Natural Ingredients to Mix with Henna for Healthier and More Vibrant Hair

Henna dye is produced from the dried and powdered leaves of the henna tree (Lawsonia inermis) native to Northern Africa, western and southern Asia, and northern Australia. It has been used since ancient times to dye skin, hair and fingernails in certain parts of Africa and Asia. Today, henna is a popular alternative to chemical hair dyes.

Being all-natural, henna has a lot of benefits, but it does have some drawbacks too. First, it can’t give your hair just any color like chemical dyes can because it contains only red pigment. Second, some henna users report that it makes their hair feel drier than usual for a couple of days after coloring their hair. Luckily, you can alleviate these drawbacks by mixing the henna powder with other natural ingredients while preparing the dyeing paste. Here are some of the ingredients you can use.

Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Thanks to their acidic pH, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar will make the final color of your hair a little lighter, helping you achieve a rich gold or copper color (of course, this won’t work on naturally very dark hair). In addition, these ingredients help balance oily scalp and add more shine to the hair. You’ll need 1 to 3 tbsp of juice or vinegar depending on the amount of henna. Just don’t use too much because they may end up drying your hair.

Coffee. If you substitute coffee for water in the henna mixture, it will dye your hair deeper brown instead of red.

Tea. Just like coffee, tea can change the color you get after dyeing your hair with henna. Black tea adds golden brown highlights, hibiscus tea deepens auburn hues, and chamomile tee brightens blonde hair and adds some highlights. In addition, chamomile soothes itchy and flaky scalp as well as kills harmful microorganisms that cause dandruff. For a more pronounced effect, you need to steep the tea for 20 to 30 minutes before using it as a liquid for your henna paste.

Clove. Clove powder mixed with henna will enhance and deepen the color.

Coconut oil. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that will prevent dry, dull, and brittle hair. By adding a couple of tablespoons to the henna mixture, you transform it into a hair mask that nourishes and moisturizes your hair while also coloring it.

Yogurt. This amazing product serves several purposes. First, it has a slightly acidic pH, so it will make the color a little lighter. Second, it nourishes the hair, keeps it hydrated, and reduces frizz. Third, it improves the texture of the henna paste and makes it easier to apply. Of course, you need to use plain, unflavored and unsweetened yogurt, preferably organic.

Egg yolk. Egg yolk is often used in DIY hair masks as a source of protein. It helps quench dry hair and improves its structure. You’ll need to add just one yolk to the dyeing paste.

Essential oils. Essential oils make the henna easier to rinse out and give the mixture a nicer smell (although the smell of henna isn’t exactly unpleasant, some people just don’t like it). In addition, all essential oils have antiseptic properties and therefore help combat dandruff. However, you need to be careful. Some oils can irritate the scalp, so before adding any essential oil to the mix, make sure you aren’t allergic or sensitive to it.

Ayurvedic herbs. Henna mixed with various herbs used in Ayurveda takes good care of the hair. There are many herbal powders that you can use, including amla (Indian gooseberry), arjuna, ashwagandha, bhringraj, brahmi, manjistha, neem, neutral henna, reetha, shatavari, shikakai, and others.