Know The Disadvantages Of Using Henna On Hair

Woman applying hair color | disadvantages of applying henna

Henna offers benefits and drawbacks, like many natural hair colours. But if you use questionable ingredients, apply them poorly, or don't have a suitable hair type, henna can not be beneficial for your hair.

Lawsone, a chemical that links to proteins to colour hair, skin, and textiles, is found in henna. It is also antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Natural hair colour created from Lawsonia inermis is called henna (aka henna plant). Henna may give your hair a darker, shinier, and thicker appearance when applied to your locks. However, there are certainly potential issues to be aware of, just as with any cosmetic product.

The following are some possible disadvantages of using henna for hair:

Dry hair
Difficult application and staining
Allergic reaction
Hair damage if applied incorrectly
Not great for light hair colours
More permanent than commercial dyes
Dermatitis (skin irritation)
Itching
Swelling
Redness
Scaling
Burning
Damaged skin
Skin scarring.

Does henna damage your hair?

No, Because it does not roughen or remove the cuticle of the hair, pure henna does not cause damage to the hair in any way. Henna can make hair thicker and glossier.

Is black henna safe for hair?

No. To get a deeper colour, black henna may be mixed with paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Because this substance is both an irritant and an allergen, it has the potential to cause an allergic response in those with sensitive scalps. It is usually advisable to stick with natural hennas and avoid hennas that promise to make your hair become black. Hennas are available in both powder and liquid form.

How to choose safe henna for hair?

Henna powder is one of the greatest methods to colour your hair, get rid of obstinate greys, boost scalp health, and make your hair more manageable.

However, not all henna colours are created equal.

Henna is a plant-based dye that is cultivated naturally all over the globe. So, the quality of the henna is mostly determined by the supplier from which it is purchased, as well as the kind, your motivation, and even the packaging.

The first thing you should consider is your motivation. What is your motivation for wanting to use henna? Is it intended for body art? Do you wish to change the colour of your hair? Do you want to use it to colour your sheets? The selection procedure will be simple if you have a clear goal in mind.

Organic and pure henna is one of the finest and highest-quality henna. To ensure optimal freshness, this henna powder is naturally cultivated in a safe environment, packed, and transported over a safe route. It also has no pesticides, chemicals, or other substances. It is the purest kind of henna available for use on both hair and skin.

Fresh henna: This is what you get in the market that has not been packaged or labelled by any producer. Freshly powdered henna is typically found in the Asian subcontinents, however, it is increasingly accessible in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Some suppliers rebrand fresh henna in triple-sifted sacks. When purchasing fresh henna, look for the packing label and the expiry date.

Black Henna: Although black henna should not be used on your hair or skin, it is nevertheless freely accessible on the market and is extensively used to dye clothes. Because black henna includes chemicals, it is an excellent colour consistency agent as compared to natural henna.

Brown Henna: Also known as organic and pure henna. Brown henna is non-toxic and may be used on both skin and hair. It is one of the purest henna powders on the market.

Henna Paste: Henna may also be purchased in the form of a paste, which can be applied straight to your hair or skin. However, unlike traditional hair colours, henna paste has a limited shelf life. But the good news is that it's already blended and ready to use. If you have an upcoming occasion and are limited on time, Henna paste is recommended.

The Henna should be:

free of PDD
free of pesticides
free of additives
safe for the skin

Safest henna to use on hair

For thousands of years before the invention of chemicals, our forefathers utilised henna extensively in desi culture.

As a result, there is no reason why it cannot be made chemical-free today.

Organic components are the safest for the skin and hair. However, how can you know which henna is best for your skin, hair, and scalp?

Synthetic hair dyes are well-known for causing swelling within your hair.

The same colour permeates your skin, enters your bloodstream, and enters your system.

Henna hair dye is thus highly harmless since it just dyes the exterior of each hair strand.

It is recommended that you check for the following ingredients:

Organic Henna Powder is the simplest method to ensure that your mehndi is safe.
Henna powder may be mixed with liquids, particularly water.
Citrus is an acidic element that may be used to extract the colour.
Tea oils or lavender essential oils may be used to naturally deepen the colour.

Which Henna is the safest for your hair and skin in terms of scent and colour?

Organic henna has not been as much altered as other kinds. As a result, the paste should have a strong earthy aroma (with a slight hint of any oil used).

Furthermore, the paste should have a deep orange-red colour and never black.

When applying it to the skin or hair, wait until it has completely dried before scraping it off.

When peeled off, look for a brilliant orange colour.

This orange tint will eventually become brown, providing the deeper colour that is now popular.

Shelf life

Another factor to consider when deciding which mehndi is best for your hair and skin is the shelf life. This is because natural, safe henna does not often have a long shelf life.

Take Away

Henna dye is a popular way to darken hair. Though it may help strengthen hair follicles while also making hair smoother and shinier. However, like with any cosmetic product, you must use it with caution.

Henna is difficult to apply on your own. If done poorly, you may end up with blotchy or uneven hair that is difficult to restore with professional colours. You should also be cautious about the products you utilise. Some include harsh substances that might irritate your skin, trigger allergic responses, or dry out your hair.

FAQs

1. How many times can we apply henna on hair?

It is always advisable to apply henna once or twice a week.

2. Which henna is chemical free?

Organic henna powder is a chemical-free henna.

3. Should I oil my hair after applying henna?

Yes. After applying henna, oil your hair and shampoo it next for better results.

References:

Is Henna Hair Dye a Bad Idea? Here’s What the Experts Have to Say - Healthline
Kathem K. Al-Rubiay,1 Nawres N Jaber,2 Al-Mhaawe BH,3 and Laith K. Alrubaiy, Oct 2008, Antimicrobial Efficacy of Henna Extracts