Henna After Lamination? Lets Debunk

Henna, scientifically known as Lawsonia inermis, is a plant that has been used for centuries to dye hair, skin, and nails. The active compound responsible for the colouring properties of henna is lawsone, which is found in the leaves of the henna plant.

Henna, is a plant that belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is primarily cultivated in regions like India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. The leaves of the henna plant contain a compound called lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), which is responsible for its dyeing properties.

When used on hair, henna is typically prepared by grinding the dried leaves into a fine powder and mixing it with liquid (such as water or lemon juice) to form a paste. This paste is then applied to the hair and left on for a certain period of time before being rinsed off, we have taken this process and altered it for use on the brows.

Regarding the difference between henna and henna extract, henna refers to the powdered leaves of the henna plant, while henna extract typically refers to a concentrated form of henna. Henna extract is often used in commercially prepared henna products or brow dyes and tints to provide a more standardized and convenient application. It may also contain additional ingredients or additives to enhance its properties.

With regards to the pH level of hair following treatment with henna or henna extract, it is important to note that the pH can vary depending on factors such as the specific product used, the starting pH of the hair, and individual variations. However, in general, henna and henna extract tend to have an acidic pH. This acidic pH can help to close the cuticles of the hair, resulting in smoother and shinier hair. It is important to note that while henna itself is acidic, commercially prepared henna products may contain other ingredients that can affect the pH level.

It is generally accepted and not recommended to pair henna or henna extract with brow lamination. Brow lamination is a process that involves chemically altering the brow hairs to achieve a desired shape or style. The chemicals used in brow lamination can potentially interact with henna extract, leading to unpredictable results or adverse reactions, this chemical is TGA or Thioglycolate acid.

Mixing thioglycolate acid and henna is not recommended as it can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful reactions.

Thioglycolate acid is a strong reducing agent commonly found in hair relaxers or permanent wave solutions, its also present in lash lift, brow lamination solutions and hair removal creams such as Veet. It works by breaking down the protein structure in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped or straightened. Thioglycolate acid is highly alkaline in nature.

On the other hand, henna the natural plant-based dye derived from the Lawsonia inermis plant, as above contains lawsone, a molecule that binds to the hair proteins and provides a permanent colour to the treated hair.

When thioglycolate acid and henna are mixed together, their contrasting chemical properties can lead to adverse reactions. The alkaline nature of thioglycolate acid can interfere with the dyeing properties of henna, altering the colour or causing uneven results. Moreover, the alkaline environment created by thioglycolate acid can affect the structure of henna and potentially reduce its effectiveness as a dye.

In addition to colour-related issues, the mixture of thioglycolate acid and henna can also cause damage to the hair. Thioglycolate acid is a powerful chemical that can weaken the hair's structure when used incorrectly or in combination with other substances. Mixing it with henna can further increase the risk of hair damage and breakage.

To ensure the safety and desired results, it is best to avoid mixing thioglycolate acid and henna or henna extract 

We know some brands say henna based hybrid  products and lamination are fine, chemically they are NOT compatible, and in serious incidents, will invalidate your insurance should anything go wrong.

Unsure, read the ingredients, your SDS will also tell you.

If you want to offer lamination and henna based hybrid or henna as a stand alone, you need to stick to the basics, 48 hours MINIMUM apart 

Don't get me wrong, I love Henna and I cut my brow tech teeth using henna as my go to, we just need to remember someone's face and skin is NOT the place for a chemical experiment mixing the two 

Peace out 

Debs x