10 Best Henna Hair Dye Products [Full Buying Guide]
Published by Aida Turner
Fact checked by Annie
Henna is derived from the henna plant or lawsonia inermis. It’s commonly known in its powder form and turned into a thick paste to stain the skin.
Henna powder has gained so much popularity as a beauty product even back in the day. From locals to fashion icons and celebrities, it is used to add a touch of style, especially as temporary tattoos. Aside from this, henna powder is also commonly used as a hair dye and care product.
Unlike a traditional hair dye, henna is a natural hair dye that’s free from harsh chemicals.
By using hair dyes derived from natural henna powder, the hair won’t be at risk of getting damaged and dull. In fact, it has PLENTY of benefits to keep it conditioned and healthy!
If you’re considering using henna powder as your natural hair dye, you can choose from a pool of options on the market.
But, if you find it difficult to find the best henna hair dyes for your needs, don’t worry!
We’re here to recommend our top 10 henna color dye products, plus a bonus guide on henna hair coloring.
Zenia Pure Natural Henna Dye
- Highly pigmented
- Body art quality
- Customizable
The Henna Guys Pure Henna Powder
- Triple sifted henna powder
- Vegan and gluten-free formula
- Uses clean herbal pigments
H&C Natural Henna Powder
- More pigmented than other brands
- Cheap price for big amounts
- Can be customized with add-ins
Top 10 Best Henna Hair Dye Products
There are lots of henna dyes available on the market. You can choose from different brands and colors depending on your preference.
With the endless choices up for sale, both online and in retail stores, picking the best henna hair dyes that work for you can be quite tricky.
That’s why we rounded up the 10 best henna hair dyes that work perfectly in their own ways.
Find out which brand you should get for a natural colorful touch!
Best Henna Hair Dye Products | Colors Available | |
Best Overall | Zenia Pure Henna Dye | Natural red |
Runner-Up | The Henna Guys Pure Henna Powder | Dark brown, medium brown, deep red, jet black, light brown, burgundy, auburn, natural red, wine red, orange-red, mahogany |
Best Value | H&C 100% Natural Henna Powder | Natural red |
Best for Gray Hairs | Henna Maiden Radiant Natural Red Hair Color | Black, light blonde, dark blue, auburn brown, wine red, ginger red, bronze copper, strawberry blonde, mahogany, dark brown, chestnut, golden brown |
Best for Hair Growth | Godrej Nupur Henna | Natural red |
Best for Curly Hair | Mi Nature Henna Powder | Copper |
Best for Dry Hair | Silk & Stone 100% Pure & Natural Henna Powder | Midnight black, dark chocolate, saffron delight, sunset auburn, black cherry, spiced chestnut, lustrous red |
Best for Dark Hair | Surya Brasil Henna Dark Brown Cream | Dark brown, light brown, reddish dark blonde, red, light blonde, golden brown, burgundy, ash blonde, chocolate, black, marsala, swedish blonde |
Best for Henna Formula | Just Jaivik | Natural red |
Most Color Options | Rainbow Henna Hair Color | Black, blonde, burgundy, copper, dark brown, light brown, mahogany, marigold blonde, neutral, red, sherry, strawberry blonde |
1. Zenia Pure Henna Dye – Best Overall
Detailed review
Overall, the henna hair color we HIGHLY recommend is from Zenia. It has the most pigmented formula among henna dyes we reviewed, and it’s also body art quality.
This brand is also relatively easy to apply and wash out as it creates a smooth and thick paste that doesn’t leave lumps and bits of powder on the mixture.
Zenia has a natural red tone. But, it can be customized to achieve a deeper brown or black color by adding indigo. You can also add amla powder to condition the hair strands and scalp.
This brand offers good gray coverage with darker shade options and a strongly pigmented formula. It’s also free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for different hair types.
Main ingredients
- Triple sifted pure henna powders
This premium quality powder is a perfect natural alternative to traditional dye. It adds vibrant color and a long-lasting stain without causing harm.
If you’re a body art fan, Zenia would also come in pretty handy as it doubles its functions for you.
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- Body art quality
- Customizable for darker shades
- Easy to rinse
The Cons
- Limited color options
Feedback from Experts and Users
“Covered up my grays and dull brown hair. Love the shine! I’ve washed it 4 times…it’s still very red! Greys still covered!” – Anonymous, Amazon
2. The Henna Guys Pure Henna Powder – Runner-Up
Detailed review
This brand is our runner-up on the best henna. It has VARIOUS color options, including light and dark shades.
Its smooth powder creates a nice paste that doesn’t leave bits of product. Hence, this formula is also easy to wash off. However, it’s not as pigmented and long-lasting as Zenia.
This brand also uses clean herbal pigments to achieve several hair coloring options. Plus, it’s formulated to be free from harmful chemicals like those in chemical dyes.
Main ingredients
- Henna, myrobalan, amla, false daisy, neem
Aside from henna, this brand includes several natural ingredients that benefit the hair. It’s also organic, which means it’s safe for most hair types.
The same manufacturer of this hair dye also offers other hair care products that perfectly go with it. Hence, you’ll find your go-to hair essentials in one shop.
NOTE: Allergic reactions may still occur despite its natural formula. Perform a skin test first before lathering it thoroughly on your hair.
