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If you’re considering using henna hair dye as an all-natural alternative to traditional hair dye you’d use in a professional salon, there are a few things you should know before getting started. The first time I used it, I hadn’t done my research and regretted it!
I’m sharing these tips so that YOU won’t make the same mistakes I did.
Here’s what I think you should know.
1. Is Henna Good For Your Hair?
Henna hair dye is considered a good conditioner for your hair, and as a result can make it stronger, thicker, and shinier. It may help to restore the natural pH balance of your hair and scalp, too!
2. How Long Does Henna Stay in Your Hair?
Henna is a permanent hair dye. The color is most vibrant for the first 4 to 6 weeks, and in my experience it starts to gradually fade after that, but I’m not sure it ever goes away completely.
Keep in mind that if you want to dye your hair later, it may be difficult to go lighter in color. Henna is very hard to lift out of your hair later! (I found this out after the fact– and was disappointed that I couldn’t get my hair highlighted for nearly a year after dying my hair with henna.)
3. It’s Messy to Apply & Can Stain Your Skin
The first time I used henna, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I highly recommend working the henna through your hair in the bathroom– ideally standing in a dry shower, so you can rinse away any mess when you’re done.
When mixed together, henna has the texture of mud and it can feel a little awkward to apply. As a result, there’s usually some that drips on the floor, and down your forehead.
Before you apply the henna dye, protect your skin by using a thick balm or cream to create a barrier. I rub it around my forehead, ears, and neck.
4. Henna Hair Dye Can Take a Long Time to Set
Depending on the vibrancy you want, henna can take 1 to 6 hours to develop.
That’s a long time to have your scalp wrapped in a shower cap. (The shower cap keeps the dye warm, and therefore, more effective, while also preventing drips so you can walk around your house!)
I should note that I can only last 2 hours before my patience gives out, and usually my hair turns out well!
5. Henna Will Not Necessarily Even-Out Your Hair Color
In my experience, if you have roots or highlights when you start the process, you’ll still have roots or highlights when you’re finished. (Henna can cover gray hair, but it’s a slightly extra process.)
I happened to have roots and highlights the first time I used henna (you can see before pictures of my highlights and roots at the top of this post), so you can see how the reddish color varies throughout my hair, where I had more blonde highlights. I was hoping for a more even color, so this aspect was a little disappointing for me. Without the noticeable roots, I think this would be pretty!
6. It Can be Difficult to Change Your Hair Color AFTER using Henna
Some brands of henna dye have metallic salts added to it, and as a result, you cannot use chemical hair dyes over them. (The result is a chemical reaction that causes your hair to smoke!) It’s important to let your hair dresser know that you’ve dyed your hair with henna before you get started, so they are prepared.
In my case, I was able to even out my hair color after using henna using a semi-permanent dye. My stylist had to apply it twice, however, because she said my hair was not receptive to absorbing the color after using the henna. (Normally, my hair takes to dye very quickly!)
It should also be noted that my hair did not lift with bleach easily after using henna, so we had to go a shade darker, rather than lighter. I love getting my hair highlighted, so this something I wish I knew before getting started!
Which Brands of Henna Hair Dye Are Best?
There are always new brands entering the market, but I’ve only tried two brands so far. Most recently, I used Morrocco Method when trying to cover gray hair, and it worked really well! I love that it has no metallic salts added, so I didn’t have to worry about my hair smoking later if I got my hair dyed at a salon.
The very first time I dyed my hair with henna, I used Lush brand. According to their website, they add ingredients like lemon juice and coffee grounds to their henna, but I don’t believe they add metallic salts to their products, either.
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I hope these tips prove helpful for anyone interested in trying henna, too!
Reader Feedback: Do you color your hair? Have you ever tried using henna hair dye, or would you like to?
I’m African American and I have all natural coarse very kinky hair. I have not chemically died my hair since I have gone natural in fear of the effects it may have on my hair as when it was relaxed chemical dye severely damaged my hair. I am desperate for some color other than brown. Will Henna dye give me a color that can be seen on top of my natural ashy brown color? thank you so much
I also have recently purchased natural henna for your same reason. From what I have heard it also somewhat relaxes kinky hair. Mine is chemically relaxed but I only relax it about once every 4 to 5 months. This natural henna is safe to use after relaxing, but wait a month. You can get it at hennacolorlab.com
He Tiffany I believe that Henna is great for African American Hair it relaxes the curl and gives vibrant color. I also noticed that my hair is a lot stronger since I been using henna treatments once every 2 months
i just dyed my hair bright black like three weeks ago n its turning purple with dark red in some places is it safe to dye it with henna the color red?
