As more and more consumers look for healthier alternatives to traditional hair coloring services, many salon professionals are faced with an increasing number of clients that have used henna on their hair. Once henna builds up on the hair, hair can feel coated and coarse. Most clients are unhappy with henna results, and have discovered organic hair color options like Organic Way (Oway) and Original & Mineral (O&M).

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For some of us, this is a “back to the future” situation that we can fondly reminisce about. For others who are newer to our profession, this is a first time, “what do I do about this” situation that can be an unwelcome complication to a fully booked day. Regardless of your perspective, all of us need to know how to prepare hair that has been colored with Henna to ensure predictable results.

Henna can contain metallic salts which can react with oxidative dyes to create heat.

This can be a disconcerting experience for both stylist and client. None of us want to have a client ask us, “Is this supposed to be this hot?”, and then rush the client to the bowl, praying that when we rinse the color that we are not rinsing her hair down the drain as well. Many clients are not aware that Henna can contain metallic salts and they may not know if the Henna that they used contained this ingredient. Don’t be afraid to “be the expert” and let the client know the steps that need to be taken to ensure the best possible results.

1. Shampoo the hair twice using a clarifying shampoo such as Htech by Organic Way. It effectively removes product residue for optimal technical results.
2. Using a sponge, work vodka (yes, you read it right) through the hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Vodka helps strip off the henna by breaking down the metal salts into smaller molecules, preparing the hair for the next step.
3. Then, rinse and shampoo twice with Organic Way Hbalance Shampoo, leaving the second lather on for 5 minutes. The gentle surfactants in Hbalance Shampoo help rebalance the hair’s pH after the Henna has been removed and neutralizes remaining alkaline residues.
4. Rinse and apply Organic Way Hmilk No Stress to restore moisture to the hair and strengthen the strands.
5. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.

As more and more clients “go green” you may find this tip increasingly useful. There is no doubt the the green movement is here to stay and there has never been a better time in our industry to be identified as a leader in offering healthier, less toxic chemical services.