So, you want to color your hair the natural way? Have you tried using Henna for dyeing your hair?
If you did not know already, Henna is one of the natural dyeing choices for hair. It gives your hair an orange-red hue, temporarily. Unlike synthetic dyes, Henna is a safer and natural choice for coloring your hair.
However, not many of us would be ok to dye our hair an orange-red isn’t it? Worry, not! If you know how to prepare the henna paste for the color you want, you’re all set. Today, we’re going to see how to get a brown hue using Henna.
Ingredients
Henna Leaves / Powder – 1 – 2 Tbsp. (or more, depending on your hair volume and length)
Water (or)
Yogurt
Lemon Juice – a few drops
Indigo Leaves / Powder – 1/3rd – 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
Basically, you will need Henna Leaves Powder / Paste and Indigo Leaves Powder / Paste in the ratio of 60:40 or 70:30 to get a brown shade.
Add the required quantity of powders / paste (according to your hair length) to a mixing bowl and use either water, or yogurt (this ensures your hair doesn’t dry out) to make a paste.
Once you get the desired consistency, let it sit for a few minutes (till dye is released. Can take 30 minutes – an hour at most). You can know that by gently moving the top layer of the paste – it should be darker than the layer underneath. Then, the dye is released.
It is ready for use.
How to Use the Dye
It is a good idea to do a patch test to confirm the shade. What you can do is, pick up a few strands that’s not too visible, and apply the paste you have prepared and let it sit for an hour or more. Wash off and see if the shade turns out right for you. If yes, you are all set.
If it is darker (browner or towards black), add more henna to lighten the brown, if it is lighter (more orange than brown), add some indigo leaves powder / paste to make it brown.
Once the paste is ready, you are all set for coloring your hair. Now, change into comfortable clothing. I recommend something that you don’t mind if stained (old clothes) would be ideal.
Comb out your hair till your tips; so there are no tangles. This makes applying henna paste easier.
Then, use a headband – place it on your forehead and right below your hairline. This way, you can keep the hair away from your skin and prevent the dye from coming in contact with your skin. The reason to do this is not because it is harmful, but to prevent it from staining your forehead. While henna is in fact food for skin, you don’t want to discolor your forehead. You can use it on your hands (palms) and choose wonderful designs if you are interested ☺
Now, use gloves for your hands if you are applying with your hands, or use a brush to apply the paste evenly through your locks.
Wear a shower cap, if your hair is longer and you can’t hold it up easily.
Let it sit for a good 3 – 4 hours. For some, one hour will suffice. But at least the first few times, you might need 2 hours or more, though it varies with the individual.
Wash off with a mild shampoo, or herbal hair wash powder.
How long will it last?
Depending on your body type and various other factors, it will last for a month to 45 days. The first few times you might have to color every 20 – 30 days and then, you can do it every 45 days, or so.
Also, using mild shampoos, or herbal hair wash powders, retain the color longer.
So, try out this DIY Hair Dye Recipe and let us know your results. There are different ways to prepare hair color using Henna, so we will be seeing more variations soon. Don’t have time to prepare your hair care recipes? Try HY Vitamins Argan Shampoo for your hair. It is mild, natural and nourishes your hair and scalp. It is also salt and SLS free.
