Henna grey hair applications can add natural colour to greying hair. Not only does this help you achieve shinier, healthier hair – it can also encourage hair growth.
With over 50 per cent of the population going grey before their 50th birthday, hair dye is more popular than ever. Natural henna provides a great option to dye your hair using only natural, organic ingredients.
Does henna cover grey hair?
Henna is a plant-based dye that comes from the Lawsonia inermis, or Henna tree. The red tones from its pigment provide a chemical-free base for natural hair dyes that can be used to colour many hair shades – including grey.
It’s best used with organic hair products as part of a regular hair care routine. This way, you’ll nourish your hair with products free from additives, chemicals, and any products that could damage your hair or scalp.
Benefits of henna hair dye for grey hair
There are many advantages to using henna dye for grey hair. It’s free from chemicals, avoiding harsh ingredients like PPD and bleach that can be found in chemical hair dyes. You can also mix the colours to choose your own shade.
So, what does the dyeing process look like?
DIY: How to use henna to cover grey hair
If you’re feeling like a little DIY, then it’s time to learn how to mix henna hair dye for grey hair. Before you start, you’ll need a bowl, a shower cap, some warm water, some gloves and any extras you might want to nourish your scalp. For example, you could try coconut oil to apply before your colour to take extra care of your scalp.
Bear in mind that you might need up to 12 hours to mix your henna powder – particularly if you’re using henna and indigo mix for grey hair. These darker tones will need extra time, and the longer you leave them, the deep the shade will be.
Optional extras may include:
- Lemon juice, ideal for blonder shades
- Indigo powder for darker shades
- Natural oils such as avocado or coconut to prep your scalp
- Plant extracts such as cassia and amla for added protection.
When you’re ready, add your henna powder to a bowl. Add just enough water to make a soft paste – too runny and the colour may not be as vibrant. Leave for a number of hours, up to 12 if you want a darker colour.
When you’re ready, divide your dry hair into sections and start to apply with your fingers (wearing gloves) from the hairline downwards. Repeat until your whole head is covered. Pull on a shower cap and wait for up to two hours, depending on how strong you want the colour to be.
Rinse your hair, then dry it. The next day, apply some henna conditioner for extra smoothness.
Considerations with henna grey hair applications
Henna has amazing healing properties that can both take care of your scalp and revitalise your locks. Remember, if you’re using henna to cover grey hair:
- Take a patch test 48 hours before
- The longer you leave the colour, the deeper it will be
- Take care to avoid products with PPD if using black henna
- Don’t put henna hair dye directly on eyebrows – use a tint instead
- Henna can also encourage natural growth of thinning hair
- Remember your shade will depend on your natural colour.
Lush locks
Whatever your age or whatever state your tresses are in, keep them looking fabulous with natural henna. Find out more from taking care of your hair health to styling tips on itselixir’s blog today.