Your guide to henna hair dye

Henna use is thought to date back to the 7th century BC.¹ It offers glossy, richly hued locks without the damage associated with most chemical hair dyes.

But what exactly is henna? What advantages does it offer over regular hair dye? Are there any risks? And is it true that you once you start using henna, you can’t go back?

We take a look at henna hair dye and whether it might be the right choice for your locks.
Skip to:

• Intro
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Potential risks
• How to use henna
• FAQs

What is henna hair dye?

To make henna hair colour, the leaves of the lawsonia inermis – or henna plant – are harvested and ground into fine, richly pigmented powder.² This powder is then mixed with liquid to create a thick, mud-like paste which imparts a deep stain on hair.

Pure henna is often mixed with different plants to offer different colour results. These include:

• Cassia plant powder for lighter shades like strawberry blonde and coppery red (from light starting shades – cassia won’t lighten hair).

• Indigo plant power for dark shades like chocolate brown, auburn, burgundy and black.³

As a rule of thumb – using pure henna alone will result in a deep red henna tone, then the more indigo is added to the mix, the darker and deeper the colour.⁴

What are some advantages of using henna hair colour in place of regular hair dyes? Fancy trying natural henna hair dye instead of your usual box dye? We don’t blame you. Especially as there are lots of positives to using henna. Check them out here:

1. It’s natural

Henna is formulated without the chemicals and additives often found in hair dye. These include toluene, para-phenylenediamine, and lead acetate.

2. It doesn’t damage the hair

Unlike the weakening effect of most chemical hair dyes – which have been known to roughen and damage the cuticle in order to impart the colour – henna strengthens and protects hair strands by binding with the hair’s cuticle and strengthening it from within.⁵

3. It's gentler on the scalp

Henna has a pH of around 5.5 – much closer to that of skin than any chemical hair dye.⁶ This means the tingling, itching or burning associated with box dyes won’t happen with henna. This gentle pH also helps reduce cuticle damage and hair fibre breakage.⁷

Summary:

• Henna is a natural plant used as a hair colourant
• Henna is gentle on the hair and scalp
• Different plants can add different shades to natural red henna

What are some disadvantages of using henna instead of regular hair dye? To keep things balanced, we’ll explore some of the reasons why henna hair dye might not be the best choice for you.

1. Unreliable colour results
The colour results of henna can be somewhat unpredictable – especially if you’ve got lots of greys or have previously dyed your hair. The variations in tone and condition cause each strand to pull the henna pigment differently, creating a range of shades.

We recommend doing a strand test before trying henna hair colour.

2. Application can be messy
Don’t let the messy nature of henna application take you by surprise. Once mixed, henna's consistency is like watery mud, which can get everywhere. And did we mention it stains?! Be prepared by covering your clothes and any furniture with an old towel or cover.
 

3. It’s difficult to cover if you fancy a change

It’s true the deep stain that henna leaves on the hair is difficult to shift. As henna binds with the hair cuticle, any dye applied on top may not take properly.

Are there any risks to using henna?

You may have heard of people experiencing allergic reactions to ‘black henna’, the type used in black temporary tattoos. This stuff isn’t henna at all, but a chemical dye called para-phenylenediamine.⁸

This commonly causes allergic reactions, and anything claiming to be black henna for hair or black henna hair dye containing this ingredient instead of natural henna should be avoided.⁹ Pure henna hair dye made from the henna plant is generally very safe to use and well-tolerated.¹⁰

How to use henna for dyeing hair

Whether you’re aiming for vibrant red hair with red henna hair dye or a deep dark shade, the application process is pretty much the same. We've listed all the steps involved below:

Step 1: Choose your henna

You have two options – henna powder or pre-mixed henna dye. The pre-mixed stuff might be better for beginners as the addition of liquid and/or other plant dyes is done for you.

Be sure to check that the pre-mixed product you use is made of pure henna and plant dyes, with no additives, chemicals or metallic salts.¹¹

If you do go for powder, you can either use it alone or combine it with another plant powder – such as indigo or cassia – to your desired depth. Then, you’ll need to combine it with a warmed acidic liquid (lemon juice, vinegar or orange juice all work!) until you reach a smooth mud-like consistency.¹²

Rest the covered mixture for a few hours at room temperature to give the dye pigments a chance to release.
 

Step 2: Application

This is the fun (and messy) part. Have several old towels at the ready, wear gloves and prep your hairline with barrier cream like petroleum jelly before you begin.

Apply the henna paste thickly to your hair section by section. You’ll need lots of product to really coat each strand.

Cover with loose cling film or a shower cap.
 

Step 3: Development

Unlike most hair dyes which need well under an hour to develop, natural henna takes its time.

Leave henna on the hair for 3–6 hours. Colour result can depend on the original colour and condition of the hair, but generally deepens and darkens the longer you leave the henna on the hair.
 

Step 4: Rinsing

Using gloves, rinse your hair using the showerhead for as long as it takes for the water to run completely clear. No need to shampoo or condition. After gently towel-drying, follow with your favourite serum or hair oil.

If you feel the colour isn’t strong enough, you can repeat the process after a day or two to achieve a deeper result.
 

Henna FAQs

How long does henna last on hair?

This depends on the condition of your hair and how often you wash it, but henna usually stays vibrant for around 2 months before gradually fading. The henna tint may never completely leave the hair.

A henna shampoo may help you keep the vibrancy longer- although these don’t add colour to your hair.

Can henna damage your hair?

No – pure henna is not damaging to the hair as it doesn’t roughen or strip the hair’s cuticle. In fact, henna usually makes hair stronger and shinier.

Can you use henna for grey hair?

Using henna for grey hair can be a great way to add a reddish, auburn tint.  Although, be aware that grey strands might not pick up henna the same way as other strands do. As grey hairs tend to be coarser with a rougher surface, they can often reject the colour – especially near the roots.¹³ But this is often the case for standard box dyes as well, so try not to let it deter you from giving henna a go.

Summary:

• Colour results can be variable with henna – always do a strand test
• Henna strengthens the hair fibre
• Henna fades gradually but the colour never washes out

The final say

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to standard box dyes, henna may be the choice for you.

Are you a total hair dye newbie? Don’t worry, our guide covers everything you need to know about dyeing your hair to get you started.

If you have sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea, consult a dermatologist before trying any new techniques.

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