reduce dandruff, and can improve the tone of natural dye.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Amla Powder
Instructions
- In a 100g henna package, add 2 tablespoons of amla powder
- Add water as per consistency to make a thin paste
- Apply the mixture to your roots
- Leave the paste on for at least 20-45 minutes
- Wash with lukewarm water
Note: Because henna is included in the mixture, it will color your hair as well. You can also use amla powder as a hair mask as well. Find more interesting recipes of Amla Powder for hair.
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Henna & Cassia - Boost Manageability
Main Usage: If you're looking for thick, lustrous, and shiny hair; cassia is the perfect ingredient to add to your henna recipe. The combined result of both powders will be something you will surely enjoy.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Cassia Obovata Powder
Instructions
- Add henna and cassia powder in a non-metallic bowl and stir
- Slowly add water while stirring the powder
- Once you get a thin paste, let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes
- Section your hair in 4 ways and apply the mixture from roots to ends
- Leave the paste on for about 30 minutes
- Rinse with regular water
- Use sulfate-free conditioner if required
Note: Cassia is also very helpful for blonde hair. You can use the cassia hair mask to cover grays.
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Henna & Brahmi – Helps with Itchy Scalp
Main Usage: Brahmi powder is a great source of powerful antioxidant properties, making it a perfect ingredient to help with the itchy scalp. Not only this, Brahmi is also proven helpful to improve overall hair circulation and reduce split ends.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Brahmi Powder (bacopa monniera)
Instructions
- Mix 2 tablespoons of Brahmi powder in your henna mixture
- Stir it until you get a thin paste
- Apply to your dry, clean hair for best result
- Leave it on your scalp for 30-45 minutes
- Rinse with regular water
- You can use Brahmi as a hair mask as well
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Henna & Bhringraj - Strength and Growth boosting mask
Main Usage: Perfect for those that want to regenerate lost shine and improve overall hair circulation. Best use independently for effortless shine.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Bhringraj Powder (eclipta alba)
- Application Kit
- Water
Instructions
- Add henna and bhringraj powder in a bowl and mix it with regular tap water
- Let the mixture rest for 1-2 hours and then apply to your hair
- You can follow this recipe with your regular henna application or for touchups
- Wash your hair with sulfate-free conditioner
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Henna & Hibiscus - Promote Hair Health
Main Usage: Rich in vitamins and nutrients to strengthen your roots, promote hair growth, add volume and get rid of split ends.
Ingredients
- Henna Powder
- Hibiscus Powder (Hibiscus Rosa)
- Water and Application kit
Instructions
- Add both powders to a bowl and mix with water
- Keep on stirring until you get a thin paste
- If you want to color your hair then let the henna develop for 6-8 hours
- If you’re just doing touch-ups then wait for 30-45 minutes
- Apply the mixture to your hair and let it rest
- Wash your hair with a conditioner
Also Read:Â Hibiscus Powder for hair - Does it really promote hair growth?
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Henna & Fenugreek - Anti-Dandruff Hair Mask
Main Usage: Perfect for those that are suffering from itchy scalp and want to get rid of dandruff.
Ingredients
- Henna and water for mixing
- Fenugreek Powder (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- Application kit
Instructions
- Add both powders to a bowl and mix with regular powder
- Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes and then apply to your scalp
- Start from the roots to the tips
- Wash your hair with regular water, use conditioner if required
Note: For best results, make a fenugreek hair mask and apply it to your scalp
FAQ:
Can I use old henna powder?
 It's not recommended to use old henna powder as it may not produce the desired results and could potentially damage your hair.
What is the best way to store henna powder?Â
Store henna powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How long does henna last on hair?Â
The color from henna can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on hair type and care.
Can I mix different henna recipes together?Â
While it's possible to mix different henna recipes, it's best to start with one recipe and experiment from there.
How long should I leave henna on my hair?Â
The recommended time to leave henna on your hair is 2-3 hours. However, for darker results, you can leave it on for longer.
Can I use henna to color my eyebrows?
 Yes, henna can be used to color eyebrows, but it's important to use a diluted mixture and test it on a small area first.Â
Will henna damage my hair?
 Henna is actually beneficial for hair health and can help strengthen and condition it. However, it's important to use pure henna and follow the instructions carefully.
How do I remove henna stains from my skin?Â
To remove henna stains, you can use a mixture of lemon juice and sugar.
 Will henna cover gray hair?
 Yes, henna can effectively cover gray hair. However, the results may vary depending on the type of henna used and the individual's hair color.
Can I use henna if I have chemically treated hair?
 It's generally recommended to wait at least two weeks after a chemical treatment before using henna.
Will henna make my hair orange?Â
The color you achieve with henna depends on your natural hair color and the specific henna recipe used. It's possible to achieve different shades of red, brown, and even burgundy.
Would you like to know more about a specific henna recipe or have other questions?
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5 comments
If I use the henna with lemon to lighten the red in my hair can I still add the hibiscus?
Can you add coffee and lemon juice to henna?
Thanks for good remedies
When coloring gray hair, how long do you wait between application of pure henna base and henna-indigo blend? Is 24 hours sufficient?
What do you mean by “breaded coffee” in the first recipe? I’m assuming it’s a typo but I can’t decipher it. Also, what is the purpose of using coffee vs. water in any of the recipes? Does it contribute to longevity or make it darker or anything, or is it just personal preference? Thanks.