Our 7 answers to your questions about henna!

A true natural treatment, henna, also known as "Plant of Paradise," has been used since ancient times for hair and body coloring. This powder with incredible virtues comes from the dried leaves of the plant. Adored by some, decried by others, henna leaves no one indifferent and can sometimes be a victim of prejudice. Here are our answers to your questions about henna!

No. 1: Henna colors hair

FALSE: There are 2 types of henna: neutral henna (non-coloring) and natural henna (coloring). Non-coloring neutral henna treats damaged hair. It is ideal for oily hair, as it has an anti-seborrheic action, thus allowing for less frequent shampoos. It strengthens and coats the hair fiber, providing incredible shine to your hair.

Note: If you regularly use neutral henna (non-coloring) more than twice a month, you may still get coppery highlights. Be careful never to exceed 30 minutes of application time.

No. 2: Neutral henna (non-coloring) is an effective remedy against lice

TRUE: Neutral henna is a natural remedy to fight against lice and nits.

No. 3: Henna dries out hair

TRUE: It is true that henna coats and strengthens hair, but it can be very drying if you already have fine, dry, or curly hair. To provide a little more hydration, you can mix your henna powder with yogurt or oat milk during preparation.

No. 4: Natural henna (coloring) is irreversible!

TRUE: Indeed, henna coats the hair, making it impossible to color over it because the cuticles are smoothed. There's no point in trying to bleach it, as this would damage your hair. Only one solution might be possible: gradually cut your hair to regain your natural color.

No. 5: Henna straightens hair

TRUE: It tends to slightly weigh down the hair. Perfect for taming unsightly frizz! Result: your hair is straighter and sometimes longer!

No. 6: I can use henna over chemical hair dye

TRUE: It is entirely possible to apply coloring henna if you have already done chemical hair coloring. However, make sure to choose 100% pure henna or henna labeled 100% plant-based. Indeed, some hennas may contain metallic salts to enhance the color. Result: the color activators contained in chemical hair dye do not mix well with the pigments of henna.

No. 7: Henna colors white hair

TRUE/FALSE: Some hennas do color white hair. However, be careful, you will not get the same coloration on white hair as on non-white hair. There will therefore be a somewhat "highlighted" effect in auburn, coppery, or even red shades.

No. 8: Recommended application frequency for henna

TRUE: To maintain the benefits of henna on the skin and hair, an application every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal. People using henna for its conditioning properties can apply it as a hair mask once a month. For those seeking long-lasting color, root touch-ups may be necessary every 3 to 4 weeks. The water used for preparation influences color retention. Quality organic powders offer more intense reflections and deeper care. Argan vegetable oil can be added to the mixture to avoid the drying effect of neutral powders. Blonde hair requires special attention as the color can darken more than expected with some henna preparations.

No. 9: The advantages and disadvantages of regular henna use

TRUE: The advantages of regular use include natural scalp care, hair strengthening, and chemical-free coloring. Henna forms a protective barrier against external aggressions. Henna powders enriched with vegetable oils provide shine and vitality.

However, the disadvantages include a long application time (1 to 3 hours), sometimes a cumbersome preparation, and risks of unwanted reddish or red highlights. The effect can be very drying without the addition of vegetable oil or floral water. Black color can be difficult to achieve without mixing several powders like indigo. Some sensitive skins may react to powders, even organic ones. For blonde people, henna will significantly color and darken the hair, which is sometimes irreversible.

No. 10: The different henna preparations and their effects on hair

TRUE: Preparations vary depending on the desired effect:

• Henna + hot water: for intense color (red, auburn)
• Henna + black tea: for darker highlights and toning care
• Henna + coffee: for a darker color and warm highlights
• Henna + vinegar: for better color fixation
• Henna + vegetable oils: for more nutrition and less dryness
• Henna + lemon juice: to intensify red highlights and color

Neutral powders like katam or indigo can achieve darker shades, up to intense black. Hair care is optimized by adding vegetable oils like argan oil. Certain specific organic preparations help avoid undesirable effects on sensitive scalp skin. Tinting plants like indigo or katam can be mixed with henna to color blonde hair brown or darken red hair.

No. 11: Tips for effectively applying henna

TRUE: For a successful application, start with a gentle, silicone-free shampoo. Prepare your powders the day before for intense colors, mixing with warm water until you get a dessert cream-like paste. Use gloves to protect your skin from stains during application.

Apply henna to slightly damp hair, strand by strand, starting from the roots. For hair care without coloring, neutral powders can be applied directly after shampooing. Cover your hair with plastic wrap and a hot towel to optimize the action of the pigments and essential oils contained in the powders.

Rinsing should be thorough, without using shampoo immediately afterward. The reflections may evolve in the days following application, sometimes changing from bright red to more subtle tones. After henna, avoid chemical products for 48 hours and opt for organic care to prolong the effects. To color blonde hair, reduce the application time if you do not want too dark a result. Plants like henna act differently on blonde hair than on other hair types.

No. 12: Henna for blonde hair: specific advice

TRUE: Henna on blonde hair requires particular attention. By nature, blonde hair is more receptive to coloring and can darken significantly with henna. For a softer result, opt for a shorter application time (1 hour maximum) and dilute your powder more with water. Blonde hair can easily turn coppery red or auburn with traditional henna. If you only want to provide care to your blonde hair without coloring it, exclusively favor neutral henna (Cassia obovata) which has no coloring properties but provides all the nourishing benefits. Blonde hair treated with coloring henna can darken considerably and obtain a more intense shade than on brown hair.

Do you have a question about henna? Leave us a comment below.