Henna rinse refers to a hair treatment involving henna powder mixed with other ingredients to condition and color the hair. Henna is a natural plant-based dye derived from the Lawsonia inermis plant. It has been used for centuries in various cultures to dye hair, skin, and nails.
Here, I will tell you in detail about it. So let’s get started.
What is Henna Rinse?
Henna rinse or wash is the process of washing out henna from your hair. All you have to do is make a paste with henna and put that in your hair thoroughly. After about an hour, when you wash it out, you will see a drastic change in your hair.
This is a natural dye derived from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. The leaves largely grow in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa and Asia. You can make a hair pack by pouring water into the powder or putting other ingredients in it.
For centuries, women of the Indian subcontinent have used Henna or Mehedi to create temporary tattoos on the skin. But do you know it is used for healthy hair growth too? Men and women all over the world now use henna on their hair to make it smooth and silky.
A little tip here, you can use other active ingredients with henna too. I have been using henna for years now. With some little experiments of my own with henna and other natural ingredients, I have found four great hair packs. I will tell you about those down the road.
But why would you put henna in your hair? Well, I say this with conviction, because:
Natural Conditioning
Henna rinse can deeply condition your hair. It makes the hair softer, smoother, and more manageable. It helps to nourish and moisturize the hair strands, giving you a natural boost of hydration.
Healthy Scalp
The leaves Lawsonia inermis have antimicrobial and antifungal components in them. These properties of Henna can help promote a healthy scalp. It can soothe scalp irritation, reduce dandruff, address other fungal infections, and strengthen the hair follicles. Your scalp health gets improved and you will notice significant hair loss.
Natural Highlighter and Grey Coverage
Rinsing your hair with henna can add beautiful natural highlights to it. It enhances the color and overall look of it. Henna provides a reddish or coppery tint if you have light-colored hair. On darker shades, you would need bleach to have the color.
On grey hair, the henna works like magic. If your hair is losing its natural color then you can use the henna paste to give it a tinted hue to hide grey patches.
Increased Shine and add Volume
If you are pining for a lustrous and radiant hair then henna is the ingredient you should look for. Henna balances the PH level of the hair, that reduces over time. But henna rinse coats the hair cuticles, smoothing the surface and reflecting light. This enhances the natural shine of your hair and adds more volume.
Natural Alternative
Chemicals, no matter how little you use will damage your hair to some extent. Henna rinse is a natural alternative to chemical-based hair dyes and treatments. It does not contain any harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. If harsh chemicals irritate your hair, then it is a safer and gentler option for you.
Tattoo
In Asian culture temporary henna tattoo bears a huge significance. In most ceremonies, girls make henna designs on their hands, feet, and sometimes even on the back.
How to Rinse Henna from Hair?
When you keep the henna in your hair for a long time, they dry up. So, rinsing it sometimes can be a hard process. Want to know how to do it in just one wash? I am going to give you the whole process here. There is a favorite secret tip of mine in there that I would like to share with you.
Timing
Allow the Henna paste to sit on your hair for the recommended amount of time. This is usually from 30-60 minutes.
Prepare Water
Now, fill a sink or a tub with some warm water. Our scalp is quite sensitive so don’t use too much hot water. Just lukewarm water will do.
Massage
Gently massage your scalp and hair with your fingertips to loosen the Henna paste. This will help facilitate the rinsing process.
First Rinse
Carefully dip your hair into the basin of water. Or you can use a shower head to rinse your hair with warm water. Start from the roots of the hair and then work your way down. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Do not use any shampoo in this process.
Lemon Water
Now this is my remedy. After the first rinse, you should pour some lemon water on your scalp and hair. It will make sure that so accumulated henna doesn’t remain in your hair.
Conditioner (optional)
Now, conditioning might not be an essential step but it certainly will give some that extra leap. This can help soften and further nourish your hair. Let the conditioner sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. And make sure you don’t apply the conditioner to the roots.
Final rinse
After that finally, finish by rinsing your hair with cool water.
Drying
Gently squeeze out excess water from your hair. You can air-dry your hair or use a towel to pat it dry. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can cause frizz or damage.
Henna Mask for Hair
Here are a few henna remedies for you:
Deep Conditioning Mask
Mix the henna powder with the following:
- 1 tsp of coconut oil,
- 1 tsp of aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp of either Moroccan oil or olive oil.
- Add water if needed
Let the mask sit for 1-2 hours and rinse it thoroughly. Your hair will look supple, shiny, and voluminous.
Strengthening Mask
To make this mask you have to mix together:
- Henna powder
- 1 egg or 3 tbs of yogurt
- 2 tbsp of honey
Apply the mask to clean, damp hair. Make sure to distribute the mask evenly from roots to ends. Leave it on for around 30-45 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and enjoy stronger and more resilient hair.
Soothing Mask
Create a soothing mask using:
- Few tbs of henna powder
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- Few drops of tree or lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt
After you have made a fine paste by mixing all the ingredients, put your scalp. And gradually spread it all over your hair. After applying, gently massaging the paste in circular motions. Massaging makes sure that the paste penetrates deeper into your hair.
Now, Leave it on for about 30-60 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and experience a refreshed and balanced scalp.
Color-Boosting Pack
Mix a small amount of henna powder with :
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- Brewed black tea
You have to apply this mixture to clean, damp hair. So I suggest you shampoo your hair beforehand. While putting on the mask, focus on areas where you want to boost the color. If you have any grey hair, apply it more on those sections.
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse and enjoy a subtle color and extra shine.
Wrap Up
So there you have it. Henna Rinse is a natural, safe, and effective way to dye hair and nourish the scalp. It is full of benefits that we can reap. Using it can add shine, strength, and volume to your hair while repairing damage and soothing your scalp.
If you haven’t tried henna rinse before, it’s worth checking out and trying it.
