After extensive hours of research on this topic, the answer is yes and no. I bet you’re wondering how that could be. It should just be yes or no, bet’s break down everything first so you get a better understanding of what I mean when it comes to henna natural hair and why we love it despite what it does.
COVER YOUR GRAYS WITH HENNA AND INDIGO
What is Henna?
Henna is natural reddish-brown dye that is made from the powdered leaves of a tropic shrub that can be used to color hair (and/or decorate the body)
Is it safer than manufactured dyes?
YES! That’s why many naturals use it because it can color their hair without damaging the cortex of the hair. Please make sure to use 100% henna when doing the process. Altered henna has additives that will cause damage to your hair kinks/curls/coils or add to damage that has already been there.
Why do people use it?
Naturals use it because it’s safer than traditional dyes and many naturals prefer natural ingredients. Also, users can get different variations of red depending on where it was grown ranging from auburn to cherry. Henna is known to highlight your hair. If you hair is jet black more than likely henna won’t show up after the first treatment or it may have a reddish shine in the sunlight.
Also, after using henna your hair is stronger, shinier and healthier because it fills in the weak areas of the hair strand hence it’s a great conditioning treatment.
NATURAL HENNA DOES NOT DARKEN YOUR HAIR AT ALL, if it says that it does then DO NOT BUY IT. The product has been altered which can damage your hair.
Does Henna Loosen Hair Pattern?
Although Henna is safe and it is safe on hair, why do many naturals claim it alters their pattern? Henna works different for every natural’s hair. It seems that Henna changes the weight of the strands through plant deposits although it is not changing the chemical structure of the strand. Henna also fills in rough spots on the cuticle and makes hair softer and smoother for many who use it.
NATURAL HAIR BLOWOUT TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR STYLE LAST LONGER
Various hair blogs/forums have different naturals not seeing any difference to their hair just that it shines in the sunlight. Other who have looser curl patterns reported this after using henna continuously (about the 5th treatment).
Really and truly it just depends on how our hair takes the henna or how often you use it. The only way for one to know if it will alter their hair pattern is to try it. All we ask is to ensure it is 100% henna you are using so you can learn about the henna natural hair love/hate relationship.
Have you tried Henna and did it alter your hair pattern or texture? Share below!
Sabrina
I love my henna but I'm not a fan of indigo. It's the consistency that bothers me.
Just reminded me I need to do a full strength next wash day because my grays are peaking thru!
My sister used henna a few times for covering grays and didn't like the way it made her hair start to feel. Thanks for sharing.
Well, after reading your blog, I guess it didn't change my hair texture but brought out what was naturally there. I think I have 4B hair. The back is looser and appears to be 3C/4A? (loose S curls/waves) in the back since using the henna/indigo. The front appeared 4C (no curl but not flat straight) before I started using the henna/indigo. Now, the front curls more in the 4A/B range (more S-like) but not as silky S as the back. I hope you can envision that. The bottom line is that I am very happy with the way my hair has reacted to henna/indigo. It is easier to comb. It does not tangle and I have not found any fairy knots. It is easier to moisturize. It maintains a wet-looking moisturized look than before the henna use. I wear it in a bun in which the ends are two strand twisted into 6 to 8 twists which I twirl around each other to make the bun. I love it.