I talk about henna often on Minimalist Beauty for healthy, strong, and shiny hair. I wanted to break down my henna process step by step from choosing body art quality henna, mixing and applying henna, rinsing henna, and styling my hair afterwards. For all those new to henna, this article is especially for you. For those who have been doing henna for years like myself, I hope that you will enjoy the article and maybe even add a few tips of your own. The process of using henna for hair can seem tedious at first, and almost too much work than it is worth, but believe me that it gets easier the more you do it, and is definitely worth the time that it takes.
Choosing Henna
It is so important to pick a henna that is body art quality. Pure henna comes in one color… red. Although henna can be mixed with other natural ingredients to create other natural colors, it cannot lighten your hair. When you see henna that has “color modifications” make sure that it is only mixed with cassia, indigo, or other natural ingredients such as coffee, hibiscus petal powder, amla etc. Otherwise it is possible that the henna is mixed with chemcial hair dyes or even worse metallic salts.
You are best off going with henna specifically for body art because it is chemical free and safe for both skin and hair. Body art quality henna is also finely milled which makes the application to hair as well as rinsing the henna out very easy. You will get the best color results from body art quality henna.
I’ve tried a few different brands of henna. I have noticed that because henna is a plant, depending on the crop, where it is grown, and how fresh the henna is can all be factors to determine the color of dye release as well as if the henna process is enjoyable. When I first began using henna I started with Karishma henna. Karishma henna is premixed with some amazing Ayurvedic herbs for hair strengthening and conditioning. My new favorite is Nupur 9 henna which has nine Ayurvedic herbs. Next are some brief descriptions of a few body art quality hennas.
Jamila henna sold in a shiny box with the date of the summer crop on the bottom of the box is body art quality henna. This henna gives a rich burgundy color release especially when adding hibiscus petal powder to it. The other Jamilla henna sold in a matte colored box is simply henna for hair without the dramatic color results and not as finely shifted. Jamilla Henna For Hair still provides good conditioning results just not equal color results. “This popular henna from Pakistan yields a wonderfully dark color for both hair and in body art.” ~ayurnaturalbeauty.com
Godrej Nupur 9 is my favorite body art quality henna made from 100% pure Rajasthani Henna and containing nine Ayurvedic herbs.
Shikakai – Leaves hair clean & shining
Aloe Vera – Moisturises hair & makes it silky
Methi (Fenugreek) – Conditions, nourishes and revitalizes hair
Bhringraj – Makes hair luxuriant
Amla – Darkens hair colour, adds shine & luster
Neem – Fights scalp infection and prevents dandruff
Hibiscus – Rejuvenates hair, making it silky and shiny
Jatamansi – Prevents graying of hair
Brahmi – Promotes hair growth
Karishma contains “pure henna, amla, shikakai, aritha, bhringraj, and selected herbs as described in century old Indian Vedas. Regular use of Karishma Herbal Henna darkens hair, acts as natural hair conditioner, controls dandruff and prevents hair loss. Due to natural cooling effect of the herbs used it improves eyesight and gives sound sleep. Karishma henna gives a warm red brown color release.” ~ayurnaturalbeauty.com
Reshma henna naturally produces a dark brown color with hints of dark red. I found Reshma henna at my local Indian grocer and felt pretty good with the conditioning and color results.
Rajasthani is “100% pure henna, grown in Sojat, Rajasthan, an Indian region thought by many to be the source of the world’s best henna…Expect bright copper red hues when used on light hair. Darker hair will experience varying tones from reddish brown to deep coppery tones depending on the usage.” ~ayurnaturalbeauty.com
I’ve only use Rajasthani henna in the Nupur 9, yet believe it will also give amazing results expected from quality BAQ henna.
Dulhan is another great option for hair color and conditioning properties. Dulhan is probably the most reasonably priced henna I’ve ever seen with a golden coppery red color release. I was suprised how finely milled this henna was for the price. It has more coppery tones than any other henna that I’ve used.
