Natural dyes: henna, mud, vegetable oils ... which one do I choose?

Henna is back

Do you want to go from hair to hair? Are you looking for a respectful dye with your hair? Well, you're in luck, because there is an upward trend: organic coloring (more than 95% natural ingredients); and the vegan, totally vegetable and without testing on animals.

And yes, the salon has got the henna back! Some permanent (oxidative) dyes contain chemicals that can damage hair. That is why the ancient henna (a plant from India) is a good option as it is a natural pigment that respects the hair's own keratin. You can find it as pure henna (Lawsona inermis), whose crushed leaves release a coppery dye, or as "neutral henna". In fact, this is another plant (Cassia obovata), which is colorless and just adds shine.

Of course, keep in mind that the final color always depends on your natural base and if the henna is mixed with other plants that will tone the tone. If it is brown, for example, it will acquire a copper tone, and if it is blonde, it will look more alive.

Is it the same as pimples?

Sometimes the name of mud is used as a synonym for henna, but while in this coloration only crushed plants are used in powder, other organic ingredients are also incorporated in the mud: clays, woods and minerals.

And yes, henna is the most popular, but other plants can also be used to nuance the color . For example, indigo with blue and violet tones is perfect for dark hair. Walnut enhances chestnut trees and hibiscus enhances coppers. Black tea helps to darken the tone and chamomile keeps the blondes.

"Oil" paints

It is another alternative to conventional dyes. The formulas are much more natural, although some may include silicones to make hair shine more. Its ingredients are usually plants and oils (calendula, almond, argan) that improve the fixation of pigments.

Are you confused and don't know which is the most correct choice? Organic, vegetable, vegan … Whatever its name, make sure that the color offers at least 95% natural ingredients and does not include ammonia or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum, paraffins).

How henna and pimples work

Both henna and pimples act differently than chemical coloring when applied. Colorists mix henna powders or clay ingredients with hot water and obtain a poultice that is left to act for one or two hours, depending on the desired shade. The time is longer because the hair, which is porous, is allowed to absorb the natural pigments. Chemical dyes, however, work by opening the cuticle and altering the structure of the hair.

Good option if you have fine hair

In the event that you have few gray hairs and your hair is not very dense, vegetable dyes "can act almost like a treatment", says Sandra Vivancos, creator of the Henna Morena firm. "Henna strengthens the root of the hair, increasing the thickness of the hair and providing a greater sensation of volume," he says.

Henna and pimples can also be applied to colored hair, but with a number of conditions in mind. If the dye used does not contain ammonia, the henna and the mud will brighten the tone and give the hair more shine. If the dye you are wearing includes ammonia, you should wait a couple of weeks, otherwise, the vegetable dyes may not pigment enough. If you have bleached the base to go from dark to blonde, wait better to return to your natural tone to apply henna or pimples.

Advantages and limits of henna

As it does not have ammonia, it does not damage the hair and can even help to regain its vitality. However, if you buy it, you should make sure that it does not contain any chemical components, such as metallic salts, because they can alter the result or damage the hair. Henna usually lasts less time than conventional dyes, but it is ideal if we want to tone the tone of our hair in the most natural way.

All about henna

It doesn't cover gray hair like chemical dye, but it does hide it. The advantage is that, when the pigment gradually fades with the washes, it turns gray hair into subtle reflections and the root effect is avoided. Henna is not recommended for hair with more than 50% gray hair. In addition, it only acts on the natural tone of the hair, making it brighter or darker.

But if you are brown or brunette and you want to dye yourself blonde it is not possible. You always have to bleach your hair beforehand to get such light colors. Can you do it at home? Only if you are very sure of the tone you are going to get. If not, it is best to put yourself in the hands of professionals. There is no fixed color chart and the result may vary depending on your natural base or if your hair is more or less porous. The absorption is different and can alter the intensity of the color.

In professional hands

If you want a natural result or with very specific nuances, it is best to turn to the experts. In the salon they will make a previous diagnosis of your hair and will know if in your case it is better to use henna, mud or a natural coloring with vegetable oils and without ammonia. The new colorists are true alchemists.

Keep the color

Many times we complain that the color of our dye fades right away. Be careful with the heat! Not only washings cause color loss, abuse of irons and dryer also cause wear. To maintain its intensity for as long as possible it is important that at home we use appropriate products and, of course, the more natural, the better, because the hair will look healthier and shinier. If you keep reading you will find the best eco products to enliven and maintain the color of your hair.

Pro Color Mask

Deep treatment mask to protect colored hair. In just 3 minutes it restores the health of the hair, leaving it softer, hydrated and shiny. Contains orchid and apricot seeds to protect the color.

Biolage ColorLast Pack, € 16

100% brunette henna

Henna with Lavender and Orange Blossom from Henna Morena, ideal for brown hair, provides softness and volume.

Henna by Henna Brunette, € 18.50

Vegetable dye

Logona Naturkosmetik Hair Coloring Cream is 100% vegetable, with ingredients such as henna or chamomile.

Herbal Hair Color by Logona Naturkosmetik, € 22.33

Protective spray

Helps prevent loss of color or oxidation by protecting hair from daily environmental factors that weaken hair.

Moroccan Oil Protection and Prevention Spray, € 22.98

Hair balm

Contains Rhodiola Rosea Root, which provides nutrition and repair to colored hair.

Intense Color Balm Flora Siberica by Natura Siberica, € 10.95

For light blondes

With plant extract and grapeseed oil, this shampoo enhances the color of light blondes.

Crystal.Angel by Kevin.Murphy, € 36.60

Capillary infusion

Due to its high tannin content, it helps maintain the color of dark hair. How does it apply? After making the infusion in half a liter of water, apply it to dry hair when it is warm, soaking the hair well. After 20 min, it is rinsed.

Henna Brunette Formula No. 4, € 7.10

Cream coloring

Cream coloring with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and jojoba oil, does not contain ammonia and covers gray hair.

My.Organics Colorganics, € 18

Spray serum

It is a thermal protector, provides shine, hydration and vitality, and helps maintain color for longer.

Goldwell Brilliance Serum Spray, € 12.80

The hairdresser has returned to bet on henna, pimples and coloring with vegetable oils and we could not be more happy! In this article you will find everything you need to know about the new organic and vegan coloring, about henna, pimples and vegetable oils. Do you fancy a makeover?

What are natural dyes for?

While permanent dyes contain chemicals that can damage hair, henna respects the hair's own keratin . Sometimes the name of mud is used as a synonym for henna, but while in this coloration only crushed plants are used in powder, other organic ingredients are also incorporated into the mud, such as clays, woods and minerals.

Both henna and pimples act differently than chemical coloring when applied. Chemical dyes work by opening the cuticle and altering the structure of the hair, so henna is a good option, especially if you have fine hair.

After coloring, you must take care of the hair with suitable products . To maintain the intensity of the color for as long as possible, it is important that we use specific cosmetics at home and, of course, the more natural the better, because this way the hair will look healthier and shinier.

The ingredients that help retain the color longer in your hair are rice proteins, nutrients, protective oils, such as argan or almond; hydrating actives, such as aloe vera, and antioxidants (grape or pomegranate). When you go out, don't forget the color protection sprays! They neutralize the free radicals generated by pollution, while protecting against ultraviolet rays. They both bleach hair.

And if you need more information on how to get healthy hair, discover EVERYTHING you need to know about the famous onion shampoo and sulfate-free shampoos.