I just want to confirm…. henna is totally safe, correct? I have naturally light blonde hair and I really want a vibrant red
Yes, as long as your henna is pure and unadulterated, and as long as you are not one of the very rare individuals who are allergic to the plant, it is safe to use.
Over naturally very light hair, henna will turn it a fabulous vibrant red. BUT – be aware, the henna will deepen and darken over time. It does not fade away nor does it wash out.
There are certain antioxidants you can mix it with that will help keep the color from darkening too much. You can fid them, and much more information, at mehandi.com
Hello 🙂
I am Jo …. my concern is since I have dry,frizzy, thin and weak hair I want to condition it using henna. My hair color is dark brown and I love it. I do not want to change its colour. Can you suggest me ways through which I can condition my hair using henna without dying it?? I also heard from few of my colleagues that applying coconut oil before applying henna will prevent the dying effects of henna… is that true?
Definitely use the coconut oil. My hair was quite dry and damaged, but after rubbing coconut oil into it several times, it improved quite a bit. I avoided rubbing it into my scalp, just the damaged ends because it was difficult to wash off my scalp, but I would rub it in the ends, then hop on my treadmill for an hour or so, then go shower it out. After doing this up to 4 times a week for 2-3 weeks, it had drastically improved.
Oh, but coconut oil is so wonderful for your scalp. I haven’t had dandruff a day in my life since I started doing a once-a-week coconut oil treatment. An hour before I’m going to shower, I melt coconut oil between my hands and apply liberally to my hair and scalp. It comes off fine in the shower with shampoo and is the single most effective deep-moisturizing method I have found.
Henna takes a very long time to deposit color- at least 4 hours, I leave mine in overnight- so I you only put it on for an hour or so you shouldn’t get any color, just conditioning. Also, if you want conditioning only I would use warm water only to make the paste- no lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. The acid is what pulls the color out, using water only will limit the amount of color by a lot.
Hi!
Just wanted to let you know that Henna has conditioning effects if you get neutral henna. If you buy henna intended for dying, it WILL color your hair, but neutral henna will not give your hair color. You can get neutral henna at your local alternative pharmacy or anywhere that sells henna; usually the box or container of henna says whether or not it’s neutral or will give you color, and then gives you the spectrum of color.
If u want to use henna without changing the color of Ur hair make a paste with the required amount of henna with sour curds. IMPORTANT TIP – PLZ DO NOT FORGET TO PUT ON A SHOWER CAP OR PLASTIC BAG COZ IF U DON’T then The henna will dry on Ur hair which will lead t o hair breakage on washing off, in other words Hairfall. U can add an egg just before applying. If u do not like the egg yolk smell u can add egg white only. Also coconut oil or olive oil. Keep the henna on Ur hair for half an hour then shampoo off. If u r prone to colds u can add a tsp of ground cloves to the henna paste.
Henna Color Lab sells all natural neutral henna conditioner in 3 varieties that will not affect your hair color, in addition to a nice variety of all natural henna hair dyes. I just used a conditioner yesterday and thought it was messy but fun to do! They all come in powder form with gloves and cap included. hennacolorlab.com
white henna is colorless and only conditions the hair and does not color it at all. i used it many times years ago. it came in a huge royal blue
cannister the size & shape of a gallon of paint.
According to hennaforhair.com, mixing oil into, or applying it before henna will cause a coating that prevents the dye from being absorbed…”like greasing a pan,” they say.
This isn’t true. I personally henna over coconut oiled hair, and sometimes even add oil to my henna mixes and get a fantastic colour. A few times, I’ve even applied henna to hair after using silicones and still got great colour. 🙂 I use Red Raj from Henna Sooq.
I have just dyed my hair using completely natural henna. It was in a fine , powder form – almost like desert dust! I had both hi-lights and chemical dye in my hair and the colour came out as a lovely orangey red. My hair feels very soft and not at all like it does after a chemical dye. I left the ‘mud’ on my head for about two hours. The colour is not even – which I like as it looks natural. The hi-lights are a slightly lighter red than the darker coloured parts which are a darker red. Overall the colour looks lovely and I intend to keep repeating the process. I found that using a barrier cream (I used sudocream as it was what I had handy!) around the ears and hairline meant I have no stains on my skin. I have blue eyes and they really pop with the ginger tones! I am VERY happy, but did make a point of using 100% natural henna. I am not saying where it was from because these other people brand naming just sound like advertorials to me!! 😉
She’s literally asking which kind you use. Why gatekeep? We are here to help each other.
