Henna powder comes from dried ground leaves of the henna bush.
Natural substances such as henna are enjoying renewed popularity as concerns grow over the safety of harsh chemical hair dyes. They are easy on your hair and scalp—and provide a wide variety of glossy shades.
Always color test a lock of hair first and stick to the exposure time. Protect clothes, wear disposable gloves and use stainless steel or glass bowls to avoid staining.
• To lighten and add shine, mix 2/3 cup (150 ml) boiling water with juice and grated peel of a lemon; steep 30 minutes and strain. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cider vinegar; apply evenly to washed hair. Rinse with warm water after 10–15 minutes. Repeat weekly.
• Pour a little boiling water over 2/3 cup (150 g) dried chamomile flowers; steep for 30 minutes. Put strained flowers in a bowl with 1/2 cup (100 g) dried, finely ground rhubarb (from specialty herb suppliers). Mix in 3 teaspoons (15 ml) each olive oil and hot water. Brush on, cover with plastic wrap for 30 minutes, rinse, wash.
• Blend 1/2 cup (125 ml) natural henna with 1 cup (250 ml) ground walnut shells (from specialty suppliers). Add boiling water to make a paste. Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice and 3 teaspoons (15 ml) olive oil. Brush on. Cover with plastic wrap, leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse and wash.
• For a medium brown dye: Mix 1/2 cup (100 g) crushed onion peel, 1/4 cup (50 g) finely ground sandalwood and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. Make a paste with boiling water. Apply, rinse and wash.
A rich, red natural dye
Henna turns dark brown hair a rich, attractive red.
3/4 cup (180 g) red henna powder
1 cup (250 ml) black tea
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
Mix the henna, warm tea and oil and apply immediately. Cover your head with plastic wrap and a large towel and leave on for 2 hours. Rinse hair with warm water and wash.
• Mix 3 tablespoons (45 ml) black tea, 6 tablespoons (90 g) black henna powder, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cider vinegar. Add boiling water to make a paste. Apply as for brunette dye. Rinse after 30–40 minutes.
• For a darker shade, steep 4 tablespoons (60 ml) dried sage, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) dried rosemary and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice in 12/3 cup (400 ml) water over low heat for 30 minutes. Strain, cool and use as a rinse after washing the hair.
• Mix 1/2 cup (100 ml) boiling water, 4 tablespoons (60 ml) dried sage and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black tea. Let steep for 30 minutes and strain. Moisten the hair with the lukewarm solution and rinse after 30 minutes. You will need to repeat this for several weeks for results.