Henna fans go back over 5000 years in Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East. So much so that even the iconic Cleopatra used this natural artwork to embellish her body. Also known as mehendi, al-ḥinnā, inai and more, the natural dye comes from the Lawsonia genus plant. So if you’re dubious about henna, double-check your facts with us as we bust four henna myths.
MYTH 1: HENNA IS YOUR HAIR’S NO.1 ENEMY.
REALITY:
The only foe you should avoid is Black Henna. Also called ‘Kali Mehndi’, this henna type contains araphenylenediamine (PPD), a very toxic chemical that can damage your cuticles and hair strands.
MYTH 2: LEMON JUICE + HENNA HAIR = DARKER AND RICHER DYE.
REALITY:
The acidic nature of lemon juice will counteract the effects of henna, making your hair brittle.
Alternatively, you can enrich your henna hair mix with warm to hot water for more dye release.
MYTH 3: THE DARKER THE COLOUR, THE DEEPER THE BOND.
REALITY:
Superstition relates the bond between the bride and her husband or mother-in-law with the darkness level of the henna. And we all know that’s so not true.
MYTH 4: NATURAL HENNA IS MULTI ICOLOURED.
REALITY:
The presence of lawsone in the henna gives an orange, red or brown stain, and they can last up to two weeks. Other colours like white henna is body paint with adhesive, thus only lasting for two to three days.
