Henna
HEN-ah
What Is Henna?
A plant-based dye made from the leaves of the henna plant. It coats the hair shaft to deposit reddish-orange color while also strengthening and conditioning the hair.
Source: Henna plant leaves (Lawsonia inermis)
Origin: Natural
Also known as: Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Powder, Mehndi
What Does Henna Do to Your Hair?
Coats the hair shaft with lawsone, a natural dye molecule, depositing semi-permanent reddish-orange color. Strengthens hair by binding to keratin protein and filling in cuticle gaps. Adds volume and shine while conditioning.
Best For
Damaged hair, thin hair, gray coverage, those wanting natural color, curly hair
Not Recommended For
Blonde hair (unless wanting red), recently chemically treated hair, those wanting to go lighter
Concentration Matters
100% for traditional application; 1-5% in commercial products
Hair Type Compatibility
Method Compatibility
Safety & Regulation
Generally safe but be aware of compound henna products that may contain metallic salts or PPD. Pure henna (Lawsonia inermis only) is safe. Metallic salt henna can cause dangerous reactions with chemical hair color.
FDA Status: Generally Recognized As Safe
FDA permits use of henna for hair coloring. Does not approve for eyelash or eyebrow use.
EWG Score: 2/10
HairAide Verdict
Pure body art quality henna is a fantastic natural option for those wanting reddish color plus strengthening benefits. Always verify you have pure henna with no metallic salts added. Not compatible with chemical color processes.
Products That Contain Henna
Natural hair dyes, strengthening treatments, henna masks, conditioning treatments
Alternatives to Henna
If you want to avoid Henna, look for products with these ingredients instead:
Indigo (for dark color), Cassia (neutral henna), Amla
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Henna has a safety rating of 8/10 and is generally considered safe for use in hair products. Generally safe but be aware of compound henna products that may contain metallic salts or PPD. Pure henna (Lawsonia inermis only) is safe. Metallic salt henna can cause dangerous reactions with chemical hair color.
Henna is CG-method approved and is generally considered safe for curly hair.
Yes, Henna is approved for the Curly Girl method.
Some alternatives to Henna include: Indigo (for dark color), Cassia (neutral henna), Amla
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