Reducing the Smell of Henna while Coloring Your Hair

Although henna has a very earthy smell, it can smell too strong for some people.  The smell can linger on for days.  There are a few things you can do to reduce the aroma.   

Using Cinnamon:

• Method 1:  Add 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon powder to your henna paste before applying on your hair.  Cinnamon reduces the smell of henna and can make the hair coloring process very pleasant.  But it can be irritating for sensitive skin.  It is best to test a small area by leaving a mix of 1 teaspoon of henna color with a pinch of cinnamon on your skin for a couple hours.  If no irritation persists, proceed with the color.
• Method 2:  Mix 10 grams cinnamon powder in 4 cups water and boil on low heat for 30 minutes.  Set aside to cool.  Stir in half teaspoon lemon juice.   Rinsing your hair with this mixture will significantly reduce the smell of the henna in your hair.   Store any remaining water in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Using Ginger:

• Method 1:  Add 1-2 teaspoons ginger powder to your henna paste before applying onto your hair.  Be careful not too add too much.  You dont want anything in the mix that will overpower and alter the effects of the hair color.  Note that the ginger has it's own scent.  For some poeple, even that can be overbearing. 
• Method 2:  Mix 10 grams ginger powder or 15 grams sliced ginger in 4 cups water and boil on low heat for 30 minutes.  Set aside to cool. Rinsing your hair with this mixture will significantly reduce the smell of the henna in your hair.   Store any remaining water in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

Using Black Seeds (Klonji):

• Method 1:  Add a teaspoon of black seed powder to your henna paste before applying on your hair.
• Method 2:  Mix 5 grams black seeds in 4 cups water and boil on low heat for 30 minutes.  Set aside to cool. Rinsing your hair with this mixture will significantly reduce the smell of the henna in your hair.   Store any remaining water in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

You can also add some drops of lavender oil or rosemary oil in henna for reducing the henna smell but in order to get the best results out of your henna, it is best not to add any oils to your mixture.