Want to make your hair color more lustrous or cover up gray hair but are afraid of all the chemicals in regular hair dyes? Then switch to henna hair dyes! These cream or powder hair colorants are usually completely natural and can actually nourish your hair and scalp instead of irritating them.
Read on to find out which henna hair dyes made the final cut in our 10 best list, and find out what you should keep in mind while shopping with our buying guide.
Quick List - Top Henna Hair Dyes
Reshma Beauty, Inc.
Rich, Long-Lasting Color That’s Quick to Apply
Denise is a licensed cosmetologist who advises people on certain products they should get. She formally worked at Ulta and is now headed into a salon.
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Table of Contents
Henna hair dye is made from the Lawsonia inermis plant, also known as the henna tree or mignonette tree, which is packed with natural chemicals that can strengthen and enhance your hair's vibrancy. With strong antibacterial properties, henna hair dye can also help prevent infection and treat dandruff.
Aside from the nourishing qualities, henna is a great permanent hair dye as well. It can keep your color vibrant from four to six weeks, but keep in mind that it takes a long time to set as well - about one to six hours based on the dye's formula and your desired color vibrancy.
If you're afraid of all the potential damage that synthetic dyes can do to your hair, a shift to henna can be a safer and more natural option!
When choosing a henna hair dye, make sure to consider your desired color shade and try to avoid harmful chemicals! This buying guide will give you some more tips for choosing a product that works wonderfully for you.
Henna hair dyes get their colors either from the henna powder alone or from a blend of henna and other plant-based ingredients. Usually, 100 percent henna powder will add an orange-reddish tone to your hair.
If you're looking for rich, darker shades like a dark reddish-brown, then look for a product combining henna with indigo, a tropical plant that gives a dark blue shade. Based on the percentages of indigo and henna used, a product can have a brown, dark brown, or dark copper shade.
However, keep in mind that the effect of a henna dye changes depending on your base hair color. Red henna will look different on black hair than on blonde hair.
So when choosing, pick a shade that's lighter than your desired color. With henna, you can go darker with more applications, but not lighter. For example, if dark brown is the color you want to achieve, then go for a medium-brown shade!
You may not know it, but different varieties of henna have different processing times, or in other words, they have different amounts of time they must sit in your hair to properly dye it. Factoring this into your decision is important because everyone has different schedules and times they can set aside for hair dyeing.
Indian henna is some of the highest quality henna available. It's generally a fine brown powder and offers the darkest tones you can achieve.
For best results, let Indian henna sit in your hair overnight, or about eight to twelve hours, for full effect. This henna has the added benefit of being easily combined with other herbal powders such as indigo, as well as amla, reetha, and shikakai, which are said to promote hair growth.
From the Rajasthan region of India, Rajasthani henna powder is known to offer rich red tones and darker orange tones. It's one of the best henna powders and can be found certified USDA organic.
In general, this henna takes about four to five hours to process. Some henna artists and experts will leave it longer, up to overnight, to achieve a very dark burgundy shade.
Moroccan henna comes from the Western Sahara region of Morocco. Besides being easily obtained by those living in the US, it's also one of the fastest-acting henna dyes.
It can take as little as two to four hours to completely set, but letting it set longer will result in a more vibrant color. It's recommended for those who are after a reddish-orange color but can be combined with indigo powder to achieve a dark black.
You may see "sifted" or "triple sifted" on the packaging of your henna hair dye. This is not only to ensure that the powder is quality and free of leaves, twigs, or other undesirable debris, but also to prevent the powder from clumping. Smooth, fine henna powder is higher quality and much easier to work with!
Some henna hair dye products might claim to be 100 percent pure but actually contain additives such as synthetic dyes, ammonia, and metallic salts. So take caution before making a purchase!
Ammonia is a chemical that helps the dye penetrate more quickly into your hair strands for more robust color. However, it might damage your hair cuticles and leave your hair strands feeling and looking dry, brittle, and lackluster.
Metallic salts are commonly found in henna hair dyes to help achieve a wider range of colors. But they do not react well with other chemicals like ammonia or synthetic dyes, so changing your hair color to another shade might be difficult. A metallic salt-based dye can also dull hair and lead to hair breakage, so just try your best to stay away!
