How to Dye Your Hair With Henna

Henna is a good option for people who want to dye their hair using only natural dyes, thus avoiding chemical products. Still, you should keep in mind that this natural dye can’t change the color of your hair completely like chemical dying does. However, it does give a deeper or more intense tone to the original color of your hair, and always with reddish undertones.

5-Minute Crafts will show you how to dye your hair with natural henna step-by-step.

What you’ll need

What you’ll need:

• 100 g henna powder
• Plastic combs
• Bathing cap
• Plastic gloves
• Plastic container with lid
• Tongue depressor
• 1 cup of coffee beans

Optional:

• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or coconut oil

Instructions

Step 1. In the plastic container, pour in the henna powder and add the coffee beans. Mix well using the tongue depressor until you obtain a uniform paste without lumps.

Step 2. Cover the container and let the paste sit for about 8 hours. During that time, the henna will activate and will pigment better. The mixture will be ready when the surface of the mix turns coppery orange.

Step 3. Start by untangling your hair. With the help of a comb, section a strand of hair from the top of your head. With the plastic gloves on, apply the paste from roots to ends. Continue applying the henna one strand at a time until you’ve applied henna on all of your hair. Massage the hair so that the henna adheres to each strand.

Step 4. Once you have applied the henna all over your hair, wrap it with a shower cap while making sure that no hair strands are left out. Wait between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the intensity of the color you want. The longer you leave it on, the darker your hair will be. Massage the hair so that the henna clings properly to each hair strand.

Step 5. Rinse, again, one section at a time, with warm water to remove all the henna from your hair, but do not shampoo it. Untangle your hair with a comb and check for excess henna left.

Variations

The natural color of the henna pigment is reddish. But by adding different liquids or other powdered plants to the mixture, you can also dye your hair brown, blond or, if you prefer, black tones that will be added to the reddish color of the henna. If you want a brown color, prepare chamomile tea and add walnut shells. For blond hair, add chamomile tea. If you want a black color, use coffee beans. For a reddish color, just add water. Other options include cassia powder for lighter shades and indigo powder for darker shades.

Suggestions

• Henna should not be mixed with metal. That’s also why you shouldn’t use metal utensils. Always go for wood or plastic ones. Remember that henna can stain skin and clothing. Wear an old t-shirt or use an old towel when applying it to your hair.
• Also, don’t forget to smear petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or coconut oil on your scalp around the hair that you’ll dye.
• Finally, you should keep in mind that once the natural dye is applied to the hair, it cannot be removed, so you might want to try it on a strand of hair first and see if you like the results.