Natural henna

Henna is a natural dye derived from a thorny shrub in the Lythraceae family. This tree, the source of the powder we all know, grows in warm regions of the world. More particularly in the tropical zones of Africa and Asia. The leaves are crushed and then sieved to obtain the fine coloured particles that form the basis of traditional natural skincare products.

Natural henna: an impressive hair colourant

In India, Africa and Arab countries, natural henna has always been an integral part of the beauty cult. This natural colouring can be done using different shades. Its primary function is to brown the hair, creating nuanced highlights. Natural henna is above all a paste obtained from a powder to protect the hair. In India and Yemen, the powder extracted from crushed leaves is red in colour. As for the natural henna traditionally used in the Maghreb, its powder tends towards green. Or even yellow, giving it a colour similar to cumin. This natural product can only do your hair good.

A natural solution that respects the hair fibre

That's the beauty of natural henna. Its use has exploded in recent years in the West. The reasons for this craze are, first of all, its low price. But also the abusive damage caused to women by the application of synthetic colours. Chemical dyes are full of ammonia. This substance, which is harmful to health, is supposed to make the colour last over time. Over time, however, repeated use can damage or even destroy the hair root. The end result is significant hair loss and lack of regrowth.

Henna has just the opposite effect. It respects the very nature and essence of the hair. It leaves a thin protective film that nourishes and strengthens it. However, it takes much longer to apply the treatment. Henna tinting requires a break of several hours for an effective, long-lasting result.

As a result, many women continue to use chemical colours out of carelessness. Those recommended in hairdressing salons or on sale in supermarkets.

How do I apply a natural henna treatment?

Natural henna is easy to use. Simply mix the contents of the powder in a pot with water. Then mix vigorously until you obtain a grassy, earthy paste. Some people find its smell unpleasant. But it's all natural. It smells like mud, or evenclay. To make the colour last over time, it's best to add lemon juice. Citric acid gives the henna strength and vigour. However, be sure to find out beforehand if someone else applies natural henna colour to your hair. By mistake or lack of information, many people continue to incorporate ammonia into skin care products that claim to be natural. Although lemon juice is less effective, it will at most respect the health and vitality of your hair.

Once the solution is ready, apply it with a brush, starting with the roots and finishing with the ends. Over the next few days, you'll notice that the split ends tend to disappear.

Next, wrap your hair in cling film and then in a towel. This technique will avoid staining the bath towels and allow you to carry on with your daily activities. Once you've applied the natural henna to your head, leave it on for a full day to achieve optimum results.

It will end up giving your hair a ravishing colour. It will moisturise your hair and, above all, mask grey hair in a surprising way. Finish by rinsing your hair.

Natural henna in world traditions

As well as caring for the hair, natural henna is also used to strengthen the texture of the nails. It is also widely used to care for the soles of the feet. But it is as an embellishment and ornament for women that its use is most widespread.

In India and Morocco, temporary henna tattoos are very common on the arms and feet. The Moroccan Hanna Fassi is the most assertive expression of this. These pretty designs have helped to popularise the plant in France. More than just simple designs, they have a very strong symbolic meaning. In North Africa, the Hanna ceremony is a common feature of weddings. The practice signifies that the hand of the bride-to-be has been taken and that no suitor can ask for it again.

In addition to this cultural use, in Nigeria, natural henna is applied to the skin to protect it from external aggression.

In certain regions of the Sahel and among Berber populations, tattoos on women's chins are a distinctive ethnic sign. It is a way of respecting tribal order and differentiating oneself from Arab populations. These original methods of application make it possible to distinguish one's allegiance in countries where the clan mosaic is the norm.

Henna even for men

In Pakistan and the Arabian Peninsula, it is men who use natural henna to dye their beards. It ends up looking reddish. This very popular tradition helps to care for and strengthen the hair. Above all, it has a strong religious connotation.

Under its Latin name, "lawson inermis" is often blended with other plant elements. While countries like India and Sri Lanka have some of the best spice markets in the world. Shades are often enhanced with turmeric or other components. These precious mixtures enhance and add originality to the reflection of natural henna.

Whether ceremonial, dedicated to the cult of beauty or with a religious connotation, natural henna has a bright future ahead of it. It's very easy to find and prepare, and has considerable advantages. While it's true that it can be time-consuming to apply. It's up to you to make the most of it.