Henna Powder For Hair

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Are you looking for a toxic free hair dye? 

Do you have more than just a few grey hairs? 

Do you experience dryness from Henna? 

Then keep reading! 

The tradition of Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old system of holistic healing that originates from India. (9) My first introduction to Henna was through a good friend The HodgePodge Files. She highlighted the use of Cassia Obovata & Amla powder to condition & strengthen the hair; hence I decided to give it a try. I’m so thankful I did!

Over 2/3 months I’ve used Cassia, Amla and Shikakai powder treatment consistently and loved the results. These Ayurvedic Herb treatments cleanse, condition, and add shine to your hair. However, I will limit full treatments to once or twice a month only because it can be time consuming. 

What is Cassia Obovata?

Cassia obovata powder looks very much like henna powder, but generally does not stain hair or hands. It is an excellent conditioner, which makes hair glossy and thick, with a healthy scalp.  When you mix this green leaf powder with warm water (or green tea), it has a strong smell similar to a heap of warm mowed grass.  If your powder stains your hair or hands yellow, it probably has some rhubarb root mixed into it. (1)

Amla Powder:

Also known as Indian gooseberry, this fruit grows on the myrobalan-tree, native to India and Burma. It has the highest content of naturally occuring vitamin C and is used in a number of Ayurvedic medicines. It is a natural anti-oxidant, and in powder form is great for topical application to the hair and skin. (4)

According to Purdue University, Amla has medicinal properties capable of soothing sore eyes and relieving skin infections.  It also benefits the hair when applied as a conditioner. Dried amla fruit, ground into a fine powder, coats and nourishes the hair and scalp. A homemade amla powder mask can also add texture and volume to your hair. (2)(3)

Amla stops falling of hair and premature graying and strengthens hair roots. It removes dandruff and promotes long, lustrous healthy hair. Its benefits for hair cause it to be used in many herbal shampoos, oils and hair loss creams! (3)(4)

TIP: Do you have more than just a few grey hairs? Do you want to be free of toxic chemicals in permanent hair dyes? When mixing Henna substitute the boiled water with black coffee. It's apparently supposed to help loosen the red tones, especially where there is a large percentage of grey. It works! (7)

Acacia Concinna or Shikakai is a small shrub-like tree, which grows in the warm, dry plains of central India. For centuries the people who have had access to this tree have used its pod-like fruit to clean their hair. They collect, dry and grind this pod into a powder, which is considered a superior cleanser for lustrous long hair; and has been reported as "promoting hair growth and preventing dandruff." (5)

Because of these benefits, this powder was named "shikakai" which literally translates as "fruit for the hair". (5)

Typically, shikakai is mixed with water to make a paste, which is worked through the hair. It lathers moderately and cleans hair beautifully. It has a natural low pH, is extremely mild, and doesn't strip hair of natural oils. (5)

Usually no rinse or conditioner is used since Shikakai also acts as a detangler. This ancient product is probably the world's original pH balanced shampoo. (5)

TIP: Do you experience dryness from Henna? Add some honey to your mix! Hair oils such as Olive oil,  extra virgin Coconut oil, Argan oil, etc. to reduce dryness! (8)

I was so excited to try these treatments that I would mix all three together!  My new regimen involves a Cassia & Shikakai hair treatment and Amla powder treatment. I also add a TBSP of Amla powder or Cassia to my DC.

Basic Recipe: Mixing Cassia Obovata for healthy hair:

-Mix powder with warm or hot water  or green tea and let sit for 15-30 minutes. Make sure your mixture is like pancake batter.

-Apply the cassia paste onto clean hair that is either dry or damp. Apply mixture in layers starting from the back and moving forward.

-Wrap your hair in a plastic cap and leave on for at least an hour.

-Rinse or wash paste out. (6)

Using Organic Cassia Obovata for Conditioning Only (No Colour) 


To use Organic Cassia Obovata for conditioning, it is best to add a tablespoon or two of the powder premixed with water to your conditioning base, such as conditioner, flax seed gel, Light Greek yogurt or thick coconut milk, for example; or mix a sufficient amount of powder to cover your hair  with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for extra conditioning.  Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, then apply to freshly washed damp hair.  Wrap your hair up, relax for 30-40 minutes and rinse out in the shower very well to get all the particles out. (6)

My hair after Cassia/Amla Treatment

Always do a strand test. Apply a little amount to your inner arm and leave for an hour. Observe for 24 hours, if you experience rashes, itching and redness, do not use.

Storage:

How to store your powder: fridge or cool dark place.

How to store your cassia obovata and henna paste: freezer

Where to buy: 

Online: Henna Sooq

Stores in Toronto: Nharo! 543 Danforth Avenue 

Honey Fig  4967 Yonge Street, North York , ON M2N 5N6

Reference:

1. “Cassia Obovata Also known as Neutral Henna or Senna.” hennaforhair.com. N.D. Web. 21 May 2012.
2. Jewell Eleanor. “How To Use Amla Powder on Hair.” Livestron.com. 14 June. 2011. Web. 21 May 2012
3. “Amla Powder – Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair, Skin and General health.” Mehndiskinart.com. N.D. Web. 21 May 2012
4. “Amla Powder Amalaki/Indian Gooseberry/[Emblica Officinalis].” Favourfinesse.com. N.D. Web. 21 May 2012
5. “Shikakai Powder.” Redrosehenna.com. N.D. Web. 21 May 2012
6. LeBlanc, Vanessa. “Ayurvedic Herbs: Organic Cassia Obovata.” Hennablodspot.com. 21 March. 2012. Web. 21 May 2012
7. Tricia. “The Secret of dying Grey Hair Naturally with Henna is…Coffee.” littleecofootprints.com.12 September. 2010. Web. 21 May 2012
8. Henna Sooq face book page. May 15. 2012. Web. 21 May 2012
9. "Ayurvedic Hair Care, tips for healthy hair." Indianhairoil.com. N.D. Web. 21 May 2012