10 Best Henna Hair Dyes That Are Long-Lasting (2024)
Cool hena offers your tresses a spunky natural tint while stimulating hair growth!
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.
Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Experience: 2 yearsPooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Image: Shutterstock
You have come to the right place if you are looking for the best henna hair dyes. There are so many such semi-permanent hair dyes out there filled with harsh chemicals that damage your hair that we don’t blame you for searching for a gentler, more natural alternative. In fact, some of these products go to the extent of causing itchy scalp and dry hair, which is why henna dye is a preferred option. They have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties which help to reduce dandruff, scalp issues, and soothe irritated scalp. Made from ammonia-free chemicals and organic ingredients, henna dyes are suitable long-term. Henna is a multi-functional ingredient that also gives you a more natural, golden glow. Plus, they are known as natural conditioners that help nourish the mane and add beauty to your locks. If you want your hair to look lovely without any damage, refer to our list of natural henna dyes available online right now. Scroll down to know more!
How Does Henna Hair Dye Work?
You may have heard a lot about using henna powder to dye your hair, but before you start colouring, make sure you know exactly what henna is. Henna is a natural hair dye, made from the lawsonia inermis shrub, that’s been used for centuries for body art, staining material…and hair dye! However, there are a few variations of henna when it comes to colouring your hair, so it’s essential that you know the types.
- Pure henna powder
- Black and brown henna hair dye
- Red henna
- Blonde henna
- Henna for grey hair
10 Best Henna Hair Dyes To Buy In 2024
In This Article
1. Best Preservative-Free: Orange Red Henna Hair Dye
This is the purest form of henna available out there, no additives whatsoever. It provides you 100% pure quality henna that can be used to dye hair. All Ingredients are 100% natural and plant-based. It can also be mixed in different proportions to form lighter and dark color shades.
Pros
- 100% Natural
- Cruelty free
- 100% Vegan
- PPD free
- Preservative free
Cons
- None
"This hair dye addresses grays and offers a subtly warm highlight effect. I love that the dye comes without harsh chemicals. It does not irritate my hair or scalp or cause buildup. I like its scent, which is earthy and tolerable, and the skin remains unstained during application."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 4,874 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
2. Best For Dry And Dull Hair: The Henna Guys Pure Henna Powder
This henna hair care powder naturally contains a red pigment that is used to dye hair and skin. It provides a rich warm hue that can cover gray strands well. Besides, it leaves your hair soft, silky and nourished. Many reviewers on various e-commerce platforms have noted the excellent conditioning properties of this product. Its effect lasts longer than other henna dyes.
Pros
- Revitalizes dry and dull hair
- A vegan product
- Rejuvenates your hair
- Adds softness to the hair
- Free of harmful chemicals
Cons
- None
"This henna hair dye covers my grays without affecting the darker strands. Now my hair has a deeper tone as I applied the dye two times. It was easy to apply and did not stain the skin as much. I liked its natural, earthy scent which does not trigger any sensitivities."
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 4,874 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
3. Best Conditioning: Silk & Stone 100% Pure & Natural Henna Powder
Silk & Stone Henna is a 100% pure henna powder. It leaves a rich reddish tone and can be used with indigo for brown and black hair color. This high-quality henna powder has a conditioning and shine-enhancing formula that refreshes your hair and improves the texture of each strand with every use. To understand the nuances of the henna hair color in detail, you can check out this review.
Pros
- Conditions & nourishes the hair
- Adds softness to the hair
- Strengthens the hair
- Makes hair shiny and healthy
- Reduces split ends
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- None
"This hair dye formula is great for subtle gray strands. I use the henna overnight with lemon and ginger, which also removes the scent from the raw dye. It gives me a great color payoff with lasting coverage."
Did You Know?| Orange Red Henna Hair Dye Best Preservative-Free | The Henna Guys Pure Henna Powder Best For Dry And Dull Hair | Silk & Stone 100% Pure & Natural Henna Powder Best Conditioning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Red / Orange | Pure Henna | Orange,Brown,Burgundy |
| Dimensions | 8.07 x 4.8 x 1.65 inches | - | - |
| Hair Type | - | Normal | All |
| Dimensions | - | 8.3 x 5.7 x 1 inches | 4 x 2 x 4 inches |
| Weight | - | 7.05 Ounces | 3.53 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,874 | 4,874 | 364 |
| Price | $14.97 | $11.97 | $10.75 |
4. Best Long-Lasting: Mihenna Henna Powder for Hair
Mihenna USDA Certified Organic Henna Powder is a safe and effective alternative to chemical hair dyes. It promises beautiful, vibrant results with its finely milled, triple-sifted powder. The affordable henna hair dye provides long-lasting hues on the hair and is free from additives, preservatives, and chemicals. Although organic, the sealed packaging guarantees freshness for up to three months.
Pros
- Organic
- Vegan
- Climate-friendly
- Easy to use
- USDA certified
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- None
"I applied this henna dye and kept it overnight. It offered a striking color that revitalized my hair's appearance. Its initial strong smell faded quickly and did not bother me as much. I liked it as a healthy color option and may use it again to get a darker tone."
5. Best For Hair Growth: Godrej Nupur Henna
Godrej Nupur Henna is a natural mehandi that is packed with nourishing ingredients like amla, brahmi, and bhringraj. It conditions each strand from the root to the tip, and adds intenserich color to your hair. Besides, it helps promote hair growth and controls hair fall. It claims to make your hair stronger and healthier with use.
Pros
- Fades gracefully
- Highly pigmented
- Mess-free application
- Adds gloss to your hair
Cons
- None
"The henna gives a lovely hue when caught in sunlight. Its scent is milder and does not trigger my headache. It is easy to apply and takes very little time to settle on my hair. It did not stain my hands or my neck while I was applying it. A great purchase indeed."
6. Best For Gray Coverage: Henna Maiden Radiant Natural Red Hair Color
Henna Maiden Hair Dye claims its brand as “Nature’s Way to Cover Grey”. The unique blend of henna and natural herbs creates an enriching hair coloring experience. Henna Maiden comes with mixable shades that help you to create various styles. If you want rich, luscious, and shiny hair use this special blend of natural henna made with essential herbs and botanicals.
Pros
- Improves hair texture
- Provides a natural glow to your hair
- Pigmented
- fades gracefully
Cons
- Availability issues
7. Best Eco-Friendly: H And C 100% Natural Henna Powder
H And C 100% Natural Henna Powder is processed to apply smoothly on hair without clogging. It is free of chemicals like parabens and other synthetic components. It is easy to apply. Mix the henna hair care powder with water to create a thick paste. Leave it for approximately 3 to 4 hours. Apply the paste on hair and leave it on for 3 hours. Rinse off thoroughly with water.
Pros
- Contains certified organic ingredients
- Free of ammonia and harsh chemicals
- Safe and easy to use
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- None
"This henna is quick to use and softens the hair over time. It gives a brassy color initially, which softens with time. It gently covers my strands and gives a reddish shine to my dark hair without the need for styling products. I keep it overnight at times for an even-toned finish."
Pro Tip8. Best Chemical-Free: Surya Brasil Henna Cream Black
Surya Brasil Henna Hair Cream contains extracts of plants and fruits from Brazil and India. It conditions your hair as it applies. This semi-permanent hair color doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, parabens, etc. It keeps your hair healthy and smooth with use. It is suitable for all hair types and can be applied on chemically-treated hair as well.
Pros
- Chemical-free
- Cruelty-free
- Conditions dry and damaged hair
- Improves hair and scalp health
Cons
- Not long lasting
"This natural henna product is a good alternative to harsh chemicals. It is gentle on my scalp and makes my hair very soft. It is easy to use and does not stain my clothes. The color faded quicker than standard dyes, the first time I used it. It stayed for more than 2 months the next time. I also did regular touch-ups to keep the color from fading away."
9. Best Easy-To-Apply: Light Mountain Natural Hair Color & Conditioner, Bright Red
Light Mountain Natural Hair Color Kit is the perfect alternative to chemical hair colors. It is a natural, fine, botanical henna powder that glides on the strands like a cream. There is no stripping, or roughness. It is a lightweight henna for all hair types.
Pros
- Contains herbal extracts
- Nourishes your hair thoroughly
- Covers all grays
- No hair damage
Cons
- Availability issues
"I love this henna dye as it does not irritate my skin or damage my hair in any way. It covers my grays without disturbing my non-gray strands. I use it before any important occasion to make my hair appear even-colored. It also makes my hair softer and healthier."
10. Best Volumizing: Lustrous Henna Dark Brown
Color By Nature Lustrous Henna Dark Brown is nontoxic, safe, and 100% natural vegetable hair dye. Made with natural herbs, it suits every hair type. It provides excellent gray coverage. The henna hair color claims to revive every strand from the root to the tip and rejuvenate the follicles for healthy looking locks. The affordable henna hair dye is loaded with ayurvedic herbs and is free of ammonia, peroxide and other harmful chemicals.
Pros
- 100% pure herbal and botanical extracts
- Nourishes and volumizes hair
- Adds shine
Cons
- No full coverage for gray hair
"This henna dye is easy to use and covers gray hair in no time. It does not irritate my scalp or damage my hair. I have also noticed that it does not strain my clothes or skin. It has a great coverage but I do frequent touch-ups to keep it looking wonderful."
Picking the best henna hair dye can be a difficult decision. There are too many choices, and each one looks great! But what criteria should you use to find a plant-based dye that is right for you? That is where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through things to consider before buying henna hair dyes for rich color.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Henna Hair Dyes
- Quality: High-quality, chemical-free, and non-toxic henna dyes often contain Biotin-Binding Protein (BBP). It allows the henna to stick to the strands well and stay intact. If your dye doesn’t contain BBP, you won’t be able to get the best results from it.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredients present in the henna pack. Natural ingredients like amla, reetha, brahmi, and bhringraj are always recommended to use as they are safe for sensitive skin. Avoid henna with toxic chemicals or ingredients like parabens, ammonia, and artificial dyes.
- Ease of use: Look for a quality henna dye that is long-lasting, easy to apply, spreads easily, dries quickly after application, and stays even on curly hair.
- Price: If you are shopping online, the prices may surprise you. Often you can get a high-quality stain bargain by searching around on Amazon and shopping with coupon codes!
- Packaging: The best traditional hair dyes are made of natural ingredients and are simple to use. Look for low maintenance dyes that come in small bottles with easy-to-follow and full detailed instructions, have no fillers or unnecessary chemicals, and smell pleasant.
- Performance: Always look for the best henna dyes that will give you rich, vibrant, long-lasting color that is easy to maintain. Choose non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and organic henna made with natural ingredients from organic sources.
- Reviews: Good products that are highly rated online often come with testimonials from real people who have used them. See how other customers responded to the henna dyes you are considering buying – this is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the dye works. You can also check various testers’ experiences videos to get an all-round idea about the product you are eyeing.
- Sensitivity Test: Always do a patch test before applying the henna to avoid any discomfort or allergic reactions.
These hennas are suitable for all hair types and can impart rich colors to your hair. To make it easier for you, we have given the application process of henna below. Take a look.
Henna Hair Dye Preparation And Application
Henna is a natural hair colorant, so to get all the benefits from the dye, there are certain steps that you need to follow to accentuate the effects. Follow the steps that are mentioned below. The steps will teach you how to apply henna for grey hair the right way.
Step 1: Prepare A Henna Mask
Step 2: Apply the mask using a pair of gloves.
Step 3: Using a hair dye comb, distribute the product evenly to get an uniform hair color.
Step 4: Put on a shower cap after applying then let it sit.
Step 5: Wash it off.
Read them in detail, here!
Henna Hair Dye Side Effects
- In some rare cases, henna might cause itching and the eruption of boils on the head. If this happens, consult a doctor immediately as it is a medical emergency.
- For some, pure henna may also damage your hair shaft and make it dry.
- It might cause hair breakage, redness of the scalp, and swelling across the body.
- Other common symptoms that you may experience include wheezing, itching, burning and swelling of the skin.
Infographic: Points To Remember When Choosing The Best Henna Hair Dye
Henna hair dye is an organic product that offers impressive coverage quickly. But with so many options available online, finding the right one that suits your requirements is tricky. This infographic will guide you through picking the best henna hair dye for long-lasting coverage without damaging your hair. Scroll down and check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Hair coloring is an age-old process, but the chemicals used in hair dyes turn your hair strands dull and lifeless. Sometimes, they might even trigger allergic reactions. In such cases, a herbal hair dye or natural and chemical-free powder comes as a great savior. Preservative-free henna dyes can revitalize your hair and rejuvenate the hair strands. The dyes are formulated with powerful ingredients and no nasty chemicals. If you are looking for a high-quality option for blonde and medium-brown hair, try the Orange Red Henna Hair Dye. The Light Mountain Natural Hair Color & Conditioner, Bright Red nourishes your hair and provides a bright and vibrant red shade, while the Henna Guys Pure Henna Powder is perfect for those looking to cover their gray locks. Always side with a dermatologist-tested henna dye if you have a sensitive scalp to reduce the risk of allergies and scalp inflammation. Such a dye will also strengthen your hair and make the strands shine. However, you should avoid hair dyes that don’t offer good coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shampoo my hair after henna?
No, do not shampoo your hair after using henna. Just wash it off with some lukewarm water. You may use a gentle shampoo 2-3 days after using henna.
How often can I henna my hair?
Henna usually lasts on your hair for over a month. Hence, you may need to reapply every 3-4 weeks to take care of the roots.
Do you apply henna on wet or dry hair?
Apply henna on towel-dried, slightly damp hair for the best results.
Is it better to put henna on clean or dirty hair?
Always use henna on clean, damp hair.
Can you color over henna hair dye?
Yes, you can use hair color over henna hair dye. However, the true color might not show. Therefore, we recommend removing the henna completely first.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Pooja Karkala is a hair care enthusiast and loves to experiment with hair dyes and highlights. Henna, according to her, is a natural way to add shine to your hair and darken your locks. She compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of all the top products after studying every review available on the market. Henna dyes are formulated from organic ingredients and ammonia-free chemicals that are beneficial to your hair and scalp for the long run.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.