Discover the best way to use henna as a natural hair dye, along with the recommended time to leave it on for optimal results.
If you’re looking for a chemical-free solution to color your hair, henna is an excellent choice. In this guide, we will show you how to properly dye your hair using henna, a natural product derived from the leaves of a plant. You can use henna on its own or mix it with other herbs for added benefits (1).
Henna imparts a reddish-brown hue to your hair. When applied properly, it can transform your hair with no harmful side effects. Keep reading to learn more!
How Henna Works to Color Your Hair
Henna’s coloring properties come from a compound called lawsone, which bonds with your hair’s keratin proteins to create a long-lasting stain (2). This naturally occurring dye penetrates the hair, leaving behind a rich color that stays until the hair or skin sheds.
Now, let’s explore how long you should leave henna on your hair.
How Long Should Henna Stay on Your Hair?
The amount of time you should leave henna on your hair varies depending on the look you’re going for. For subtle highlights, you can leave it on for 1-3 hours, depending on how vibrant you want the color to be. If you’re after a deep, rich shade or want to cover gray hairs, aim for 3-4 hours.
The effectiveness of henna also depends on how you prepare it and the strength of the mixture. For the best results, mix henna with lukewarm water and allow it to sit, covered, for a few hours before applying.
Note: Avoid leaving henna on your hair for more than 5 hours to prevent dryness and irritation to your scalp.
Curious about the effects of leaving henna on your hair for an extended period? Let’s find out.
What Happens if You Leave Henna on for Too Long?
The longer henna stays on your hair, the more lawsone molecules bond with your hair’s keratin, resulting in a richer, more intense color. Typically, 5 hours is enough for maximum absorption.
However, herbal dyes like henna can draw moisture from your hair over time. If left on for too long, this could lead to dry hair and an irritated scalp.
Tip: Conduct a patch test with the henna paste on a small section of your hair to see how it reacts.
Wondering how long the color will last before you need to reapply? Read on to learn more.
How Often Should You Use Henna?
You can reapply henna every 3-4 weeks for full coverage. The stain from henna lasts as long as the dyed hair remains on your head. Thus, how often you reapply depends on the growth rate of your hair, especially if you’re covering grays. Since henna is free from harmful chemicals, it’s safe to apply it multiple times, even on the same day if needed.
That said, applying henna properly is key to achieving the best results. Here’s how to do it.
The Correct Way to Apply Henna to Your Hair
- Wash your hair with shampoo and allow it to dry completely before applying henna. Avoid using conditioner, as it creates a barrier that may prevent henna from penetrating the hair shaft.
- For highlights, apply the mixture directly to the desired sections of your hair.
- For full coverage, section your hair and apply henna layer by layer.
- After application, gather your hair into a tight bun.
- Wear a shower cap to prevent spills and help retain warmth, which speeds up the dyeing process.
- Leave the henna on for the desired amount of time based on your color goals.
- Rinse the paste off with lukewarm water or use a conditioner to help remove it.
- Reapply henna whenever your roots require a touch-up.
Henna offers a natural, chemical-free way to color your hair. For the best outcome, allow the henna paste to sit for several hours before application, and leave it on your hair for 1-3 hours for highlights or 3-4 hours for deeper color. However, leaving it on for over 5 hours may cause dryness and scalp irritation. You can use henna every 3-4 weeks, and if it’s your first time, be sure to do a patch test.