Not all henna hair dyes are naturally-derived. Many hair dyes, particularly darker shades, contain chemical dyes such as red 40, para-toluene diamine (PTD), and paraphenylenediamine (or PPD).
Those chemical dyes help provide long-lasting and natural-looking color, but they are also potential irritants and allergens. Particularly, PPD is well-known to cause redness and face swelling in some people.
This compound is mainly found in a product called black henna, which combines PPD and henna to create a dark color. To achieve a dark color naturally, try using a combination of henna and indigo.
Henna hair dyes can come in the form of either powder or cream. Each form has its own pros and cons, so consider them before making a purchase!
The powder type of henna is usually more potent since it is not diluted with water or other ingredients. With a powder product, you have the freedom to explore different recipes, so feel free to add other botanical extracts or essential oils as you like!
It's typically also limited on ingredients, sometimes being nothing other than the plant powder itself. However, dealing with powder might be quite messy. You have to measure and mix everything on your own. Also, keep in mind that the henna mixture has a strong staining power, so better cover up your clothes and bathroom sink beforehand!
Henna cream is already pre-mixed, so you can just apply the product to your hair without extra steps. It also usually has a shorter processing time, sometimes only 30 minutes. Furthermore, henna cream is often enriched with nourishing ingredients and can leave your hair feeling soft and moisturized.
The cream types are more expensive than powder ones. And while a powdered product usually contains simple, recognizable ingredients, a cream might be made with added chemicals that you may want to avoid.
Henna is perishable and can lose its potency gradually, so don't just choose a package with tons of henna inside and expect it to last forever. It's important to determine how many uses you can get out of one package, and see if you really need that amount.
For those with thick and curly hair, make sure to overestimate how much you need, since you will need more product than those with regular or thin hair.
In case you only want to dye your hair once or twice, a small package of under four ounces would do the trick. But if you intend to share with your friends or tend to change your hair color frequently, opt for a greater amount, like over 10 ounces.
There are also dyes for specific areas such as eyebrows and beards which won't take as much dye as doing your whole head. So consider the areas to which you want to apply the product as well! Also, make sure to choose a product packed in a resealable bag to preserve the quality of the powder.
Some people assume that henna helps hydrate the hair and scalp, but it's actually not true. Henna is effective in strengthening your hair, but it does not seal in moisture and can actually be quite drying to your hair and scalp if used frequently.
To keep your hair hydrated and silky-smooth, look for emollients in the formula, such as açaí and aloe vera. Hibiscus is another great botanical for aiding hair health. Studies suggest hibiscus can help promote strong, healthy, lustrous hair, help treat dandruff, and prevent dryness and breakage through moisturizing.
Neem oil is another botanical shown to help condition your hair and scalp, even helping to treat lice. It's rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is another common botanical additive paired with henna. It's said to promote hair growth, among other potential benefits.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quantity | Number of Items | Color | Form | Certified Organic | Triple-Sifted | Ammonia Free | Metallic Salt Free | Synthetic Dye Free | Contains Moisturizers | |||||
1 | Surya Brasil Henna Cream | ![]() | Vibrant Color, Naturally Nourished | 2.37 fl oz | Dark Brown | Cream | unknown | |||||||
2 | Zenia Herbal Zenia|100% Natural Henna Cones | ![]() | Effortless Color, Purely Natural | 25g | 6 item/s | Red、Reddish Brown | Paste | unknown | ||||||
3 | Reshma Beauty, Inc. Reshma|30 Minute Henna - Natural Black Semi-Permanent Hair Color|319 | ![]() | Rich, Long-Lasting Color That’s Quick to Apply | 1.05 oz / 30g | 1 item | Black | Powder | |||||||