My Henna Mix
150g Godrej Nupur 9 Henna
1 can of coconut milk
1/4 cup of hemp seed oil or natural oil mix (Optional for extremely dry hair only as the oil will prevent the full amount of henna dye release but not all of it. Adding oil will also add extra conditioning to your henna treatment. You can read an update on this here.)
Preparing Henna
I mix about 100-150 grams of body art quality henna with a full can of coconut milk. Any oil of your choice can be added for more conditioning after the dye has been released from the henna. I allow the henna and coconut milk to sit overnight or for about 8 hours adding 1/4 cup of the oil to the henna before applying to my hair. Using coconut milk with henna creates a thick conditioner consistency for easy application and rinse out. It will not feel heavy or dry hard on your hair.
Applying Henna
I used to cleanse my hair prior to applying henna, yet now I apply henna to dry hair in four sections. This works well for me especially since all of my hair products are 100% natural or literally made in my kitchen. The henna does not have to penetrate silicones or other heavy chemicals. (Detangle your hair before applying henna.)
After applying henna to all of my hair, I cover my hair with a plastic conditioning cap or plastic wrap. (I know that using plastic isn’t eco-friendly, but I haven’t figured out a more earth friendly solution when using henna. Suggestions please!) I also cover my hair with an old or dark colored stretch fabric and/or an old or dark colored beanie. This increases body heat and better henna penetration into the hair strands.
I leave henna in my hair for 3-6 hours or even overnight for intense color and conditioning. If I plan to keep henna in overnight I make sure to cover my pillow with a towel. Leave henna in for only one hour for conditioning and less color application.
Rinsing Henna
To rinse out henna I simply run my hair under running water in the tub. Henna is unable to dry hard on hair when mixed with coconut milk which makes it extremely easy to wash out. After my hair feels well rinsed I use a conditioner to co-wash hair. At one point I was using the DIY Green Tea Cleansing Hair Rinse with marshmallow root extract to cleanse my hair after henna which also works well. I sometimes leave conditioner in hair for about 10-15 minutes for more conditioning, then rinse again and style as usual.
My latest hair styling methods are a mix of the Curly Girl Method and the Tightly Curly Method. I am still no ‘poo just a bit different. You can read more about it here and here.
Henna Use Tips
1. Remember to always use gloves to apply and rinse out. Henna will dye your hands and nails otherwise!
2. You can use cassia, neutral henna, for those who do not want to color their hair, yet desire an amazing conditioning and strengthening treatment. Cassia gives the hair golden highlights over time especially for light colored hair. Even alternate henna and cassia if you like.
3. When the dye has released in henna the top layer of your henna mix will be brown and underneath a nice green color. I doesn’t always take up to 8 hours, but that is the average dye release time.
4. If you are using a henna that does not have extra Ayurvedic herbs, you can always add amla or brahmi powder for extra conditioning and hair strengthening.
5. Plain yogurt is another great option if you can’t get your hands on coconut milk. I would then use about 16 oz of plain yogurt.
Like I said earlier, I’ve written about henna for healthy hair on Minimalist Beauty many many times. If you’d like to read more then here’s the list of henna related articles to check out!
Happy Hennaing!
(Image by Wikipedia)
Mareena Fierst says
My hair was very dark brown with red highlights in the sun. Now it is about 75% white (almost totally white at temple sides and top). I would like to use henna to reclaim my younger hair color all over. What advice can you give me or am I hoping for something not possible.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mareena Fierst,
Using henna alone will turn white hair a vibrant coppery red. To return to your previous hair color I would use a henna/indigo mix possibly adding a bit of amla powder to keep the color dark and rich. You can create your own henna/indigo mix or purchase a premixed henna/indigo like the one I wrote about here. You may have to do more than one application to reach your desired color. I hope this info is helpful to you and happy hennaing!
mia says
Hi I love your site. I saw you mentioned you use a plastic cap and you don’t know of an economic friendly solution when using henna. Well I have been reading and learning more about ayurveda while trying to incorporate it in my life daily. I watched a YouTube video called “The secret world of wellness ayurveda ancient india” and it about 3:42 min in it shows a woman hair being covered in a amla mask and banana leaves applied to her amla mask to keep it moist and not dry out.
