One day I looked in the mirror. I didn’t like what I saw.
My hair was a mousy brown. It was limp and had no body. Each strand was thin.
I felt like I had a rat’s nest rested on my head, instead of my natural hair.
In desperation, I turned to my usual remedy. Chemical hair dye.
For months, my teenage daughter had urged me to try henna. But I was used to putting toxic chemicals on my scalp. That’s because they made my hair look better for a week or two.
Finally, I was forced to heed my daughter’s advice. My health deteriorated. Over the course of a few months, I developed severe nerve inflammation. I could no longer walk. If I didn’t do something, I’d probably end up in a wheelchair.
Mousy brown hair became the least of my problems.
But here’s the good news. I’ve regained my health. I can walk again. My hair has returned to a darker shade of brown. It’s thicker and it’s gotten stronger.
So, what happened?
One of the blessings of my illness is that I discovered pure natural henna, and all the amazing things it does for your hair. I can’t promise or claim it will do the same for anyone else’s tresses, but it’s worked great for me.
Using henna was part of a total lifestyle change. I switched from junk food to wholesome organic meals. I traded in my chemical cosmetics for plant-based alternatives. I feel better and I look better. In a way, the nerve inflammation was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Why Use Henna Hair Color
Henna comes from a shrub, which grows throughout much of the Old World. It’s found in North African and on the Indian subcontinent. It’s been used as a cosmetic for thousands of years.
It has an amazing affinity for the hair. It strengthens each root and gives it more volume, at least temporarily. These beautiful effects last for about a week. Henna also doesn’t strip your hair. So, in between treatments, your hair behaves normally.
I started using henna, a few years ago. The horrible effects of the chemical colorings seem to have reversed themselves. Sometimes I think I switched just in time, before permanent damage was done.
Henna For Covering Gray Hair
Today, henna leaves are packaged and shipped all over the world. One of the main uses is as a hair dye. It offers a healthy alternative to chemical-based hair coloring. Many of these preparations contain ingredients that are carcinogenic or have the potential to disrupt hormones.
Also, henna really does cover the gray. I don’t know if it would work as well if you had a full head of gray hair. But if your natural color has faded around the temples, it will temporarily solve this problem. It also hides “salt and pepper” strands.
Where To Buy Henna
I initially tried one brand of henna that turned my hair a brassy red. So I wasn’t totally sold on this natural beauty solution until I found Rainbow Henna. This comes in different shades, so it more closely matches your real color. It leaves your hair thicker, shiner and more manageable.
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Does Henna Strengthen Hair?
For a few days to a week after a henna treatment, your hair will definitely have more body. I like to schedule my henna treatments accordingly. If I know I want my hair to look good, on a certain day, I use henna a couple days before. (It also works well if you use it the same day. For instance, if you’re planning to out at night, you can apply it in the morning.)
Rainbow henna contains organic plants and nothing else. This is important. About 60 percent of whatever goes on your skin eventually ends up in your bloodstream. Since you leave hair coloring in for about an hour, this is plenty of time for toxins to enter your system.
Using Henna Hair Color
But with henna I don’t have to worry about this. I can also use it as often as I like, without having to think about potentially dangerous chemicals.
Over time, commercial hair dyes will also damage your hair. It became a vicious cycle, because I needed to use the dye more frequently to fatten up the strands. Henna doesn’t damage your hair this way.
Henna has a grainy texture. So it’s a little messier than chemical hair dyes. This doesn’t really bother me though. I consider it a small tradeoff for a safer product.
Good Brand Henna Hair Dye
There are different brands of henna. They seem to vary widely in quality. As I mentioned earlier, my first henna experience was disastrous. My hair turned red and became brittle and dry. The end result was a hideous looking mop of hair. So you do need to shop carefully.
Also, henna coloring color doesn’t last quite as long as chemical hair dyes. So, if you’re really concerned about gray showing through, you might have to use it more frequently. But you can do this, because it’s safe for your body, and it doesn’t harm your hair.
Does Henna Help Your Hair?
For some people, henna can be drying. So, if that’s the case, you can put a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil into the mix.
Henna comes dry. You mix it with boiling water and let it cool before using it. Rainbow Henna needs just an hour to work. The henna powder is easily stored. You only have to use what you need at any given time. It’s also less expensive than chemical colorings. Depending upon the length of your hair, each plastic jar should be good for two to three full head colorings. You can also use a lesser amount for touch ups.
I am so thankful to have discovered henna and what it can do for your hair. Before using it, I was on a vicious. I “needed” chemicals to make my hair look better. But, each time I used them, they did more damage.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should speak with a healthcare provider before using an herbal product on their hair.
