Chia Seed & Henna Extracts: Superfood for the Hair?

Believe it or not, chia and henna extracts are more than just yummy smoothie additions and beautiful arm embellishments. Both ingredients are super useful for providing the body with essential elements and benefits that people have been reaping for centuries. 

Regardless of who you are, most—if not all—people yearn for a strong, healthy head of hair. Let’s be honest; your hair could always benefit from some additional nutrients. Especially if it lacks the foundational components that help it grow strong and feel nourished. And, in the modern age of hair, too many everyday environmental factors can do more harm than good to your precious strands. 

Fortunately, chia seed and henna extracts are a couple of the most valuable natural supplements that offer various hair-boosting benefits. Welcoming chia and henna into your hair regimen can allow your hair to soak in some particularly powerful nutrients that will lead to overall improved hair health. 

So, without further ado, let’s jump into the advantages of chia seed and henna extracts so you can get a better idea of their purposes. We'll also dive into ways that you can apply them to your everyday life. Luscious locks won’t just be a fantasy. 

Chia Seeds & Extract

The word “chia” derives from the ancient Mayans, who coined the term to mean “strength.” Back in the day, the Mayans and Aztecs relied heavily on chia seeds because of their ability to provide long-lasting energy. But that’s not their only area of expertise. The tiny black seed is chock-full of value, including fiber, protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. They’re ultimately beneficial for all parts of the body, but particularly the skin and hair. 

Advantages of Using Chia for Hair

Sure, chia seeds are super good for your mind and body. But, fully embracing chia for hair is especially worthwhile. Let’s take a look at a few of the chia seed and chia extracts qualities that can ultimately improve the texture and health of your beloved mane.

Growth: Hair growth is one of the top advantages that chia seeds have to offer. Including l-lysine, a vital ingredient for hair growth, chia seeds contain at least 23 percent of essential proteins that your hair needs to sustain healthy growth and thickness. They also offer phosphorous, which is thought to promote hair growth. 

Shine: You can’t have gorgeous hair without some incredible shine. In addition to hair growth properties, chia seeds are also a huge source of zinc, a significant component of hair cell regeneration. They offer the ability to maintain scalp oil production and ultimately aid in dodging dryness and inflammation while supporting shine.  

Resilience: Hair strength largely contributes to successful hair growth and thickness. If your hair is brittle, consistent breakage only hinders the growth process. Luckily, chia seeds contain nine amino acids that help maintain and strengthen hair. And, after only a few uses, the chia seed can integrate its infusion properties and help to silken and mend split ends.

Vitamins & Minerals: Because of all of the vitamins and minerals that chia seeds provide, including essential omega-3 fatty acids, the combination contributes to healthy and strong hair, through and through.

How to Incorporate Chia to Revamp Your Hair

Assimilating the superfood into your daily routines and letting chia work for your hair is simple, and you can do so in a couple of different ways. 

Since chia seeds are a readily available food, they’re super easy to add to your meals. They have virtually no taste. You can eat them on their own, but they have a bit of a grainy or gritty texture when dry. You can also add chia seeds to yogurt with some fresh fruits, sprinkle them into your morning oats, or blend some into your favorite smoothie recipe. Not to mention, when chia seeds get wet, they form a gelatinous coating, which leaves a different texture that plenty of people enjoy on its own as a pudding.

If you’re not into incorporating chia seeds into your diet, you can use them to make a hair mask. For hair growth, soak a spoonful of chia seeds in some water for at least 30 minutes. Drain the water and add four spoonfuls of coconut oil and one spoonful of honey, splash in some apple cider vinegar, and mix. You can apply the mask to your scalp and run it through the rest of your hair. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse and wash your hair as usual. Apply chia seed extract and oils to your hair regularly to maintain shine.

Henna Extract

Henna extract is one of the most commonly-used beauty ingredients in India. Aside from the leaves' amazing medicinal properties, the henna plant itself is loaded with beneficial properties. The plant, including its flowers, seeds, and roots, provides plenty of health supplements that have been used for hundreds of years. 

While it offers nutrients for all-around wellbeing, henna is super powerful when it comes to hair. It is incredibly beneficial for strengthening and conditioning locks.

Benefits of Using Henna for Hair

By implementing henna extract into your hair routine, you’ll certainly see the benefits of henna as your hair grows thick and resilient. Let’s take a look at a few of its perks.

Oil Production: Excess oil can lead to an ever-itchy scalp and even hair loss. For overactive or unbalanced sebaceous glands, henna is a great way to calm things down and control oil production. It also has properties that help maintain a healthy balance of acid-alkaline levels on the scalp.

Growth: Henna is loaded with natural phytochemicals, including tannins that improve follicle health and stimulate hair growth. Not to mention, henna can decrease hair loss and lower breakage, leading to an improvement in thickness and length.

Dandruff Control: While it helps maintain oil production, henna is also a great assistant in removing excess grease and dirt from the scalp, bypassing microbial issues. The plant contains antifungal components, which not only help to treat and cure dandruff but also prevent it from returning. 

Smoothness: Henna is one of the best conditioning agents that hair has ever seen. It contains plenty of elements, including proteins, vitamin E, and various antioxidants that promote strength and rebuilding, leaving hair super silky smooth. 

How to Apply Henna to Enhance Your Hair 

If using henna for hair sounds like your cup of tea, there are various ways to incorporate it into your hair care regimen. Henna extract, especially when combined with other powerful ingredients, can make a fantastic hair mask. There are plenty of beneficial blends, and they’re super easy to make in the comfort of your own home. Let’s cover a few of the best combos and henna uses for hair restoration.

Henna is available in many forms, but the most commonly sought type is henna powder. Mix two tablespoons of henna powder with some water to form a paste. Allow the mixture to sit untouched overnight, and then, in the morning, mash up a banana and combine it with the mixture. Apply the blend from root to ends and let it sit for up to 45 minutes. Then rinse it out with lukewarm water. This mask is super easy and is incredibly beneficial for smoothing hair and adding shine. 

Keep in mind that henna has staining properties and is a natural hair dye—but does not lighten hair. So, it’s best to be careful when applying the plant to your hair.

Bottom Line

Chia seeds and henna extract are both some of the most beneficial and powerful supplements, providing hair with essential nutrients that allow it to grow long, strong, and maintain the gorgeous shine that our cherished hair deserves. Give these two powerful ingredients a chance; stunning tresses are right around the corner!

Our YOURS™ Hydration Hero Collection including Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-In all include the powerful Chia Seed & Henna Extracts for ultimate moisture and manageability.