How To Apply Henna On Hair
A wide range of artificial, synthetic and natural dyes are available in the market for coloring/dying hair. The best among them are naturally grown henna or mehndi. The natural compounds of henna are used for strengthening, nourishing and beautifying hair. So, it is even more important to know the correct way of applying henna for the best results.
Follow through the steps and in no time you’ll also have smooth, shiny and soft hair.
1. Preparation of henna paste
Take henna powder in a bowl and prepare the henna mix by mixing well half cup of henna with one fourth cup of lukewarm water. Stir well unless you get paste like consistency with no lumps left. Now cover the container and let it rest for 8-10 hours.
2. Wash for clean hair and scalp
Make sure you have washed your hair properly with shampoo before applying henna. This is done to remove all dirt from your scalp and hair. Also it helps in better application of henna.
3. Protection from stains
Apply any body butter, petroleum jelly or coconut oil all over your hairline including your forehead, neck and ears to prevent any staining. Try to wear old or worn out clothes, again to avoid any stains and marks on your clothes. You can also wear gloves to protect your hands and nails.
4. Comb for knot free hair
Now, once you’ve pat-dried or blow-dried your hair, take a wide-toothed comb and start combing your hair. Make sure you remove all tangles and knots.
5. Part hair and apply henna in small sections
Part your hair from the centre and take a small portion of say around 2 inch wide from the topmost layer. Comb this section separately from the rest of your hair and now either using a large tint brush or with fingers start applying henna in the direction of root to tip.
6. Comb from root to tip to for even spreading of henna
Henna unlike other dyes or pastes doesn’t spread across that easily so again taking a comb, comb your hair from root to tip to ensure that henna has spread across evenly and also that the hair are properly saturated.
7. Twisting hair into a bun
Once you’ve covered the first section of hair with henna, twist it and roll it into a bun on top of your head. Due to the stickiness of the paste the bun will sit there but, if you want you can still use a clip or pin.
8. Henna on next section of hair
Take another section of hair working with the same topmost layer and apply henna following the same method. Also don’t forget to comb your hair.
9. Twist and wrap around the original bun
Now twist and roll the dyed section of hair and wrap it around the original bun you created with the first section of hair. Similarly, keep parting and work on other sections of hair until all your hair are covered with henna and wrap it around the bun on top of your head.
10. Touch-up by applying more henna in required sections
When all the sections of hair are covered with henna, check it once again and do a touch-up by applying more henna in the areas you think it is required.
11. Cover and let it set for 30 minutes
After you are done applying henna all over your hair, take a plastic wrap and cover your hair. Wrap it well all over your hair because this will keep it warm and moist helping in deep nourishment. Let it rest for good 30-45 minutes. (If you want you can keep it for longer duration to achieve even better results)
12. Rinse and wash
Now hop into the shower and thoroughly rinse your hair with water. Apply shampoo and conditioner for removing the remaining paste from your hair. Blow-dry or pat-dry your hair and you’re ready to roll with beautiful, shiny and silky hair.
