Truth and lies about Henna

¿Es verdad que si utilizas tintes no puedes aplicarte henna? ¿Su resultado es impredecible? ¿Seca el cabello? Te explicamos lo que es verdad y lo que no.

We have all heard about henna, Alheña in Spanish, a shrub that grows in the southern fringe of the Mediterranean, Middle East and India, and has a great capacity to dye. It is not the only plant that gives color, since there are many others such as hibiscus, walnut, chamomile, or indigo that also have this characteristic, although with different shades, but it is the one that best adheres to the hair protein .

In some cultures it is associated with luck, but above all it has been applied for centuries as a product of natural beauty, both for men and women.

The lack of knowledge about henna has made us not be too demanding with the type of henna that came to us in Europe, which frequently came adulterated with chemicals, which has created great confusion about its use and result.

These are some of the most heard phrases about henna. Do you know if they are true or false? 

If you apply henna, your hair always turns orange. False.

The result of 100% natural and unadulterated henna depends on the color base on which it is applied. If it is brown, it will have a slight coppery hue. If it is black, it will practically not be appreciated. On the other hand, on light blondes it can become orange.

(if that's what you want, go ahead!)

The result of henna on hair is unpredictable.False.

Henna comes from nature, and we cannot have a "fixed" color chart. The result is always very similar, but not always the same. It will depend on the quality of the hair, how hydrated or dehydrated it is, the environmental circumstances. After more than 20 years of experience, at Henna Morena we can guide you.

There is henna that does not give color.True.

It is called Neutral Henna. It is true that technically it is not the same plant (it is called Cassia Obovata) but being from the same family people call it with the same name adding the adjective "Neuatral".

Henna takes care of the hair: in addition to giving color, it gives it shine.  True.

Both pure Henna and Neutral Henna provide vitamins and minerals to the hair, strengthening it from root to tip and restoring its natural shine.

You can't apply henna over dye.False.

What is not recommended is applying henna on damaged, dehydrated or discolored hair because henna interacts with chemical molecules and this can affect both the color and the structure of the hair. If you use an organic and ammonia-free dye, you can apply henna without any problem, even on the same day.

Henna dries your hair.Half true...

Henna has astringent properties due to the tannins they contain (which have the same effect as wine in the mouth), which causes the hair to "tighten" after application. For this reason, we recommend preparing it with 3 or 4 tablespoons of almond oil, which will coat the hair cuticle and hydrate it in depth. You will see how the hair shines, and has a volume you have never noticed before.

Henna does not cover gray hair. True.

Indeed, it does not cover gray hair, but shades it, creating a very beautiful natural reflection.

You can modify the result of henna by mixing them with other plants.True.

There are many plants that have coloring properties, such as hibiscus, indigo, chamomile, or walnut. Even the wine! Mixing them in the right way will help define your color. Ask us how!

And remember: If you are going to apply henna, make sure it is 100% Lawsonia Inermis, and that it does not contain any added synthetic component that could alter the result or damage your hair. Henna Morena's henna is Henna leaf powder from organic farming and harvested in season to package it for you.

Because the fresher the henna, the better the result on your hair.