Henna hair coloring is a tradition dating back thousands of years, dating back to ancient India, Egypt, and the Arab world. Today, with the return to natural hair care, more and more people are turning to natural henna as a healthier alternative to chemical dyes.
Henna not only dyes but also conditions hair—thickening it, improving its elasticity, and protecting it from harmful factors. Research shows that the phenolic compounds in henna leaves have antibacterial and antioxidant properties (Sultana et al., Journal of Pharmacognosy , 2015), which further supports scalp health.
At the same time, it is worth knowing that natural henna has its limitations – it does not lighten, it requires time and patience, and the color always depends on the initial shade of the hair.
What is natural henna for hair?
Natural henna is a powder obtained from the dried and powdered leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It is the lawsone (2-hydroxynaphthoquinone) molecule contained within them that is responsible for the coloring.
Worth knowing:
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natural henna dyes hair in shades from red to copper,
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other colors (browns, blacks, burgundies) are obtained from mixtures of henna with herbs: indigo, cassia, amla, hibiscus,
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Henna does not lighten the hair – it only darkens or changes the tone.
According to the Grand View Research report (2022), the market for natural hair dyes, including henna, is growing on average by 12.1% per year, which is associated with the "clean beauty" trend and the search for safe alternatives to synthetic dyes.
How does henna work on hair?
Henna color is created by the reaction of lawsone with keratin, the main protein in hair. The dye binds to the surface of the hair shaft, partially penetrating its structure, providing a long-lasting yet natural-looking result.
Henna working process:
- when mixed with water, the powder releases the dye,
- Lawsone binds to the keratin in the hair,
- The color develops and deepens for 24–48 hours after application.
This makes the effect more multidimensional than with chemical dyes – the hair shimmers with various reflections.
The care effects of natural henna
Henna is not only a dye, but also a natural hair mask.
Confirmed care effect:
- Hair thickening – studies have shown that the lawsone coating increases hair diameter by approximately 10–15%.
- Strengthening and shine – after henna, hair becomes smoother and more resistant to breakage.
- Soothes the scalp – henna has antibacterial properties, which helps with dandruff and irritation.
- Natural UV protection – henna polyphenols act as antioxidants, limiting the harmful effects of UV radiation.
According to Orientana consumer research, in addition to coloring, women noticed improved hair shine after 2 applications, confirmed greater hair volume and thickening, and women with sensitive scalp noticed a reduction in itching and oiliness.
Coloring – what shades does henna give?
Natural henna produces only one color – reddish-copper. To achieve other shades, mixtures are used:
Below are the shades available in Orientana's offer:
Mahogany Red – a deep, copper-cherry shade; intensely colours hair and perfectly covers grey hair.
Dark Chocolate - a deep, dark brown with a warm tone; gives the hair an elegant, natural color.
Hazelnut – a medium brown with a cooler tone; a harmonious and subdued effect.
Caramel Brown – a light brown in a warm tone with delicate copper reflections
Orientana
Ebony Black – a warm, deep shade of black, natural and intense in appearance
Orientana
Additionally, Orientana offers colorless Cassia – it is not a dye, but a natural conditioner without coloring, ideal for care without changing the color.
Coloring – what shades does natural Orientana henna give?
How to prepare and apply henna?
Preparing the mixture
• Henna powder is poured with warm water (approx. 50°C).
• You can add lemon juice, hibiscus tea or coffee infusion to deepen the color.
• The mixture can be applied directly to the hair, but once additives are added, it should be left for 6–12 hours to release the dyes.
App
• Apply the mixture in the form of a paste (homogenized cheese texture) to washed, damp hair.
• Protect with foil and a towel or hat to keep warm,
• Holding time: approx. 2 hours.
Rinse
• Rinse with water only (shampoo only after 48 hours).
• The color darkens and stabilizes within 2 days.
Advantages and disadvantages of using henna
Advantages
• 100% natural and safe,
• nourishes the hair, thickens and strengthens it,
• no chemicals (ammonia, PPD, peroxides),
• color durability 4–6 weeks,
• environmentally friendly.
Defects
• no possibility of brightening,
• long application time,
• color difficult to predict (depending on the hair),
• more difficult to remove if the dyeing method is changed.
• henna of an unknown brand or purchased on unreliable platforms may be contaminated with heavy metals.
Frequently asked questions about natural henna for hair
Does natural henna damage hair?
No, henna doesn't damage hair—quite the opposite. It creates a protective coating on its surface, thickening and strengthening strands. It acts as a natural nourishing mask.
How long does the color of henna last?
The color effect typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks. The color gradually fades, but the lawsone pigment binds to the keratin, so the light shade remains on the hair longer.
Can henna lighten hair?
No, natural henna does not have any lightening properties. It can only darken hair or give it a new tone – for example, red, brown, or black.
Does henna cover gray hair?
Yes, henna covers gray hair beautifully. The best results are achieved with a two-step technique: first, Mahogany Red, then your chosen brown or black.
Can henna be used after chemical dye?
Yes, but it is best to wait at least 4–6 weeks after chemical dyeing to avoid unpredictable results.
Can you dye your hair with henna while pregnant?
Theoretically, yes – natural henna is safe because it doesn't contain ammonia, PPD, or peroxides. It's best to consult a doctor. It's worth doing an allergy test.
How to prepare henna for coloring?
Mix the powder with warm water (approx. 50°C) and set aside for a few hours to release the dye. You can add lemon juice or herbal infusion to deepen the color.
How long should you keep henna on your hair?
Usually about 2 hours – the longer, the stronger and more lasting the effect.
Can henna be used only as a conditioner?
Yes – just choose Cassia (colourless henna), which strengthens and adds shine to your hair without changing its colour.
Does henna cause allergies?
Allergic reactions to pure henna are rare, but an allergy test should always be performed – especially if someone has had a reaction to other plant dyes.
Can henna be used to dye bleached hair?
Yes, but only if lightly bleached – the color may be more intense than on natural hair – for example, light blondes can produce strong copper or red tones. Hair that has no pigment – that is, if lightened significantly – should not be dyed with henna.
How often can you dye your hair with henna?
Optimally every 4–6 weeks, but there are no contraindications to using it more often – henna strengthens the hair and does not damage its structure.
How to care for hair after henna?
For the first 48 hours, avoid shampooing your hair to allow the color to set. It's best to use gentle, natural cosmetics without SLS or silicones.
Can henna be mixed with other herbs?
Yes – it is often combined with indigo (for browns and blacks), amla (for cooler tones), hibiscus (for reds) or cassia (for golden reflections).
Does henna add volume to hair?
Yes, it thickens the hair by up to 10-15%, making the hairstyle look thicker and fuller.
Is natural henna vegan?
Yes – henna is a plant-based dye, completely vegan and cruelty-free.
Can henna be used on short hair?
Of course – henna is suitable for all hair lengths and can even help visually thicken short hair. Check out dark chocolate for short hair .
If you want to read how to dye gray hair with henna - check: Is there henna for gray hair?
