Grey hair and henna: a natural solution

The emergence of white hair is a natural phenomenon that many women experience as they get older. The search for natural ways to dye them has led to the use of henna, a plant-based powder that offers much more than just colour. This article takes an in-depth look at the use of henna to cover grey hair, its benefits and how to apply it.

Understanding grey hair

As we age, the pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles produce less melanin, causing the hair to turn grey or white. White hair can also be thicker and drier than its coloured counterpart, and therefore requires special, gentle care.

Factors contributing to grey hair

There are several factors that can speed up the appearance of grey hair:

• Natural age
• Genetics
• Stress
• Certain health problems

Common problems associated with grey hair

In addition to their visual appeal, the white hair often present additional challenges:

1. They tend to be drier and coarser.
2. They may appear to be losing volume.
3. They react differently to traditional hair care products.

What is henna?

Henna is a powder made from the dried leaves of the plant Lawsonia inermis. Used for thousands of years, it is mainly used to colour hair and skin. The colour produced by pure henna is generally reddish, but depending on the variety and the addition of different plants, it can range from brown to black.

Benefits of henna for grey hair

The use of henna offers various benefits for white hair :

• Natural colouring without aggressive chemicals
• Long-lasting coverage
• Improves hair texture
• Strengthens and thickens the hair shaft

Types of henna

There are several types of henna available on the market:

• Natural henna: produces a shade ranging from red to auburn.
• Neutral henna (Cassia obovata): offers packaging without any noticeable colour.
• Indigo: often combined with henna to achieve shades ranging from brown to black.

Applying henna to grey hair

Cover the white hair Using henna requires a bit of preparation and a few precautions to achieve the best possible result.

Preparing the henna mixture

To prepare henna for dyeing grey hair, here are the detailed steps:

1. Sift the henna powder to prevent lumps.
2. Mix the powder with lukewarm water until you have a smooth paste.
3. Leave the mixture to stand for at least 12 hours to allow the colour to develop.

Application to hair

Once the henna is ready, follow these steps to apply it correctly to your white hair :

1. Apply the henna to clean, slightly damp hair.
2. Divide the hair into small sections to ensure even coverage.
3. Use an applicator brush or gloves to spread the henna paste from the roots to the ends.
4. Wrap the hair in cling film to retain moisture and heat.
5. Leave on for 2 to 6 hours, depending on how intense you want the colour to be.
6. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water without using shampoo straight away.

Caring for hair coloured with henna

Caring for your hair after colouring it with henna is crucial for maintaining vibrant colour and healthy hair.

Recommended products

Using the right products is essential for looking after hair coloured with henna:

• Gentle sulfate-free shampoos
• Moisturising conditioners
• Natural oils such as coconut or argan oil

Tips for prolonging colour

Here are a few tips to help your henna colour last longer:

• Avoid washing it too often
• Rinse your hair with diluted cider vinegar to set the colour
• Use a thermal protector before using any heating appliance.

Frequently asked questions about henna and grey hair

Does henna effectively cover grey hair?

Yes, henna can effectively cover grey hair, especially when applied correctly and left on for long enough. Depending on the starting colour, some people may need to apply it twice to achieve the desired shade.

Can I mix henna with other plants?

Absolutely! To alter the final colour or add beneficial properties, you can combine henna with other plant-based powders such as’indigo, the’amla or the brahmi :

• Indigo: to achieve darker shades such as brown or black.
• Amla : to strengthen the roots and encourage cooler shades.
• Brahmi: to improve the overall health of the scalp and hair.

Are there any allergy risks associated with henna?

Although it is a natural product, henna can cause allergic reactions in some people. It is advisable to carry out a skin sensitivity test by applying a small amount of henna paste behind the ear and waiting 24 hours to check for any reactions.