Cassia obovata: benefits, properties, and how to use it for hair

What is Cassia obovata?

Cassia obovata, also known as Senna obovata or "neutral henna," is a plant native to warm regions of Asia and Africa, especially in parts of India, Egypt, and parts of North Africa. It is a flowering legume perennial yellows which belongs to the Fabaceae family. Traditionally, this species has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and natural beauty rituals, valued for its multiple properties for hair and skin.

Botanical characteristics of Cassia obovata

Cassia obovata is a shrub that can reach between 1 and 2 meters tall. Its leaves are obovate in shape, hence its name, and the flowers are notable for their intense yellow color. These flowers produce pods containing seeds, although the most common cosmetic use is from the plant's leaves, which are collected, dried in the sun, and finally crushed into a paste. fine light green powder.

The plant thrives in dry and hot climates and adapts well to poor soils, which has favored its cultivation in different regions of the world. The quality of Cassia powder is determined by the purity of the leaf and the absence of stems or impurities, which is essential to obtaining all of its benefits.

Composition and active components

Cassia obovata powder stands out for being 100% natural and free of ammonia, peroxides, heavy metals, and synthetic dyes. Its components include:

• Chrysophanic acid: A natural, golden-yellow anthraquinone that can add golden highlights to blond or gray hair, although its coloring power is very mild.
• Vitamins (A, D, E, K): present in its leaf, nourish and protect the hair fiber.
• Antioxidants and minerals: that participate in hair regeneration and protection.
• Antimicrobial and antifungal compounds: responsible for its effects on the scalp.

Thanks to these compounds, Cassia is considered a "hair food", capable of restoring the hair cuticle and significantly improving the texture and health of the hair.

Main properties of Cassia obovata for hair

Cassia obovata has gained international recognition thanks to its wide range of hair care benefits. Among the most important properties include:

• Strengthens the hair: It acts on natural keratin, strengthening the structure and preventing breakage and hair loss.
• Provides shine and volume: Regular use gives a healthy appearance, increasing the shine and body of the hair.
• Thickens and revitalizes: especially useful for fine, limp or lifeless hair.
• Balances the pH of the scalp: It helps both oily and dry hair, maintaining the pH at neutral levels.
• Natural anti-dandruff: Thanks to its antifungal properties, it combats dandruff and flaking.
• Antimicrobial and antibacterial: prevents infections and keeps the scalp healthy.
• Reduces fat production: regulates excess sebum, ideal for people with a tendency to have oily hair.
• Promotes Growth: By improving the health of the hair follicle and restoring the cuticle, it stimulates the growth of stronger, healthier hair.
• Enhances golden highlights: On blond and gray hair, it provides soft golden highlights and softens gray tones.
• Repairs the cuticle: Improves texture, especially in hair damaged by chemical processes or sun exposure.

Differences between Cassia obovata and Henna

Although Cassia obovata and henna (Lawsonia inermis) share many properties, there are key differences:

• Coloring power: Henna dyes hair with intense copper tones, while Cassia, on dark hair, does not pigment and only provides very subtle golden highlights on light or gray hair. To learn more about the differences, you can consult Properties and uses of Senna.
• Purpose: Henna is used primarily for coloring, and Cassia as a strengthening and conditioning treatment.
• Results: Cassia focuses on restoring, protecting and improving the overall health of the hair and scalp.
• Compatibility: Cassia can be used on dyed, chemically treated or natural hair without the risk of altering the color.

Additional benefits depending on hair type

• Greasy hair: regulates sebum production, keeping hair clean and grease-free for longer.
• Dry or damaged hair: Moisturizes and repairs the cuticle, providing softness and eliminating frizz.
• Fine or straight hair: provides volume and body, making hair look thicker.
• Curly hair: helps define the curl, providing elasticity and controlling frizz.
• Dyed or treated hair: improves texture without removing or altering artificial color.

Who is Cassia obovata recommended for?

Cassia obovata is suitable for all types of hair and hair conditions. Due to its non-coloring properties, it is chosen by people who want to strengthen, add shine, and revitalize their hair without changing its natural color. It is compatible with chemical treatments and is especially recommended for situations such as:

• Hair loss: during times of seasonal change or after aggressive treatments.
• Devitalized hair: after exposure to sun, sea water or chlorine.
• Sensitive scalp: thanks to its natural composition and absence of harmful chemicals.
• Children and pregnant women: After a sensitivity test and after the third month of pregnancy, they can benefit from its properties without risks.