4 | HNCO Organics Pvt. Ltd. Just Jaivik|100% Organic Indigo Powder | ![]() | Pure Indigo, Naturally Bold | 0.5 lbs | Brown、Black | Powder | unknown | unknown | ||||||
5 | HNCO Organics Pvt. Ltd. H&C Herbal Ingredients Expert|100% Natural and Pure Henna Powder | ![]() | Traditionally Processed Pure Henna Powder | 0.5 lb / 227g | 1 item | Orange, Red | Powder | |||||||
6 | ALMAS ALMAS Henna Cones / tubes 100% natural | ![]() | Pure Henna, Radiant Reddish-Brown Elegance | 30g each | 3 item/s | Reddish Brown | Paste | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||||
7 | HNCO Organics Pvt. Ltd. Just Jaivik|Henna Powder | ![]() | Pure Henna Powder Using Hand Picked Leaves | 0.5 lb / 227g | 1 item | Red, Auburn | Powder | |||||||
8 | The Henna Guys, Inc The Henna Guys|Pure Henna Powder|PH200 | ![]() | Natural Henna Powder That Gives Vibrant Results | 200g | 1 item | Red, Orange | Powder | |||||||
9 | Dabur India Limited Vatika|Henna Hair Color - Rich Black|FC166010UK | ![]() | Vibrant Color Without Harsh Dyes | 10g | 6 items | Black | Powder | |||||||
10 | Neeta 100% Natural Ready to Use Henna Paste | ![]() | Natural Beauty, Lasting Reddish-Brown Elegance | 3.25 oz | 4 item/s | Reddish Brown | Paste | unknown | unknown |
Quantity | 2.37 fl oz |
---|---|
Number of Items | |
Color | Dark Brown |
Form | Cream |
Surya Brasil Henna Cream is your perfect choice for a naturally radiant dark brown hue. Crafted without ammonia, PPD, or peroxide, this hair color cream nourishes your locks while providing vibrant, lasting color. Its gentle, plant-based formula ensures your hair feels soft and healthy after every application, making it ideal for color-treated or sensitive hair types. This award-winning cream is both vegan and cruelty-free, certified by Leaping Bunny, offering beauty without compromise.
Easy to apply and rich in natural ingredients, Surya Brasil Henna Cream not only colors but cares for your hair. Whether you’re covering grays or enhancing your natural shade, you’ll enjoy the confidence of gorgeous results with none of the harsh chemicals. Embrace the best of nature and beauty with a product recognized by the Best of Natural Beauty Awards for its quality and eco-conscious values.
Quantity | 25g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 6 item/s |
Color | Red、Reddish Brown |
Form | Paste |
Transform your hair with the vibrant, natural beauty of our Pure & Natural Henna Hair Color Paste. Forget the fuss of mixing powders—these ready-to-use henna cones offer a hassle-free application for a rich, reddish-brown hue. Each cone is carefully triple-sifted to ensure a smooth, even application, leaving your hair infused with a soft, warm glow. Perfect for those seeking chemical-free, plant-based coloring, this henna is stored to maintain freshness and delivers the best results when left on for longer durations.
Designed for convenience and premium quality, these cones come in sets of six, with each offering up to 28 grams of natural henna goodness. While results may vary depending on your hair's base color, you’ll achieve stunning undertones that deepen beautifully over 24-48 hours. With no harsh chemicals, just natural care, this product guarantees satisfaction—or your money back. Achieve hair coloring that’s as kind to your locks as it is to the planet!
Quantity | 1.05 oz / 30g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item |
Color | Black |
Form | Powder |
Pros:
Effectively covers grays
Fast application process compared to other henna treatments
Vibrant, long-lasting color results
Cons:
Contains p-Phenylenediamine, which may cause skin sensitivity
Lack of moisturizers may lead to dryness post-application
Some users experienced a slight stinging sensation during use
This henna hair dye in the shade of Natural Black is a semi-permanent hair color that effortlessly revitalizes your look. Each sachet of hair dye contains a blend of henna powder and other ingredients that provide intense color without the use of ammonia. While not certified organic and lacking moisturizers, users praise this product’s ability to effectively cover grays, offering a deep, rich hue with just one application.
