Henna is a traditional beauty treatment that is common among people in Asian and African continents (unfortunately, it is not so popular in Europe)
Henna is derived from the leaves of a tropical shrub - the henna plant. Its leaves are rich in a red-orange dye molecule called lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone). This plant has been used for centuries for dying the skin. In addition, it has been extensively used for hair.
When henna is used on hair, it bonds to the keratin and can protect the hair shaft from sun damage. It also has antifungal properties and can eliminate dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Henna is usually mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (some herbal teas can be used as a mixer too). Lemon juice is very effective as it deepens the color over time.
The mixture must be made thick like yogurt and put on hair. Put a plastic bag on it to keep it damp.
Henna has a calming effect for hair and scalp as well as a person's mood.
Henna is usually kept on hair for three hours but the darkening process will continue for about 48 hours. Unlike chemical hair dyes, the henna will improve the quality of hair. If henna is mixed with indigo, it will give brown color. One should know that henna cannot lighten hair. It can only make it darker.
