De-bunking 10 Common Myths About Henna

1. Henna can cause your hair to burn when applied to chemically-dyed hair.

One of the most extreme myths out there, so let's tackle this first! Henna is made from the plant called Lawsonia Inermis. It is a flowering plant, and NATURAL henna powder is made from its dried and powdered leaves—nothing else added! The confusion comes from brands that have labelled their products as "natural henna" when they are not.

These unethical brands mix their henna with metallic salts to achieve a more dramatic colour with a quicker dye release and developing time, but this comes at a cost. Not only are consumers being misled to buy a natural product, which it is not, but the metallic salts can catch on fire if mixed with the ammonia found in chemical hair dye. There is a reaction between metallic salts and ammonia, which can cause hair to melt, smoke, or even catch fire.

This reaction can happen as quickly as 10 minutes after applying the chemical dye. So in short, if you are applying untampered-with, authentic plant powder to your hair, you'll be fine! To de-bunk this myth, giving REAL HENNA such a bad name, we replicated these tests on our own products to show consumers that our products do not react at all when mixed with ammonia.

The wonderful plant henna is made from - Lawsonia Inermis

2. Henna turns hair orange

Yes, if that is the colour you want, you can get a flaming copper colour that will make heads turn! But that is not all henna can do; it can be used to create a wide range of colours when mixed with other ingredients that affect the process while it develops. Henna can co-create ash colours, muted tones, as well as warm and rich reds, browns, and black. It is important to follow stylists and brands that provide detailed instructions and know how to get the right colour for you. While henna can add reddish-brown tones, it doesn't necessarily turn hair bright orange. The colour depends on the base colour of the hair and the quality of the henna. 

3. Henna damages hair

This one could not be more wrong! Again, NATURAL AND AUTHENTIC henna, when used correctly, doesn't damage hair. It actually protects it by coating the hair shaft, adding strength and protection. You can find evidence that dates back to 4000 years ago when the Egyptians (including Cleopatra) used henna as a natural SPF, and to protect the skin, scalp and hair. 

Good quality henna powder

4. Henna prevents use of future chemical hair dye

If you have used a henna that was mixed with metallic salts against your knowledge, then you might have an issue, but we have managed to successfully dye hair samples with chemical dyes after being dyed by our henna products. We do recommend leaving a gap of 4 weeks in between, though, as the change can create unnecessary stress on your hair. This is because henna coats the strands and lays on top of them, whilst chemical dyes will try to work through that layer to penetrate the hair shaft. 

5. Henna is messy and difficult to apply

Some people do have difficulties applying it themselves, but that is usually due to a lack of clear instructions and methodical steps. That is why we offer videos to support our products as well as that "find my stylist option" for those that really don't fancy it. The key to a stress-free henna application is to BE PREPARED. Don't be scrambling around for items mid-application. Read & watch ALL the instructions, prepare your items with clean-up tissues and towels to hand, SECTION YOUR HAIR, and the rest is a breeze! 

6. Henna causes allergic reactions

Another important myth to set straight is that it has been linked to those frightening images of tourists with unsightly rashes from their fake henna tattoos on holiday. Again, those tattoos are NOT 100% NATURAL HENNA and have often been mixed with a highly toxic chemical called paraphenylenediamine, also known as PPD. A black henna tattoo should be avoided, as the natural stain of 100% henna powder alone is never black. These temporary skin tattoos with PPD, marketed as henna, have caused blistering, painful skin burns, and have even led to scarring. Regardless of the natural or chemical ingredients that you choose to use, you should always do a patch test, as everyone has the potential to be allergic to something new. We strongly recommend that you patch test any product, even henna and natural plant products.

Rash caused from a temporary tattoo with PPD

7. Henna is only for those who want to avoid chemicals

Henna can be a great natural alternative for those seeking to avoid chemical dyes, but it's also enjoyed by many who use it for its conditioning and colour-enhancing properties too!

8. Indigo powder will turn my hair green

People have reported that their hair turned green when applied to previously bleached hair; again, this is normally due to low-quality indigo from a non-reputable supplier. Avoid using low-quality or adulterated indigo, as it may contain impurities that can contribute to unwanted green tones on bleached hair, as it has an altered structure. 

How to prevent green hair from indigo:

> Follow application Instructions carefully: Adhere to the recommended mixing and application instructions for your specific indigo product. Don't leave your indigo powder sitting around, it should be applied fresh to the hair as it can lead to oxidation of the indigo and loose its ability to dye.

> Do a strand test: Before applying indigo to your entire head, perform a strand test on a small section of hair. This will allow you to see how the indigo reacts with your hair and what the final colour will be, we particularly recommend this for anyone with bleach blonde hair.

Gold stainless steel bowl

9. Metal containers or utensils can't be used to prepare henna powder

They do recommend not using metal containers to prepare henna powder, but you can always use stainless steel, and of course glass or ceramic are always fine!

10. Henna is only for those who are experienced with hair colour.

While some experience may be helpful, anyone can learn to apply henna with a little practice and research.

I hope this helps clear up a few of the myths surrounding these marvellous herbs.