How to Choose a Henna Powder

Co-authored by Moushami Iyer

Last Updated: February 8, 2022 Approved

Not all henna powders are created equal. Henna is a plant product, and thus degrades over time. Choosing a good powder is essential for a good henna design.

Steps

1
Get the freshest powder possible. Check the date, henna is best used within a few months if it hasn't been kept cold. Most store henna sits on shelves for extended periods. If it's been stored in a cold area, like a freezer, and kept away from light, henna can stay potent for years. Many online retailers who are also henna artists keep their henna in cold storage; ask before you buy.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Consider color. While all henna stains a reddish-brown color, different regions do produce subtle differences. African hennas are often stringier, which helps making fine lines. Moroccan and Yemeni hennas are know for their stringiness. Many people say African henna is warm red, Persian henna is deeper red, and Indian henna is brownish red. These slight color variations are not set in stone, and are usually not even noticeable. Usually color variations depend on the body's chemistry not on the kind of henna used.

Advertisement
3
Learn to recognize high quality henna. High quality henna has been sifted several times. Cheaper hennas need more sifting which you can usually tell from comparing to other better sifted hennas, or else they can clog applicators.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Henna can come in shades of green to greenish-brown. Do research reviews to see your hair type and natural colour and what results you can expect. Also check the expiry date.
- Always try to buy natural henna powder.
5
Look around. India exports the most henna, with a variety of brands from different regions in India. Other countries, like Oman, don't export at all. If you travel, or have a globe trotting friend, get some henna sent back to your home.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I use the whole egg, just the white, or just the yolk in the henna for my hair?

Community Answer

If your hair is normal you can use the whole egg in your mixture. If your hair is dry you can just use the egg yolk. If your hair is oily you can just use the egg white.
Question

Can I use henna on my relaxed hair?

Community Answer

It is not recommended to use henna immediately after relaxing. Wait at least 1-2 weeks to help the hair recoup after the procedure. You can use henna safely on relaxed hair after the aforementioned time has passed, though there may be a chance your hair may feel straw-like, even after using henna. Moisturize with coconut oil if you prefer additional support for your hair.
Question

How do I find henna powder?

Community Answer

Indian food stores carry it, and it can be purchased online.

Warnings

Never buy "black" henna, or anything with added ingredients. Black henna often contains PPD, which is a dangerous chemical that can cause severe allergic reactions.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Real henna is always red/reddish-brown. Blonde or colorless henna is usually cassia or rhubarb root, black henna is usually indigo, or henna with PPD added.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2