How to use henna natural hair colour

For those with allergies, or anyone who simply wants to change their hair colour whilst being kind to their skin and scalp, the Its Pure organic henna hair colour is now in stock. So, we wanted to tell you more about it, including the benefits and how to use it.

Certified by the The Soil Association, the award-winning henna hair dye is 100% organic, using Ayurvedic herbs to help condition hair as well as add volume and shine. It’s free from PPD (Paraphenylenediamine - a chemical usually used in permanent hair dyes), ammonia and peroxide.

Henna is generally not given the credit it deserves as a beauty product, possibly because there was a period in the mid ‘90s where every teenager in town decided to use it for summer hair and temporary tattoos. Far from being relegated to a box marked ‘Brit Pop and combats’ however, it is an unsung hero of natural hair care that definitely deserves credit.

Made from the Lawsonia inermis plant, henna has roots (literally) in the Middle East and Asia. Its Pure henna is grown on a fair for life certified farm in India, then the dye is blended in the UK.

The great benefit of henna is that it’s incredibly gentle. Where permanent dyes tend to be harsh on hair and scalp, henna has been used for centuries and is known, not only for its colour, but for nourishing the hair and helping to restore the pH balance of the scalp as well.

Being natural doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have a reaction to a product, so you should always do a patch test. However, the limited ingredients and their organic nature means that the chances of a reaction to henna hair dye is minimal and you’re far less likely to develop a cumulative reaction over time. As a result, the dyes are great for anyone with sensitive skin, those who have damaged their hair through heat and chemical use and anyone who simply wants to dye their hair whilst nurturing it as well.

We have also found that clients who are dyeing their hair once it’s grown back following cancer treatment benefit from the gentle product. However, please be mindful that if you are undergoing any medical treatment you should always speak to a doctor before using this or any cosmetic products.

When our very own team member, Emma, used Its Pure henna hair colour following bleach damage, she said:

“When I get stressed my skin flares up and I get psoriasis on my neck and back of head. After a somewhat ill-fated incident with bleach earlier this year, I decided to switch to natural skin and hair care, as well as bringing other holistic wellbeing practices like meditation into my life. Since then, my skin hasn’t flared up and my hair is shiny and recovering well.”

We wanted to give you a practical insight into applying henna hair dye and what to expect from the process, so Emma explained what she did following her first application.

• You start by making up the henna hair colour in a non-metallic bowl. It comes in the form of a very fine powder that has a distinct but pleasant smell, a bit like loose tea.
• Mix the henna powder with water, but be careful not to whisk it too quickly so the powder doesn’t go everywhere!?
• Section clean, damp hair (split it into one to two-inch sections and hold in place with a clip or band) to make it easier to apply evenly.
• Apply as required and cover your hair with the plastic cap provided. This not only stops the colour from getting on your soft furnishings, it also allows heat to build up, which is important for getting organic dye to work as there’s no chemical agent to do the job.
• You can keep the dye on for up to four hours. It’s up to you, but the longer it’s on for the more intense the colour.
• When you’re ready, it’s time to rinse. The henna hair dye tends to dry, a bit like a mud mask (which also means it doesn’t run down your skin like other dyes). I suggest letting the water soften it for a little and then work it through with your fingers until the water runs almost clear.
• Then use a gentle shampoo to make sure you have removed all the excess and dry as normal. The dye leaves hair feeling almost squeaky clean (a bit like a mud mask), so I would recommend using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to rehydrate.
• Once dry, my hair felt incredibly soft and shiny, and not once did my scalp feel irritated throughout the process.
• While it’s a natural dye, so it won’t last as long as a permanent one, after a month my colour was still strong and my hair was still much shinier than it had been before.

Make sure you have enough time to apply henna to your hair properly for best results.

• Sectioning the hair is really important for even coverage.
• Make sure you use a good plastic cap while the dye is on to encourage heat to fix the dye.
• Use a good pair of gloves to apply the henna so you don’t colour your fingers in the process.
• We suggest using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner after rinsing off the dye. Emma used our Soothe & Grow range infused with nettle and rosemary, but the Moisture Injection products containing coconut and jojoba oil would also work well.