Henna is much more than a simple natural color: it is a beauty ritual that, in addition to giving unique reflections, strengthens the hair giving them thickness and shine.
But what to do after application? How to make sure that the curls remain soft, elastic and defined, without losing the shiny effect of henna?
In this article we will find out how to take care of the curls after the application of henna, enhancing their health and natural beauty.
After applying the henna paste and letting it sit for as long as necessary, shampooing immediately may seem the most natural choice, but it is important to wait until the next wash. This is because the henna pigments need time to fully settle on the hair fiber, and the surfactants in shampoos could interfere with this process and remove some of the color.
How to rinse henna properly
To rinse the hair from henna, considering that this is applied on already cleaned hair, just use warm water. Gently massage the skin and lengths with your fingertips, without rubbing, and make sure to remove any traces of henna: any residue could dry out the hair or cause irritation to the scalp. If necessary, you can apply a light balm free of oils or heavy butters to unscrape the curls without hindering the fixation of the pigment.
Following these steps will not only preserves the color, but also ensure an ideal basis for the next steps of your post-henna routine.
Shampoo: when and how to wash your hair after henna
In the days following the application of henna you can wash your hair with a shampoo, but it is important to choose the right products. Aggressive shampoos, in fact, such as those containing sulfates, can dry the hair and compromise the color.
The best options for curly hair post-henna include, depending on the type of hair and its porosity:
- Gentle shampoo for curly hair without sulfates: perfect to maintain the natural hydration of curly hair and protect the color.
- Wash’n go co-wash cream: ideal for those who have curly frizz with a coarse texture and prefer an ultra-gentle alternative, conditioning and nourishing.
Hair care routine post-henné: masks and styling
In the days following application, you may notice that your hair is more dry or stiff: it’s quite normal. Henna tends to make the hair fiber temporarily less flexible, which is why integrating nourishing and moisturizing masks into one’s routine can be very helpful. Choose curly hair masks made from natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil or jojoba oil: they restore elasticity and softness, while deeply moisturize the curly hair.
What about styling?
After applying henna, hair may appear more relaxed or less defined – we also discussed this in the article Curly hair: advantages and disadvantages. For this you can choose curly hair styling products, which are light and moisturizing, to enhance their natural definition.

Co-wash cream to cleanse and deeply moisturize curls with coarse texture.

Highly moisturizing and nourishing mask indicated for curls with coarse texture.
Let’s face it: henna has an earthy smell that not everyone likes and that can persist after the application and even after the initial washing. Luckily there are some simple and effective tricks to eliminate this smell without compromising the health of your hair.
Products for washing and styling with fragrance
One of the easiest methods is to choose products, whether for washing or styling, that have a persistent scent so that it remains on the hair even after drying.
Essential oils
Another simple trick is to add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary, balm or mask chosen, to intensify the fragrance. This will not only intensify the fragrance but also make your hair care routine post-henné even more pleasant.
Henna is a valuable ally for the healthy and beautiful hair, but to get the most out of it, it is important to know how to treat them after application. Rinse carefully, wait before doing the shampoo – a gentle shampoo, free of sulfates – and do not forget to pamper your curls with specific masks and products. With these little tricks, your hair will not only retain the benefits of henna, but it can be bright, defined, soft and strong!