Henna hair dye is growing in popularity as a natural and safe way to color hair. Henna is a plant that has been used for centuries to create temporary tattoos and hair dyes. The active ingredient in henna is lawsone, which bonds to keratin in the hair to create a reddish brown stain that can last for several weeks. Henna hair dye is semi-permanent, meaning it will fade over time but generally lasts longer than traditional hair dyes. It can be used on all hair types and works well to cover greys. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about getting henna hair dye.
What is henna hair dye?
Henna dye is derived from the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis), a flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder which is then mixed with water and sometimes essential oils to create a paste. This paste is applied to the hair and left on for several hours before being rinsed off. The lawsone in henna bonds with keratin amino acids in the hair shaft, dying the strands a reddish brown color. Henna is considered a natural hair dye because it does not contain any chemical colorants or bleaches.
Benefits of using henna hair dye
There are several benefits that make henna an attractive option for dyeing hair:
- It is all natural – Henna contains no harsh chemicals and is generally safe for most hair types.
- Conditions hair – Henna acts as a strengthening and conditioning treatment, leaving hair looking smooth and shiny.
- No damage – Henna does not penetrate the cortex of the hair so it does not cause damage like chemical dyes can.
- Covers greys – The reddish hue provided by henna helps camouflage and blend grey hairs.
- Semi-permanent – Henna lasts longer than traditional dyes but will gradually wash out over 4-6 weeks.
- Unique color – Henna produces a vibrant auburn shade that cannot be replicated with chemical dyes.
For those seeking a natural alternative to traditional hair dye, henna offers breathable, conditioning color without damage.
Where to buy henna hair dye
You have several options for purchasing pure, body art quality henna for hair dye:
- Online – There are many reputable online retailers that sell a wide variety of henna powder. Search for terms like “henna hair dye” or “natural henna powder.”
- Health food stores – Check the hair care aisle of your local health food shop. Some may carry henna options from brands like Rainbow Research.
- Specialty beauty stores – Some beauty supply retailers offer body art quality henna, often marketed for temporary tattoos. Make sure it’s 100% natural henna.
- Local spice stores – Ethnic grocery stores and spice shops sometimes sell pure henna powder imported from India and the Middle East.
- Herbalists – Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or herbalist. They may be able to recommend or provide high-quality henna.
Key things to look for are 100% lawsonia inermis as the single ingredient and the words “body art quality.” This indicates it’s pure, plant-based henna safe for use on hair.
How to mix and apply henna hair dye
Mixing and applying henna hair dye takes some time and care. Follow these steps for best results:
- Wear gloves and old clothes to avoid stains. Henna can be messy!
- In a glass or plastic bowl, slowly add henna powder to warm water and whisk thoroughly to make a smooth, yogurt-like paste.
- Let the paste rest 8-12 hours so the dye can release. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- To apply, divide hair into sections and brush paste on strands from roots to ends. Completely coat each section.
- Wrap head in plastic wrap and leave the henna on for 2-4 hours.
- Rinse henna out thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
- Shampoo hair 24-48 hours after application to allow the color to fully develop.
- Optional: Add lemon juice, essential oils or tea to intensify staining and conditioning properties.
Take your time applying the henna paste thoroughly from roots to ends. Leaving it on for several hours allows the color to take hold. Make sure to rinse all the paste out before shampooing a few days later.
Henna hair dye colors
Natural henna dye generally produces a vibrant red or reddish brown color on hair. However, other color results can be achieved by adding certain ingredients:
| Ingredient | Hair Color Result |
|---|---|
| Lemon juice | Enhances red tones |
| Strong black tea | Darkens color – reddish brown to dark brown |
| Coffee | Adds brown tones |
| Indigo | Dark brown to black |
Doing a two-step process with henna first, followed by indigo can dye hair a natural-looking black. Always do a strand test to confirm color results before applying to your whole head.
Does henna work on all hair types?
Henna can be used to dye all types of hair including:
- Gray hair – Henna adheres very well to grey strands, blending away grays effectively.
- Damaged or overprocessed hair – Henna is less abrasive than chemical dyes on damaged hair.
- Oily hair – Henna helps control excess oil production.
- Dry, frizzy hair – Henna nourishes and conditions dry hair.
- Thin or fine hair – Henna adds body and thickness.
- Curly or kinky hair – Henna brings out curl definition and minimizes frizz.
- Chemically dyed hair – Henna can be used on previously colored hair but may alter the underlying shade.
- Virgin hair – Henna takes best to virgin, untreated hair.
Henna works well even on damaged and fragile hair thanks to its conditioning properties. Those with virgin or grey hair may see the most vibrant results from henna dye.
Does henna damage hair?
Natural, pure henna does not penetrate the hair shaft so it does not inflict damage the way chemical hair dyes can. In fact, the conditioning effect of henna actually improves hair health. Some benefits of henna for hair health include:
- Strengthens hair strands
- Adds shine and smoothness
- Protects from environmental damage
- Reduces hair loss
- Seals cuticle for less frizz
- Deters dandruff and itchy scalp
Henna is considered safe and even beneficial for maintaining healthy hair. However, some important caveats exist:
- Using very hot water to remove henna can damage hair – use lukewarm water
- Leaving pure henna on too long can dry out hair
- Some commercial “henna” hair dyes contain metallic salts and chemicals that can damage hair
Always research henna hair dyes thoroughly and perform allergy tests before dyeing your whole head to ensure safety and prevent damage.
How long does henna hair color last?
On average, the color from henna lasts between 4-6 weeks on hair. However, optimal coloring results require maintenance applications every 2-3 weeks. Several factors influence henna’s longevity:
- Shampooing – Frequent shampooing fades the color faster.
- Hair type and texture – More porous hair holds the color longer than smooth strands.
- Environmental factors – Sun exposure and chlorinated water can accelerate fading.
- Application method – Better coverage from roots to ends leads to longer lasting color.
While not permanent, henna lasts longer on hair than traditional semi-permanent dyes. Some simple tips to make it last longer include using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, limiting washing, and doing touch-up applications as needed.
Conclusion
Henna offers an all-natural alternative to traditional hair dyes without using harsh chemicals. It conditions while coloring for shiny, healthy hair. Look for 100% natural henna powder at health stores or online retailers. Mix it into a paste and apply thoroughly from roots to ends. Henna works on all hair types and its red hue even camouflages grays beautifully. While not permanent, the color lasts 4-6 weeks, longer than chemical semi-permanent dyes. With proper technique and maintenance, henna can keep hair colored while maintaining its health and shine.