I have just dyed my hair using completely natural henna. It was in a fine , powder form – almost like desert dust! I had both hi-lights adn chemical dye in my hair and then colour came out as a lovely orangey red colour. My hair feels very soft and not at all like it does after a chemical dye. I left the ‘med’ on my head for about two hours. The colour is not even – which I like as it looks natural. The hi-lights are a slightly lighter red than the darker coloured parts which are a darker red. Overall the colour looks lovely and I intend to keep repeating the process. I found that using a barrier cream (I used sudocream as it was what I had handy!) around the ears and hairline meant I have no stains on my skin. I have blue eyes and they really pop with the genger tones! I am VERY happy, but did make a point of using 100% natural henna. I am not saying where it was from because these other people brand naming just sound like advertorials to me!! 😉
Well, since your not sounding like an advertisement, can you tell me what it is? Would appreciate that most important tip. Thanks….😁❤
I just wanted to say that not being able to dye over your henna is a myth. The only time you should not dye over your henna is if you are using an inferior brand like Harvest Moon, because they add metallic salts to their henna products. 100% pure finely sifted body art quality henna is perfectly safe to dye or even bleach. I have found that I get the best stain with Jamila’s super sift. When using henna on your hair you are going to want to use a small amount of an acidic liquid like lemon or orange juice. I also like to add terps (essential oils)and ginger root powder to combat the hayfield smell. Also, the longer you leave the henna on your head the more even/darker the stain will be. I sleep in mine. ^_^
Thanks for sharing some tips, but how much of the terps, the ginger root powder,( and the lemon juice) should be used to get rid of the smell?
harvest moon says right no the front….NO METALLIC SALTS.
Nikki I can tell you for 100% fact that Harvest Moon does NOT have metallic salts. I’ve used their henna many times and even chemical dyed my hair after with no problems.
I have only used Harvest Moon thus far as well. And I ran into a problem recently because I did not know I wasn’t supposed to use box dye afterwards. (Although reading some of these posts I am not sure I did anything wrong)I waited like 4 months to re henna my hair but I ended up with a job interview and my hair was crazy different colors from growth and fading obviously so I went to the store and got me 2 boxes of good old brown permanent dye….Well I did my hair and it turned green in spots below the new growth. I thought maybe it had salts or metals but the packaging as you said does say NO metals or salts or chemicals. So I am stumped.So I sucked it up and tied my hair up so it was harder to see.
A possible reason you may have had an issue is that most box dyes have metallic salts in them, along with certain treatments such as sun in. Another possible reason lies with underlying tones in the dye. If you use a color that is more than two shades darker than what you had, you run the risk of any neutral or ash based brown turning hair green. (Think of the horror stories of blondes putting brown box dye on and it turning green. That is what most likely happened.)
Harvest moon definitely does not have metallic salts in it. It says so on the packaging, plus, I lift(bleach in laymans terms) over a section in my fringe so it comes out more orange, and have colored over it in the past. I have also done different tests to find out if there are metallic salts in it.(put some henna treated hair in different chemicals that react to different metallics.) So as a professional, and through personal experience I give Harvest Moon two thumbs up.
Nikki, Wanting an Auburn look. Have darker dirty blonde hair, natural copper highlights, gray coming in. Will henna, and indigo work best? I can tweak my way in time, if those are the mix. Don’t want flaming red hair. More a rich dark chocolate, deep dark copper Auburn. And I have seen something about covering gray kit? If I can have a bit of your expertise there. Key, was the 100% body art quality. Looking for the best results. Thank you….❤
I just wanted to thank all of you for the great information on henna. I have been contimplating on trying it and now I can make a better choice!
I have dark brown hair and use a henna/indigo mix to cover gray and darken my hair. When younger, I used henna powder from a local co-op to just get a redder color. When researching for gray a few years ago, I found a website that sold mixes that have two parts, henna powder for the red, that you mix with indigo powder, which makes your hair darker and black if used alone.
I find that the henna red is permanent and grows out with a reddish line. (But better than the box mixes that fade from gray much faster.) The indigo is not permanent and lasts about 8 weeks. You can freeze the leftover mix to hit the gray hairline, but only the henna part will dye with it.
I really love it! The indigo gives a lush super dark color. I split the mix now as there was always leftovers. With short hair I can get 3x from a box and long hair 2x. The only drawbacks I find are:
– The dying takes some planning since you have to mix the henna with some lemon juice the night before (I set it in my slow cooker on for a bit to keep it warm.) The you mix the indigo the day of and put it all together.
– While I don’t mind how henna smells, it does make your hair smell like hay for a few weeks.
– Keeping the mix on for three hours under the plastic wrap seems long and I find the mix drips under the plastic
The color I like is: Dark Brunette Ancient Sunrise® Henna for Gray Hair Kit – Item # 2528
Bev- You really have some great experience! I wish you lived close by–I am switching from semi perm hair color Aveda which has FRIED my hair and exacerbated my already hair loss. I have about 40 % gray which I never knew until I stopped coloring it in 2/13 and wow-I look completely different. I have dark brown hair-well, that’s my original color and I want to use henna. I am on a detox diet and it feels wonderful so I of course, for hair loss and toxification reasons I want to find a henna that I can use. If you happen to live in either Seattle or Denver ( I live in between the two cities) please let me know if you, or anyone you know would be willing to be paid to help me apply the henna. my email is austin dot hawkins the number 3 at g mail dot com. THANK YOU so much for any advice/help!
