Henna For Blonde Hair
Natural colour does not need to be limited to black, brown and red hair – henna for blonde hair can offer just as gorgeous an effect. Find out more about henna on blonde hair with our dyeing guide.
How does henna hair lightening work?
You should see blonde henna as a complement to your natural colour, using henna hair lightening to bring out a broad palette of shades through highlights. The term ‘blonde henna’ is something of a misnomer – it doesn’t actually contain extracts of the henna plant, but instead, rheum palmatum root extract or cassia obovate. This is known colloquially as ‘neutral henna’.
Why henna is better for blonde hair
Traditional high street hair dyes full of chemicals will contain ingredients such as ammonia and peroxide. These non-hypoallergenic products can cause reactions, particularly in sensitive skin. Likewise, these ingredients can make your hair weaker and brittle as they cut through the hair cuticle to dye the hair.
In short, if you’re looking to go from brunette to blonde or want a full platinum look, you won’t achieve this with henna! The good news is that there are a huge variety of gorgeous shades you can experiment with – without damaging your skin or hair.
Preparing your blonde hair for henna treatment
It’s important to set expectations with henna for blonde hair. You should start on a blonde or honey base to get the best from your highlights.
The main ingredient in ‘blonde henna’ – cassia obavata – may not always bind to the hair straight away. This is why you should start first with an oil coating, helping to bond the mixture with the hair. You can try coconut oil or chamomile oil before you apply the main mixture.
How to mix blonder henna shades
With the right mix, you can achieve a variety of golden brown, honey or strawberry blonde highlights. But there are some steps you should take before you start mixing those henna hair colours.
- Keep your hair free of all product and chemical residue. You might want to start with a light henna shampoo to help remove build-up.
- Add a little lemon juice to your henna powder as you mix it (see mixing instructions above). This will help the blonde highlights come to the surface, particularly if you dry your hair in the sun.
- Once applied, get some sun on your locks! This will react with the colour (with the help of the lemon juice, as above) and bring out brighter shades.
If you can, try to get out in warm temperatures once you’ve added your colour. The ‘blonde henna’ will release more dye in warmer climates, so if you’re looking for the ideal summer look, this is the best season to try it!
Best henna products for blonde hair
Whether you’re dyeing your hair or maintaining your existing locks, you’ll need to choose a product the keeps them strong and soft. Add these to your arsenal to keep your hair shining 365 days a year:
Natural organic shampoo
This golden blonde Henna colour henna shampoo is gentle enough to use every day, and contains coconut oil for extra softness.
Colour conditioning balm
Dyed blonde locks tend to suffer, so bring your hair back to its luscious best with this calming, plant-based, anti-dandruff conditioner.
Henna hair powders and creams
If you want to freshen up your look, mix your own or take the fast-track option with lightening hair creams.
Perfecting henna for blonde hair
As with all henna dye jobs, the thicker the mixture and the longer you leave it in, the more intense the result. Rinse with cool water and allow to dry naturally. They say blondes have more fun, so go enjoy your new look!