After so many years of doing henna and natural herbs for hair, and getting all sorts of questions, I really felt we could use a good post on common mistakes and errors, when it comes to henna for hair (and herbs). We’ve included some amazing tips that everyone should know.
This list will never be complete, and we’ll need all of you to help add to it. Henna and natural hair care is all about being open, having a good vibe, being natural, and accepting each and every recipe as special, and unique to every person.
- Henna is a plant, not a chemical, or ink. Henna is a natural plant, and it grows in very hot climates. As a natural plant it makes only one color: orange-reddish tones. Plants don’t give us more then one color. Typically blueberries stain blue, just as henna stains red. Commercial boxes of henna will tell us they are henna “colors”, but in fact they are pre-mixed boxed of henna that contain other herbs, and ingredients (sometimes even chemicals, additives, or metallic salts). It’s also not an ink. Henna powder is mixed into a henna paste, which can be used to dye your hair (permanent until it grows out), or to create henna body art designs (temporary) on the skin. Please read our recipes and how to’s section to find out how.
- Henna colors, is this possible? A lot of commercial boxed henna hair dyes will have a variety of colors available. Natural and 100% pure henna only dyes orange-reddish tones. Please always read the list of ingredients on the boxes you purchase, or just purchase 100% pure henna powder from a reliable supplier.
- Henna will not lighten your hair tone. Henna is a chemically-free all natural hair dye. It doesn’t contain chemicals, or bleaching ingredients that would lighten your hair.
- Neutral Henna. Cassia obovata is sometimes called neutral henna, but in fact it is another plant that has a low yellow dye molecule, that can color grey, light, and blond hair. On dark hair, cassia obovata will not usually show any color. Using cassia obovata will give you all the benefits of henna, but it does have to be done a bit more often, as the results are not as long term as henna is.
- Black Henna. Indigo is sometimes called black henna, but this is yet another plant that will color the hair brown to black tones (must be used with henna to give these results). Indigo does not have dye release the same way that henna does, so it must be mixed and used right away, or within 15-20 minutes. Please make sure your indigo does not contain PPD, which is can be quite damaging to the hair, and skin.
- If I use henna I won’t ever be able to use chemical dyes/treatments on my hair. As long as you use 100% pure henna powder, then yes you can use chemical dyes/treatments as you normally do. You won’t have to wait months to do your chemical treatments/dyes as the hair dresser would like to tell you. Keep in mind, that the hair industry is run by major companies that push all types of chemical products. They are in no way trained, or specializing in henna, and natural hair care (for the most part). You should give your hair a break in between treatments. Roughly about 1-2 weeks.
- How much henna do we need to use for our hair? No, you don’t need 500 grams of henna powder to color (treat) bra strap length (BSL) hair. First thing that needs to be asked is, how long is your hair, and secondly, how thick is your hair. Those are questions that need to be answered first in order to access how much henna powder you’ll need. You also don’t want to spend more money on products then you have to.
General speaking, shoulder length hair needs about 100 grams of powder, bra strap length about 200-250 grams, hip length about 300-350 grams, and so on. - Should I use lemon juice in my recipe? No, you don’t have to use lemon juice as your primary, and only liquid ingredient in your henna (herbal) hair recipe. So many people would have turned away and abandoned henna and natural herbal hair care, if they thought they could only use lemon juice. Lemon juice is acidic, and can be very drying on your hair. You can add a small splash of lemon juice, if you’d like. We usually add a bit of lemon juice. The most highly recommend liquid to use is warm water. You can even use tea (any variety of your choice), or coffee brews as well (for dryer scalps be careful with these as they can also be a bit drying). Chamomile tea has become quite popular to use in henna hair recipes.
- Is henna a temporary hair dye? No, henna is not temporary. It is a permanent hair dye. Henna alone only dyes orange-red tones. The only way to remove it is to let it grow out, or cut your dyed hair. That is why it is always recommended you do hair strand tests before making the “full head” committment.
- Can henna, and herbs for hair be drying? Yes they can be drying. If you have a dry scalp, then you will need to moisturize. You can add moisturizing oils, yoghurt, or a conditioner to your henna recipe, or use a good hair oil after your herbal hair treatment.