I hope this helps some (which it may not since banana leaves are rare in certain areas) but I found it interesting also here’s a link to
the video if you don’t mind I post it here. https://youtu.be/Ys2CfFQyclE
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mia,
I actually plan on purchasing a swim cap which another reader recommended as an ecofriendly solution to plastic for henna applications. I think this is a great solution since it can be reused over and over again. Thanks for sharing this too.
mia says
No problem and that is a great idea to use a swim cap 🙂 keep up the awesome site.
Yvette says
Hi Dawn,
Does the coconut milk you use contain ingredients such as guar gum or other additives or preservatives, or does it just say coconut milk and water? Would you mind posting the ingredients and/or the brand of the coconut milk you use for henna and your conditioner mix? I’d think some of those ingredients could make a big difference in terms of consistency (like the thickening action of guar gum), dye release, and overall health for the hair. I got a can that just says coconut milk and water because I know my hair will be happy with those ingredients at least! I’m just not so sure about the many other ingredients some of those cans have.
Thanks for all the great tips, and thanks in advance for your help!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Yvette,
I usually just buy Trader Joe’s Light Canned Coconut Milk which only contains coconut milk and water. I’ve also purchased organic canned coconut milk from Whole Foods or Sprouts with similiar ingredients except that it’s organic. Guar gum is a natural thickener so that isn’t an ingredient to worry about, yet just use your judgement otherwise. I hope this helps!
Suzi says
I had a couple follow-up questions regarding the best way to use the black Mountain Rose Henna. I know you love mixing henna w coconut milk and I would love to try that. Is it safe to mix indigo with coconut milk? I, like you, followed the instructions from MRH meticulously and used one of their suggested methods of mixing which was yogurt. The consistency was a bit grainy and I’m wondering if using coconut milk instead would help with that. But, I want to make sure it’s safe using coconut milk and indigo. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Suzi,
I shared my experience with MRH Henna here. I also use it exactly as instructed since indigo does not adhere well with oils and coconut milk has a high oil content.
Suzi says
Hi! I noticed that you do not add lemon juice or any other acidic liquid to your henna mix. I don’t want to either just because I feel like this will be extra drying but I read in numerous publications that the acidic properties of lemon juice or ACV help aid with the die release of henna. What are your thoughts on this?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Suzi,
I have used acidic liquids like lemon juice before yet that henna mix was too drying for my hair. I’ve noticed that using henna and coconut milk actually has immediate dye release which I share in this article as my hands were stained. I no longer add oil to this mix as it does prevent the full amount of dye release.
Ariana says
Hi Dawn! I found your blog about a month ago while looking up henna tips and I have to say THANK YOU. Your whole blog has completely changed my whole approach for my hair, skin, body, and health. I’m now practicing a no chemical routine in all of my beauty practices!
For the henna, how do you know if a certain brand is BAQ? Will it say it on the packaging? Because I noticed that the Nupur and Reshma boxes don’t say anything about BAQ and I found some other henna brands at my local grocery store like Ayur Rajasthani so I wanted to know how to indicate whether henna is BAQ or not. Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ariana,
Body art quality henna is finely sifted and literally used for body art. It will usually state that it is. Nupur henna is a high quality henna as well with added Ayurvedic herbs which is why it is my favorite. I’m also so glad that you have been enjoying the site, and have moved away from chemical beauty products as well. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Josephine says
Thanks for your informative blog, I really like it. I tried Lush Henna, I pretty like it; the only down side is as they mixed with cocoa butter. My hair has a bit oily if I do not shampoo the same day. So I tried to mix my own henna and indigo (mixed 4 tbsp. of coconut milk) two days ago, I liked the colour and my hair looked really good. But when I touched and combed my hair, they were so rough and shed (its frustrating). I only rinsed with water without conditioner. Is the henna or indigo dry the hair? I want to try Mountain Rose Henna, but I wonder, usually we have to wait several hours for the henna dye release and have to leave on hair for at least 2 to 3 hour, but the Mountain Rose’s doesn’t need to.
