To make henna for hair, first, start with high-quality henna powder. The purity of henna is crucial to achieving that desired rich color, as the chemical composition varies. It’s good to use henna specifically marked for hair use. Mix the henna powder with lukewarm liquid, such as tea or coffee, which can help intensify the color. You might think lemon juice would help, but it can be too drying, especially for curly hair. A mild acidic medium like apple cider vinegar is a better choice.
You’ll need about a 2:1 ratio of liquid to henna powder to make a paste. For a couple of tablespoons of henna, start with one cup of liquid and adjust as necessary until the mixture is yogurt-like in consistency. Add one or two tablespoons of oil, coconut or olive, to enhance the conditioning properties, especially beneficial for curls. You must let this blend sit for about 6-8 hours (or overnight) to allow the dye to release.
When it’s ready, apply liberally to clean, damp hair, working the paste from root to tip. Comb through to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap to retain moisture. As for timing, leaving the henna on for 3-6 hours is usually recommended to achieve a deep, lasting color. Depending on the initial color and your desired shade depth, the duration can vary a bit.
Rinse thoroughly with water and avoid shampoo for the first 48 hours to allow the color to develop fully. About conditioning, henna coats the hair shaft and adds volume, which could alter the feel of your natural curls temporarily.
If the orange hue persists or returns, you may adjust the formulation and soaking time. Try to blend a small bit of indigo powder with henna to add warmth. Consistency will help you avoid the stress, and experimenting with small sections may give you confidence in this process.
