Semi-permanent hair dye can be created at home using henna. Henna is a plant whose leaves are commonly used to make dye. The dye is released from the leaves when crushed and mixed with water or an acidic liquid such as lemon juice. Henna commonly dyes hair darker, not lighter, and will commonly cast a brown or reddish tint to hair. The henna coloring will gradually wash out of hair after two to three months. Unlike harsh chemical dyes, using henna on hair has additional benefits. Henna will naturally condition hair, prevent dandruff, loosen natural curl and prevent hair from tangling. Henna dyes are simple to create for use on hair and the more often henna is used, the richer and darker hair will become.
Step 1
Wash your hair with a cleansing shampoo several days prior to dyeing it. Do not dye your hair if the scalp has open lesions or sores; wait until the sores have healed.
Step 2
Measure 3.5 ounces of henna powder per one foot of hair to be dyed. Add an additional 1.75 ounces of powder to each foot of hair if your hair is extremely thick.
Step 3
Mix the henna powder with lemon juice until the mixture is the consistency of pancake mix. Cover the bowl with plastic and store the mixture between 75 and 85 degrees. Allow the mixture to sit for a minimum of eight hours.
Step 4
Part your hair into sections. Apply petroleum jelly around the skin near the hairline to avoid dyeing the skin. Put your gloves on. Rub the paste into your hair starting from the ends and working into the root. Cover each section well. Place a plastic cap over your hair and then wrap it in a towel. Allow your hair to sit or two to eight hours, depending on the richness you want in the color.
Step 5
Rinse the henna from your hair by taking a shower using lukewarm water. Rinse until the water runs clear. Make sure all the henna is removed around the back of your ears and from your skin. Shampoo your hair with a diluted mix of shampoo and water.
Step 6
Add conditioner to your hair and then rinse. The conditioner will seal in the additional color. Style your hair as usual.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not wash your hair immediately prior to dyeing. Pretreating hair is not necessary unless you have build up from product use.
Things You'll Need
- Henna powder
- Lemon juice
- Gloves
- Plastic cap
- Towel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
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