If you're going natural and looking for a way to naturally color your hair while also encouraging longer hair growth and treating any hair loss you might be having, henna is an option worth considering. Henna is mainly used by most people because of its ability to naturally dye hair and create beautiful tattoos. Its most widely used in South Asian as well as in many Middle Eastern countries. The results of using this particular treatment on hair is usually a reddish-brown hair color or a much darker if you use both Henna and Indigo together.

What many people don't know is that Henna can also be used for longer hair growth as well as prevent and treat hair loss. I must however warn you that the Henna hair treatment can get very messy...You've been warned! Keep reading to find out more about the ways you make your hair healthier and stronger.

Hair Treatment Benefits

Henna is a great natural alternative treatment that works well to combat hair loss. It helps to seal and repair the hair cuticle, which in turn helps to prevent breakage and also helps to heal the hair shaft. Your scalp's PH will also be balanced, - this really helps if you have scalp dryness and dandruff.

It's also a Hair Conditioner

Henna works very well as a herbal hair conditioner, not only does it condition the hair and enable your hair to better absorb moisture, it makes your hair silky as well as soft to the touch. After you've applied it to your hair, its best to apply some plain yogurt mixed with 1 teaspoonful of lemon juice as this will help to further condition your hair . Apply the yogurt to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 15 minutes or so. You can also mix everything together if you just want a one step process.

Works as a natural hair dye

If you're looking to dye your hair a very dark brown, what you'll need to do is to mix some henna powder and lemon juice together in a plastic or glass bowl and let this mixture sit overnight. If you want to dye your hair a vibrant and brighter reddish-brown color, just mix the powder, allow it to sit for 15 minutes and apply this mixture to your hair, then rinse after 2 hours.

As a home remedy for scalp problems

You can use this hair treatment as a home remedy for your scalp problems such as dandruff and dry, itchy scalp. All you need to do is mix some of the henna powder with some ground fenugreek seeds. Soak 1-2 teaspoonfuls of fenugreek seed in water and allow them to soak overnight. After the fenugreek seeds have soaked overnight, you'll be able to make them into a paste, which you will then add to the henna mixture.

In order to further enhance the results from henna: You can add some essentials such as lavender, peppermint or rosemary to the oil for added benefits to your henna mixture. Rosemary oil and lavender oil will help you with longer hair growth as well as dry, flaky scalp. Adding essential oils will make your hair healthier and stronger. Essential oils can also be used to add fragrance.

Here comes the super messy part...

After you've let the henna soak into your hair for 1.5 hours, rinse off the mixture using warm water. You may need to wash your hair quite a few times in order to remove everything out of your hair ( this can take a few washes and requires great patience).

Longer hair growth

If you want to make use of henna as part of your healthy hair journey, there is a way you can use it on a regular basis. You can also apply it in the form of an oil, this helps when you're trying to grow long natural hair. Below are the steps you'll need to take in order to make the oil.

- You will need to use crushed and fresh henna leaves ( you will not able to use the powder due to consistency). Henna leaves are available at your local Indian herb and spice store.

- Heat around 1/4 Liters of mustard oil over the stove, make sure you use a low setting so you don't burn the oil and start a fire! Once the mustard oil turns a reddish-brown color, its time to run off the flame and put the leaves inside the hot oil.

- You will need to let the mustard oil cool. After all, you don't want to burn yourself right?

- After the oil has cooled, you can now strain it and store it inside a bottle for your regular use.Apply it like you would any other hair oil. It's that simple!

Remember you can also combine and use your hair treatment with essential oils. Using henna for hair growth is one of the most safest and natural ways to get beautiful hair naturally. Make sure that you are buying organic certified henna because other companies will sell you contaminated product that has come into contact with pesticides and other harmful chemicals ( eeeek!).

Keep in mind that the henna application is a messy and very time-consuming task. However,it is a task that's well worth it since the results are likely to be longer hair growth, improved hair texture, tone and reduced breakage.