Sorry for my message is too long:) Thank you for much!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Josephine,
Indigo can be drying on hair and so can henna too. I did not get good dye release when I mixed indigo, henna, and coconut milk myself because indigo does not adhere if oily ingredients are added and coconut milk is oily. When I used MRH henna I used water in my mix and a bit of yogurt which I shared here. Also doing a deep conditioning treatment after henna may be necessary for your hair until it gains more moisture over time. I hope this helps!
Josephine says
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your reply. What kind of deep conditioning you can suggest to use it after henna? Is it true if the deep conditioning contains protein which is not good to use it after henna? Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Josephine,
Not all deep conditioning treatments contain protein but some do. You can see some DIY deep conditioning treatments here. One of my favorites is coconut milk with puréed banana. Coconut milk does have a small amount of protein, yet it is nothing like synthetic lab created proteins in store bought brands. Just strain your DIY conditioner for easy rinsing. Hope this helps!
Josephine says
Thank you for your prompt reply. I will try the coconut/banana deep conditioning. Hope you have a wonderful summer:) By the way, I just subscribed your blog and thanks for sharing your experience.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Josephine,
Thank you for subscribing! <3
Paulina says
Hello Dawn Michelle,
I hope you are doing well. I am wondering how much is a can of coconut milk? There are so many cans on the market. I’m in Europe, so it’s probably also totally different. Please help.
best,
Paulina
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Paulina,
The canned coconut milk that I use is usually around 14 ounces. Happy hennaing!
Kiss & Make-up says
Hi Dawn Michelle! When you let the coconut and henna mixture sit overnight, do you cover it with plastic wrap? Do you store it at room temperature?
Also, how much coconut is actually in that one can that you use?
Thanks 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kiss & Make-up,
The can of coconut milk is usually 14 ounces and I actually don’t let my henna mix sit overnight. Instead I mix it up and use it right after. More on that here.
Bree says
Hi Dawn,
I know that I’m like SUPER late lol, but do you use the 13.6 ounce or 5.4 ounce can of coc
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Bree,
No worries I reply to comments throughout the site regardless of the date of the article. I use the larger size can of coconut milk for my henna treatments. Have a beautiful day!
Erica says
I am getting ready to try nupur 9 henna. i want to mix it with coconut milk. do i have to boil the milk first? thank you
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Erica,
I don’t heat the coconut milk ever. I like to use it as is. Happy hennaing!
Lilly says
I have been using a henna/indigo mix from Mehandi for 6 months now. I LOVE the color results BUT…my hair is naturally VERY curly…ever since I started using henna I have lost a LOT of my tight curl. My hair looks slightly curly to wavy now??? It was suggested that I add amla to my mix and that did help a bit. I do notice that after about a month (when the dreaded silver roots start showing), my hair becomes very dry and frizzy. Is this from the indigo washing out?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lilly,
To be honest it’s hard to say since I know nothing about your hair regimen in general. Deep conditioning is important if you have dry hair as well as keeping your hair moisturized in general. I am happy that you did notice some improvement in your curl pattern since adding amla to your henna mix. That is something that I recently started doing to avoid too much curl loosening with continued use of henna. I hope this helps some!
