Post-Diwali Pollution: Shield Your Hair with Henna Cream Against Pollution – News18

As we try to find ways to tackle the impact of pollution on our respiratory system, we are all guilty of ignoring our skin and hair. While the skin still gets a fair dose moisturising and cleansing, the hair turn rough, dry and brittle due to continuous exposure to pollutants. Covering your hair with a cap or scarf is a precautionary measure one must take. Washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo and conditioning them afterwards is a much-required respite from greasy hair. However, henna is a miracle solution, especially if you want to undo the impact of pollutants as well as protect it from further damage.

Clelia Cecilia Angelon, Founder & CEO, Surya Brasil, says, “Henna acts like a natural mask that replenishes and nourishes the hair, roots and scalp. This leads to stronger and healthier scalp. It also conditions the hair and gently cleanses the scalp, thus reducing the impact of pollution, and scales away the pollutants that might have settled down and causing irritation after prolonged exposure. It adds sheen to your hair, ensuring that your hair are flowing like the gorgeous mane it was before the pollution impacted it. Once you have applied henna and washed it off, it creates a thin layer on the hair, further protecting it from more damage, even after continuous exposure.”

Many people are put off by henna because of the cumbersome process of turning it into a paste and the messy application. However, nowadays henna cream is available with easy-to-apply applicator, hence transforming your experience into a mess free one. “Also, for those who do not like the orangish tinge that henna results in, mixing of organic herbs like Babaçu Oil, Copaíba, Malva, Chamomile, Jaborandi, Jua, Cumaru, Açaí, Guaraná, Olive and Coconut Powder Oil sourced from Amazonian rainforests can result in different colors. One can opt for red, copper, brown, burgundy, black, and even blonde color,” adds Angelon.

A natural source of tannin and Vitamin E, henna naturally softens the hair. It is superior than other hair masks in the market. “Henna naturally balances the pH of the scalp and calms the overactive sebaceous glands that produce oil in the hair, making it oily. The protein and antioxidant-rich henna cream also helps to balance the pH of the scalp. Henna feeds the hair follicles, which results in stronger roots and less hair fall. Henna relieves dandruff and prevents it from returning with prolonged usage because it regulates scalp oil production, proving that it is much more than a hair color,” believes Angelon.

Stay away from harsh chemical dyes as they contain PPD, DEA, TEA, resorcinol, hydrogen peroxide, and parabens. Long-term use can cause skin allergies and, in some circumstances, cancer.While we are all aware of the dangers of ammonia, its byproducts such as ethanolamine, diethylamine, and triethanolamine can be even more dangerous. Sulphates and prethalates can induce thyroid problems or hormonal imbalances. And we would surely want to avoid it.When using chemical-based hair colours, make sure that you read the label carefully.

“Henna cream can be re-applied after every 20 days if you just wish to touch up the roots, else the color can easily last 2-3 months. As aftercare, use a natural, vegan, and organic shampoo that is devoid of sulphates, parabens, and harsh chemical dyes and is loaded with herbal extracts and fruits from India and Brazil’s biodiversity. You can pair it with a conditioner that contains nourishing components such as Amazonian vegetable oils and butters and rice protein. To ensure your hair have a beautiful finish, make sure that the shampoos and conditioners are free of mineral oil, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and chemicals,” opines Angelon.

Furthermore, a relaxing hot oil massage to improve the blood circulation helps the scalp to absorb these nutrients in a better way. Thus, it is a must add step in your haircare routine. Add some dry fruits in your diet along with a healthy dose of seasonal fruits and vegetables to make your hair stronger. With henna cream one can truly create a shield for their hair against pollution, as the hair are now healthier and more vibrant, on the inside and outside.