Using natural dyes is considered a fairly effective solution for changing the color or shade of hair. But if everyone is already used to paints that give a pronounced red color, brown henna for hair still looks exotic. And yet, it was with her help that Indian women for centuries maintained the beauty and color of their luxurious hair. Depending on the condition and natural shade of the strands, brown henna for hair can give a visible strengthening effect, improve the density of curls, make them heavier and more manageable.
Features
Natural dye - brown henna - contains in its composition the main active substance, presented in the form shredded leaves of a bush of Lawson (lawsonia inermis). It grows mainly in the countries of the African region, products exported abroad are mined in Iran and India.
The color obtained on the hair depends on the components added to the base material. So for all the dark shades henna mixed with basma (indigoferoy dyeing), amloy, vetiver, nim tree leaves, bringaraj. And also to enhance the effect, you can prepare a composition of 100 g of henna with cooked strong coffee - the result will be much more intense and impressive. In some dyes, manufacturers already add it to the list of ingredients, as well as cocoa oil.
This point should be clarified in advance so as not to exceed the recommended concentration when staining.
For the convenience of storage and transportation, well-known brands of natural hair cosmetics press their products in chocolate bar briquettes. It is convenient to measure the dye in them, but before preparing the mixture, you will have to grind the selected volume in tiles using a grater.
Dye differences
Features light brown, dark brown and golden brown henna consist in the final color obtained on the hair. Modern manufacturers offer turnkey solutions for those who dream of changing the shade of their hair. Dark brown paint is created on the basis of a mixture of henna and basma, to enhance the tone, you can add natural coffee or cocoa. She always has impurities, because in its pure form, you can get only a copper shade.
A light brown and golden mixture is obtained by adding chopped saffron, walnut leaves.
Helps get optimal results and paint. with ground cloves or black tea, cocoa. Basma is added 1 part to 3 parts henna. The proportions also matter. Golden brown color scheme is obtained when using the extract as a part of the dye. daisies, turmeric, saffron.
The content of basma matters. Equally mixed ingredients give a natural dark chestnut tone. In a ratio of 1 to 2 (part of henna into two parts of basma), the color will turn out close to black as dark and saturated as possible. Additional ingredients help make the tone more vibrant.
Subtleties of application
Brown henna in briquettes requires preliminary grinding to a powder state. When buying bulk raw materials, its fractions will be smaller, similar to dust. Short hair requires about 50 g or 1 tile cube. The grass base is poured boiling water or, if the darkest possible shade is required, freshly brewed coffee is left infuse for 10 minutes. The mixture leads to a homogeneous state with a wooden stick, the contents should have the consistency of kefir or liquid sour cream.
Pre-washed and dried hair is covered with finished henna, carefully distributing it along its entire length. After the procedure is completed, the head is wrapped in plastic wrap or hat, insulated to enhance the achieved effect with a towel. The average exposure time for staining will be 2-4 hours then wash off the composition.
Contact with shampoos should be avoided for three days after the application of henna.
Beneficial features
Among the obvious benefits the use of natural brown henna in its various variations can be noted:
- the drying effect of the composition, which improves the condition of oily hair and scalp;
- elimination of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis;
- restoration after perming or other damage to the hair;
- stimulation of hair growth, regenerative effect on curls;
- the absence of chemical effects inherent in other types of dyes;
- minimizing the risks of allergic reactions.
Natural brown henna is noticeable thickens the hair, makes it visually more spectacular and heavy. This is true for owners of thinned hair, helps to cope with split ends.
Possible harm
Brown henna in its multicomponent composition is more reminiscent of modern hair dyes. But the more additives, the higher the risks of individual reactions. Prolonged contact of hair with henna-based formulations can lead to to overdry the rod, significantly worsen their general condition. That is why there is prohibition of too frequent a procedure.
Combining staining with chemicals and henna is strictly prohibited. If less than three weeks have elapsed from exposure, staining results may be unpredictable. The same restrictions apply. for a perm, lamination. After henna has been used, it is worth waiting several months until the dye is completely washed out.Otherwise, there is a likelihood that attempts at chemical staining will cause a change in the expected color.
Recommendations
Henna is bought, and you can start staining. To use it without harm to the curls, first of all, remember that the dye stains the skin quite strongly - during the procedure it is worth using gloves. The use of metal utensils is also excluded.. The container for the preparation and mixing of natural paint should be porcelain, earthenware or glass, preventing oxidation.
In more detail about features of henna the following video will tell.