- Does henna lock out moisture? Some people believe that because henna coats the hair strand that no amount of moisturization can reach it. In fact no, henna will not lock out moisture from your hair. Oil, and condition your hair as usual, and as needed. The results will be amazing, and your hair will get all the moisturization it needs.
- Using a metal bowl, or spoon is it safe or not? When using pure henna powder (body art quality), and herbs for hair, you can use stainless steel bowls. Traditionally, they have used iron bowls, as it has shown to bring our more dye release. We typically use a spatula to mix it. We don’t usually use plastic bowls because they are porous, and the herbs will stain the bowl. The commercial boxes of henna, and henna “colors” that contain other ingredients, herbs, additives, metallic salts, etc..would more so cause reactions with metal bowls, then 100% pure herbs would.
- Can henna loosen my curl pattern? Yes, a lot of people have seen loosening effects of their curls when using henna and/or cassia obovata. There is a small percentage of people that don’t get any loosening of their curls. If you prefer to maintain some of your curl, then add amla powder to bring them back. Keep in mind, that amla powder also tones down the red of henna. You can also use amla powder in your henna/cassia recipe to maintain the curls in your hair, in case you don’t want to lose your curl pattern.
- So many henna powders. How do I choose? Keep in mind that some henna companies do re-name their henna powders, and this causes more confusion then necessary. The basic, and most important information would be which country is the henna from, how fresh is it (current crop year is best), and how well sifted is it? Please read: How to Choose the Right Henna Powder. There is no henna for a particular race or culture. Henna doesn’t discriminate. It is for everyone to use. If you were to say that a particular henna powder is very well sifted and therefore better to use on curly or african hair, then that we’d understand. But giving a henna powder a new name, is just for marketing purposes. If your henna comes marked with Jamila henna powder in red writting in any format on the foil packaging, then that henna is Jamila henna powder, not any other generic name that it has been re-named. Please read more on Jamila Henna.
- Body Art Quality: What does that mean? This is another marketing term that basically means 100% pure henna powder. This pure henna powder is safe enough to use for body art, and most likely finely sifted. Body Art Quality can’t apply to any of the other herbs we use on our hair, because that would mean we are using these herbs for body art, and we aren’t. They are being used for hair usage. Make sure you get yourself 100% pure henna, and herbs. Getting organic herbs is even better because you are guaranteed that the company/farm has gotten proper certification, and inspection that there are no pesticides used, and is an overall healthier, and safer product.
- My katam/indigo didn’t work for me. Indigo and Katam should be mixed separately from the henna paste in its own bowl. These are herbs that require a little more care, and their own time for dye release alone. Allow indigo and katam to sit 20-30 minute. You can then add the indigo/katam paste into the henna paste (bowl) for brown tones. Should you be using indigo for black tones you can use this after you’ve first done your henna treatment. Do not allow indigo to sit out for more then an hour.
Tips that work!
- Putting henna (and any herbs) onto damp hair really helps it go on much easier. Also applying indigo onto damp hair (with a dash or so of salt) has gotten the indigo to absorb better and give even darker, richer black color results.
- Adding sugar to your recipe makes the henna paste smoother.
- Pre-oil your hair, if you tend to get really dry when using henna, and herbs in your hair. This will give you the moisture boost you need. This also helps prevent dripping when dyeing your hair. Some of the best hair oils to use are olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and camellia oil.
- In order to get deeper, richer red results use a good, fresh henna powder that is known for giving rich red results (such as yemeni henna). After 2-3 applications, the color will deepen further.
- Wash your henna, and herbal hair treatments out really well. Use a lot of conditioner to help with the process. If you don’t wash it all out well, then your scalp will feel itchy, and gritty.
- Rmemeber to always be opened minded, and if needed, adjust your recipe to suit your hair. Just because someone else does it, doesn’t always make it right for you.
- Keep your recipe simple. Don’t get overwhelmed with a lot of the other ingredients that are added to recipes.