Diane says
Hi, my name is Diane, and I have been using Henna only a couple months on my natural hair. I am trying to grow it out so I can get twists or dreads. Not sure yet. I love to dress up and use different make ups to see what works best. However, my hair actually likes the henna a lot. It just seems that it is naturally fitting for my natural hair. I love the way it looks after some coaching. But, do you know anything about Afshan Mehndi Henna powder. Got it from a Muslim convenient store. I also have Reshma Henna Midnight Blue. I just need some natural color to hide my gray that comes frequently in the same area of my head. Its strange, cause there is only exceleration in the front. So if you can, let me know what you think about the mentioned henna products for my natural hair and what you recommend. I was shedding a lot with the store brought coloring. I definately need some type of color because I am darker skinned and have a TWA and love to stand out a bit. Thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Diane,
I’ve used Reshma body art quality henna but not the “midnight blue” or other brand you mentioned. In general you always want to use body art quality henna only to ensure that there are no chemicals or metallic salts mixed into the henna. Henna is great for coloring and conditioning the hair as needed. If the henna that you purchased in body art quality then you are good to go. I’ve listed the henna brands that I’ve actually used in this article. I know that there are many other brands yet I stick to what works best for me. Wishing you the best and happy hennaing!
Damaris Roulette says
I love henna!! Growing up in Kenya, we had potted henna plants just for our nails lol! It dried out hair so much but little did we know snot conditioning and moisture as a regular routine! Now I use it to strengthen my mane, condition, give it that gorgeous color and shine and I mix it different ways and I think I have come up with my perfect recipe. Mytangledmane.blogspot.com. Will be updating it soon to reflect my use of plain yogurt to ease the application and washout process!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Damaris Roulette,
Henna dried out my hair before I started mixing it with coconut milk. Using yogurt is another great option too. Happy hennaing!
Tracey says
I have been submerged in your website for days!! I just received my pumpkin seed oil, microfiber cloths and facial steam herbs and am ready to try your facial cleansing system!
Today I have been reading everything you have about henna. I have been chemically coloring my hair for 20 years and I believe I am probably about 80% grey, at least in the front. I’m to the point now where I color about every 2 1/2 weeks and my hair is starting to show damage. I’m ready for a change, yet at 48 yrs old, I’m not ready to go grey. I have medium to dark brown hair that is styled straight which makes grey roots very noticeable. I’ve decided I need to make my overall hair color a lighter brown and maybe hilight or something to disguise the new growth greys better. Do you think I could lighten overall with honey then use henna to achieve the “hilights”? I’m so confused about the henna and don’t even know where to start. I want to try it but don’t know what kind of a blend to use. Do you have any recommendations?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tracey,
I’m not sure what your current hair color is, yet using a natural form of hair color such as henna is a healthy alternative for both you and your hair. You can use henna often as you like without harmful effects compared to hair dye.
Since you desire a particular color, you should try a premixed henna, cassia, indigo blend. Both Mountain Rose Herbs have one which I shared my experience with here and Light Mountain Henna is another brand I used a long long time ago which you can find here. You may have to do a few full applications of a henna treatment to achieve the color you desire, and then only do the roots. It will all just depend upon your hair’ current state, and it can take time to evaluate since you have been using traditional hair dye for so long. Don’t fear the process though as the benefits of using henna compared to traditional dye is worth the effort. Best wishes!
Lena says
Will using your method in applying henna make my dark brown hair look red? If so, are there ways I can minimize that effect?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lena,
Red highlights would definitely be seen on dark brown hair. If you’d prefer to use henna but maintain a brownish color, using a premixed henna like this one which I’ve tried and wrote about could be a good fit for you. You can also try this one by Light Mountain Natural Hair Color which I used years ago which is also a good option. Adding amla powder to henna is another way to keep the tone of henna dark as well, yet having indigo mixed with henna would probably be your best bet. I hope this helps!
Loreto Vila says
Hi Cassandra,
Thanks a lot for your amazing blog. I’m transitioning to a natural beauty regime and your blog is very helpful!
I really want to try the henna as my hair is quite dry (I stay too much time in the sun and saltwater). Does the 9 herbs you recomend dye your hair? I really want to try with neautral henna first.
