Henna Hair Dye and Natural Hair Colour

Our flagship natural hair dye in store is a henna hair dye from Australian brand Desert Shadow. There are 12 different shades available and they're made from 100% certified organic ingredients, so you can say goodbye to the toxic chemicals like ammonia and bleaching agents found in pharmacy brands and hello to the gentle formulas found in our organic hair dyes.

How does henna hair dye work?

Henna hair dye is a powder made up from the dry leaves of the henna tree. There is a pigment in the henna that likes bonding with keratin, one of the building blocks of your hair cortex and hair cuticle. It creates a layer of sheer colour over the top of your natural colour without changing the colour underneath. Because of this, you cannot lighten your hair with a henna hair dye. You would need to use hydrogen peroxide to lighten your hair.

When you're ready to colour your hair, the powder is dissolved and activated in an acidic liquid to release the dye so it will transfer to your hair. The outer layer of your hair is the cuticle and it's made up of translucent protective scales. Under this is the cortex, made up mainly of keratin. The henna hair dye colours the translucent protective scales and also penetrates through to the cortex. Once the dye is bound with the keratin in your hair, it also works as a UV shield and moisturises your hair.

Henna Hair Dye to cover grey hair

In the case of grey hair, the colour can replace absent melanin giving a true shade of your own colour. Results do vary and thicker hair takes longer to effectively penetrate through to the cortex.

Certified Organic Hair Dye

Made with nature, not chemicals, the range of colour from Desert Shadow is certified organic, plant based, vegan and is gentle on your hair and scalp. Along with the colouring properties, aloe vera is included as a conditioning treatment to make your hair shine and to nourish the keratin in the cortex of your hair.

Semi Permanent or Permanent Coverage from Henna Hair Dye?

Technically these types of organic hair colour provide semi permanent colour coverage because they don't alter the structure of your hair like a permanent colour does. However, after repeated use, the fading will be less and you'll be able to get away with just touching up roots in between full colour treatments. While you won't have a true permanent hair color you will come very close. without the use of harmful chemicals. If you have sensitive skin, natural hair colour is possibly your only option.

Patch Test before full application

There are two reasons why we recommend patch testing before application. The first one is to ensure you're not going to have an allergic reaction to the henna. Even though it's all plant extracts and a natural gentle formula, people can still react to natural ingredients. The second reason for patch testing is to test the colouring on your hair. Is the colour going to be vibrant enough? Did you choose the right colour? How long do you need to leave it on for? You will answer all these questions with a patch test.