Henna: The Pros & Cons

I introduced henna to my regimen more than a year ago and I've not looked back since!  If you're considering adding henna to your normal hair care routine, there is TONS of information out there.  One of the first things I want to know about a product before I try it is: WHAT IS IT GOING TO DO FOR ME???  What is it (or isn't it) going to do to and for my hair that isn't already being done?

I found a very comprehensive explanation of henna on the Long Hair Community.  Here I've extracted just the pros and cons of henna as listed in a post by Nightshade.  Hopefully this informaiton and the info in the Henna For Hair eBook will help you make your decision.

Pros, Cons & Other Effects of Henna
Henna has some undeniable benefits for hair, which is why so many people use it and love it. Some of these pros include:

• Stronger Hair - The lawsone (dye) molecule goes into the hair it penetrates the hair shaft some, binding with the keratin in the hair. This makes hair stronger, but also is one of the qualities that makes henna removal near impossible. Henna also coats the hair and fills in rough spots on a frayed cuticle. This adds a second layer of strength, but it DOES NOT lock out moisture.
• Smoother, Shinier Hair - Henna, as stated above, does coat the hair, but it is a permeable coating that does not lock moisture out. The henna helps fill in rough spots on the cuticle. With the cuticle rough edges smoothed over the hair feels smoother and the cuticle takes a lot less damage during combing and manipulation. It takes several days for Henna to stabilize. It becomes more flexible and durable as it oxidizes and cures--it is in fact a plant resin that is flexible and solvent enough to penetrate the hair at the cuticle, carrying pigment with it.
• Non-Fading Red - Anyone that has used red chemicals dyes knows how badly they fade. Henna may fade a little after the first application, but after the second application fades very little.
• The Absence of Chemicals - Chemical dyes are not only VERY damaging to hair, they can also cause scalp burns, allergic reactions, and recently studies have linked long term use to cancer.

While there are benefits, there are also some drawbacks:

• Ease (or lack thereof) of Application - Henna can be hard to apply evenly on your own, can be a huge mess, and is tiring on the arms and neck. It also has to be left on for a longer time than commercial chemical dyes, so more time has to be slated for the process.
• Experimentation - To find your ideal mix, dye release time, application time, rinsing method, etc. all require some experimentation. It is not out-of-a-box color, and it make take some tweaking to find your ideal results. Your perfect color is never a guarantee.
• Dry Hair - Some people report dry hair after using henna. See the Troubleshooting Section for information on what may be causing this, and how to combat it.

These may be pros for some, cons for others:

• Loss/Reduction in Curl - Many users of henna report a loss of curl. This is by no means a universal effect, and should be neither discounted, nor counted on. It seems that wavies are the most susceptible to this, though some curlies are as well.
  
• Cannot Lighten Hair - Henna cannot lighten your hair, ever. On some colors of hair it may appear to brighten it, but you should count on any color you get with henna being darker than what is already on your head.
• Darkening with Multiple Applications - Henna will darken with multiple applications. If one wants to keep a lighter color, only the roots should be touched up, and repeated whole-head applications will progressively make the color less orange and more burgundy.
  
• Cost - Depending on your mix, how much hair you have and how often you henna, it may either be more or less expensive than chemical dyes. Though that doesn’t factor in one very important thing… the price your hair pays on chemical dyes. Many people find that they only need to do a full-length application one or two times, and the because henna doesn't fade much, they can save a lot of cost by only redoing the roots.
• The Smell - Some people love it, some people hate it, but the smell of henna lingers in your hair for awhile after the application, often reviving when your hair is wet. Some herbs, such as ginger, can be added to shift the smell of the mix, but nothing will eliminate it entirely. Most people feel it has a smell somewhat like grass or hay. 
  
• Variable Color - Henna can and does shift in color depending on the light the hennaed hair is placed in. The same head of hair can go from burgendy to firey copper, just depending on the light.

Don't forget to get your henna & all your natural haircare products from The Hairshebang and use LHDC's special discount code!!!

 

Comments

[Brandy Cannon]

I just did a henna/indigo job on my belt loops length hair.
It took only about 250 grams and cost me under 35 dollars. I have had it cost upwards of 115 to have my hair done at a salon. I count this as a win win! My hair has so much shine today that I can't photograph it with the flash on or I get glare!

The only down side I am finding is that I smell like fermenting wet grass hay. While I don't mind the earthy smell much, I know that other people are going to be giving me looks when I hop on the bus this morning... lol ^^

[BIA No More]

I love Henna, actually headed to Tempe tomorrow to pick up a few bags. My only complaint is it turns my nails red for MONTHS afterwards. This last time I cowashed 11 times in a row and still had red hands. I shampoo'd and I still had red hands.

LHDC Henna users PLEASE help me figure out how to Henna and not have to cut my nails off OR accept I'm going to look like an Umpa.

BIA No Mo

[Lavendar]

I have been using henna since I started my journey in 2006. I saw a huge turnaround in my hair when I started. Been lovin' it ever since! Rock on Jamila!!!!!

[MrsT]

I'm scurred! I am focusing on getting the length I want first, until then all hair experiments are off the table! I am trying my best to avoid any setbacks. By summer my length shouldn't be as much of a concern so I'll be more willing to try something new. :)

LHDC: I can dig it...well, keep me posted on when and if you do get around to trying it! Unhappy users are very rare!

[Suzy]

I tried it a few weeks ago and I love it. The smell of the indigo when I was just about to wash it out left me feeling queasy in the stomache and I had a massive headache.

[Darling Cancerian]

LOL..

I thought that there wew hennas that had lighter shades? Like Light Mountain Natural, isn't that henna? I haven't tried it though. Been wearing light alternate hair lately.

[MoM]

I did a henna Friday Night!!!! Love IT!!!

[MrsT]

I've been thinking about trying henna for the first time this summer, I will have to re-visit this post when I'm ready. Thanks!

LHDC: Hi, MrsT!!! Why are you waiting so long to try it?? Get a move on girl and join the rest of us on the band wagon LOL