Some users experienced darker-than-expected results and recommend adjusting the processing time for a lighter shade. Reshma Beauty henna also boasts a faster application process compared to other henna treatments, making it a convenient choice for busy lifestyles. However, some users noted a slight stinging sensation during application, similar to conventional box dye, and recommend using additional conditioning treatments post-rinse to combat dryness. Overall, users were impressed with the vibrant, long-lasting color and recommend this product for anyone seeking a natural alternative to chemical dyes.
Quantity | 0.5 lbs |
---|---|
Number of Items | |
Color | Brown、Black |
Form | Powder |
Achieve stunning dark brown to black hues with Just Jaivik's 100% Organic Indigo Powder. This chemical-free, all-natural product is crafted from pure indigo leaves, ensuring safe and effective hair coloring. Ideal for those seeking a natural alternative to synthetic dyes, it delivers vibrant results without artificial additives or harmful chemicals.
Easy to mix and apply, this powder transforms hair with deep, rich tones while promoting a healthier look and feel. Whether used alone or blended with henna for customized shades, Just Jaivik Indigo Powder offers a simple, organic way to refresh your style.
Quantity | 0.5 lb / 227g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item |
Color | Orange, Red |
Form | Powder |
Pros:
Triple-sifted powder
100% pure henna with no added ingredients
Imported from India
Cons:
Some Amazon reviewers say they received an expired product
Imported directly from India, this henna is processed using the traditional cloth sifting method to produce the finest powder possible. Plus, this product is 100% natural and contains no harsh chemicals or artificial additives, yielding optimal haircare and nourishment.
Some reviewers complained that the bag doesn’t come with instructions, so they recommend watching online tutorials to figure out how to apply it. Meanwhile, many were pleased that the powder was so fine that it mixed easily into a smooth paste.
Quantity | 30g each |
---|---|
Number of Items | 3 item/s |
Color | Reddish Brown |
Form | Paste |
Achieve stunning, natural hair color with ALMAS Pure & Natural Henna Hair Color Paste. This ready-to-use henna paste eliminates the hassle of mixing powders, offering a seamless coloring experience with a triple-sifted formula for smooth application. Perfect for those seeking a chemical-free alternative, it imparts a rich reddish-brown hue while being gentle on hair prone to dryness, damage, or split ends. With henna's plant-based benefits, you'll enjoy not just color but also nourished and healthy locks.
Designed for superior color payoff, this henna paste provides results that deepen beautifully over 24-48 hours for a lasting glow. Its all-natural composition ensures gradual and safe color development, ideal for anyone looking for a smarter alternative to harsh chemical dyes. With a satisfaction guarantee and a commitment to quality, this henna paste brings vibrant color and confidence to every application.
Quantity | 0.5 lb / 227g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item |
Color | Red, Auburn |
Form | Powder |
Pros:
Triple-sifted powder
Certified organic, vegan, kosher, and produced in an FDA registered facility
100% organic henna powder with no added ingredients
Leaves carefully hand picked for quality
Cons:
This henna powder is 100% pure and USDA certified organic. Plus, the leaves are hand picked to give you the best quality possible. This powder is also triple-sifted, making it easy to mix into water.
A few reviewers didn't see any changes in their hair color, even subtle ones. Meanwhile, many commented that the dye strengthened their hair and was gentle on the scalp. Many also found that the color was relatively vibrant and lasted for a long time.
Quantity | 200g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 1 item |
Color | Red, Orange |
Form | Powder |
Pros:
No ammonia, metallic salts, or synthetic dyes
Effective gray coverage
Nourishing properties for healthier-looking hair
Cons:
Application process can be time-consuming and messy
Elevate your hair coloring experience with high quality, pure henna powder from The Henna Guys. This natural hair dye offers a gentler alternative to chemical dyes. With triple-sifted powder that's ammonia-free, metallic salt-free, and synthetic dye-free, it provides vibrant red and orange hues while also nourishing your hair.
Customer reviews praise its effectiveness in covering gray hair without causing damage, along with its impressive color payoff and long-lasting results. While the application process may be time-consuming, the benefits of using this henna powder, including its health benefits and natural ingredients, make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a safe and effective hair coloring solution.
