Dying hair is something that everyone does in their lifetime alteast once. Plenty of dyes are available in the market, yet henna retains its popularity. The natural herbal paste or powder is considered the healthiest of all.
As henna is a natural plant product and comes thoroughly processed, it has little to no expiry issue. But is it true? Why, then, do all the henna packets come with an expiry date? Let’s see it in detail.
Henna expires like any other product. But, this does not mean the product will become harmful after its expiry. Pure natural henna will not harm a user even after expiry but will lose its essence and can become ineffective.
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What happens when henna expires?
Henna is a pure form of the Lawsonia Inermis in powder or paste consistency. When henna expires, it oxidizes. This results in the product being ineffective and not showing the results. Additionally, using old henna can make your hair dry and unmanageable.
Remember, most of the henna products you get today are not purely henna but mixed with some other ingredients to enhance the result and life. Hence, expiry depends on these ingredients and how easily they lose their essence.
All henna products have a shelf life of up to two years. The product can expire even before the mentioned date if not properly stored.
How to store henna without losing its essence?
Storing henna can differ based on the type, storing place and amount of usage. Let’s see them one by one.
Powder form
In an open container
Henna in paste consistency will last for one week if stored in an open container. And if refrigerated, it can last up to two or three days without any change. For an extended life, you can store it in the freezer.
It will last for two or three months. Use it as soon as it is defrosted as the change in atmosphere can affect the product.
In a closed container
Henna will last for a long time in a closed and sealed container. It can be used for up to two years if stored this way.
But do check for the expiry date for each product, as the manufacturer will mention the time limit depending on the process of making that specific henna product.
It is ideal to refrigerate if opened and released, for it can retain the essence of the product for 3 months. Best not to refrigerate it as moisture accumulation can deteriorate the quality. However, in a freezer, it can last for 1 year.
Paste form
In an open container
It is advised to use up the product on the same day if placed in an open container. It is at risk of getting oxidized. But it can be used for two or three days when refrigerated. And when frozen, the product can last for two or three months. However, thawing can change the texture.
In a closed container
Henna in paste form will last two to three days in a closed container. But, with each day, the moisture element reduces. So it is better to use it as soon as possible.
It lasts for a week when refrigerated, and when frozen, it can stay the same for a month. Let it thaw entirely before using it.
How to know if my henna has gone bad?
When henna expires, it begins to show certain signs indicating the change.
1. Funny odor
Henna has a pleasant smell. With time as the product deteriorates, this changes. You need to know how a fresh pack of henna smells to identify when the change happens.
2. Change in texture
As henna loses its moisture with the passage of time, the product becomes dry. It will not have the watery consistency needed for hair dying. Applying henna will be challenging if it dries.
3. Lumps formation
Lumps are the quickest way to tell that henna has passed its expiry date. Lumps form as the substance becomes dry. The product loses moisture and begins to develop clumps of powder or paste. If you find such, better to throw the product away.
4. Colour change
Pure fresh henna paste or powder has dark olive green color. Along with the smell, the pigmentation changes. Check the product color in its new state to know when the color changes as it gets bad.
What is the best way to store henna?
Air-tight containers are the best way to store henna. Plastic or glass containers are the ideal choices. They keep the product safe and untouched from the external atmosphere, ensuring that it stays the same for an extended period.
As henna is used on your hair and may touch your scalp, always use fresh products that have not gone stale. It has two advantages. The first is the fresher the product, the more effective it will be, and the second is the prevention of any skin irritation that can arise from using stale products.
Although henna that has gone bad has no side effects, it is recommended to use only good fresh products on the skin.
Can I make henna at home?
You can make henna at home. Natives of North Africa, Australia and Asia make henna at home. The plant is crushed and made into a paste suitable for hair application. However, these pastes are not long-lasting. Once made, they will be used up immediately.
The henna packs you get at stores are mixed with other ingredients that enhance the product’s life. Try to find henna with minimal additional ingredients to get the natural benefits.
To conclude
Henna is a natural product and will last if preserved properly. Heat can change the chemical composition.
Keep the sealed package or container in a cool and dry environment to avoid any damage from moisture building. Store it the way it should be, and you can have a pure and healthy dye for your hair for quite a long time.