Many thanks!
Please keep inspiring us! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Loreto Vita,
Godrej Nupur 9 Henna will dye your hair. If you desire “neutral” henna you want to look for pure cassia. I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog and have a beautiful day!
Sarah says
My hair is grey in from with a little copper color to it. I want to go natural after years of relaxing. I was told to used henna and indigo, I am looking for a black color can you help me to achieve this color and stop breakage as well. As a first time user can you give me some advise and step by step on what I need to do to achieve a healthy and black color as well long lasting color instead of two weeks. How long will the henna last before my grey start showing up again. Thank you and I look forward for your reply.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sarah,
I’ve only used henna and indigo two times. I’ve used henna and coconut milk consistently since 2010 though. I shared my more successful experience with henna/indigo here. Henna is amazing for naturally coloring the hair and for hair health. I currently use henna, coconut milk, and amla. Amla helps to darken the henna and remove the brassy tones some, but it does not provide the richness that henna and indigo can for a very dark brown to jet back color.
I enjoyed using Mountain Rose Herbs henna mix in “black” which is an organic henna and indigo mix because it is very easy to use. You could also so a two step treatment. I hope that this info will at least get you started and I shared my experience and how I used this henna/indigo mix in the article linked above.
Happy Hennaing!
MsMason says
Why…whyy…whyyy…WWWWHHHHYYYY
does NO ONE talk about the smell?!!?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi MsMason,
Please share more on your experience if you can. I have heard some speak of it, just not here so far.
Jewl says
I really don’t care about the smell,it s not a bad or strong smell, but other than that u r only gonna smell that earthy smell which u only smell during mixing,or a little bit when applying,but other than the smell no biggie,add a little,tea tree oil, peppermint, to your henna mix or Rosemary, a little dab a do ya,happy hennaing.
Luci says
My scalp doesn’t like coconut oil anymore, so I’m going to assume I’ll have the same reaction with coconut milk. When using yogurt should I put the mixture in the fridge? Will this affect the dye releasing? What’s the recipe for substituting yogurt? Thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Luci,
My hair doesn’t really like coconut oil either and I was reminded of this when I made this 5 minute hair and body butter more recently. With that said it doesn’t have the same response using coconut milk. Coconut milk and henna is still my favorite mix.
If you want to substitute yogurt, use plain full fat yogurt if you can, and use similar proportions of henna with yogurt. You may want to add a bit more yogurt to get the consistency that you want. I would refrigerate this mix as the dye releases although I don’t have as much experience using yogurt. I’ve made my henna mix with coconut milk for the past six years. I hope this helps some.
Caron says
Hi. I’m trying to find a way of texturizing my 12 year old’s hair without chemicals. Will henna do? Also will it change her hair colour? Her hair is naturally brown, and I don’t want her getting in trouble at school for ‘dyeing’ her hair. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Caron,
I don’t feel that henna gives hair a chemically dyed appearance although depending upon if your daughter’s hair is a lighter or darker brown it will show the red highlights henna provides more or less. Also what you wash her hair with can really make her hair more or less manageable. Most commercial shampoos can really strip the hair and make the rest of her hair care maintenance difficult.
I feel that henna can make hair more manageable especially if mixed with coconut milk and a deep conditioner is used afterwards. I love henna and would use it on a young girl’s hair way before applying chemical relaxers/texturizers to her hair which severely damages the hair’s protein bonds. I shared more about henna for manageability here. You can also try cassia which is refereed to as neutral henna because it conditions without a color change. I hope this helps!
Brianna says
Hello!
