Can Henna or Mehendi increase hair growth? – The Times of India
Henna, also known as Mehendi, is a traditional herb that has been used for centuries in various cultures for its natural dyeing properties and its benefits to the skin and hair. While it is commonly associated with temporary body art, particularly in the form of intricate designs on the hands and feet, its use in hair care is also prevalent. Many believe that henna not only enhances the beauty of hair but also promotes healthy growth. In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of henna on hair growth, examining its historical use, the science behind it, and any limitations.
Henna’s nutritional properties for hair
Henna is derived from the leaves of the ‘Lawsonia inermis’ plant, which contains natural compounds like lawsone, tannins, and essential oils. These compounds contribute to its well-known benefits for hair and skin. Henna has been traditionally used in many countries, such as India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, to improve the texture, color, and health of hair.
The leaves of henna are rich in various nutrients, including:
Lawsone – This is the primary compound responsible for the natural dye properties of henna, which helps in conditioning hair. While it’s primarily known for its color, lawsone also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help maintain a clean, healthy scalp environment—crucial for promoting hair growth.
Tannins – These compounds have astringent properties that help to tone the scalp, tighten hair follicles, and improve scalp health. A healthy scalp is the foundation for optimal hair growth.
Mucilage – Henna leaves contain mucilage, which is a gel-like substance that provides a natural conditioning effect on hair. It moisturizes and nourishes the hair shaft, making hair smoother, shinier, and less prone to breakage.
Essential oils – Henna contains natural oils that hydrate the scalp, reduce dandruff, and improve hair texture. These oils can also improve blood circulation in the scalp, stimulating the hair follicles and potentially enhancing hair growth.
How Henna may help with hair growth
Strengthening hair follicles: Henna is known for its strengthening properties. When applied to the hair, it forms a protective coating around each hair strand. This can help to reduce hair breakage, making the hair appear thicker and healthier. Over time, this strengthening effect can lead to less hair fall and healthier, more resilient hair growth.
Improving scalp health: A clean and balanced scalp is essential for promoting hair growth. Henna’s natural antifungal and antibacterial properties can help maintain a healthy scalp by reducing dandruff and other scalp infections. By creating a healthier environment for hair follicles, henna could indirectly support hair growth.
Preventing excessive hair fall: Henna may not directly increase the rate at which hair grows, but it can help minimize hair loss. Henna strengthens the hair shaft, and its ability to improve scalp health may reduce the factors that contribute to excessive hair shedding, such as dandruff, dryness, and fungal infections. A more balanced scalp environment can lead to stronger hair that is less prone to falling out.
Improved circulation: Some anecdotal evidence suggests that henna, when massaged into the scalp, could stimulate blood circulation. Improved circulation helps to nourish hair follicles with the essential nutrients they need to grow strong, healthy hair. While the exact mechanisms are still debated, improved blood flow is a common factor in most hair growth treatments.
Henna and scalp conditions
Henna’s potential to improve scalp health is one of its most significant benefits. Conditions such as dandruff, dry scalp, and seborrheic dermatitis can all impede hair growth by causing irritation and blocking hair follicles. By applying henna, you can soothe and hydrate the scalp, which can alleviate itching, flakiness, and irritation. Healthy, well-nourished follicles are less likely to be blocked, allowing for optimal hair growth.
Henna and hair dyeing: Does it help or hinder growth?
One of the most commonly known uses of henna is as a natural hair dye. While it can provide an attractive red tint to hair, the use of henna as a dye also has mixed reviews when it comes to promoting hair growth. On the one hand, using henna as a dye can help protect hair from the damaging effects of commercial hair dyes, which often contain harsh chemicals that can lead to hair thinning and breakage. Henna’s natural conditioning properties may also help improve the overall health of the hair and scalp.
On the other hand, henna’s dyeing process involves a lengthy application period, during which the hair may become stiff or dry. This could lead to hair breakage if it’s not properly moisturized. Therefore, while henna does not directly hinder hair growth, it is important to balance it with proper hair care to avoid dryness and brittleness.
While henna or mehendi has not been definitively proven to increase hair growth in scientific studies, it does offer several benefits for hair health. Its natural properties help strengthen the hair, maintain a healthy scalp, and reduce hair fall. Combined with its ability to improve the overall appearance and texture of the hair, henna can be a useful addition to your hair care routine.
For those looking to support hair growth, henna can serve as a valuable part of an overall strategy that includes a healthy diet, proper hydration, regular scalp care, and a balanced hair care routine. Just remember, henna should be used with care to avoid dryness, and its effects on growth are likely more indirect, through improving the health of the scalp and hair, rather than directly accelerating hair growth.
