Becoming a blonde is the dream of many girls and women. But in fact, what is the bleaching procedure worth: split ends, hair loss and so on ... Of course, experts are developing new paints and methods for safe bleaching, and the cosmetic industry is trying its best. But still, despite the attempts, the maximum that manufacturers have achieved - they created paints with a smaller amount of harmful substances or with their less aggressive counterparts. Will not save much the situation and appeal to hairdressers. In order to return the health of hair, a lot of money is spent: masks, shampoos, capsules, balms and emulsions. This is still a small list, and in fact it can go on and on. And yet, many argue that white henna for hair helps to lighten hair without consequences. Is it so? Perhaps this is just extra waste, expensive drugs, bad mood and not always a great result?
Illusions and myths about white henna
Well, the emergence of such a "miracle drug" has become a real boom, because it will not only lighten the hair, but also, most likely, will cure! Alas, the result may have been good for someone (it all depends on the type and color of the hair, the pigment), but it did no less harm than paint. For those who nourish illusions, one should remember once and for all: white henna for hair is another chemical product that can be worse than other colors that are more benign since it contains very high concentration of peroxide in the composition.
Where did the myths about the benefits of white henna come from?
The myth of the benefits began to spread through the OBS system, which stands for: “One Grandma Said.” So it really is, because the wrong opinion or misunderstood word misled more than one woman. Natural or colorless henna is really very useful, it strengthens the hair and makes it strong healthy. But white henna has nothing to do with this.
Will the effect of white henna?
White henna is often discussed on the forums. Reviews in most of its not very encouraging, so know that white henna - this is not what you need. Especially persistent, who continue to deny and doubt, we recall that if, from the manufacturer’s point of view, such a product “with natural additives is good for the hair and does not give a yellow tint”, then from the point of view of those who have tried this “plague” on themselves, everything quite the opposite. Of course, there are lucky ladies who nevertheless somehow managed to achieve the desired effect, and their hair has improved. But there are few such lucky girls. So, the first disclaimer of the manufacturer, the word "additive". The fact that there is nothing from natural henna, or practically nothing, is not described anywhere, but it is absolutely true. But with the "use of hair" completely overdo it.
The result of staining
In most women, the hair after lightening is like a “rag”, “straw”, “sponge” or “nest” at best. Very comfortable, and most importantly - decorative. In the worst case, in addition, you will get "indescribable" and most likely "indescribable" color. If you want to become a blonde that would not be worth it - you are a brave woman! The tool is effective, of course. That's only if your hair was not previously painted, then wait for a normal shade of hair. But if you previously painted hair, alas, you can not avoid yellowing. In general, judging by many disgruntled statements, a good result is unlikely. Do not run to the stores for another novelty, but rather consult with hairdressers, read reviews and form your own opinion so that later you don’t have to “reap the benefits”.
What it is?
The inscription on the packaging says that it is a hair clarifier. The developers promise that if you apply the product to very dark or light brown hair, you can quickly lighten them with 5-6 tones and get the desired result - pearl or ashen color (blond). Recall that bleaching is the result of exposure to aggressive substances, oxidants that penetrate deep into the hair make it porous and “wash” natural pigments out of it, thereby depriving it of color. Natural dyes are not capable of such a “meanness”, which means that “white henna” contains chemical components. And indeed, in the composition indicated:
- Ammonium persulfate,
- Hydrogen peroxide,
- Carboxymethylcellulose,
- Magnesium carbonate,
- Citric acid and others.
In other words, It is a dye of chemical origin for lightening hair. True, the manufacturer has included small amounts of natural additives: for example, the same colorless henna, extracts of some plants (chamomile, white lemon), chitosan. The presence of these components is intended to mitigate the irritating effect of the bleaching process on the hair and skin, to make it more gentle. When using henna, it is very important to carefully study and then carefully follow the instructions.
How to breed?
To prepare the staining solution, the oxidizing agent is mixed with henna powder in a non-metallic container. In some cases, hot water and a little shampoo are added to the mixture to make the composition better applied. The proportions for the preparation of the product, the duration of exposure and the result may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. The amount of powder is chosen differently, it depends on the thickness of the hair and length. Improperly prepared mixture can cause deterioration of hair and even skin burns. It is important to note that before using the tool must be tested for sensitivity to the components. At the bend of the elbow you need to put a little of the composition and wait a few hours. In the absence of signs of allergy paint can be used. Before bleaching, it is advised not to wash your hair for a couple of days, this should reduce the irritating effect of the drug on your skin and hair.
