How to use henna

Lush Henna is a natural, organic hair dye that works like a varnish over your natural hair colour to coat every strand in glorious colour. Using a herbal hair dye like henna has multiple benefits: every shade is completely unique to you; emerging roots look subtle compared to synthetic dye alternatives; and your hair gains an additional protective layer, boosting condition and gloss. What’s more, it’s a fun activity for a night in at home and with these instructions it’s easy to apply too.​

Which shade will you choose?

Brun
Indigo herb and ground coffee mingle with henna in Brun for above the shoulder smoulder in rich, chocolate colours.​

Rouge
If you choose Rouge, you might want to pop the fire brigade on speed dial; fiery, brightening fresh, organic lemon juice creates smoking hot reds.​

Marron
Marron mixes dark coffee with fresh, organic lemon juice to evoke autumnal warmth in all seasons with shining, chestnut shades.​

Noir
In Noir, indigo herb takes centre stage for gloss in deep, dark midnight shades. A touch of red henna promotes shine (but won’t bring out any red tones).​

How to henna:

Get your caca together! You will need:

• Rubber gloves
• Bain-marie or a heatproof bowl in a saucepan
• Stirring spoon
• Newspapers on the floor
• Clips to section your hair
• Dark coloured towels
• Cling film/shower cap (optional). Protective balm, like Ultrabland or Ultrabalm.
• Colouring brush to apply henna (or just use gloved hands)

Strand test:

To make sure you are completely happy with the results, always complete a strand test (this is particularly important if you have chemically treated your hair in any way). The colour will continue to develop for up to 24 hours after application.​

Add boiling water to a small amount of henna in a heatproof bowl and use rubber gloves to apply to a section of hair about half an inch wide. Leave for up to three hours, shampoo and rinse out. If you are satisfied with the colour after 24 hours, apply the henna to the rest of the hair.​

ps.) If over 40% of your hair is grey, remember to include some in your strand test. After using henna, grey hairs sparkle brighter than dark ones, so expect vibrant results.​

How to use:

(It’s as easy as 1,2,3,4)​

1. Smooth a protective balm like Ultrabalm around the hairline - or beard line - to ensure your skin is not accidentally tinted.
    
2. Break your henna block into chunks and place into a bain-marie or heatproof bowl over a saucepan of hot water. Cover the henna with boiling water and stir until the mixture resembles melted chocolate. The hotter the henna, the better the results.
    
3. Wearing rubber gloves, apply the henna evenly to clean, dry hair. For best results, work from the roots to the tips, starting from the back of the hair and moving towards the front. During the application, ensure the henna stays comfortably hot in a bain-marie or saucepan.
    
4. Leave for at least one hour; up to two hours is recommended. Rinse off your henna with shampoo. The colour will continue to develop for up to 24 hours (and up to 48 hours if you’re using Brun or Noir).