Henna, a plant-based dye, has been used for centuries, dating back to the 7th century BC. Initially used for body art, it soon became a popular choice for conditioning hair and providing rich color. While henna can offer a glossy, vibrant hue to hair, it is not always ideal for natural hair. Let’s explore why.
What is henna?
Henna comes from the Lawsonia inermis plant, a flowering plant used for dyeing skin, hair, and even nails. It has also been used for centuries to dye fabrics such as wool, leather, and silk. Henna leaves a permanent stain, unlike black or neutral henna, which contains chemicals and is not derived directly from the plant.
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Leads to breakage
If henna is not used correctly based on your hair type and texture, it can dry out both your scalp and hair strands. This leads to breakage and hair fall. People with sensitive or delicate scalps should avoid leaving henna on for too long. Prolonged exposure can cause hair to break when rinsed, leading to further hair fall.
Drying out of hair
One of the biggest downsides of henna is that it can dry out hair. To prevent this, it’s essential to add moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera powder, rose water, or other natural moisturizers to the henna mixture. Without these additions, your hair will feel dry and brittle once it’s fully dried out after the wash.
Henna can damage your hair
Henna is a permanent dye, and because it’s so difficult to remove, it can damage hair when combined with other chemicals or bleaching agents. The use of chemical products after henna can weaken hair strands, leading to increased hair fall and, in rare cases, balding. If you choose to dye your hair after using henna, opt for products free from metallic salts and additives to avoid unwanted side effects.
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Bottom line
While henna offers both benefits and drawbacks, with the right care and usage, it can be incorporated into a hair care routine. However, it’s important to remember that henna is permanent, and improper use can result in difficult-to-remove color. Always be cautious and ensure proper application to avoid long-term hair issues.
