Natural Hair Dye with Henna

Henna is not only for temporary tattoos! There are many plant based dyes out there that are used for natural hair dye. Henna will dye hair permanently and effectively. This article covers henna, known as Lawsonia inermis. Using this plant alone or in combination with other herbs will produce a multitude of hues, from strawberry blond to dark brown.A natural hair dye takes a little more time and work than a typical box dye, but the results are well worth it!

You will need to mix your henna with an acid to make it release it's dye. The most common is lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Natural hair dye purists say to only use your acid to mix with the henna, but others say that you should dilute it a little by mixing it with water to avoid over drying your hair. Part of the fun of dying your hair with henna is experimenting with different mixes. Here is a basic mix and instructions:

1. Pour henna into a medium mixing bowl. Add enough lemon juice to achieve a thick peanut butter consistency. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit overnight, or at least eight hours.
2. Remove plastic wrap and add any essential oils I choose for fragrance. Mix in enough water to get a yogurt consistency.
3. PUT ON GLOVES! The henna mix will dye your hands orange if you don't follow this step.
4. Section hair from the nape of the neck forward, applying a thick layer of the henna mud from root to tip.
5. Pile hair on top of head and wrap your head with plastic wrap. Heat is essential for good dye release. Cover head with a beanie to keep in heat.
6. Clean off any skin that got henna on it, as well as the sink or floor.
7. After four hours, remove plastic wrap and lay in a tub full of water to release henna. Then, turn the shower on and continue rinsing until water is no longer orange. You may need to use conditioner to help get the henna out. DO NOT shampoo for 48 hours for best results.

• Be sure to only buy body art quality (BAQ) henna to dye your hair. Other types or brands may contain other herbs or such a low quality of henna as not to achieve an adequate dye job.
• Don't forget to wear gloves! If you forget this you'll have orange hands for a week.
• Some people do not like the smell of henna. It smells like hay. You can add ground ginger or essential oils to cover the smell if you don't like it.