Thank you for your post Olga. Enjoy! Let us know how it turns out if you get a chance
I have short (6 inches from scalp) natural african american coiled hair. My hair is currently dyed honey blonde. The color is extremely damaging, I am constantly getting split ends and I am not retaining any of my growth. I want to stop coloring it with chemicals, but I enjoy coloring it! Two questions:
1) What product suggestions do you have for the damage?
2) What mixture should I use to dye my honey blonde hair closer to my natural deep brown? I want to transition to a chestnut brown, deep copper.
THANKS!
Thank you for your post Von.
The chemicals colors may continue to cause damage, but if you want to continue to color, you can alternatively treat your hair with cassia obovata which would not alter your hair color and give you all the benefits of using herbs in your hair, such as the henna and cassia which are great for hair growth, and strengthening, softening, shine and more! Amla powder is great for hair growth.You can mix and use both together for 1 treatment.
If you do want to transition, from I see in your second question, you need to use henna and indigo. I hope this helps.
First of all, thank you so much for this blog. I’ve been sitting here taking notes, lol. I’ve been putting off trying henna for about 2 years now because I’m afraid of dying the wrong color but I’m tired of these grey hairs. 🙁
I like my natural hair color. It looks black but if you look really close it’s just really dark brown, which I think looks more natural with my skin, so I don’t want to go jet black. I do want to get my greys a dark brown. Would I do half and half and add some alma powder to achieve this?
Also, let’s say I do change my mind and want to go jet black. If I do just henna does it matter if I do indigo right away or wait a few weeks? I know I would have to touch up new growth, but would I still be able to get black or does it not grab the henna as well if you wait too long? I’m asking because I’m curious what my hair would look like with just henna (and I’d want to give it a few days to settle before I make up my mind) and if I don’t like it I would like to throw on some indigo.
Thank you for your time 🙂
Hi Yvette. Thanks for posting. We really appreciate your comments, thank you!
For dark brown you’ll need 60% indigo and 40% henna, and you can add at least 3-4 tbsp of amla powder per 100 grams you use.
If you want to go darker you just add more indigo or do a two step treatment.
Indigo should be done right after the henna process for black tones.
We do have samples for hair strand tests so you could always try those out. I hope this helps
Hi again. Thank you very much for your help. I thought I was ready to order but I can’t decide between the product labeled “Jamila Henna” and “Fresh Jamila Henna”. One says “batch yield” and the other “Summer Crop 2011”. What is the difference?
Hi Yvette. Thank you for your post.
The summer crop 2011 is the one Jamila that has the richer dye content yielding richer results and it washes out easily. More clients of ours use this henna powder. Jamila for hair is a hair quality henna which is 100% pure and works well too but the dye isn’t as rich as the 2011 crop. I hope this helps
I just added the summer crop henna to my cart and I’m off to go order. I can’t wait. Thank you for all your help!
Our pleasure Yvette
Hi Kadisha,
I am due for my next henna treatment and will be trying the Moroccan henna. I plan to mix 3 TB. of amla powder with my 100g henna. Since amla powder is acidic, can I add aloe vera juice to my warm water, or should I use warm water alone?
Once developed I plan to do a gloss with honey, EVOO, and conditioner.
Thanks,
JoLindy thanks for your post.
You can add aloe and water both if you’d like. It sounds like you’re on the right path. Enjoy!
Hi,
i’m a natural redhead, but have bought a sample of Lush caca rouge…want to go a deep copper rather than bright red, have you got any advice?
thanks
Hi DNA. Thank you for your post.
Sure for copper tones you could use henna and cassia together. We have a Copper Kit that contains both here: http://www.hennasooq.com/lush-copper-hair-kit/
Hi Kadisha,
I have 3 additional questions:
1. I have 1 application of both frozen henna paste and frozen amla paste. If I thaw and use the 2 together, will my red highlights darken? Should I add all of the amla paste to my henna paste?
2. Once I open your organic amla powder, can I store it in a plastic bag and in the freezer?
Thanks,
Hi JoLindy, thanks for posting on our blog. Actually my name is Khadija, not Kadisha. Thanks 🙂
1. The amla can darken the henna but it really depends on your proportions. Use at least 50% amla to darken it up really well. 50% henna, and 50% amla.
