Hair colouring is the process of changing the colour of the hair that involves using various chemical ingredients. The main reason for doing this is for cosmetic purposes, which is popular with many people nowadays. The first safe hair colouring product was made in 1909 by Eugene Schuller. But hair colouring started way before this. Ancient Greece and Rome used natural hair colouring, and Ancient Egyptians were the first people who were known to have used a hair dye. The first known hair dye is called jet black which was used by Ancient Rome. Hair dye was also used not only for cosmetics but for ancient empires and civilizations on the battlefield to indicate their rank and to cause panic in the enemies.
Now, many kinds of hair dyes are available on the market. There are natural hair colourants, temporary hair colour, lightener, and permanent hair colours that people can use to dye their hair. Natural hair colourants use plants and minerals to coat the hair with colour or pigment. Henna dye is an example of a natural hair colourant that is made with natural ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals. Temporary Hair Colour or semi-permanent hair colours, as the name suggests, is hair dye that will only stay on the hair until the dye gets washed out. Lightener uses bleach to lighten up the hair by removing the melanin or the colour of the hair. This is often used to achieve blonde or grey hair, which uses hydrogen peroxide as the chemical agent to lighten up the hair. Permanent hair colour is used to remove the original colour of the hair and deposits the new colour that stays for a longer period. Henna dye is also considered a permanent hair dye. This makes henna dye a great alternative for a permanent change of hair colour without causing damage to the hair due to the absence of harmful chemicals. Contrary to any other hair colouring products, henna strengthens the hair and prevents hair fall or breakage. Furthermore, it has antiparasitic and antifungal properties that aid in preventing dandruff. Nowadays, there are a lot of henna hair dyes available on the market that not only can be used on the hair but the hand and feet as well.
1. Godrej Nupur Henna Powder
Godrej Nupur Henna Powder is 100% natural henna that also conditions the hair. It is infused with natural herbal henna that does not contain any chemicals. This henna dye is considered to be effective for covering and preventing white and grey hairs. It contains 9 herbs that can moisturise, condition, revitalise, rejuvenate, and nourish the hair to leave it clean, shiny, and silky. This henna dye can also promote hair growth by preventing hair breakage. The henna where it came from, Rajasthan, is famous for its exceptional colouring. It can also be used for hands and feet for tattoos which will leave a natural colour when applied. The average price for Godrej Nupur Henna Powder is £7.99 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.4 out of 5 mainly because it leaves hair looking and feeling healthy.
Godrej Nupur Henna Powder Advantages |
Godrej Nupur Henna Powder Disadvantages |
Has natural ingredients |
Some had experienced allergic reaction |
Covers grey hair |
Hard to apply |
Conditions hair |
Can be messy |
2. Reshma Beauty Henna Hair Color
Reshma Beauty Henna Hair Color provides bright pigment and makes hair softer, thicker, richer, shinier, and stronger. It can also cover grey hairs whilst keeping the hair moisturised. It is made with 100% organic henna powder, leaving the hair with natural colour. It can also be used on the hair on the eyelashes, eyebrows, beards, and moustaches. It is a cruelty-free and vegan hair colouring product that will only require 30 minutes to apply. This henna dye can also cover grey hairs whilst conditioning the hair. The average price for Reshma Beauty Henna Hair Color is £8.67 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5 mainly because it is easy to use and has a long-lasting formula.
Reshma Beauty Henna Hair Color Advantages |
Reshma Beauty Henna Hair Color Disadvantages |
Long-lasting |
Smell is strong |
Hair feels soft after use |
Some claim that it has chemicals |
Has rich colour |
Not good for grey hairs despite its claim |
3. MB Herbals Henna Powder
MB Herbals Henna Powder is a triple sifted henna that is made from 100% pure lawsonia inermis with no preservatives added and is chemical-free. Furthermore, there is no artificial colour added that may cause any allergic reactions. The natural henna, herbs, and plants produce a rich, shiny, and stunning pigment. The dye comes with an instruction sheet for a guide to easy application. This henna leaves a natural red-orange or deep orange finish on the hair. The average price for MB Herbals Henna Powder is £13.09 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.63 out of 5, mainly because it leaves hair soft and is great for tattoos as well.
MB Herbals Henna Powder Advantages |
MB Herbals Henna Powder Disadvantages |
Free of chemicals, artificial colour, and preservatives |
May leave permanent stains on clothes and towels |
triple sifted powder that makes it easy to mix with water for application |
May not be ideal for sensitive skin |
Provides an attractive orange-red or deep orange colour to the hair |
4. Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color and Conditioner
Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color and Conditioner are made from 100% natural plant material that has no preservatives, chemicals, and additives that can harm the skin. This henna has a sealing action that makes the cuticles of the hair smooth and polished. It claims to last for 4 – 6 weeks and is safe to use regularly. and great for all hair types which conditions, adds volume, and shine to all the hair. The henna dye came from a company that has been making natural products ever since 1975. The average price for Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color and Conditioner is £7.19 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.2 out of 5, mainly because it is free of any harmful chemicals.
Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color and Conditioner Advantages |
Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color and Conditioner Disadvantages |
No chemicals like ammonia or peroxide |
Little messy |
Natural-looking |
Some made their hair like a matte straw/frizzy |
Cheap |
Smell can be an issue |
5. Zenia Pure Natural Henna Powder
Zenia Pure Natural Henna Powder is a premium quality henna that is triple sifted, which provides the smoothest application on the hair. This henna is also free from any harmful chemicals like ammonia, pesticides, and peroxides. It has a vast selection of hair care and skin care that are all-natural. This includes henna powder, indigo powder, and hair oils that are all-natural, cruelty-free, and can be used for hair and body. This henna powder is suitable for henna artists that are beginners. The average price for Zenia Pure Natural Henna Powder is £7.99 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.3 out of 5, mainly because it is easy to use.
Zenia Pure Natural Henna Powder Advantages |
Zenia Pure Natural Henna Powder Disadvantages |
Safe and natural alternative to artificial hair colours |
Grainy |
Triple sifted henna powder helps in fighting dandruff |
Cannot cover grey hair |
Nourishes your scalp and hair roots |
Poor quality |
6. Mi Nature Henna Powder
Mi Nature Henna Powder is made from 100% natural, raw, and vegan henna powder. It is a natural red henna colour that is free from any harmful chemicals that can cause any reactions. The company claims to produce high-quality henna products that are processed in an FDA Registered Facility in India. This henna dye can prevent hair fall or breakage, and helps in boosting hair growth The average price for Mi Nature Henna Powder is £7.99 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5, mainly because it leaves hair glossy.
Mi Nature Henna Powder Advantages |
Mi Nature Henna Powder Disadvantages |
Chemicals & Metallic Salts free |
Smells a bit after a few days |
Fine henna particles |
Some experienced chemical burn |
No lumps |
7. Just Jaivik Organic Henna Powder
Just Jaivik Organic Henna Powder is made from 100% henna powder, which delivers a natural colour and shine whilst conditioning the hair. It is free from bleaches, additives, and parabens that can irritate the skin. It is also triple sifted, thus making it easy to mix with water and apply to the hair. The henna dye is suitable for any type of hair, thus anyone who wants to achieve a rich red pigment on their hair can use this henna hair dye. The only downside of this product is that it may not be effective to cover white or grey hairs. The average price for Just Jaivik Organic Henna Powder is £8.79 GBP. Customers rated this product 4.5 out of 5, mainly because it gives a beautiful natural-looking shiny auburn colour to the hair.
Just Jaivik Organic Henna Powder Advantages |
Just Jaivik Organic Henna Powder Disadvantages |
Free from chemicals |
Stains scalp |
Adds Shine and Softness to Hair |
Some experience chemical burn |
Maintains pH Balance |
Not long-lasting |
How does henna hair dye work?
Mehndi or henna paste coats the hair cuticles and the colour of the henna will move to the hair shaft through the gaps in the cuticle. Henna dye will not alter the natural structure of the hair but rather conditions the scalp thus decreasing hair loss. The henna on the surface protects the hair from sun and pollution damage, thus leaving the hair healthy and shiny. Furthermore, a component of henna can help in covering the white and grey hairs.
What are the things to consider in choosing Henna Hair Dye?
Things to consider in choosing a Henna Hair Dye are the colour, ingredients, and originality. Knowing the preferred colour to achive before starting to dye the hair is the first step. Always choose a shade lighter than the desired hair colour. This is very important, especially for those who haven’t done henna before as henna is a permanent hair colour. Avoid black henna as this is used for temporary henna tattoos and might contain paraphenylenediamine which can cause allergic reactions. Consider the ingredients as well by making sure that the henna dye does not contain any harmful chemicals that may cause reactions or chemical burns. Furthermore, there are a lot of fake henna dyes on the market nowadays. Make sure that the henna is original and real to avoid unwanted results.
What is the best natural henna dye?
The best natural henna dye is the budget-friendly Mi Nature Henna Powder. It is made from 100% natural, raw, and vegan henna powder. Not only is it USDA-Certified Organic Henna Powder, but it is also vegan and has a great quality for an inexpensive price. Moreover, it is free from any harmful chemicals like pesticides and aids in preventing and reducing premature greying of the hair.
Which is the best henna hair dye for African-American hair?
The best henna hair dye for African-American hair is the Godrej Nupur Henna, which is known for its deeply nourishing properties. It is made of pure henna that gives a superior colour payoff whilst caring for the hair. It also has a cooling effect and improves the scalp’s health, strengthens the hair, and improves hair growth.
Can henna hair dye cause dandruff?
No, in fact, it is the opposite because henna hair dye aids in removing excess grease and dirt from the scalp, thus removing dandruff as well. Henna dye contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for the hair and the scalp. This can help prevent premature greying of the hair and reduce dandruff. Moreover, the reason why it reduces the dandruff is that henna dye conditions the scalp as well by preventing it from drying, which can cause dandruff.
What is the difference between organic henna and artificial henna?
The difference between the organic henna vs. artificial henna, is that organic or natural henna is made with basic ingredients like organic henna powder, essential oil, water, and sugar making it free from any harmful chemicals. It forms a rich and dark stain when left for 6-8 hours on the hair. Whilst, artificial henna is a henna dye that can cause symptoms of a lethal allergic reaction. Many customers have experienced severe blistering, burning sensations, and permanent scarring when they used artificial henna.