If you have recently painted or permed, you will have to wait a month or two for discoloration. Otherwise, your curls will look like dry straw and begin to crumble.
But this is only one side of the coin. The fact is that henna is very unpredictable on freshly painted hair, especially of dark color. So, if you do not want to turn into a mermaid with green strands, have patience, wait until the paint is washed off, and your hair becomes stronger. Dry, brittle and splitting hair prone to loss should be treated first and then brightened.
How to apply?
Before painting, the skin on the forehead and neck along the hairline should be greased with a thick cream to protect it from possible burns and irritation. The prepared composition with a brush is applied to the hair roots, divided into strands and then neatly distributed over the entire length. At the end you need to make sure that the coating is uniform in the coloring composition. To do this, massage your hands around the head of hair, starting from the roots. If henna is used for highlighting, then the composition is applied along the entire length of the strand from root to tip, or, if necessary, an indent of 1-1.5 cm from the root. The colored strand is then wrapped in foil. In some instructions it is recommended to put on a hat or cellophane after that and wrap the head with a towel with a towel to enhance the bleaching process. But if you have sensitive skin, you can do without it.
The duration of the discoloration can be different: from 10 to 40 minutes and depends on the hair color before the procedure and on the result that you need. For example, if you have light curls, then 10-15 minutes will be enough to achieve even greater discoloration. The owner of the dark strands will have to wait the maximum time allowed by the instructions. Please note that if the condition of your hair is not the best, but for any reason you still decide to discolour, it is better to keep the paint as small as possible, otherwise the result is not difficult to guess - overdone badly combing hair that will fall out badly. Do not expect dazzling whiteness from the first use if you have very dark hair. The procedure will have to be repeated several times until you achieve the desired effect. This should be done at intervals of not less than 1.5-2 weeks, if the beauty and health of your hair is dear to you.
On the different ways to lighten hair, you will learn from the following video.
After dyeing the hair must be very well washed with running water. Although White Henna contains natural supplements that soothe the irritating effect of the chemical components of the paint, it is better to apply a moisturizing and moisturizing balsam to the wet after rinsing strands, hold for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. For better consolidation of the result after dyeing, it is recommended not to wash your hair for several days. It is not at all superfluous to take advantage of the healing properties of masks or balms to get your hair in shape after the “stress”.
Henna varieties
There are several natural varieties of henna, which differ in their properties from each other.
- By origin - Indian and Iranian henna. The Iranian color spectrum is wider and, when mixed, makes it possible to obtain a large number of saturated colors.
- According to the type of plant - Lawson and Cassia. Lawsonia is a plant from which ordinary henna is obtained, and Cassia is the basis for colorless henna, which does not color, but slightly brightens the hair.
Important! Natural colorless henna and white henna should not be confused. If the former is a truly natural, natural remedy, then the latter is a chemical agent that is in no way associated with the above-mentioned plants.
Why can henna harm your hair?
There are real examples when henna brought harm to hair, but not good. Why did this happen? Possible options may be considered.
- Perhaps the fact is that henna does not fit the type of hair. The fact is that this tool is well suited for oily or normal hair type, but for those who have dry hair, it is not worth using henna in undiluted, pure form. If you really want, you can dilute it with kefir, or some kind of oil, for example, vegetable or olive.
- It is likely that the hair was improperly groomed. If someone managed to spoil the hair with a perm, constant staining and unhealthy diet, then henna is far from my fault.
- Henna was used with dyes. On the shelves you can see henna with a variety of shades, including, for example, ruby or eggplant. Natural henna of similar colors can not give. She dyes her hair only in shades of reddish-brown or reddish hues, the rest is henna with the addition of artificial colors that are harmful to the hair.
Harm from henna - what is it?
How exactly natural henna can harm hair? What are the harmful effects?
- Too frequent staining can dry hair, they will become dull and brittle, will begin to fall. This happens because the constant penetration of henna into the cuticle of the hair violates their protective layer, so you can not use henna too often.
- After painting with henna it is almost impossible to change the shade of the hair. Henna envelops hair and does not allow other coloring pigments to penetrate further. In addition, vegetable dyes themselves are poorly combined with chemicals, so the paint applied over henna can give an unexpected result in the form of a green or blue color. Do not use other dyes until henna dyed hair has grown.
- Henna in combination with other ingredients may cause allergies.
- Henna is difficult to wash, you need to wash your hair very carefully, several times. Removing henna stains from hands and skin is also not easy.
Henna benefits
It is possible that, having read about the dangers of henna, someone will think - is it possible to even henna hair at all? Yes, you can, if you follow the instructions, buy henna without dyes, care for your hair and not use henna too often. If you do everything right, you can find that henna has many advantages.
