Henna is natures safest means to color and condition hair and is strongly recommended for those who want to free themselves from harmful chemical dyes and bleaches. Henna enhances and highlights the natural colour of the hair whilst softening and giving extra volume and shine.

Henna is scientifically known for its ability to make hair thicker. It is a completely natural and highly effective treatment. Henna such as neutral colored henna is used in this recipe because it does not colour hair. Regular red henna or a natural colored concoction can be used, but it must be remembered that hair color results will vary with the individual.

True henna, Lawsonia inermis, comes in only one color - reddish brown. The shade of reddish brown depends on many different factors, such as origin, season, how old the powder is, how to mix it up, how long to leave it on, and of course, the natural hair color. Blonde, brown, auburn, mahogany, and other "shades" of henna are mixes of indigo and true henna, often with other plant materials added, such as hibiscus and black walnut.

Once the henna's dye has oxidized and reached its final shades, the colour is permanent and is not prone to degradation. Unlike chemical dyes, repeated applications of true henna develop a richer, deeper colour with each succeeding application. Henna is a natural colorant and strengthener and has all sorts of other benefits such as the reduction of dandruff from the hennotannic acids. Henna is also helpful in getting rid of head lice.

Henna contains a tannin known as hennotannic acid. Tannins are slightly astringent and their use will tighten the surface of the scalp and hair follicles, strengthening the follicles' grasp on each hair. Henna also penetrates the hair shaft, strengthening and thickening the hairs somewhat, making the hair more resistant to breakage.