Koobserat salon applies my henna. It is located in the Seattle area on the east side. The only problem is that they apply it and then put a shower cap on your head, send you out the door and you have to wash it out yourself at home. Bring a hat with you to the salon. 🙂
Look for local salons that cater to Indians (the asian kind not the native red kind) – the ones that do eyebrow threading and henna tattoes. They don’t all do it however I have found 2 full service Indian salons nearby that will apply hair henna for $30 a shot – cheap since i have to cover new growth every month. I have to call ahead so they can mix it up and let it ‘develop”. It takes about 20 minutes for them to cover my gray roots and the rest of my hair. Then they pop on saran wrap and I walk out with a wide brimmed hat on. I go home, hang out and wash it out in the shower after letting it sit for 6-8 hours. Found them on yelp years ago and have been alternating between both salons ever since.
BEV, DOES THAT GIVE YOU A NICE AUBURN COLOR? TY.
Hello there ladies!
I have some bad news but you were almost all deceived… ^^
It is as simply as the fact that you didnt use the REAL henna…
Lets start:
Henna is a plant and PURE henna you should use in your hair is in “dust” form and it ONLY colors one color: red/orange.
Lush henna is not real henna (and neither that recently cropped) it is mixed with plenty of other things. Stay away from Surya…it has chemicals, and henna should be done fresh.
I can suggest you ladies to give Jamila henna a try, it is 100% PURE HENNA.
That pure henna EVENS your hair, gives your hair strength, AND YOU CAN USE CHEMICAL DYES AFTER!!! ONLY IF IT IS PURE REAL HENNA!!!
Oh girls…I wish you would have known more before you did that to your hair xD
Give real henna a shot, I know that it saved my hair and other people´s too, but please make sure you use PURE HENNA!!!
I buy my natural hair cares from hennasooq and I am so happy now!
In fact firstly I had the same problem like you, I bought a henna box from France and my hair strand turned green…Be careful what you are buying (=.
PS: keep the henna minimally 6 hours to overnight for better penetration.
I use Jamila as well, and I love it. I mix it with apple cider vinegar (to release the dye, and for extra conditioning) and blueberry Pom Wonderful juice to give it a purple-red tint. It’s fun to experiment with tinting henna your self- you can add strong coffee or black tea to make it more brown, for instance, or mix it with cassia for strawberry blonde, if your hair is light enough- but you can’t go wrong if you start with powdered henna leaf. It’s added
metallic salts in commercially prepared henna dyes that react with the ammonia in chemical dyes, not the henna itself. Although I can’t imagine ever going back to commercial dyes myself. 🙂
As a former employee of Lush, I can tell you that there are no harsh chemicals in their henna. They do mix other things into it, such as cocoa butter for conditioning, and coffee and indigo for their blacks and browns. But no chemicals. 🙂
I use harvest moon hair dye. ive used several times and have loved it…have you used this brand?
lush henna is real hena with other natural materials. like cocoa butter, shea, and plants for tinting. its all a red color
Is Morrocco Method’s henna ‘real’ henna? Is it safe to highlight my hair? If so, how long should I wait before highlighting?
DO NOT use Morrocco Method!!! I had a total hair disaster with their henna. I used the brown and it didn’t take. When I contacted them they told me to be patient but that I should first add a layer of the natural red henna to the base to help it to attach to my hair. Long story short, my hair was this awful orange red color after putting the base in and then the brown a few times. I called my hair dresser at an Aveda Salon after all of this and she told me to wait two weeks then I went in and she fixed it using Aveda color. I haven’t used anything else since.
We actually buy our henna directly from the growers in India. We do little more than measure and package. There is really no element of patience when it comes to henna. If our henna did not work for you, chances are henna in general does not work for you. It is not suited for everyone. The issue was not our quality, but merely henna in general. I am sorry to hear of your misfortune. We do, however, have pure henna with no chemical additives or metallic salts added.
I recommend Pure henna/natural henna that works great from the henna guys. I have been using henna for long time. But never got such results as from the henna guys products. I recently tried their products. And i will stick with them. Here you can find them http://www.thehennaguys.com
Can you use henna after you’ve been using over-the-counter (Revlon, etc) dyes? WIll it work or be a mess? Thanks to anyone who can fill me in. AM thinking of making the switch, but have been using these products for 8-10 years…Carol