- The action of henna is more benign than that of artificial coloring matter, since it does not destroy the hair, but envelops it, creating additional protection from the harmful effects of sunlight and other harmful factors.
- Henna is very useful for hair growth, it makes them more lush and shiny, nourishes not only the hair, but also the scalp, perfectly normalizes the work and secretions of the sebaceous glands and effectively helps to get rid of the presence of dandruff. Strengthening hair with henna really brings results even after the first use.
- Henna has no contraindications, it can be applied without fear even to children and pregnant women, it is safe and does not cause allergies.
- Henna is quite affordable.
Is it useful to dye your hair with henna? Definitely, yes, if you follow all the instructions. Which ones? This can be found below.
Henna hair coloring
How to dye hair with henna so that there are no unexpected problems, and the result is what you need?
To begin with, you need to decide how often henna dyes your hair. The frequency directly depends on the type of hair - oily or normal hair can be dyed up to three times a month, and dry - no more than once a month, or even once in two months.
Henna is more suitable for dark shades of hair that need to be dyed for an hour. In the case of blond hair, you need to be careful and reduce the time about two times.
The paint should be made in glass or ceramic dishes, as iron dishes can react with henna. During the application of henna need to use gloves.
Henna is usually sold as a powder, but oil can also be used to strengthen the hair. Is henna oil good for hair? Yes, it acts like henna powder, also has a healing effect and gives the hair a red-red or brown-red shade - depending on the natural hair color.
There is also a colorless oil, which does not color the hair, but possesses all the available beneficial properties of henna. How to strengthen hair colorless henna? Just as usual - apply to the hair for effect. Since a colorless oil does not have a coloring effect, it can be used much more often; it is quite possible to use it when washing your head instead of a conditioner balm. The benefits of colorless henna are immediately noticeable, the hair becomes healthy and well-groomed.
White and natural henna - relatives?
Natural henna has been used by oriental beauties for more than one hundred years. It gives hair a golden hue and, at the same time, enriches hair and scalp with vitamins. And all because this dye is made from the leaves of the real plant - lawson, which is grown in the open spaces of North and East Africa. Leaves are used for dyeing, but the stem does not have a coloring effect, but it is not inferior to the deciduous part of the plant for its medicinal properties, therefore colorless henna is made from it.
What about white henna? What is it made of?
If you believe the name and promises of its manufacturers, this dye can lighten curls by 4-5 tones at a time and strengthen the hair structure, enrich with nutrients and improve the appearance of spring.But is it capable of this means of plant origin? How, without chemical exposure, you can lighten the hair?
We continue the investigation and look at the composition of white henna. So, the miracle dye with a hint of natural origin consists of:
- hydrogen peroxide,
- magnesium carbonate
- magnesium oxide,
- ammonium persulfate,
- carboxylated methylcellulose,
- citric acid
- water.
Oh yes! Even in the composition there is a small amount of colorless henna. However, all its medicinal properties overshadows the aggressive effects of chemical compounds that are necessary for lightening hair. Obviously, this tool has nothing to do with natural and safe henna, but is a cheap and unsafe chemical.
How does white henna affect hair?
White henna, like any clarifier, penetrates deep into the hair structure and aggressively washes out the coloring pigment, and at the same time all the nutrients. In this case, the hair itself becomes loose, dry and brittle. A similar effect is typical absolutely for all clarifiers. The difference is only in the degree of negative impact on the hair of those substances that are part of the means
White henna is created on the basis of hydrogen peroxide, which, reacting with other chemicals dye, forms hydroperid - one of the most destructive hair clarifiers.
White henna - reviews of victims
Manufacturers of white henna were not mistaken when they included a plant in the name of the dye, which is known for its beneficial hair properties. Believing advertising, crowds of girls rushed to the shops for the miracle clarifier, and as a result were, to put it mildly, disappointed with the result. Naturally, henna had no positive effect on hair. But rather the opposite. Some girls caused irreparable harm to hair, which can now be fixed only with a short haircut.
Although it is worth paying tribute, the hair was brightened at once for several tones, that is, the tool coped with its task. But here, it was not without nuances. Someone was lucky, and the curls acquired a slightly yellowish tint, which then could easily be painted over with cream paint. After washing it, someone saw himself in the mirror as a spotted, bright red tiger cub. Difficulties also arise when trying to repaint in a darker color after clarification with white henna. Color does not fall smoothly and quickly washed off.
In general, about 70% of girls who used white henna, assess its effect on hair as extremely negative, and about 60% are also dissatisfied with the result of dyeing. Is white henna so bad?
