With styling, products and the elements to battle, it’s no wonder our hair falls victim to the dreaded frizz. While a few lifestyle changes can make a huge difference to hair breakage, there’s also a natural hair care treatment solution: henna.

Is henna good for hair?

Henna is an all-natural product that comes in powder, cream or shampoo form. Derived from the mignonette tree, there are no chemicals like traditional shampoos and conditioners.

For example, many high street shampoos contain a chemical called sodium laureth sulphate, a foaming agent which helps to strip grease away from the scalp. Many users may find these chemicals too harsh on their skin, resulting in skin irritation and redness. They’re also particularly bad for dry hair, as they discourage our hair’s natural oils.

Recovering from dryness – essential oils

One of the key reasons for frizz and breakage is dryness, which is often caused by these chemicals. Henna helps to balance the natural pH levels in our scalp. This stops our sebaceous glands – the ones that produce oil – from going into overdrive and instead provides a balanced, glossy feel.

Many sufferers of greasy hair turn to over-washing with chemical shampoos. This actually makes the problem worse – it dries out the scalp, causing sebum overproduction.

Other benefits of henna hair treatment

From battling common skin complaints to protecting your colour, henna can protect your hair in a number of ways.

Preventing dandruff

One of the commonest causes of dandruff is overgrowth of a natural fungus called Malassezia. We all produce this on our scalp, but if it goes into overdrive, skin tends to break away in greasy flakes known as dandruff.

Thankfully, henna has antifungal properties, which helps to maintain the balance of this natural yeast and prevent those flakes. In doing so, it also clears away excess grease.

Maintaining your colour

Blended with key natural ingredients, henna colour creams can hide grey hairs and prevent them from coming back, while holding on to your enhanced colour. They also help your hair return to its electrostatic neutrality, meaning no more split ends and fly-aways.

Protecting the follicle

Thanks to its pH balancing properties, henna also helps to protect the hair follicle. This prevents breakage from the roots and encourages hair to grow back stronger and thicker – ideal for those looking for more volume or worried about thinning hair.

Which henna hair care product is right for me?

Henna natural hair care is available as a shampoo, conditioner or hair mask. There are also colouring products such as hair mascara and powdered dyes/creams. Try one or more of the following:

• Shine-enhancing shampoo – for general care and hydrating dry strands
• Conditioning balm – for anti-dandruff effects and a soft shine
• Nourishing hair mask – for smoothing the hair fibre
• Colour-enhancing shampoos/conditioners/masks – for periodic intensive treatment of damaged hair.

Whether you want long-lasting colour or a moisturised hair shaft, henna provides a natural alternative to harsh high street chemicals. Choose from our full natural hair care range.