Want that rich, earthy brown glow henna is famous for? Feeling a bit lost about what to mix, when to apply, or how to wash it off?

Worry not. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through the entire henna ritual—from prep to post-care—with tips rooted in both traditional wisdom and hair science. Whether you're mixing your own or using ready-to-apply henna, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re using a ready-to-apply paste (like the one we freshly craft at Nat Habit), you can skip this section and go straight to the application. But if you're mixing from scratch, here's how to get it right.

Choose the Right Henna

• Use pure, triple-sifted henna powder—free from chemicals, sourced from trusted farms (like Sojat, Rajasthan).
• Avoid instant or pre-colored "henna" powders—these often contain synthetic dyes.

Boost the Stain Naturally

To amplify the dye release and conditioning benefits, mix your henna with:

• Amla – Enhances color depth and scalp health
• Manjistha – Boosts red undertones
• Rosemary – Stimulates the scalp
• Tea or coffee water – Adds acidity, aiding pigment development

Note: Balance is key. Overloading herbs can dilute the stain or weigh down the paste.

Use an Iron Bowl

Mixing in an iron container helps release more lawsone pigment (the active dye in henna) and improves grey hair coverage by deepening the stain.

Let It Rest

Let your henna mixture sit for 6–8 hours to allow full dye release. Cover the bowl to retain moisture and prevent drying.

Start with a Clean Slate

• Wash your hair thoroughly to remove oil, dirt, or product buildup.
• Dry, tangled, or coated hair prevents the henna dye from binding properly to the hair cuticle.

Application Tips

• Divide hair into small sections. Start from the roots, work toward the tips.
• Use a brush or gloved hands for even distribution.
• Once done, cover your head with plastic wrap or a shower cap—this keeps the paste moist and warm, enhancing dye absorption.

Timing It Right

• Let the paste sit for 2–3 hours. Less than 2 hours may lead to weak staining.
• More than 3–4 hours can over-dry hair, making it brittle.

Rinse with Plain Water Only

• Avoid shampoo right after application—it can strip the freshly bonded dye from your hair shaft.
• Use your fingers to gently loosen the paste and rinse thoroughly.
• Apply a mild conditioner if needed for detangling.

Next Day:

• Use a gentle shampoo 24 hours later to cleanse the scalp without disturbing the color.
• This also helps remove leftover herbal particles.

Post-Henna Oil Ritual

• After your rinse, give your hair a deep oil massage using mustard or sesame oil—these oils lock in moisture and deepen the stain naturally.
• Leave the oil overnight and wash the next day with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid frequent shampooing in the following days—this helps prolong color vibrancy and keeps your strands nourished.

And that’s it—you’ve officially mastered the henna ritual! Whether you’re embracing henna for the first time or rediscovering its magic, the key lies in patience, preparation, and care.

Want to skip the prep and still get the magic? Try our Fresh-Made Ready-to-Apply Henna Paste—infused with herbs, free of preservatives, and made just like it was in your grandmother’s kitchen.

Just tear, pour, and apply.
The hues of tradition, now easier than ever.