2. Yes you can store it that way.
Thanks Khadija, sorry for the typo!
No worries JoLindy 🙂 Have a great weekend
Hello Khadija, I have been colouring my hair at the salon for years and suddenly developed an alergic reaction, (sores on my scalp) which takes about 2 months to heal completely. I would say I have another week at least for my head to be healed and since I have a lot of grey hair would like to try henna asap but have some concerns since I never used it before and reading all the info in your blog I am realizing its not that easy or simple, smile! but your comments and responses are amazing thank you, I understand more than ever and have made extensive notes!! Currently my hair length is bsl, its jet black with the roots about 4 cm of grey. Please could you recommend what I should buy in detail since this will be my first time, also I would like to go back to dark brown which is my original hair colour, I wouldnt mind a hint of red but dont want bright red or orange hair, esp at the roots. Also how certain can I be that I wont get an alergic reaction, and how do I do the pre test? How long does the colour have to stay on since my hair is very fine and usually takes very quickly. Can I apply the colour even if my scalp is still a little sensitive due to the previous allegy? thanking you in advance for your response, much appreciated, Brandy 🙂
Hi! Long post alert:
I’m 20 and have never dyed my hair, and it’s always been waist length. It’s wavy, fragile and frizzy, and the shorter the individual hair, the frizzier it is. At the back where it’s longer and healthier, there’s not much fuzz. I take good care of my hair and don’t straighten it. I was a natural blonde as a child and it gradually got darker as I got older. It’s now light brown with golden and light blonde streaks. I really like the colour, apart from the front, which has little blonde. I noticed the more you cut a young blonde’s hair, the darker the regrowth, and I had a fringe until the age of 10, which explains the darkness. Also I have some individual hairs that are very dark brunette (eventually all my hair will go brunette) and these hairs are so much stronger and fatter than the light ones. Years ago my dad put my hair under a microscope and found it to be very hollow. My questions:
1) I was wondering if henna or cassia could help with the frizzyness by adding weight to the hairs?
2) Also will it be good for my hair? On the one hand it’s supposed to be healthy but then you all say it dries it out so I’m confused!
3)You refer to pre-oil treatments, what does this involve?
4) I would prefer to use cassia than henna which would be a scary colour change for someone who’s never dyed their hair! However I would use henna if I was sure it wouldn’t go wrong. Do you think cassia would have any effect on the colour of my hair? I would like the brown to be less dark and dull.
5) Would it damage my hair in any way?
6) My water comes from a chalky area, if I use cassia will this turn my hair green?
7) which shampoo ingredients etc are unsuitable for use on cassia-ed hair?
8) do you know of any UK suppliers of cassia or henna?
Thanks in advance for you help, sorry for the long post!
Sorry one more thing:
9) what effects does oil (natural hair oils or otherwise) have on the dyes “taking”?
Thank you for your post Vicky. The herbs won’t help really with frizzies the way a good hair oil would such as our Organic Camellia oil: http://www.hennasooq.com/organic-camellia-oil/
It is good for your hair. More people find cassia not as drying, but there is no big color change with cassia. Just make sure to moisturize with our camellia oil afterwards.
Pre-oil means to oil your hair first and then apply the herbal hair treatment.
Cassia would be a good choice for you to use.
We have handmade shampoo bars so I’d suggest you choose one of those for best results.
We recommend you do a hair strand test first to be sure of the results especially with your concern for your water.
We ship worldwide so we’d suggest you order from us and we can get it to you.
Oils won’t inhibit the color or dyeing process but if you add a ton then it’ll dilute it and the same goes for every ingredient you add. I hope this helps 🙂
Thanks for taking the trouble to answer all my silly little questions lol!
A few more things. I really like the look of Henna sooq and have a few questions:
1) what are the countries of origin of the cassia, and the camellia oil?
2) is argan oil good for frizz, and is it true that goats are used to eat the fruit and poo out the argan nut?? This would be a problem for me because I’m vegan and also because its gross!
3) the aforementioned shampoo bars appear to have no detergent, my hair is dry but the roots and scalp are very oily and dandruffy, so would this be suitable?
