Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by Reiner Chase
Using henna on dyed black hair is generally safe, but results can vary. Henna can create a reddish tint on the dyed black hair, and repeated use may intensify the color. A strand test is recommended to predict the outcome.
Jump To A Section
Is Henna Safe for Dyed Hair?
Henna is completely safe for hair that has been dyed black. However, it is best to do the henna process over a long period instead of one sitting, which can leave hair fried. If you desire a quick fix, then this is not recommended, but if you have patience and want to achieve some beautiful, natural-looking hair, then all you need is three things:
- The henna powder (100g).
- Sugar or honey.
- Lemon juice, water, and plastic gloves.
After soaking your hair in lemon juice and water to open up the cuticles and allow the dye to penetrate more deeply, add 100g of henna powder or an appropriate amount, depending on your desired length of black coverage.
How to Apply Henna on Black-Dyed Hair
If you want to keep your black hair and change the color slightly, a little bit of henna might be just what you need. For example, some people are drawn to using reds and deep blues for a hint of something new or gray coverage in certain areas.
For henna powder and paste to work effectively with dark hair, the dye must be mixed with acidic elements like lemon juice or conditioner. Some people also add coffee grounds instead of lemon juice because it helps provide an even coloring throughout the strands without lightening streaks.
But how do you apply henna on black hair to attain effective results?
- One way is by first using a layer of a thick conditioning treatment to clean and dry hair.
- Next, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil into 1/2 cup hot water, then stir in 2 tablespoons henna powder.
- Pour mixture overhead and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. It’s important not to leave the mixture on too long; otherwise, the final result will not have that rich black hue many women crave.
What To Consider Before Applying Henna On Dyed Hair
- Assess the Condition of Your Hair: Before applying henna on dyed hair, carefully evaluate the condition of your locks. If your hair is already damaged or if you’ve recently had a lot of chemical processing done, it’s best to avoid henna. Henna can further dry out your hair and make it brittle, leading to more damage.
- Check the Shade of Your Dyed Hair: The color of your dyed hair plays a crucial role in determining how henna will interact with it. If you have light or blonde hair, henna can significantly change the color, resulting in a reddish or orange tint. On the other hand, if you have darker hair, the henna might not appear as vibrant but can add subtle highlights.
- Conduct a Strand Test: Conducting a strand test is highly recommended before applying henna on your entire head of hair. This test allows you to see how the henna will specifically react with your dyed hair color. Clip off a small section of your hair and apply henna according to the instructions. This will help you avoid any unexpected surprises or unwanted outcomes.
- Understand Henna’s Permanent Nature: Unlike regular hair dyes, henna is a permanent colorant that cannot be easily removed or lightened. Once applied, it gradually fades over time but doesn’t completely wash out. If you prefer a temporary hair color change or want more flexibility with future dye jobs, henna may not be the best option for you.
- Consider the Henna Ingredients: It’s crucial to choose a high-quality henna product that doesn’t contain any metallic salts or chemicals. These additives can have adverse reactions when mixed with dyed hair, leading to unpredictable results and even damaging your hair further. Always read the ingredient list carefully and opt for pure, natural henna powders.
- Prepare for the Time Commitment: Applying henna to dyed hair can be a time-consuming process. Unlike regular hair dyes that only require a short processing time, henna needs several hours to set and develop its color. Plan your application accordingly, making sure you have enough uninterrupted time to wash, dry, and style your hair afterward.
- Perform a Patch Test: Before applying henna on your entire head, it’s essential to perform a patch test on a small area of your scalp. This helps you determine if you have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to henna. Dilute a small amount of henna with water or an acidic liquid and apply it to a small spot on your scalp. Wait for 24 hours to see if there are any adverse reactions.
- Do Not Mix Henna with Chemical Dyes: It’s crucial not to mix henna with chemical hair dyes or use them in quick succession. The chemicals in regular hair dyes can interact unpredictably with the henna, resulting in undesirable colors or causing damage to your hair. Wait at least six to eight weeks between chemical dyeing and henna applications.
- Prepare Your Hair for Henna: Before applying henna on dyed hair, make sure it is clean and entirely free of any styling products or residue. Wash your hair thoroughly using a clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up that may interfere with the henna’s absorption. Additionally, do not condition your hair before applying henna, as it can hinder the dyeing process.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you are uncertain about applying henna to your dyed hair or if you have specific concerns, it’s best to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair condition, provide personalized advice, and help you achieve the desired results while minimizing potential damage.
