Hair Colour or Mehendi: Which Is Better for Your Hair and Can Either Stop Hair Fall?

These days, whenever we stand in front of the mirror and notice even a single grey hair, it is quite natural to feel a little anxious. Our hectic lifestyles, pollution, unhealthy eating habits and constant stress are no longer affecting only older people. They are now becoming visible in the hair of young people in their twenties as well. The first thought that usually comes to mind is how to hide the grey strands or give our hair a new, trendy look. In almost every Indian household, two options appear at this stage. On one side is natural henna, a traditional remedy passed down from our grandmothers, and on the other are the many chemical-based hair colours available in the market. People who use either option have their own reasons, along with several concerns and fears. The real confusion begins when the hair is not only turning grey but also falling out in large amounts. At that point, everyone starts wondering whether henna can stop hair fall, whether chemical hair colour can prevent breakage, or whether both are simply external beauty treatments with no direct connection to hair loss.

If we compare the past with the present, our approach to hair care has changed dramatically. There was a time when sitting in the Sunday sunshine with a thick layer of green henna applied to the hair was a familiar household routine. The earthy fragrance of henna would spread throughout the home, and people used it not only to colour their hair but also to cool the scalp and make the hair feel softer. However, today’s fast-paced and digitally driven lifestyle has left little room for patience. Young people neither have the time to sit for two or three hours while henna dries nor do many of them prefer its traditional reddish-orange colour. They want a fashionable look ash brown, burgundy or stylish highlights in just half an hour. This preference, along with changing social media trends, has caused the demand for modern hair colours marketed as ‘ammonia-free’ or ‘herbal’ to rise rapidly.

From a financial perspective, the beauty and personal-care market has become a massive industry in India. Hair-colour companies now offer products for every budget, from small colour sachets costing just a few rupees to expensive balayage and ombré treatments that can cost thousands of rupees at salons. Henna, on the other hand, remains a simple and affordable option and is still considered one of the most economical hair-colouring methods, especially among middle-class and rural communities. However, when health and science enter the discussion, a decision cannot be based only on price or convenience. Skin and hair experts explain that henna is a natural plant containing a pigment called lawsone. This pigment binds to the outer layer of the hair and forms a coating around it. As a result, hair may appear thicker, fuller and shinier after henna is applied. However, using henna too frequently or in excessive amounts may reduce moisture, leaving the hair dry, rough and stiff.

Many people avoid henna simply because they do not like its reddish or orange tint and want a more natural-looking black shade. In such cases, indigo powder, made from the leaves of the indigo plant, can be a useful natural alternative. When indigo is applied after henna, it can give the hair a deep brown or black appearance without the use of conventional chemical dyes. The real concern, however, lies in ready-made products sold as ‘black henna’ or packets that promise instant colour in ten minutes. These products often contain strong chemicals such as PPD, or para-phenylenediamine, to produce a darker colour quickly. Such adulterated henna can be more dangerous than pure henna and may cause allergic reactions, severe itching and swelling of the scalp.

Modern chemical hair colours work very differently and can alter the structure of the hair. Permanent and semi-permanent hair colours may contain ingredients such as PPD, ammonia, resorcinol and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia can open the hair’s outer layer so that the colour reaches deeper into the hair shaft, lightens the natural pigment and deposits a new shade. During this process, the hair may lose some of its natural moisture and essential structural proteins, including keratin. Although many companies now loudly promote their products as ‘ammonia-free’, the chemicals used in place of ammonia may still cause allergic reactions, breathing difficulties or eye irritation in sensitive individuals. Despite these risks, many young people continue to use such products in pursuit of a particular appearance and greater confidence.

This brings us to the most important question that is discussed in many households: can either henna or hair colour actually stop hair fall? To answer this, we must first understand the difference between hair loss and hair breakage. True hair loss occurs when a strand falls out from the follicle beneath the scalp. Its causes are usually connected to internal factors such as a family history of hair loss, hormonal changes, thyroid problems, excessive stress, inadequate sleep, vitamin D or vitamin B12 deficiency, and poor nutrition. Hair follicles lie deep within the scalp, whereas henna and hair colour work mainly on the outer portion of the hair shaft. Therefore, the belief that applying henna or hair colour will stop hair from falling out at the roots is incorrect and unfounded.

However, it is true that using poor-quality hair colour or repeatedly applying henna that dries out the hair can weaken its outer layer. This may lead to breakage in the middle of the strand, which people often mistake for hair fall. If your hair is already thinning or shedding and you use products containing strong chemicals during that period, the resulting reaction may cause scalp irritation and inflammation, potentially worsening the problem. When it comes to henna, applying fresh henna mixed with ingredients such as yoghurt, aloe vera or coconut oil may help condition the hair and create a cleaner scalp environment by reducing excess oil and dandruff. This may make hair breakage appear less severe to some extent. However, experts consistently emphasise that no external colour or treatment can correct nutritional or medical deficiencies inside the body. If the roots of a tree are weak, simply colouring its leaves will never make the tree stronger.

If you regularly use henna or hair colour, proper aftercare becomes extremely important. After applying henna, a gentle oil massage before shampooing may help reduce dryness and restore some softness to the hair. If you use chemical hair colour, it is better to choose a sulphate-free, colour-protective shampoo instead of a harsh regular shampoo. Coloured hair should also be protected from strong ultraviolet rays, as sunlight can make hair that has already been weakened by chemical treatments appear even drier and duller. Applying a good conditioner or hair serum once a week can also help retain moisture and improve the overall feel of the hair.

The conclusion is that both henna and hair colour have their own advantages and disadvantages. According to medical advice, using an ammonia-free colour two or three times a year, with sufficient gaps between applications and after conducting a patch test, may be acceptable for styling purposes. However, turning it into a monthly habit can be damaging to the hair and scalp. If you are looking for a more natural and affordable option, pure henna and indigo powder may be a suitable choice. Most importantly, we must understand that the solution to hair fall is not hidden inside a box of hair colour. It lies in our diet, adequate sleep and a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. Unless we take care of our health from within, eat properly and manage stress, no expensive hair colour or natural henna can prevent hair from falling out. Hair colour should therefore be treated as a styling choice not as a substitute for proper hair health.