Henna and keratin treatments can interact in ways that may affect the results of both. Understanding their properties and how they work can help predict how they might react.
1. Composition and Mechanism
• Henna:
• A natural dye made from the Lawsonia inermis plant.
• It coats the hair shaft and binds to the keratin in the hair, providing color and strength.
• Pure henna is generally safe, but some commercial henna products may contain additives or metallic salts, which can interfere with chemical treatments.
• Keratin Treatments:
• Aim to smooth and strengthen the hair by infusing keratin protein into the hair shaft and sealing it with heat.
• Often contain formaldehyde or aldehyde-releasing agents to help bond the keratin to the hair.
2. Potential Reactions
• Henna Before Keratin:
• Pure henna creates a protective coating on the hair, which can prevent the keratin treatment from penetrating effectively.
• This may reduce the smoothing and straightening effects of the keratin treatment.
• If the henna contains metallic salts, the heat used in keratin treatments can cause adverse chemical reactions, leading to hair breakage or uneven results.
• Henna After Keratin:
• Applying henna after a keratin treatment may strip or reduce the treatment’s longevity since henna may disrupt the keratin layer.
• Henna’s coating might diminish the smooth, sleek finish achieved by the keratin treatment.
3. Recommendations for Combining Henna and Keratin
It's generally not recommended to do a keratin treatment over henna. Here's why:
- Henna Coating: Henna coats the hair shaft, making it difficult for the keratin treatment to penetrate and work effectively.
- Chemical Reactions: The chemicals in keratin treatments can potentially react with the henna, leading to unpredictable results and potentially damaging your hair.
- Reduced Effectiveness: The henna coating can reduce the effectiveness of the keratin treatment, meaning you may not get the desired results.
If you're considering getting a keratin treatment, it's best to wait until the henna has completely faded from your hair. This usually takes several weeks or even months, depending on the type of henna used.
• Strand Test:
• Always perform a strand test when combining henna and keratin treatments to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
• Consult a Terre a Mer Professional:
• A Terre a Mer hair professional can assess your hair condition and determine the best approach for using both treatments safely.
Summary
While henna and keratin treatments can both enhance your hair’s beauty, their interaction requires careful consideration. Henna’s natural coating may block the effectiveness of keratin treatments, and improper combinations can lead to damage. To achieve the best results, plan your treatments wisely, perform strand tests, and consult a professional for tailored advice. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of both without compromising your hair’s health.
