How to Mix and Apply a Henna Gloss for Hair Dye
Mixing Henna Paste with Conditioner or Yoghurt for Natural Red Sheen
Oct 13, 2009
When using henna as a hair dye, first, mix up the henna powder with your preferred liquids and additives, as if you were planning to henna your hair normally. A simple, basic henna mix can be made by pouring enough boiling water into the henna paste to make a mixture the consistency of mashed potatoes, and then adding a few splashes of red wine vinegar. The henna paste should not be too runny, as the conditioner or yoghurt will further thin the mixture.
Adding the Conditioner or Yoghurt to the Henna Paste
The higher your proportion of conditioner or yoghurt to henna, the subtler the red dye effect will be. More conditioner or yoghurt also means a more moisturising masque for your hair. The mix can vary from a tablespoon of henna paste per cup of conditioner/yoghurt, to a 50/50 mixture. Remember that the final colour is also determined by how long the mix stays on your head.
Applying the Henna Gloss
Apply the henna gloss in the same way as regular henna paste. Some people prefer to use their fingers (protected by rubber gloves!); others like to spoon the mixture into a piping bag and “frost” their scalp, particularly for root touch-ups. Work with small sections of hair to ensure the paste penetrates the hair. The henna gloss mixture is easier to apply than regular henna paste, as it has a bit of “slip” and does not dry out as quickly.
Once your head is covered with the henna mixture, cover your scalp with a plastic bag or Saran wrap and clean any drips off your face, hands and neck to prevent staining.
Leaving the Henna Gloss to Set
For a very subtle red sheen, leave the henna gloss on for a short time – 15-20 minutes. For a stronger red, leave the gloss on for a few hours. A 50/50 mix left on for a few hours may dye the hair as strongly as a straight henna mix, so don't underestimate the power of the mix – a strand test is always a good idea!
Washing Out the Henna Gloss
Unlike washing out a straight henna mix, washing out a henna gloss is fairly quick and easy. The conditioner or yoghurt prevents the henna from hardening and helps it slip out of the hair. Use a cool blast of water to dislodge the “mud”, then wash your hair as normal until the water runs clear.
Tips for Dyeing Hair with a Henna Gloss
- Use yoghurt rather than conditioner if you're avoiding chemicals or silicones.
- If you're trying to grow hennaed hair out without a demarcation line, consider touching up your roots with increasingly weak henna gloss mixes. This will help blend the dye line. Some people continue to use the occasional light henna gloss to achieve a slight red sheen without the fiery red of straight henna.
- Use a henna gloss if your hair dislikes protein. Henna is a protein treatment for hair, and can make moisture-loving hair feel crackly and dry. Conversely, protein-loving hair may feel oily and dank after the high moisture content of a henna gloss. Choose whichever method your hair prefers.
- A henna gloss can also be used to brighten up fading henna without darkening it too much.
- Always use body-art quality pure henna, not compound henna or herbal henna mixes.
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