Henna Hair Dye For Grey Hair: Step-by-Step Application And Benefits Explained By Expert

As people age, their hair naturally turns grey. However, it's becoming increasingly common for younger adults to experience grey hair as well. Factors such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, high stress levels, poor diet, and the chemicals in hair dyes contribute to early greying. Many people opt for henna as a natural solution for grey hair. To provide more insights, we spoke with Dr Anindita Sarkar, Chief Medical Officer at Clinikally and AAYNA Clinics. Here, we outline the process for applying henna to grey hair and its associated benefits.

Henna Hair Dye For Grey Hair: How To Apply

Ingredients:

• Pure Henna Powder: Make sure it's 100% natural without any additives.
• Lemon Juice: Helps activate the dye and intensify the colour.
• Water: Used to mix with henna powder to create a paste.
• Essential Oils (Optional): Such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil, for a pleasant scent and additional benefits.
• Aloe Vera Gel (Optional): For extra moisture and conditioning.
• Coconut or Olive Oil (Optional): To apply around your hairline to prevent staining your skin.

How to Apply:

1) Prepare the Henna Mixture:

In a non-metal bowl, combine the henna powder with enough water to make a smooth paste, similar to yogurt.

Add lemon juice to the paste to help release the dye. You may also include a few drops of essential oils for added benefits.

Allow the mixture to sit covered with plastic wrap for 2-4 hours to let the dye develop.

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2) Get Your Hair Ready:

Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and let it dry completely before applying henna. Skip conditioner as it can hinder the henna's effectiveness.

Apply coconut or olive oil around your hairline and ears to avoid staining your skin.

3) Apply the Henna:

Divide your hair into sections to make application easier.

Using a brush or your hands (with gloves on), apply the henna paste to each section, starting from the roots and working towards the ends. Ensure every strand is well coated.

Once your hair is fully covered, gather it on top of your head and cover it with a shower cap or plastic wrap.

4) Let It Sit:

Leave the henna on for 1-3 hours. The longer you leave it, the more intense the colour will be. Adjust the time according to your desired colour depth.

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5) Rinse and Condition:

Rinse out the henna with lukewarm water. Avoid shampooing immediately to allow the colour to fully set.

Once the water runs clear, you can apply a conditioner to soften your hair.

6) Aftercare:

The colour may continue to develop over the next 24-48 hours, so try not to wash your hair too soon.

By following these instructions, you can effectively use henna to cover grey hair and achieve a beautiful, natural look.

Henna Hair Dye For Grey Hair: Benefits

We reached out to Dr Anindita Sarkar, Chief Medical Officer at Clinikally and AAYNA Clinics, who explained the benefits of using henna. She shared that henna is a natural, chemical-free option often chosen by individuals who have had allergic reactions to hair dyes containing Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient in permanent hair colour. Henna is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. However, she noted some drawbacks, such as its tendency to be messy, time-consuming, and potentially drying to the hair, which may lead to breakage. Dr Sarkar also advised against using henna on hair that has undergone chemical treatments.

Disclaimer: Before using henna or any new product, it is crucial to perform a patch test to check for allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. This information serves as general advice and should not replace professional medical consultation. 

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Credits: Freepik