Thanks very much for your help!
Welcome Vicky. Anytime!
1. Cassia is from India as it grows there and Camellia this batch we have is currently from China. Camellia, tea leaf oil, grows in both China and Japan.
2. Yes argan is absolutely liquid gold and is perfect for that. This is not always the case for the argan nuts. Ours are not cultivated in that way as it’s for cosmetic use from an organic source in Morocco.
3. Yes it’s a natural handmade shampoo bar and they are cleansing. This is the only way to make shampoos and soaps but ours are just done by hand and without synthetic ingredients nor artificial scents. Our Soapnut shampoo bar does contain soapnuts in it for extra added deep cleansing
Hi. After reading lots of good reviews i decided to buy henna products my hair colour is dark brown i dyed lots of time…. This henna product will work on my hair i want to dye my hair very chocolaty coco brownish colour. Wat is indigo??? Is it must dat i use in henna mixture..which henna is for me…i add oil or conditioner in the mixture or apply after colour…plz tell me how can i make the mixture wid exact measurements…. I hve long thin hair …thanx
I’ve got my Yemeni on right now and am very excited!!!!!
I’ve been using henna for months and this article had given me so much more information than I had before. I will definitely try the pre oil prior to application of henna or cassia. Thank you for such a great post!
Good morning!
Asa, enjoy!
Lisa, I’m really glad this blog post helped. We’ll continue to add and put new information, reviews, tips etc up online soon
Hello, I am new to henna and after looking around found your site and was excited about all the info I found. I still have a concern, I have 3 different colors in my hair, my natural color (black) grey more concentrated in the front and around the temples and a permanent color I put in a year ago that is in the process of growing out (a orange/reddish color) what is the best process to achieve a color in the burgandy shade and not loose my curl pattern and will it cover evenly over my permanent color so that my hair will be all one even color and not what I have now black and then towards the bottom brownish/reddish color. My hair length is just below my collar bone and when washed very tightly coiled/kinky. Also what color would my grey hair turn using this color thanks for your help
Thank you for your message Stephanie.
A burgundy tone would be achieved using our organic rajasthani indian henna but you would have to add some amla powder to your recipe to maintain your curls. It’s possible the grey hairs may be too bright at first.
It would cover all of your hair. You may need to touch up the lighter colored areas of your hair to deepen it at first as well.
Your grey may turn orange-ish red at first but the amla will tone down the red of the henna to deepen it. This would be a great start.
Hi – I found your website/blog while doing research on henna. I want to step away from coloring my hair with dye to using henna. I do have about 10% grey.
I bought Reshma dark brown henna (since i know henna doesnot come in different color Im guessing it had indigo mix in it).
I used warm water to mix it left it overnight and used it next morning left it on for 3hrs and washed it and to my horror my greys were still grey. Can you please tell me where I went wrong or what should i do?? should I buy different henna?
Please please help.
Thank you in advance for your advise.
Neema
Thank you for your post Neema. I’d really recommend you try our Lush Brown Kit: http://www.hennasooq.com/lush-brown-for-hair-kit/
I’m recommending this because in general using fresh henna and fresh indigo yield the best results. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Hi – For the Lush brown for hair kit has 4 different type of henna options. I really dont know which one to get, can you recommend. Also will my grey hair turn brown or they would be little lighter kind of like highlights ? I do like to get them during summer.
Is it possible to do highlights on henna hair.
Thanks so much for taking time to answer a newbie.
Neema, I’d recommend starting with jamila henna. The greys may slightly look lighter. Very slightly. Yes you could do highlights at a later time if you’d like.
I recently ordered a henna and indigo kit from Mehandi. I’ve never used henna before so I have a few questions. From what I read it seems like people can through just about anything into their mix… I am hesitant what to try for my first time. My hair is currently dyed blonde and is growing out brown. I wanted to try henna as an alternative to chemical dyes. By going brown I’m hoping to grow it out naturally and healthy. So, what should I add to the henna powder..? I’m unsure of what to try. Also, I read that adding paprika will give henna more of a bright read hue. I’m just curious if this is true? Any suggestions?
