Many consumers are growing in their awareness as to what goes in their bodies, but health can be as greatly impacted by what goes on their bodies. We already realize that chemicals in cosmetics such as skin creams can break through the skin barrier, but what about the chemicals in hair coloring? In response to recent bad press about hair dyes, many have turned to semi-permanent solutions. However, there is reason to question the safety in the substances used in these products as well. If you are among the 50% of women who color their hair or a man who covers his gray, you might want to do more investigation into your favorite hair coloring.
Henna- ( Hinna) (Lawsonia inermis, also called mignonette tree, other common names are Mehendi, Goranti, Madarangi, Mailangi, Marudhani, etc. Henna means “blessed” in Arabic.
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Henna is a natural plant coloring use for body and Hair made from the powdered leaves of the plant, pure Henna should be all natural and preferably organically grown.
Henna flowers have been used to create perfume since ancient times, it’s also used today in creating Botanical perfumes.
The henna ceremony is an ancient ceremony performed by women in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to dye the skin in intricate patterns.
In Yemen and Morocco, the bride’s Henna ritual was the principal rite to passage for women in Yemen, this ritual was an important stage in preparing the bride for her new life as she changed from a girl- youth to a man’s wife, became separated from her family and went to live in her husband home. This party is usually held about a week before the wedding, the hands and feet of the bride and her party is painted with henna. The bride's designs are always the most intricate and the various floral and geometric designs are meant to ward off evil spirits, bring good luck and increase fertility.
In India Mehendi (Henna) is one of the most important pre-wedding rituals. It is fun a filled ritual, which is celebrated mainly by the bride's family. On this occasion, a professional henna designer or some relative applies mehndi to the bride’s hands and feet. There are few places in India where it is a ritual that the first motif of henna or mehndi is applied by the bride’s sister-in-law.
Hair Coloring with Henna
Henna contains hannatannic acid which, when mixed with hot water, will coat the hair. It seals in oils and tightens the cuticle cools the scalp, it strengthens the hair, helps reduce dandruff, and offers anti-fungal properties giving your hair a rich and bounce to the hair, healthy shine and allows some of your natural highlights to come through. Today this natural dye comes in a wide array of shades to choose from.
Henna only imparts a reddish tint to the hair, mixing subtly with a person’s own hair color to produce striking results. You can achieve different shades by mixing with different liquids such as herb teas, lemon, coffee or other plants such as indigo. You can get just about any color result.
When mixed with warm liquids such as water or herb teas Henna will have a consistency of mud. It is then applied as a paste to the entire head starting with the roots and then working all the way to the ends, saturating all the hair thoroughly. It also has an earthy odor that is not at all unpleasant but may notice it for a few shampoos afterward.
You will feel more comfortable and familiar with the process after a couple of applications.