Coming across your page has been a breath of fresh air! I am interested in using henna for my natural hair. Ordering Godrej Nupur 9 Henna is in a powder, if I’m looking correctly? You also give excellent mixtures! After you’re done with rinsing the henna mixture, do you braid it? Your curls are so defined and beautiful! I also have extremely thick and curly hair that is between 3/4c. How long would you recommend the henna to stay in my hair?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Brianna,
Welcome to my blog and thanks for your kind words! When I do full henna/coconut milk applications I leave it in my hair for a minimum of three hours. I have styled my hair in wash and gos as well as braid and twist outs. Right now I have been focusing on braid outs to keep my hair stretched and to have ease wearing my hair up most of the time for the winter and for length retention.
When doing a henna treatment it is important to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment of some kind whether a DIY hair mask or store bought deep treatment especially until you are familiar with how your hair responds to henna and to prevent any dryness. Even when mixing henna with coconut milk which is a much better mix than tea or water in my opinion, you want to keep your hair moisturizer. I shared my latest full henna treatment recipe here, a henna tea spritz recipe here, and some of my tips on length retention here. I hope this helps and happy hennaing!
J a peace says
Wonderful information very informative looking forward to mixing my henna differently and possibly changing my henna to what I have been used too julie
Dawn Michelle says
Happy hennaing J a peace! Henna and coconut milk was life changing for me. I hope your new mix works wonders for you!
Natasha says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
Have you ever tried adding bentonite clay to your henna mixture? Would you suggest doing this or would it mess up the hair cuticle somehow?
Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Natasha,
I’ve used bentonite clay as a hair cleanser than followed with a henna treatment in the past but I have never mixed the two. I would use them separately or on different days. Keeping things simple usually is best in my opinion. I hope this helps some!
Rina A Wallace says
You mentioned Dulhan Henna in an article and you indicated that it has a golden coppery red color effect. My hair is about half and half gray and black. So, I thought this Henna might give me the reddish/golden/coppery effect I am seeking.
Is the Dulhan Henna the best option for me and where can I purchase it?
Thanks much.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Rina,
Henna usually turns gray hair a coppery color while giving dark hair red highlights. I’ve purchased Dulhan henna from my local Indian grocery store in the past. You can also try Amazon. I shared my favorite henna here as well.
Rina A Wallace says
Hi Dawn,
I really appreciate your input. And, I just ordered the Godrej Nupur 9 Henna. Judging from all of the comments I have read, and based on the amount of grey in my hair, I should have lots of coppery red results!
I will keep you posted.
Thanks so much for sharing your expert opinion.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Rina,
Happy hennaing and I look forward to hearing how things work out!
Julia says
Hi Dawn,
I know it’s been a while since you posted this. I was curious if you still use the coconut milk henna mix?
Also, do you heat the coconut milk for a dye release or is it possible to do it without heating (never heard that before).
Much appreciate it,
Julia
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Julia,
I used this combination for years and years while my hair was curly. Now that I’m in the transition of locing my hair, I stopped using henna. I never heated the coconut milk and instead just mixed it at room temperature. Happy hennaing!
Alex Terese says
Thank you so much for this post Dawn! It really helped me to have the confidence to try henna and indigo on my own hair and I am so pleased with the results. I just posted a video on my YouTube channel about how I followed your suggestions to get the results I was hoping for.
Thanks again so much!
Alex Terese
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Alex Terese,
I’m so happy that this info helped you! Henna is so amazing for the hair and it’s awesome you also got great results with it too. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Sam says
So I didn’t even know such a thing existed! That you can use henna on your hair too! I have so much build up/dandruff but I was suspicious of what I use causes it, then I kept reading about the waxes and fatty alcohols(which I thought weren’t so bad at first) ugh would it help if I got a clarifying shampoo to start with? I dont even know if my hair is high or low porosity. I do know it’s shoulder length/thick and my bangs area is 3C and the rest of my hair is 3A(though I think it could be 2C seems more like 3A though)
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sam,
If you have build up a simple and very effective solution is to do a bentonite clay/apple cider vinegar hair mask. Equal amounts of each with a few drops of essential oil for scent would do the trick. It is easier to learn more about your hair when it is clean than coated with too many products. I have a few more tips here for build up. I hope this helps.