Henna, a natural dye extracted from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, has been used for centuries to colour and condition hair. The use of henna dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to stain the hair and beards of pharaohs. Today, henna is still widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic hair dyes. But, have you ever wondered what colour henna turns your hair? In this article, we will delve into the world of henna and explore the various shades it can produce.
Understanding Henna and its Colouring Properties
Henna is a complex dye that contains a mixture of compounds, including lawsone, which is responsible for its colouring properties. When applied to the hair, lawsone binds to the keratin protein, producing a range of colours from reddish-brown to dark brown. The colour produced by henna depends on several factors, including the quality of the henna, the length of time it is left on the hair, and the individual’s natural hair colour.
The Science Behind Henna Colour
The colour produced by henna is a result of the interaction between the lawsone molecule and the keratin protein in the hair. When lawsone binds to keratin, it forms a complex that absorbs light in the blue and green spectrum, producing a reddish-brown colour. The intensity of the colour depends on the concentration of lawsone in the henna and the length of time it is left on the hair.
Factors Affecting Henna Colour
Several factors can affect the colour produced by henna, including:
- Quality of henna: The quality of henna can vary depending on the source and processing methods. High-quality henna contains a higher concentration of lawsone, producing a more intense colour.
- Length of time left on hair: The longer henna is left on the hair, the more intense the colour will be. However, leaving henna on for too long can cause dryness and damage to the hair.
- Natural hair colour: Henna works best on virgin hair, as it can penetrate the hair shaft more easily. If you have previously coloured or chemically treated hair, the colour produced by henna may be less intense.
- Porosity of hair: Hair with low porosity may not absorb the henna colour as well as hair with high porosity.
What Colour Does Henna Turn Your Hair?
The colour produced by henna can vary depending on the individual’s natural hair colour and the factors mentioned above. Here are some general guidelines on what colour henna can turn your hair:
- Blonde hair: Henna can produce a range of colours on blonde hair, from a light golden brown to a dark auburn.
- Brown hair: Henna can deepen the colour of brown hair, producing a range of shades from a light chestnut to a dark chocolate brown.
- Red hair: Henna can enhance the natural colour of red hair, producing a range of shades from a light strawberry blonde to a deep auburn.
- Black hair: Henna can produce a range of colours on black hair, from a dark brown to a deep reddish-brown.
Henna Colour Chart
Here is a rough guide to the colours that henna can produce:
| Natural Hair Colour | Henna Colour |
| — | — |
| Blonde | Light golden brown to dark auburn |
| Brown | Light chestnut to dark chocolate brown |
| Red | Light strawberry blonde to deep auburn |
| Black | Dark brown to deep reddish-brown |
How to Achieve the Desired Colour
To achieve the desired colour with henna, it’s essential to follow a few tips:
- Do a strand test: Before applying henna to your entire head, do a strand test to determine the colour it will produce.
- Use a high-quality henna: Choose a high-quality henna that contains a high concentration of lawsone.
- Leave it on for the right amount of time: Leave the henna on for the recommended amount of time, depending on the desired colour.
- Condition your hair: After applying henna, condition your hair thoroughly to prevent dryness and damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Henna
When using henna, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Using low-quality henna: Low-quality henna can produce a weak, uneven colour.
- Leaving it on for too long: Leaving henna on for too long can cause dryness and damage to the hair.
- Not doing a strand test: Not doing a strand test can result in an unexpected colour.
- Not conditioning your hair: Not conditioning your hair after applying henna can cause dryness and damage.
How to Care for Your Hair After Using Henna
After using henna, it’s essential to care for your hair properly to maintain the colour and prevent dryness and damage. Here are a few tips:
- Use a gentle shampoo: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to clean your hair.
- Condition your hair thoroughly: Condition your hair thoroughly after washing to prevent dryness and damage.
- Avoid using heat styling tools: Avoid using heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, as they can damage the hair and cause the colour to fade.
- Use a colour-protecting product: Use a colour-protecting product to maintain the colour and prevent fading.
Conclusion
Henna is a natural, versatile dye that can produce a range of colours, from reddish-brown to dark brown. By understanding the science behind henna colour and following a few simple tips, you can achieve the desired colour and maintain healthy, beautiful hair. Remember to always do a strand test, use a high-quality henna, and condition your hair thoroughly after applying henna. With proper care and maintenance, your henna-coloured hair can look vibrant and healthy for weeks to come.
What is henna and how does it work on hair?
Henna is a natural dye extracted from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It has been used for centuries to colour and condition hair. The active ingredient in henna, lawsone, binds to the keratin protein in hair, resulting in a range of colours from reddish-brown to dark brown.
The colour produced by henna depends on the individual’s natural hair colour and the length of time the henna is left on the hair. Henna can also be mixed with other natural ingredients, such as indigo and cassia, to create different shades and tones. The conditioning properties of henna help to nourish and strengthen the hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
What are the different colours that henna can turn your hair?
Henna can produce a range of colours, from subtle, natural shades to deeper, richer tones. On light brown or blonde hair, henna can create a reddish-brown or auburn colour. On darker hair, henna can add warm, golden tones and deepen the natural colour.
The colour produced by henna can also vary depending on the type of henna used. Body art quality henna, for example, is known for its vibrant, reddish-brown colour, while henna for hair is often more subtle and natural-looking. The addition of other natural ingredients, such as indigo or cassia, can also affect the final colour.
Is henna safe to use on all hair types?
Henna is generally considered safe to use on most hair types, including damaged or colour-treated hair. However, it’s recommended to do a patch test before applying henna to your entire head, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Henna can be drying to the hair, especially if used excessively or without a conditioning treatment. To minimize dryness, it’s recommended to mix henna with a moisturizing ingredient, such as coconut oil or yogurt, and to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after the henna application.
How long does henna last on hair?
The colour produced by henna can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the individual’s hair type and the frequency of washing. Henna is a semi-permanent dye, meaning that it will gradually fade over time.
To maintain the colour and condition of your hair, it’s recommended to reapply henna every 4 to 6 weeks. You can also use a henna-based shampoo or conditioner to help extend the life of the colour and keep your hair healthy and moisturized.
Can henna be used on chemically treated hair?
Henna can be used on chemically treated hair, but it’s recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after a chemical treatment before applying henna. This allows the hair to recover from the treatment and reduces the risk of further damage.
It’s also recommended to do a strand test before applying henna to your entire head, especially if you have chemically treated hair. This will help you determine the best ratio of henna to conditioner and ensure that the henna doesn’t cause any further damage.
How do I apply henna to my hair?
To apply henna to your hair, mix the henna powder with a liquid ingredient, such as lemon juice or tea, to create a paste. Apply the paste to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
Leave the henna on your hair for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the desired colour and condition. Rinse the henna out of your hair with warm water, then shampoo and condition as usual. You can also add a deep conditioning treatment after the henna application to help lock in moisture and colour.
Are there any side effects of using henna on hair?
While henna is generally considered safe to use on hair, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These include dryness, itchiness, and allergic reactions.
To minimize the risk of side effects, it’s recommended to do a patch test before applying henna to your entire head. You should also follow the instructions carefully and avoid leaving the henna on your hair for too long. If you experience any side effects, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist.