When you need a fresh new look for your hair, it's hard to get a nice red tone. However, this does not mean that you should use a traditional dye with chemical components: henna is a sweet and natural alternative for obtaining red hair, and at the same time is good for the hair. Using it for the first time may seem a bit complicated, so here you can find tricks and tips that may be useful to you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Henna
Step 1. Consider your natural hair color
Pure henna has an orange-red tone, but the color is like a highlighter, so it adapts to your hair tone. This means that you will not get the same color on every type of hair, but the result will always be different. The lighter your hair, the more vivid the red shade will be. If your hair is very dark, the henna will be very little noticeable and what you will get will mainly be greater brightness.
- Light blonde, gray and white hair will get vibrant red undertones.
- Medium-light hair, such as dark blonde or light brown, will instead get an intense auburn shade.
- If you already have red or auburn hair you will not see major color changes with henna. Either way you can revive your natural color and cover gray hair.
- Dark hair, including chocolate and black ones, will not show any noticeable changes after henna in terms of color and shade, but they will certainly be brighter and shinier.
- If you have some white hair, keep in mind that you won't get a uniform shade. Henna makes white hair similar to light strokes, which can create a beautiful gradient effect with lighter and darker tones. However, if your basic hair is very dark, the highlights provided by henna on white hair can be a little excessive.
Step 2. Decide how much henna to use
The amount of henna you will need to use depends on the length of your hair, because the longer it is, the more product you will need to cover it all. Henna powder usually comes in packs, but you can also buy it in bulk by weight. Read the instructions on the box to determine how much you need.
- If you have short hair that no longer reaches below the chin, a 100-gram box is usually sufficient.
- For medium length hair, start with 200 grams.
- If, on the other hand, you have hair that reaches beyond the shoulders, you will need to use at least 300 grams of powder.
- For very long hair it will also take over 500 grams of henna to be able to color the entire hair.
Step 3. Mix the henna with the water in a bowl
Hot water is the most common option: you will need to add just enough to create a thick mixture, similar to the consistency of mud. Remove as many lumps as you can, so it looks even.
- You can also use other liquid substances in your henna mix: lemon, orange or grape juice are common alternatives. If you don't mind the smell too much, apple cider vinegar is also a good alternative.
- To get the right consistency, you can add the liquid a little at a time, so you will be better able to calibrate the right amount. If the mixture is too dry and stringy, you can add more water. It can also be a good idea to have more henna powder on hand, so you can add more in case the mixture is too runny. As with the water, add the powder a little at a time, so as not to risk exceeding the quantities.
Step 4. Cover the henna mixture with cling film or a snap lid
You will need to rest for at least 12 hours for best results. Keep in mind that the longer you wait before using it, the more vibrant and intense the red shade you will get on your hair. A dark room with room temperature will be the best place to let the henna mixture sit.
However, if you are in a hurry and don't want to wait 12 hours to apply your henna, try to find a warm place to place your mixture. A place where there are about 35 ° C will allow you to have the mixture ready in a couple of hours
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Henna
Step 1. Check the henna mixture before applying it
It may have thickened too much, so it may be necessary to add a little water. Slowly add a little water (or another liquid of your choice) until the henna gets a thick consistency again.
Step 2. Protect yourself from any stains
Henna stains virtually everything it comes in contact with, including your skin, so it is important to make sure you are well protected. Apply petroleum jelly or another oily cream or conditioner around the hairline, ears and neck, to avoid henna stains on the skin. Make sure you wear rubber or latex or any other type of gloves that will protect you while applying the mixture to your hair.
- Wear clothes that you can get dirty without worrying too much, since when you apply the henna there could most likely be splashes of the mixture, and you will not be able to remove stains from the clothes.
- A good idea is to apply henna directly in the shower or tub, so you don't have to worry about any splashes that could damage the furniture.
- If henna comes into contact with your skin, rinse it off quickly. The longer the henna remains in contact with the skin, the more difficult it will be to remove the spots. It may take several days to completely remove the henna shade from the skin.
