Black henna hair dye before and after

Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. These are natural plant-based products, and benefits are not guaranteed. The outcome may be affected by other factors like the type of shampoo or conditioner being used, as well as any other chemical hair treatments in the present or past that may affect results.

I received the product so fast! Day and a half and already I have completed the henna color last night (Burgundy). I didn’t see any other email on your site except this one to send before & after photos! 🙂 I hope you post them to your site because I started out all bleached damaged blonde and ended up with dark burgundy in just one hour. I went to 12 different doctors and the emergency room before finding and talking to the folks here. I did not know chemical hair dye was giving me a bad reaction. The bad reaction was my not being able to swallow. Thank you, EarthDye and Rodney, for helping me find such a wonderful solution!

Thanks a lot, I love it and will order once a month! I include 2 photos!

#1 before henna (did eyebrows too).

#2 The next morning, (this morning) my window, sunlight, and color darkened.

Black henna hair dye before and after
Before Deep Red Henna Hair Dye
Black henna hair dye before and after
Susan After Using Harvest Moon Deep Red on Bleached Blond

Susan.M. Alexandria, Va
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If you’re considering using henna hair dye as an all-natural alternative to traditional hair dye you’d use in a professional salon, there are a few things you should know before getting started. The first time I used it, I hadn’t done my research and regretted it!

I’m sharing these tips so that YOU won’t make the same mistakes I did.

Black henna hair dye before and after

Here’s what I think you should know.

1. Is Henna Good For Your Hair?

Henna hair dye is considered a good conditioner for your hair, and as a result can make it stronger, thicker, and shinier. It may help to restore the natural pH balance of your hair and scalp, too!

Black henna hair dye before and after

2. How Long Does Henna Stay in Your Hair?

Henna is a permanent hair dye. The color is most vibrant for the first 4 to 6 weeks, and in my experience it starts to gradually fade after that, but I’m not sure it ever goes away completely.

Keep in mind that if you want to dye your hair later, it may be difficult to go lighter in color. Henna is very hard to lift out of your hair later! (I found this out after the fact– and was disappointed that I couldn’t get my hair highlighted for nearly a year after dying my hair with henna.)

3. It’s Messy to Apply & Can Stain Your Skin

The first time I used henna, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I highly recommend working the henna through your hair in the bathroom– ideally standing in a dry shower, so you can rinse away any mess when you’re done.

Black henna hair dye before and after

When mixed together, henna has the texture of mud and it can feel a little awkward to apply. As a result, there’s usually some that drips on the floor, and down your forehead.

Black henna hair dye before and after

Before you apply the henna dye, protect your skin by using a thick balm or cream to create a barrier. I rub it around my forehead, ears, and neck.

Black henna hair dye before and after

4. Henna Hair Dye Can Take a Long Time to Set

Depending on the vibrancy you want, henna can take 1 to 6 hours to develop.

Black henna hair dye before and after

That’s a long time to have your scalp wrapped in a shower cap. (The shower cap keeps the dye warm, and therefore, more effective, while also preventing drips so you can walk around your house!)

I should note that I can only last 2 hours before my patience gives out, and usually my hair turns out well!

5. Henna Will Not Necessarily Even-Out Your Hair Color

In my experience, if you have roots or highlights when you start the process, you’ll still have roots or highlights when you’re finished. (Henna can cover gray hair, but it’s a slightly extra process.)

Black henna hair dye before and after

I happened to have roots and highlights the first time I used henna (you can see before pictures of my highlights and roots at the top of this post), so you can see how the reddish color varies throughout my hair, where I had more blonde highlights. I was hoping for a more even color, so this aspect was a little disappointing for me. Without the noticeable roots, I think this would be pretty!

6. It Can be Difficult to Change Your Hair Color AFTER using Henna

Some brands of henna dye have metallic salts added to it, and as a result, you cannot use chemical hair dyes over them. (The result is a chemical reaction that causes your hair to smoke!) It’s important to let your hair dresser know that you’ve dyed your hair with henna before you get started, so they are prepared.

In my case, I was able to even out my hair color after using henna using a semi-permanent dye. My stylist had to apply it twice, however, because she said my hair was not receptive to absorbing the color after using the henna. (Normally, my hair takes to dye very quickly!)

Black henna hair dye before and after

It should also be noted that my hair did not lift with bleach easily after using henna, so we had to go a shade darker, rather than lighter. I love getting my hair highlighted, so this something I wish I knew before getting started!

Which Brands of Henna Hair Dye Are Best?

There are always new brands entering the market, but I’ve only tried two brands so far. Most recently, I used Morrocco Method when trying to cover gray hair, and it worked really well! I love that it has no metallic salts added, so I didn’t have to worry about my hair smoking later if I got my hair dyed at a salon.

The very first time I dyed my hair with henna, I used Lush brand. According to their website, they add ingredients like lemon juice and coffee grounds to their henna, but I don’t believe they add metallic salts to their products, either.

How long does black henna last on hair?

Henna is a permanent hair dye and its vibrancy may last up to four weeks before gradually fading. Likewise, do keep in mind that henna is hard to lift out of your hair, so going for a lighter shade in the near future may be difficult.

Is black henna dye good for hair?

The paraphenylenediamine (PPD) in black henna is known to cause chemical burns. In severe cases, it can also cause scarring and allergic reactions that affect breathing. So, play it safe and always stick to brown henna.

Does black henna hair dye wash out?

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.

Is black henna better than hair dye?

All in all, henna is healthier for your hair. So if you already have thin, damaged, or falling hair–stick to this ingredient to colour your hair.