how to apply mehendi on hair - #39447
I am really curious about how to apply mehendi on hair. I’ve been trying to embrace more natural methods for color and care, and a friend mentioned that mehendi can actually be really great for hair health too. I’m worried about the process though because I’ve never done it before and it seems a bit daunting. Just last week, I tried a store-bought dye that left my hair super dry and kinda itchy, ugh! So, I wanna avoid all that. I read somewhere that mehendi also adds shine and can help with dandruff, which I have struggled with for years. Every time I think about switching to mehendi, I wonder how to apply mehendi on hair without making a mess. Like, is there a specific way to mix it? Do I need to leave it in for a long time? And what if it doesn’t come out like I expect? I’m really looking for tips on how to apply mehendi on hair effectively, especially for someone who's nervous about getting it right. Do I need to prep my hair in any specific way beforehand, or just go for it? Also, how do I deal with the strong smell that some say it has? Thanks in advance for any wisdom you all can share!
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Doctors' responses
Applying mehendi, or henna, on your hair is indeed a beneficial, natural alternative to chemical dyes. To start with the process, ensure you’re getting high quality, pure henna powder, free from chemical additives. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to make the experience smooth and manageable.
Preparation First: To avoid the itch and dryness you experienced, begin by ensuring your hair is clean – wash it with a mild, natural shampoo a day before applying mehendi. This removes any oils or residues that could interfere with the henna application but allows natural oils to coat hairs shafts.
Mix it Right: Take about 100g of henna powder for short hair, increasing by 50g for every additional hair length (medium or long). Mix the powder with either water or brewed black tea (for a richer color), adding a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice which helps in releasing the dye. Mix to achieve a yogurt-like consistency. Let this paste sit for 6-8 hours, or overnight, to intensify the coloring.
Application Time: Cover your shoulders with an old towel or cape to protect clothing. Section your hair to apply the paste, starting from the roots and working your way to the tips. Make sure your hair is evenly coated. To manage the strong smell, adding essential oils like lavender or rosemary to the mix can subdue it.
The Patience Game: Wrap your hair up with a shower cap to keep the paste from drying out. You’ll want to leave the henna on for 2-4 hours, depending on how deep a color you want. Do not overdo it initially; henna can darken over a couple of days.
Rinse it Out: Wash your hair with room-temperature water until all the paste is out, then condition it as usual. Avoid shampoo for about 24-48 hours to let the color deepen.
Aftercare Matters: Regular oiling, using coconut or sesame oil, will maintain the color and shine. Mixing fenugreek powder in hair oil can help tackle dandruff.
If you still feel hesitant, try a strand test first – this will show you how your hair reacts without committing to the entire head. Practice makes it less daunting with each application. Remember, mehendi results vary based on natural hair color and texture, so manage expectations for the first few tries.

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