Does henna dry the hair?

Many times you ask us if Henna dries the hair. Well, let's clear up all the doubts!

No, Henna does not dry the hair, in the sense that the hair does not become drier and more damaged by applying it, on the contrary, Henna not only gives colour but also nourishes the hair thanks to its properties. However, it can create a "false sensation" of dryness. Here's why. 

The first few days after having a Henna treatment your hair "tightens", sometimes giving the sensation that it is "drier". This is because the components of Lawsonia Inermis contain tannins (hennotannic acid), which have an important astringent effect, similar to the sensation we get in our mouth when we drink red wine. Tannins affect the proteins in the hair and hence this apparent tightness.

That is why in the preparation of any of our colouring formulas, you should ALWAYS add a few tablespoons of one of our oils. 

In addition, we also recommend that you take weekly baths with the same oil, especially in the weeks prior to colouring your hair.

You should also know that if your hair is bleached or dyed with synthetic dyes, we do not recommend applying Henna without first following the first 3 steps of the Henna Morena Method, at least during at least a month. Why? Because synthetic dyes penetrate the hair cuticle, modify its structure, oxidise and dehydrate the hair. If we apply henna on top of hair coloured with synthetic dyes, the astringent effect of the plant will make the hair even drier.

Remember: oils and natural dyies are best friends.