The blame is on advertising
In fact, the effect of spotting or catastrophic hair breakage is possible using absolutely any brightener. It's all about the original structure and color of hair. If before lightening the hair was initially strongly weakened or unevenly dyed, it is natural to expect the effects listed above after the procedure.
Negative reviews are mainly due to the fact that because of the name “White Henna” and the promises that the tool will instantly turn the girl into a snow-white blonde, the customers of the miracle tools expected a wonderful reincarnation, which is supposedly impossible to achieve with the help of other “unnatural” clarifiers. Therefore, they did not attach importance to the instructions and warnings on the packaging. And when they got the effect, like after using a conventional chemical clarifier, they burst into righteous anger. Although white henna is not to blame here - she did everything she could, in accordance with the capabilities of her composition. It's all about advertising.
How to use white henna
Whatever one may say, white henna still has two undeniable advantages:
- She really brightens hair well.
- Its cost is an order of magnitude lower than other clarifiers.
Therefore, despite the fact that numerous experts have long dispelled the myths about the miraculous properties of this tool, people still continue to actively buy it. If you still decide to use white henna to lighten hair, take a note of a few tips.
- Before use, test for an allergic reaction. To do this, apply a little paint on the bend of the elbow and wait a few minutes. If the skin is not covered with rashes or blisters, you can continue the procedure.
- Make sure that for at least a month you didn’t dye your hair or perm it, otherwise you risk turning into a spotted cub or the hair will start falling out.
- Do not use henna if you have very loose or dry hair. So you will inflict irreparable harm on them, which can be corrected only with the help of hairdressing scissors.
- Do not expect that after one procedure you will turn from a burning brunette into a snow-white blonde. After the first coloring, you are likely to become bright red. To achieve the desired effect, depending on the original hair color, it may take from 1 to 7 treatments.
- A couple of weeks before and several days after dyeing with white henna, arrange a marathon of health treatments for your hair (nutritional masks, balms, salon procedures). This will help to survive the difficult test of hydroperid not only weakened, but also completely healthy hair.
- Pay attention to the shelf life of the paint on the package. If you use an expired dye, you can burn your head or cause intense hair loss.
- And most importantly. Carefully read the instructions on the package and do not expect a miracle from white henna! After all, this is an ordinary cheap clarifier. And no more.
Does he take cream paint after henna?
There is a doubt whether the new dye will take the hair after dyeing it with henna. And indeed: many women who used “White Henna” and wished to change the color of her hair again, note that the new paint does not fit well and the result is an uneven, stained color. In this case, it is better to wait at least two months and then try to make up in a different way. It makes sense to first paint a separate strand in an inconspicuous place, evaluate the result and only then proceed to change the image. In many cases, however, women have to resort to a radical technique - cut off the henna-dyed curls, and only then change the hairstyle.
You can find enough feedback from consumers who are unhappy with the condition of hair after using white henna. According to them, the curls after the dyeing procedure became dull and dry, they began to fall out and bad comb. However, despite this, many of them celebrate good whitening effect and they say that they would recommend it as an effective bleaching agent. There are many who, on the contrary, are very pleased with the result, noting that the condition of the hair remains satisfactory. It can be assumed that in the first case, the women either violated the technology of preparation of the composition and the rules of use, in particular, abused the length of the procedure, or bleached the hair that was repeatedly painted before. Clear, that a weakened, fragile locks such a chemical process as bleaching will not add health, but, on the contrary, make them even more vulnerable. Almost everyone notes, as an undoubted plus, the inexpensive price of this tool, which largely determines the choice.
Benefit and harm
Undoubtedly The advantage of henna over other dyes for hair is the presence of natural ingredients in its compositionthat provides a good result of dyeing without harm to the hair. With the help of this dye you can turn black hair into snow-white in just a few procedures, which is quite difficult to achieve using other means. White henna masks, aged for no more than five minutes, can be used by natural or painted blondes to eliminate dandruff and excessive greasiness, but for girls with dark curls, they will not work.
White henna can be successfully used for hair removal. In the shops you can find special formulations for hair removal, where it is included. Ease of use allows home bleaching procedure., but if used improperly, you can harm your hair by over-drying it to the scalp. Careful adherence to the rules and time of staining, mandatory sensitivity test will minimize these risks, and then you can get excellent results at a reasonable price.
Strengthening hair with henna - is it possible?
Henna, when properly applied, acts no worse than other hair care products. Does henna strengthen hair? Sure yes. And how to strengthen the hair with henna?
