Henna can be a great natural alternative for coloring hair and covering grey, following correct application methods is key to achieving the desired result. From an Ayurvedic perspective, henna is often utilized as it balances pitta dosha, promoting hair health. To use, start by mixing your organic henna powder with warm water. This will activate the dye present naturally in henna leaves. You want to achieve a paste-like consistency — thick enough to stay on your hair, but not so dry it becomes hard to spread.
For enhancing color, many do add brewed tea or coffee, like you’ve read. Tea, for instance, is often preferred for deepening color tones; coffee might work too but can be drying, so consider your hair type and needs. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice is sometimes recommended to help release more color (though be cautious if your hair/scalp is sensitive).
For conditioning, incorporating yogurt or a few tablespoons of olive or coconut oil can provide moisturization, preventing dryness henna sometimes causes. Apply the mixture using gloves, section by section, to ensure even coverage. Cover your head with a shower cap or plastic wrap, which keeps it moist and prevents drips.
Keep it on your hair for at least 2-3 hours, shorter for a lighter shade and longer (up to 5 hours) for richer color. Some people even leave it overnight with good results. Be aware, though, henna results vary due to original hair color, hair type, etc, and getting it perfect requires some trial and error. Once you’ve rinsed (using cool water, no shampoo immediately), you’ll find out how well it has worked for your shade aim.
Experimenting with small tinkering with the mix over time will guide what works best; always do a strand test before full application to see outcomes without committing.
