Natural Hair Coloring with Henna

Henna has been used as a hair dye since ancient times in the Middle East Asia. In fact, it was a well-kept beauty secret of Cleopatra and Nefertiti!

Read about the dangers of chemical hair dyes.

Henna is formulated from powdered leaves of the desert shrub plant Lawsonia Lythraceae, which is native to tropical areas in Asia, northern Africa and Australia. This perennial shrub, often used in hedges and gardens, can grow to be 20 feet tall. Its leaf embodies a red-orange color component, lawsone.

Henna contains hannatannic acid; mixed with hot water, it coats the hair. It also seals in oils and tightens the hair cuticle, making the hair very shiny and full of body. Because the cuticle is tight and flattened, Henna also helps protect hair from sun damage. As a matter of fact, Henna has gained commercial leverage as a hair conditioner and to stimulate hair growth; scientific studies have even proven that Henna is a better hair conditioner than other commercial conditioners. Regular use texturizes hair, giving it more body and making it visibly fuller.

Another really nice thing about Henna is no dark roots as your hair grows! Henna blends naturally and fades gradually--there is never a noticeable regrowth area. Henna's rich color lasts for three months.

Mountain Rose Herbs carries several lustrous shades of Henna: Red, Black, Sherry, Mahogany, Burgundy, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Light Brown, Copper, Marigold Blonde, Neutral or Strawberry.

If you desire even more saturated color, you can add additional natural ingredients to your Henna mix.

For example ~

Adding vinegar or brewed black coffee can help cover gray.

Walnut shells boost brown tones.

Rhubarb enhances red shades.

Black tea, chamomile tea or lemon will add blonde highlights.

Hibiscus- or Rosehip-based tea enriches red tones.

Henna is applied as a mud and washed out after one to two hours.

See Henna Color Chart

Be sure to use plastic or rubber gloves, wear old clothes, and wrap old towels around your shoulders. It's also a good idea to rub non-petroleum jelly or cream around your hairline to prevent your skin from staining.

Mountain Rose provides organically grown Henna ~ no pesticides, no additives, no other coloring agents, no nothing ~just pure, luxurious Henna!Includes easy to follow instructions.

At $9.75 for 8 ounces of healthy, organic Henna, that's a small price to pay for beautiful hair. Cleopatra will have nothing on you!

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