Understanding Whether Henna is Permanent or Semi-Permanent
Henna is semi-permanent because it fades over time. It can last anywhere from two weeks to four months, depending on the type of henna used and how often your hair is washed. One thing to be aware of if you’re considering using henna is that recently dyed hair will fade faster.
As a result, natural dyes such as black or chestnut henna may not work for you at all. However, henna with plant-based indigo does produce a permanent stain.
A final word of caution: Some people could be allergic to products containing ingredients derived from plants in the Liliaceae family (also known as lilies). If you have allergies, don’t use anything containing Lawsonia inermis and Foeniculum vulgare var.
How Henna Colors Your Hair
Henna colors the hair with a deep brown, not red. This color may be permanent or temporary depending on a few factors:
- Henna color.
- Water type.
- Length of time.
For example, light henna would appear more reddish-brown while darker henna would be browner. It also takes longer for black hair to dye light using henna than for lighter-colored hair since black hair has less room for taking in pigments from outside sources.
Benefits of Using Henna to Dye Black Hair
- Henna has a unique ability to penetrate deep into the hair shaft, where it stabilizes the proteins that dye your hair.
- When you use henna, there’s no peroxide or ammonia to strip your hair of natural oils, making it dry and brittle.
- Henna will also help repair hair and make it stronger.
Important Tip: Dyes made with henna usually have a red base, so they penetrate best when your hair is black or has a red undertone. They will likely leave your dark brown or black hair lighter, which can be good if you’re looking for highlights in your hair.
But since henna is a plant-based dye, you shouldn’t expect drastic changes from using it in your hair. If you crave a more intense color change and are willing to put up with some damage to get it, chemical dyes may be what you need.
How to Choose Your Henna Kit
Which henna kit should you buy? In many cases, this will depend on your hair type. Here are a few options to consider:
Some kits are specially formulated for oily hair or hair that’s been bleached and weathered. Other kits have unique ingredients that make the color last longer than other hennas. Additionally, there is a wide variety of colors to choose from brown, black, purple, etc.
Below is a list of the best henna kits on the market today:
- Henna guys henna hair and beard dye (100 Grams).
- Mi nature henna powder (227 Grams).
- Discovery of natural hair color (100 Grams).
- Pride of India hair cream (454 Grams).
- Biotique bio henna leaf fresh texture shampoo & conditioner (120 Grams).
Conclusion
Henna is a natural substance that most people are unaware of due to the widespread use of chemical-based hair dye products. Henna is a plant ground up into powder and mixed with other ingredients. Different grades of henna powders, from the least expensive to the costliest, depend on how much has been filtered.
It typically costs about $2 per package and can last for over one year if used correctly. After applying henna, the mixture needs to be wrapped up in cling wrap for 4-8 hours before washing it out again in the shower with shampoo. The benefit of this dyeing agent is that it will make your hair incredibly shiny because it doesn’t have chemicals that dry out your hair or cause as much damage as traditional products do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Henna if I Have Highlights in My Hair?
If your hair is black and you dye it with red henna, the stain will be a brown color. If you already have red in your hair and use black henna, the color may be bluer than dark brown.
No rule says the highlight color must always match the dye used. Have fun experimenting to see what unique shades come from using different dyes together!
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Using Henna Products in My Hair?
Dying your hair black changes, the chemical composition of your hair, and as a result, it might be more difficult for henna to adhere to. However, it may still work to some degree, depending on the darkness of your black dye and how long the henna will sit in your hair.
There are other hacks you can try if henna doesn’t work for you:
- Take good care of your hair before applying henna.
- Leave the henna in longer than usual or use more product.
At the end of three hours after applying henna, there will be no difference between your dyed black hair and natural roots. To allow the product to work its magic, leave it in overnight. In the morning, when you shower, most of the color will wash out. If this happens, just apply more henna, and keep waiting until your desired color is achieved!
What is Eucalyptus Oil, and Should I Be Worried about it While Using Henna Products in My Hair?
Eucalyptus oil is a volatile oil produced from the eucalyptus tree leaves and is used in aromatherapy. It can often be used as an antiseptic, pain reliever, and relief for colds and congestion.
Eucalyptus essential oil should not be consumed internally or applied to the skin undiluted, so do not use it directly on your hair or scalp without diluting it first.
References:
