The best henna hair dye for a new natural alternative

If, like us, you're tired of the damage that comes with box dye, then why not try the best henna hair dye as a natural alternative? The best hair dye won't ruin your locks, in fact, some even condition your hair while you colour it. Henna actually protects it by binding with the hair’s cuticle and strengthening it from within. Who'd have thought?

An age-old method for colouring your hair, it's one of the oldest forms of pigmentation out there. Henna is an all-natural, plant-based dye. In other words, it's a fab alternative to the dyes that are full of chemicals and strip your hair's protective barrier. It's made with the leaves of the Henna plant, which are crushed into a powder and combined with a liquid to form a thick, green paste.

Closer's best henna hair dyes at a glance:

Editor's Choice: It's Pure Organic Henna Hair Dye in Strawberry Blonde, £13.95 on Amazon

Best budget henna hair dye: Rainbow Research Henna Hair Colour in Medium Brown, £7.10 on iHerb

Best pure henna hair dye: H&C Pure Natural Henna, £8.99 on Amazon

Pure henna creates more of a red hair dye. But, a combination of other ingredients produces different shade results, from strawberry blonde to brunette. There are so many shade choices, and here at Closer, we've made it easier for you by rounding up the best.

So, are you looking to get this season's trending colour with a cowboy copper hair dye? Henna is particularly known for its bold copper hues, so you'll have fresh, new and on-trend 'do in no time. Just, without all of that added damage, and packed full of plant-based goodness instead. The only question is, which colour will you go for?

SHOP: The best henna hair dyes

What to be mindful of with henna hair dye?

Selecting your dye: Always read the ingredients. A chemical called PPD is commonly used in products claiming to be 'black henna' or used in some 'black henna' hair dyes and can cause allergic reactions. Check that any premixed product is made from pure henna and plant dyes, with no additives, chemicals or metallic salts.

Mixing your henna: If you have pure henna instead of premixed henna, you'll have to mix up your dye. Adding certain ingredients will change the outcome of the dye's colour. There are guides on how to mix henna and video tutorials you can watch to help with this part.

Testing your product: Always do a patch test and a strand test in the days before. We don't advise you to colour your hair without doing a patch test. A strand test will give you an idea of what the result will be. Keep in mind, there'll be natural variations using henna dye and it may not be as effective on previously coloured hair or greys.

The development time: This takes a bit longer than your average box dye. Leave the dye on your hair for the time instructed, which is usually anywhere from about three to six hours. Again, the colour result can vary but tends to deepen the longer that you leave it on.

The final shade: Be warned that henna does stay in your hair for some time, as the pigment stains your hair. One thing to be mindful of is that you may have to repeat the process if the shade isn't as vibrant as you'd like the first time around. A final point is that henna cannot lighten hair, so managing your expectations if you're anticipating brand-new blonde locks is for the best.

How to dye your hair with henna from home?

It's no secret that henna is difficult to remove, and no amount of shampoo for stripping hair colour is going to shift it. But, if you're sure about your colour and ready to go, then here are a few steps on how to dye your hair with henna from home:

Step one) Following our tips above, select your dye. There are two types of henna, pure henna powder and premixed henna powder. Premixed dye is better for beginners, so this is what we'd recommend.

Step two) Put on an old shirt. You'll want something you can button open and something you won't mind the dye dripping onto. Henna is usually a thick paste, so it's sure to get messy.

Step three) Apply a barrier cream around your hairline, ears and the back of your neck. This prevents the dye from staining your skin, but if you do, follow our guide on how to remove hair dye off your skin.

Step four) We recommend you pop on a pair of gloves and use a brush and bowl for application. Sectioning your hair into layers with clips, follow the instructions that come with your henna. Apply it thickly to dry hair.

Step five) Unlike regular box dye, henna takes a lot longer to develop. So, you might want to block out the rest of your afternoon! After the developing time is up, wash your hair as instructed.

If the colour isn't as vibrant as you'd like, repeat the process again a few days later until you get the desired result. Or, use a shampoo for red hair to enhance the colour (if you've gone for a red hue). Et voilà, hair envy pending.

Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Closer magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.