Henna does not cover gray hair – it is written on the product box and is part of the hair coloring culture. But times have changed. And it’s no longer a choice between going gray or using a commercial hair dye.

There are two ways to cover gray hair with henna.

1. Henna kits made specifically for gray hair.

2. Using pure henna powder in a whole new way.

Henna kits for gray hair

Most henna kits for gray hair are 2-step processes. The hair is first coated with a natural, non-toxic preparative mix. This helps gray hair to become more receptive to henna.

There is also pre-mixed henna cream on the market that covers gray hair. Most, however, take 2-3 applications before the gray is fully covered. Some products, like Surya Henna Creamthey are easier, one-step processes that claim to cover gray hair in the first application.

Henna, as you probably know, covers the hair. It does not open or rough the hair shaft like most commercial dyes do. And because gray hair tends to be rougher and more slippery than pigmented hair, henna tends to take away gray hair. That is why henna is classified as a semi-permanent hair color. Even the best henna application wears off a bit with each shampoo. And this is why most boxes of 1-step henna powder will warn against using it on gray hair.

pure henna powder

Most henna users are already familiar with this green powder. It comes in a plastic bag (some buy in bulk) and is made from the leaves of the Lawsonia tree. To create different colors, other natural ingredients are added, such as walnuts or cloves.

If you have gray hair and want to use pure henna, you can. It’s a long process, but it worked for me and I’ll never go back to anything else. light mountain henna It’s good like many other brands.

Before starting

Do a strand test. If you cut your hair, save a curl to use for the strand test. If not, cut some of the hair under or in the back so the undercut doesn’t show. Hold the hair sample with an elastic band and do the entire coloring process with this strand. This is important because it is the only way to calculate rest time. Unlike commercial hair dyes, henna varies greatly in how long you want to leave it on to achieve your desired color. The time to dye gray hair can be from 2 to 6 hours.

Another reason to strand test: to make sure the final color is what you want. Henna on gray hair will come out lighter than henna on pigmented hair. Henna on blonde hair is unpredictable. The strand test will let you know.

A note about buying henna. Please read the ingredients carefully before buying. Make sure there is nothing on the list that you do not understand. Any hair color that contains PPD (p-phenylenediamine, sometimes labeled paradiaminobenzene, paraaminoaniline, p-aminoaniline, paradiaminobenzene, or PPDA) is prohibited for health and safety reasons. However, most of the henna you find at a reputable health food store will be pure and safe. Hennas that are purchased online often list their ingredients and I encourage you to read them.

Ready, Set, Go

• The first step is to apply a line of emollient to the forehead. This will prevent the henna from staining your face.
• Next, mix brown based henna powder in a non-metallic bowl, with freshly boiled water. Add a couple of beaten eggs if you like, to help keep the mixture sticky. Slowly add more hot water until the mixture is a smooth, thick paste.
• Apply to clean, dry hair, free of styling products, conditioners, sprays, or moisturizers. This is a key.
• Work it into the roots first, just like you would a commercial hair dye, but use more product, at least a golf ball-sized dollop of paste each time you style your hair and apply it. Each strand of hair must be completely covered with henna. Wear the plastic gloves included in the package and apply with your hands for the best coverage. Continue parting your hair into 1/4-inch rows, rubbing the henna into the hair, until all the gray is covered.
• Yes, the henna will stain the scalp, but it is non-toxic and will wash out the scalp (not the hair) with one or two shampoos.
• After covering the gray with the paste, apply the remaining henna to the rest of the hair if desired.
• Cover your head with a plastic cap and cover the cap with a towel.
• Once every hour (or less, if you’re short on down time), remove the towel and plastic lid and mist the henna pack lightly with water. Put the cap back on and rub your hair by hand (but gently) to draw moisture into the scalp and ensure that each strand of hair remains covered in henna. Reapply the towel.
• You may want to bake in the color further, using a heating cap or hooded hair dryer for 10 minutes every hour.
• When the time is up, rinse the henna out of your hair with warm (not hot) water. Your hair may be very tangled: that’s normal for now. So be gentle, don’t rub or tug. Apply a small amount of mild conditioner, such as from jason Prayed Aveda Color Preserveand rinse it after about 30 seconds. Do not use shampoo at this point.

For more details and product recommendations, see My Makeup Mirror [http://www.mymakeupmirror.com/HennaOverGray.html]

How to prevent your henna from fading

Wait at least 2 days before your first shampoo. After that, if you can shampoo every other day instead of every day, that will better preserve your new color. Be sure to use a color-safe shampoo. Some brands to try are purology, aveda, jason, arbonneY IrrigationAmong many others.

Note: I would not recommend too many styling products. Many of them pull color. But if you have a leave-in conditioner that you know won’t remove the henna in your next shampoo, go ahead and use it to detangle your hair and protect it from the heat of styling.

Your new hair color should be beautiful, shiny, and healthy. Because henna coats the hair, it makes it look thicker. And best of all, he’s dyed his gray hair without harming himself or the environment.