How to prepare and apply Cassia obovata: a step-by-step guide

Using Cassia obovata is simple, but to enhance its effects and avoid the astringent sensation, it's essential to follow specific guidelines. Here's the most effective procedure:

1. Preparation of the powder: Place the required amount of Cassia in a bowl (see measurement table below). Gradually add warm or hot water (filtered or distilled) until you have a creamy, smooth paste, similar to thick yogurt or hot chocolate. Stir well to avoid lumps.
2. Add vegetable oils: Incorporate 15% to 20% nourishing vegetable oil (jojoba, argan, coconut, olive, or melted shea butter). This softens the astringent effect and improves hydration, sealing the lipid layer and protecting the hair from dehydration.
3. Resting the mixture: Cover the paste with plastic wrap in contact with the surface and let it sit for 30-60 minutes in a warm environment. This will enhance the Cassia's active ingredients.
4. Application: On clean hair (preferably damp and detangled), spread the mixture evenly from roots to ends. You can wear gloves to avoid getting your hands dirty.
5. Exhibithion time: Leave on for 30 to 60 minutes. If your hair is very light blonde, white, bleached, or very porous, do a strand test first and don't exceed 30 minutes.
6. Rinse: Rinse the mixture thoroughly with warm water. Wash with a mild shampoo if necessary.
7. Drying and results: Instantly enjoy shinier, softer, fuller-bodied hair.

Recommended frequency: Once a month for maintenance, although it can be applied every two weeks if the hair is very weak.

Table of approximate quantities according to hair length

• Hair above the ears: 50 g
• Hair above shoulders: 80 g
• Hair above the shoulder blades: 100 g
• Hair to the lower back: 120-150 g
• Hair to the hip or waist: 150-200 g

Complementary applications and combinations with other plants

Cassia obovata can be mixed with other natural plants to enhance specific effects:

• With henna: Blonde, golden, copper or honey shades are obtained, ideal for toning gray hair or enhancing highlights.
• With chamomile: accentuates golden tones in light hair.
• With amla or indigo: allows you to create custom plant-based coloring formulas for apricot, chestnut, or even carrot shades.

Experimentation is key, as each hair responds uniquely. It's a good idea to take the time to find the mixture that best suits your needs and test on small sections before applying it to your entire head.

Effects of Cassia obovata on gray and blond hair

When applied frequently on white, gray, or blond hairCassia obovata can give very natural golden highlights, visually reducing the presence of gray hair. This is due to chrysophanic acid, which is only activated in very light hair and with acidic mediums, so it can be combined with Apple cider vinegar, diluted lemon juice, or amla powder to enhance this nuance. For more information on plants that improve hair health, visit More details about Cassia obovata.

To enhance the golden effect on light or gray hair:

• Prepare the mixture with a slightly acidic liquid (10% apple cider vinegar, lemon juice diluted in 4 parts water or 25% amla).
• Let the mixture rest overnight.
• Apply the paste for at least 3 hours and repeat every two weeks to maintain the reflection.

The color provided is very subtle and not permanent, unlike henna.

Precautions and warnings for use

• External use only: Cassia obovata should not be used on eyebrows or eyelashes.
• May cause allergic reaction: It is essential to perform a skin sensitivity test 48/24 hours before application, especially if it is the first time.
• Do not apply to irritated or damaged scalp.
• Avoid contact with eyes: In case of contact, rinse with plenty of water.
• Suitable for breastfeeding and pregnancy after the third month, always with a prior skin test.
• Prepare your hair if it is very damaged: The cuticle must be as repaired as possible to obtain all the benefits and avoid dryness.

Origin and quality of Cassia obovata powder

The best Cassia obovata comes from arid regions Cassia is native to northwestern India, Egypt, and Morocco. The ideal process involves harvesting mature leaves, drying them in the sun, and finely grinding them. Quality is determined by purity (crushed leaves without stems or impurities), color (light green), and texture (very fine powder). It's important to make sure you purchase 100% pure Cassia, preferably organic, without additives, and with a certificate of origin and analysis.

Frequently asked questions about Cassia obovata

• Does Cassia obovata dye hair? No, it does not add color to dark hair. Only on light, white, or gray hair can it provide a slight golden shimmer, which is intensified with frequent applications and acidic products. For more tips on natural hair care, see the most beautiful flowers in the world.
• Can I use it if I have chemically treated hair? Yes, it is compatible and can help repair and condition color-treated or treatment-damaged hair.
• Is it safe during pregnancy? Yes, after the first stage of pregnancy and always after performing an allergy test.
• How often should it be applied? The usual treatment is once a month, although for very weak hair it can be used every two weeks.
• Is it suitable for vegans and the curly method? Yes, it's completely plant-based and suitable for all types of people who follow clean and vegan routines.
• Does it combat hair loss? Yes, by strengthening the root and protecting the cuticle, it prevents hair loss and stimulates growth.

Cassia obovata is undoubtedly one of the star treatments of natural cosmetics For hair. Regular use provides shine, strength, and care for both natural and chemically treated hair, without altering the color or exposing the scalp to chemicals. If you're looking for a natural alternative to revitalize your hair, maintain hair health, and show off thicker, shinier, and more vibrant hair, Cassia obovata is a must-have in your routine.