Step 3. Divide your hair into sections
Henna is denser than normal hair dyes, so it can be difficult to apply it directly to all hair. Work in sections of hair, one at a time, to make it easier. Gather all your hair and pin it on your head, leaving only one strand, about 2-3 cm thick, and start with this.
Step 4. Similarly, apply henna to each section of hair
Don't be afraid to overdo the doses, as you want to get a nice saturated and vibrant result. Take the time to make sure you have covered each lock of hair with henna.
- Try to do your best to avoid dirtying the sections of hair you are not working on with henna. Henna can tangle your hair very easily, which can make it more difficult to go and work on the other strands.
- You can use a squeeze bag or bottle to apply the henna if you think you are having trouble controlling the right amount and spot to apply it, but it is usually easier to use your fingers as this will allow you to soak the henna. better hair with henna mixture.
- For total coverage, apply henna all over your head. You may notice some stains, but they usually go away after a couple of washes.
- Since the density of henna can make it difficult to apply, you could ask a friend to help you, especially if you have very long or very thick hair.
Step 5. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or cling film
Henna has more effect if it is kept warm, so covering the mixture once you have spread it all over your hair will help to achieve a more intense red color. Check the instructions on the box to see how long you should keep the mixture on your hair. The times should range from 1 to 6 hours, but the more you keep it in your head, the deeper the red shade will be.
- Leave the henna on your hair for 3 to 4 hours to ensure a beautiful red shade.
- If your natural color is dark, you may have to leave the henna on for at least 6 hours to obtain visible shades of red.
Part 3 of 3: Rinse the Henna
Step 1. Rinse the henna from the hair using hot water
You can remove it in the shower, but henna can still stain your body while it is washed off. Try rinsing it under the sink or tub faucet if you are afraid of the dirt that creates the mixture. Make sure you are still wearing gloves when rinsing the henna, because it can still stain your hands. You may need to rinse your hair a few times before removing all traces of the mixture.
Start rubbing the hair under running water. If you have trouble removing all traces of henna from your hair, you can use a mild shampoo to remove the residue. Using a shampoo can also help eliminate the smell of soil that is normally typical of henna and which can remain on the hair for several days
Step 2. Let your hair air dry
You can use a towel to pat your hair, but don't use a blow dryer as the heat may dry out the strands.
Step 3. Don't be alarmed if the hair is particularly vivid at first
At first it is normal for the nuance to be a very intense orange or red. As the color oxidizes it will darken and turn to a more natural shade. It can take up to 3 days to get the true color given by the henna on your hair.
Step 4. Treat your hair gently
You should not dry your hair with a hairdryer during the first week after you have applied henna. Avoid harsh or lightening shampoos and do not use styling accessories such as curling irons or straighteners.
Step 5. Keep the color
Henna is permanent, so you won't be able to rinse it off even after many washes. However, your roots will obviously continue to grow, so it will be necessary to apply henna again when you notice a noticeable difference in color.
- Since henna is beneficial for the hair, you can use it whenever you want. Helps to have healthier and shinier hair.
- When you need to touch up the color, you can use a faster application and apply it only to the roots, or over the entire length if you want to use it as a treatment to make the hair more beautiful.
Advice
- Remember that your natural hair color affects the shade of red that will come out when you use henna.
- Choose only pure henna, which does not contain any other ingredients. Make sure the packaging guarantees it is usable on the hair.
- The best way to apply henna is on dry hair.
- Henna helps improve hair health, so you can use it as much as you want. In any case, many hairdressers recommend waiting at least two weeks between one application and another.
- It is not a good idea to try to dye your eyebrows with henna, because it can end up in the eyes and stain the skin. If you want your brows to be the same color as your hair, use an eyebrow pencil, powder or make-up wax in a red or auburn shade.
Warnings
- Henna gives a different shade to each person, so don't expect it to produce the same effect on your hair as you saw in a photo.
- Do not use henna on hair treated with chemicals unless you use a product of excellent quality.
- It would be better not to use any type of permanent dye over the henna. Consult a hairdresser if the color obtained with does not satisfy you, before trying to dye them again.