Quantity | 10g |
---|---|
Number of Items | 6 items |
Color | Black |
Form | Powder |
Pros:
Ammonia-free
Color only fades gradually
Easy to clean after application
Cons:
Ingredients not listed on Amazon or other sites
Application process may be messy, especially with brush provided
Elevate your hair coloring routine with Vatika Henna Hair Color in Rich Black. Each sachet, containing 10g of henna powder, provides vibrant color without the harshness of ammonia, making it ideal for covering grays and adding richness to your hair. While it lacks a clear ingredients list on Amazon or Walmart, users praise this product's ability to cover grays effectively, with some achieving up to 85% coverage with just one pack.
The product has a unique scent reminiscent of matcha or green tea, offering a pleasant experience during application. However, applying the dye may be challenging for some, as reviews have stated that the provided brush was too small, leading to a messy application. Despite this, users appreciated the gradual fading of color and the absence of damage typically associated with chemical dyes. Also, the ease of cleaning and minimal staining make it a convenient choice for at-home coloring. With consistent use of this product, many have reported healthier, more resilient hair.
Quantity | 3.25 oz |
---|---|
Number of Items | 4 item/s |
Color | Reddish Brown |
Form | Paste |
Discover the beauty of Neeta’s all-natural henna cones, perfect for achieving a rich, long-lasting reddish-brown hue without the use of chemical dyes. Made from the finest henna leaves and herbal ingredients, these cones are enriched with Nilgiri and Clove oils for added vibrancy and nourishment. Each pack includes four ready-to-use cones with a shelf life of up to one year, offering convenience and superior quality. Whether for hair roots or intricate body art, the smooth application ensures effortless creativity.
Neeta’s henna delivers results that evolve over time, darkening from an initial orange to a deep, luscious brown within 1-2 days. The color lasts up to 12 days, gradually fading for a natural look. Ideal for festivals, parties, and creative expression, these premium cones comply with cosmetic regulations and are safe for all occasions. Bring a touch of artistry and tradition to your hair or skin with Neeta’s henna cones, crafted for excellence and fun!
Some people think henna is messy to deal with, but not really! Just follow our tips and you will see how easy it is!
First and foremost, you need to calculate how much henna you need for your hair. People with thick and curly hair need more powder than those with regular or thin hair.
Besides your hair texture, the length of your hair is another factor to consider as well. For short hair, four and a half tablespoons would suffice, but shoulder-length hair might need about eight tablespoons. But don't stress out too much, since you can always make some more if needed!
For this step, just grab a heat-resistant bowl, put in your henna powder, and mix in warm water until the mixture achieves a pudding-like consistency that is easy enough to spread evenly on your hair.
Try not to make the mixture too watery, since your henna will probably slide off your hair strands. Also, apply the mixture when it's still warm. The paste might harden once it cools down, so re-heat if you find it too tough to deal with.
To achieve the best results, ensure that your hair is clean and thoroughly dry before dyeing! For even distribution, you might want to divide your hair into sections and apply the paste starting from your roots.
Once your hair is thoroughly coated with henna, cover it with a shower cap for about two to three hours. Keeping your hair warm will help release the dye much better. And the more you wait, the darker and richer your color becomes!
However, the curing time varies between products, so check the instructions for more details.
When rinsing out your henna, refrain from using any shampoos or conditioners with sulfates, chlorines or alcohols, since they have strong cleansing properties and can wash away your color.
You should use cold water to help seal in the color tones as well. Usually, the color will develop after 48 hours of application, so be patient if you haven't seen your desired shade yet.
Want to take care of your henna-dyed hair? Check out our articles for some products that will give you the color and conditioning you want without any trouble.
No. 1: Surya Brasil|Henna Cream
No. 2: Zenia Herbal|Zenia|100% Natural Henna Cones
No. 3: Reshma Beauty, Inc.|Reshma|30 Minute Henna - Natural Black Semi-Permanent Hair Color|319
No. 4: HNCO Organics Pvt. Ltd.|Just Jaivik|100% Organic Indigo Powder
No. 5: HNCO Organics Pvt. Ltd.|H&C Herbal Ingredients Expert|100% Natural and Pure Henna Powder
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