Thank you for your post Abigail. Much appreciated. I absolutely will love to answer your questions but I want to let you know that the company you purchased from is always the best place to ask your questions to since they know their products better then we do as far as further details. I’ll answer to the best of my ability.
So you do want to revert back to your natural hair color, and let that grow back in right? That’s good because it’s easier to work with your natural hair color when it comes to henna and ayurvedic hair care.
I’d need a bit more information too. What color are you trying to achieve? With the fact that you bought henna and indigo I’m under the impression you’re going for a brown tone. Please let us know. Thanks!
Hi! I’m doing a “hendigo” treatment this weekend and I received some amla powder to add to tone down the red from my henna. I’ll probably use 50-75 grams of henna…how much alma should I add and do I add the amla directly to the henna during the dye release or after?
Thanks so much! Great site and you have excellent customer service!
if you henna your hair and get brown tones can you re henna to get black with burgundy hi lights what would be the process and if so how soon? Thanks
Stephanie, thanks for your question. I’m not sure which henna products you’re using but true, natural henna only dyes on tone, reddish tones. So you can’t get brown tones unless you’re using henna and indigo together. You can’t get black tones and burgundy at the same time, unless you section it and make highlights.
I’d need more information as I’m confused as to what you’re using to get these variations of color.
I used the lush brown kit and mixed about 65% of Jamila with about 35% of indigo and 1 tbsp amla powder after the henna released I mixed the indigo into the henna. My gray turned a brownish hi-light and the rest a medium brown. will I have to wait for it to grow out before I can henna it black with the burgundy thanks
Hi Stephanie. Thank you for information. If you want to color it black just use henna and indigo as a 2 step process, and then that can be done about a week after your other henna treatment and then I’d recommend give it time to relax again and then do just a henna treatment to give it burgundy tones in it. But you probably can’t do black and burgundy at the same time as the black will mask the burgundy red of the henna. Or you could section it by parts and do certain areas of your hair. I hope this helps
Hi Michaela. Sorry for the delayed response. You could add about 2 tbsp of amla powder to that recipe of henna, and yes you can add the amla right at the beginning with the henna.
would mixing indigo and henna together give your hair a chest nut brown/auburn colour even if you have really dark brown hair?
hey khadija i was wondering how i could dye my hair from dark brown to reddish brown using henna and herbs i tried colouring my hair with henna only and it didnt really work should i leave the hena to set longer or should i add indigo to it?
Hello Nazbibi. Thanks for your post. I’d recommend you use a really rich red henna powder like our Red Raj or Yemeni henna found at http://www.hennasooq.com. Which henna powder have you been using?
You can’t make your hair lighter like chemical dyes do but you can maintain your natural hair color with henna and indigo if you would like that color tone.
I’ve tried henna of and on for years w/frustrating results. I can’t get past the messiness of it all, but would like to really understand it and get used to it…any advice just for beginners?
Hi Elizabeth. Thank you for posting.
Have you tried applying your henna onto damp hair? What part really is frustrating when applying? It dripping?
Hi! Today will be my first time using Henna on my hair. I am very excited to see what happens. I bought Red Raj and cocoveda hair oil from Henna Sooq (recommended by my cousin) and I am about to mix it.
1. I am going to have my hair damp and pre-oiled because my hair tends to be very dry. But i am wondering if i need wash my hair before i dye it. I have read some blogs that say it is better on freshly washed hair and others that say it does not matter.
2. I am a natural bright orange red head but i would like to go for a deeper more dramatic tone of red. I saw somewhere that replacing some of the water with wine will help enhance the red to a richer tone. Also, that a few teaspoons of cinnamon will give it some brighter tones. are these true statements?
3. Finally, do i wash my hair with shampoo after i am done or just wash the henna out and put the oil in my hair?
Thank you! Molly
Hello Molly. Thank you for posting.
You can wash your hair mainly if there’s build up in it, and if it has a lot of other products in it.
Yes those are true statements about brightening the color but you can also use hibiscus powder and tea to boost red tones as well.
You can shampoo your hair out afterwards or co-wash it all out. Then yes moisturize afterwards for best results for your hair type.