One of the most widely used beauty products in India, henna has been taking care of most of our regular hair troubles since the times immemorial. Women all across the country have been reaping the fruits of their mother’s and granny’s advice by regularly applying henna to their hair for years, if not decades.
Apart from being a fantastic ingredient to dye hair naturally, henna is reputed to strengthen, condition, and nourish the tresses from deep inside. While the leaves of henna were used for hair care traditionally, the modern Indian woman uses the powdered form instead to get the same hair benefits.
Here is all you need to know more about henna and how to use it in your daily beauty regimen.
Benefits of Henna for Hair
1. Henna boosts hair growth
The inherently natural properties of henna expedite hair growth. Its powdered form is useful in creating an essential oil that promotes and nourishes hair vitality.
2. Reduces hair fall
Henna(1) directly impacts the scalp, helping in improving follicle health. Henna helps minimize hair loss and also prevents and stops hair thinning.
3. It conditions your hair
When combined with ingredients like eggs, henna makes a great hair conditioner. Apply a thick henna hair pack on for a brief period to ensure that your hair feels silky smooth for days!
[ Read: Treat Frizzy Hair with Hair Masks ]
4. It can help prevent dandruff
Henna aids in the removal of excess grease and dirt from your scalp, including dandruff! Using it regularly on your hair not only cures dandruff, but it also prevents them from returning.
5. It can control scalp itchiness
Henna’s natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties work to cool and soothe your scalp, controlling scalp itchiness.
6. It’s a natural hair dye
Henna makes a fabulous hair dye. Not only it is a great natural alternative to the otherwise regular options available readily in the markets, but it is also healthier for your hair, and easy on your wallet!
[ Read:Â Bleach Your Hair at Home ]
7. It can help repair split ends
Dry and damaged hair is very much prone to split ends, which is why just cutting them off is not the answer. You have to break the cycle that causes split ends(2) in the first place, and using natural henna is a great way to do this.
8. Makes your hair thick and lustrous
The tannin found in henna binds with the hair to make it stronger and does not even penetrate the hair cortex, ensuring little damage. Which provides thicker, lustrous hair with every application.
DIY Henna Hair Mask
Henna and banana hair pack
You Will Need
- 2 tbsp of henna powder
- Some water
- A ripe banana
Processing Time
5 minutes
Process
- Mix 2 tbsp of henna powder with water to make a thick paste, and soak it overnight.
- Mash a fresh ripe banana into a thick paste in the morning and set it aside.
How Often?
Repeat once a week.
How This Helps
Wash your hair thoroughly with a shampoo, and use this pack instead of a conditioner.
[ Read:Â Fantastic Sleeping Hair Masks ]
Henna and Multani mitti hair pack
You Will Need
- 2 tbsp of henna
- 2 tbsp of Multani mitti
- Water
Processing Time
Apply this on your hair before going to bed
Process
- Mix 2 tbsp of henna, 2 tbsp of Multani mitti with some water to make a consistent paste.
- Apply this pack on your hair before you turn in for the night, wrapping your hair gently in an old clean towel to not soil your sheets.
- Wash the hair pack off with a mild shampoo in the morning.
How Often?
Once a week
How This Helps
To thoroughly cleanse your scalp and curb hair loss.
[ Read:Â Avocado Hair Mask ]
Henna and amla hair pack
Mix 1 cup amla powder, 3 tbsp henna powder with 2 tbsp fenugreek powder and some water to make a thick paste. Add an egg white and lemon juice to the mix, and let it soak for an hour and a half. Apply this directly to the roots and lengths of your hair.
You Will Need
- 1 cup amla powder
- 3 tbsp henna powder
- 2 tbsp fenugreek powder
- Some water
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Mix 1 cup amla powder and 3 tbsp henna powder with 2 tbsp fenugreek powder and some water to make a paste.
- Add an egg white and some lemon juice to the mix, and let it soak for an hour and a half.
- Apply this directly to the roots and lengths of your hair.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo
How Often?
Once a week
How This Helps
This hair pack boosts hair growth.
[ Read:Â Amla Powder for Hair ]
Henna and coffee hair color pack
You Will Need
- 1 tbsp of instant coffee powder
- 5 tbsp henna in a bowl
- Water
Processing Time
3-4 hours
Process
- Boil 1 tbsp of coffee powder in a pot for few minutes and quickly take it off the stove.
- Take 5 tbsp of henna in a bowl, and pour the coffee while it’s still warm. Ensure that there are no lumps.
- Apply the henna and coffee mixture onto sections of your hair, making sure to cover the roots.
- Wash off the pack gently with a mild shampoo and cold water before conditioning your hair.
How Often?
Once a month
How This Helps
This pack helps for the growth of gorgeous brunette locks.
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering how to include this excellent ingredient in your hair regimen, think no further! These simple hair masks and hair packs can be made right in your kitchen and will be amazingly beneficial for your hair.
