Henna or hair dyes
Weighing the pros and cons
By Nat Habit
When it comes to transforming your hair colour, the debate between henna and hair dyes has been in existence for a long time. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks so let's explore them:
Ø Using Chemical Hair Dyes:
Pros: - Quick & Swift: Dyes are famous for their ability to deliver rapid hair colours within a few minutes of application.
- Desired colour changes: Whether you're aiming for a bold new shade or subtle highlights, hair dyes can offer numerous options to choose from.
Cons: - Severe & Quick Damages: Hair dyes often commit to ‘break and enter’ phenomena to render versatile shade. Chemicals like ammonia elevate the pH of the hair, causing the hair to swell and push the cuticle open. This further weakens tresses, making them more prone to damage and split ends.
- Scalp Irritation & Hair Fall: The oxidation process of hair dyes can irritate your scalp and root bulbs, weakening hair follicles and inducing hair loss.
- Induces Greying: The chemicals like hydrogen peroxide often bleaches your hair to make room for new colour. They oxidise melanocytes, leaving them colorless. Hence, contributing to premature greying.
Ø Using traditional Henna:
Pros: - Zero Damage: One of the standout benefits of henna is that it is a naturally available dye which allows it to render its hues without breaking cuticle or oxidising melanocytes.
- Prevents Greying: The presence of antioxidants, tannin and rich nutrition content not only prevents radical damage and melanin drop but also protects root bulbs maintaining melanin production.
- Conditions Hair: Henna also acts as a natural hair conditioner by sealing the cuticles, repairing the damaged cells and enhancing moisture retention.
- pH Balancing: Henna is slightly acidic in nature which helps balance the pH levels of scalp, creating a favourable environment for healthy hair.
- Promotes Hair Growth: The antioxidants and nutrients present in henna stimulate hair growth, contributing to longer, more resilient strands.
Cons: - Reddish-Brown Hue: The reddish-brown shade imparted by henna, might be less desirable for individuals with more than 70% grey hair. To counter this, some choose to combine henna with indigo for a darker tone.
- Colour Preference: People seeking a broader spectrum of colour options may find henna's limitations less appealing.
Ø Using Natural Hair Colour Options:
Pros: - No Harmful effects: Using natural colour substitutes like beetroot for red shade, coffee for brown and turmeric for golden shade gives you your desired colour without any harmful effects.
Cons: - Not Long Lasting: They don’t last for a long time as they get washed away after only two or three rinses.
In conclusion, the choice between henna, hair dye or temporary colours ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired colour outcome. However, a safer natural choice is always recommended for better long term concerns regarding scalp & hair health. Also Read: The Beginner's Guide to different types of Henna/ Blog 4
