- Publication date:
All about henna hair coloring before getting started
100% natural, healthy and biodegradable; discover plant-based henna coloring, the coloring technique that is good for you.
What is henna?
Natural henna coloring consists of mixing coloring plants reduced to powder with water. Here, there is no oxidant or chemical developer: nature does all the work!
Henna for hair, also called lawsonia inermis, comes from a thorny shrub, mainly cultivated in India. The climate to which it is exposed influences its coloring abilities. That is why from one year to another, the same plant, cultivated in the same place, may vary slightly in intensity. Some harvests are warmer, for example. This is the nature of the natural, and proof that you are truly using a plant-based coloring, composed only of plants.
The organic henna has a coloring action on the hair fiber. It enhances the hair and adorns it with multiple highlights. But that is not its only advantage: before being a coloring, it is a treatment in itself. Henna visibly improves the quality of the hair as it:
- coats the hair fiber,
- brings incomparable shine,
- rebalances the scalp.
Much more durable than oxidation coloring, the effects of organic henna last up to three months. A true feat!
Choosing natural henna
Although henna has become very trendy in recent years, beware: not all henna colorings are equal!
Many are mixed with chemical substances, especially synthetic pigments, for economic reasons or to reduce application time. These are often allergenic ingredients, and unfortunately difficult for the consumer to recognize.
100% pure natural henna is of course recommended: in addition to being perfectly healthy, it preserves the environment and especially groundwater. 100% biodegradable, natural henna coloring lets you take care of yourself without collateral damage.
How to color your hair with henna?
There are two techniques of organic natural henna coloring:
The first, called “simple application”, consists of applying a single layer of product on dry hair. “After a processing time of 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the desired result, rinse and/or wash the hair. This method allows a transparent coverage of white hair, a natural highlighting effect, a tone-on-tone, or intense reflections such as red or copper tones,” explains Dimitri Van Oosten, our expert in plant-based henna coloring.
If you want opaque coverage of white hair or to darken more than 2 tones, you need the second technique: the “double application”. This involves applying a first layer for about 15 minutes. “After rinsing and/or washing, pre-dry the hair and apply a second layer of product for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The coverage of white hair is then absolutely perfect!” adds Dimitri.
Two options are therefore available: depending on your desires and the color result you want, your hairdresser will choose the most suitable technique.
Contraindications of organic henna
Contrary to popular belief, plant-based henna is suitable for everyone! Whether you are pregnant, under medical treatment, or breastfeeding, natural henna is for you. This technique contains no synthetic pigments or petrochemical ingredients. Only flowers, plants, barks and spices ground into powder and dried in the sun. A safe, reliable and universal coloring!
However, although it is hypoallergenic, it is important to note that natural henna can still cause reactions: zero risk does not exist. An allergy can be triggered by any substance, even if it is 100% natural. That is why it is essential to perform a patch test in the bend of the elbow, at least 48 hours before application. This allows your hairdresser to carry out the coloring safely and ensures you a true moment of relaxation.
Indigo, henna, what’s the difference?
In plant-based coloring, two main coloring plants are used: henna and indigo. Henna fixes itself on the hair fiber, colors and treats it. Its warm reflections offer shades from golden blonde to intense red.
Indigo fixes itself on henna. Its cool reflections tend towards blue or green. It is never used alone, only in combination with henna.
For a warm, intense, shimmering color, your hairdresser will use pure henna. For a more neutral result, indigo will be added, to cool the color.
Mixed together in a balanced way, henna and indigo give beautiful brown shades, from light chestnut to dark chestnut.
Natural henna near you
Organic henna coloring has no more secrets for you. Discover the Hairborist hairdressers near you and switch now to natural henna coloring: the planet and your hair will thank you!
Share this article
Similar articles
29 June 2026
Mooi haar begint niet in de lengtes, maar aan de wortel. Een gezonde hoofdhuid vormt de basis voor glans, volume, comfort en sterke haargroei. Ontdek hoe je je hoofdhuid beter leert begrijpen en verzorgen....
22 June 2026
After plant-based hair colouring, you want to keep your colour beautiful for as long as possible. But some shampoos, conditioners and styling products can make your plant-based colour look dull more quickly. Discover which products are best avoided and which routine truly supports your colour....
15 June 2026
After cancer, hair regrowth often feels like a new beginning. But new hair is usually finer and more fragile, and your scalp may react more sensitively. In this article, you will discover how to gently and naturally support your hair and scalp during regrowth....