- For therapeutic effects, use colorless henna oil, which has no coloring effect. You can apply it 2-3 times during the week.
- As for colorless henna powder, it should be used less frequently, about once a week, and once a month for dry hair.
Ordinary henna also strengthens the hair, but if you do not want to dye it, and you only need to get a therapeutic effect, you should use colorless henna.
What is in the composition?
The composition of “White henna” speaks eloquently of its origin and influence on the hair. Such dye contains the following substances:
- magnesium carbonate
- ammonium persulfate,
- lemon acid,
- hydrogen peroxide,
- carboxymethylcellulose.
Among the natural ingredients, colorless henna, chitosan and plant extracts, such as chamomile, are present in a small amount. Their task is to soften the aggressive action of chemicals, to protect hair and skin from burns. Despite the fact that natural substances are still included in the composition of this product, it is necessary to use them in accordance with the instructions.
Preparing the solution for staining
The dye "Belya henna" is a powder that, before use, must be diluted with water in a certain ratio. Its amount will depend on the length of hair and their thickness. In order to make the solution more uniform, it is recommended to dissolve the powder in sufficiently warm water, or to warm up the mixture in a water bath afterwards.
It is necessary to use ceramic, plastic or glasswares and tools from similar materials. Metal containers will not work. Stir the mixture thoroughly and add a little shampoo. According to the reviews, "White Henna" in combination with this detergent becomes softer and it is much easier to distribute it through the hair.
It is important to pay attention to the recommended proportions indicated in the instructions, otherwise, if the mixture is prepared incorrectly, this will provoke worsening of the hair and scalp or dyeing will not bring the expected result.
Dyeing process
After the paint has cooled, it can be applied to the hair. First of all, carefully paint over the roots, and then evenly distribute the mixture over the entire length. In this case, it is desirable that the hair was wet - this will greatly facilitate the process.
It remains to cover the head with plastic wrap and wrap a towel. The exposure time will be indicated on the packaging, and it depends on what shade you want to get as a result. It usually takes from 20 minutes to half an hour.
No need to keep the paint for too long, otherwise you can dry out the hair. For lightening “White henna” hair for a couple of tones, 10 minutes is enough. If the natural color is dark, then in this case it will withstand the maximum time recommended by the manufacturer.
Wash hair
At the end of the exposure time, we wash the hair, sorting it with our hands on the strands. Then we use shampoo, after which we apply on the roots and distribute nourishing balm along the entire length of the curls. Despite the fact that the dye contains natural ingredients, it is still necessary to use balsam after it. Leave it on the hair for 5-10 minutes and wash off.
In order to consolidate the effect of staining, after this procedure, it is not recommended to wash the head for 2-4 days.
How much does henna lighten hair?
The dye “White henna”, according to the manufacturers, can lighten hair by 5 tones. However, the effect will not always be expected. Depending on the natural color, you can end up with straw, reddish or yellow. Brunettes are not advised to use this paint at all, as judging by the reviews, sometimes it gives a greenish tone.
"White henna" is most suitable for natural blondes. Such a pigment can be easily washed and get the desired lightening. However, it is important to take into account the structure of the hair and their condition - if they are thin or weakened, then henna can aggravate the situation.
In general, because of its cheapness, it is noticeably inferior in quality to other dyes for hair. Reviews of "White henna" say that sometimes it lays unevenly, because of what you have to correct the situation, referring to the more expensive counterparts.
Important recommendations
- Do not use "White henna", if you recently did a perm or carried out staining, especially in dark colors.
- Before applying the composition to the scalp and hair, it is advisable to carry out a simple test for allergies: put a little solution on the wrist, wait a few minutes and rinse. If the skin does not give a reaction (itching, rash, etc.), then staining can be carried out.
- To prepare the solution must be strictly according to the instructions, otherwise you can cause serious damage to the hair - they will become brittle, dry and lose their healthy luster.
- If you didn’t like the result, for example, the paint fell unevenly or you didn’t get the shade that you expected when using White Henna (photos of such failures can be found on the corresponding resources), you shouldn’t repaint your hair right away. They need to be given some time to recover. If chemicals are used too often, then again they can be severely damaged.
- If the allergy test did not give results, but in the process of staining you felt a strong burning sensation, then the paint should be immediately washed off. In this situation, it is better to seek help from a professional - the right composition will be made at the hairdresser’s and they will be dyed in a short time, which will eliminate the appearance of irritation on the skin.
In general, in order to understand what shade your hair will acquire after using White Henna, you should first dye a small strand. Hold the paint on the hair for 10-20 minutes and rinse. In this case, you can observe the result and avoid disappointment.