Pros
- Triple sifted powder
- Vegan and gluten-free formula
- Uses clean herbal pigments
- Multiple color options
The Cons
- Less pigmented
- May take a few applications for a darker shade
Feedback from Experts and Users
“My hair has improved so much after I stopped using all the chemicals. This covers my grays and I can use it often. It makes my grays a reddish blonde which looks like highlights.” – Anonymous, Amazon
3. H&C 100% Natural Henna Powder – Best Value
Detailed review
If you’re looking for henna dyes for the money, H&C is a great option. For a cheap price, you can already get A LOT of products that would suffice several applications and very long hair.
This product is also more pigmented compared to other brands on the market. It yields a brown or purple-toned look, depending on your natural hair color.
However, one thing we dislike about it is its slimy texture when turned into a paste.
Main ingredients
- Henna leaves powder
If you don’t like henna dyes with orange undertones, this brand is for you. It gives off a darker shade than other henna color powders up for sale.
You can purchase this on third-party sites like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay.
Pros
- More pigmented than other brands
- Cheap price for big amounts
- Can be customized with add-ins
The Cons
- Has a slimy texture
- Has a dark undertone and is not copper, which is different from traditional henna dyes
Feedback from Experts and Users
“A little goes a long way when making henna paste. This was my first time making henna. It left a gorgeous stain and I had very little clumping.” – Anonymous, Amazon
4. Henna Maiden Radiant Natural Red Hair Color – Best for Gray Hair
Detailed review
One reason for hair coloring is to cover up gray hair. Hence, to do a perfect job, the formula should have good gray coverage. Luckily, we have the henna dyes from Henna Maiden.
It has several dark shades that work great in concealing gray hair. With this formula, you won’t have to worry about some signs of aging peaking through.
This henna color is also infused with botanicals and other herbs. These are all essential in conditioning the hair strands and keeping a soft and smooth hair texture.
Main ingredients
- Henna, amla, bhringraj, indigo, and neem.
Henna Maiden is also a good natural alternative to chemical dyes that are commonly used to cover up gray hair. It has good gray coverage, and it can also add SHINE and VIBRANCY to your hair.
This formula can also be applied to the beard and body. Hence, this brand is not only for women but men as well. It’s also vegan, organic, and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Has good gray coverage
- Softens and smoothes hair strands
- Vegan, organic, and cruelty-free
The Cons
- Not great for curly hair
- Difficult to rinse
- Stains skin
Feedback from Experts and Users
“I absolutely love and recommend this hair coloring product for covering greys! Everyone loves and compliments my hair color. 💚” – Anonymous, Henna King
5. Godrej Nupur Henna – Best for Hair Growth
Detailed review
If you’re worried about thinning hair, you need a henna color that’s good for stimulating hair growth.
That’s the special thing about Godrej Nupur Henna. Even with its CHEAP price point, manufacturers still infused this formula with essential ingredients that help heal the hair.
It doesn’t only repair the hair. It also promotes hair thickness, plus it aids in darkening the hair.
Main ingredients
- Henna, brahmi, shikakai, aloe vera, methi, bhringraj, amla, neem, hibiscus, and jatamansi.
Godrej Nupur Henna is a great option, especially if your hair was damaged due to a chemical reaction with traditional hair dye.
However, given that henna in this brand is no longer in its pure form, you can expect less pigment and stain.
Pros
- Stimulates hair growth
- Repairs damaged hair
- Good for the hair and scalp
- Budget-friendly
The Cons
- Less pigmented
Feedback from Experts and Users
“Huge bag for great price and all the extra ingredients good for your hair. Contains jaramansi to prevent graying hair – score! And lots of other great things in it. It was ground together well and smelled kind of like tea.” – Anonymous, Amazon
6. Mi Nature Henna Powder – Best for Curly Hair
Detailed review
Mi Nature is a great henna color that keeps the hair shiny and healthy. It’s blended with organic ingredients that promote hair health.
It also coats hair strands properly for an even henna application and pigmentation.
Hence, it’s the brand we HIGHLY recommend for people with curly hair. Other than the fact that it won’t cause damage, it also won’t alter curly hair.
Main ingredients
- Henna
This FDA-approved brand is proven to be safe. It also has strong pigmentation on lighter hair colors.
But, unlike other henna hair colors, Mi Nature has a slightly unusual smell and its tone may appear more saffron than burgundy, depending on the season.
Pros
- Doesn’t alter curly hair
- Coats hair evenly
- Strong pigmentation on lighter hair
- Promotes healthy hair
The Cons
- More saffron tone
- Has an unusual smell
Feedback from Experts and Users
“Amazing gray hair coverage result – dark brownish red. My hair is much healthier. Feels like Henna is a nursing treatment!” – Anonymous, Amazon
7. Silk & Stone 100% Pure & Natural Henna Powder – Best for Dry Hair
Detailed review
If your hair has been damaged due to harsh chemicals, it’s already high time to switch to a natural option.
Luckily, Silk & Stone offers a hair dye with great conditioning abilities. This leaves a SOFT and SMOOTH hair texture that goes perfectly with dry and dull hair.
After your henna application, you’ll see a reddish-brown tone in your hair. You can also achieve darker hair by adding black henna.
Main ingredients
- Henna
This natural hair dye doesn’t only rejuvenate dry and dull hair; it also PROTECTS it from damage caused by heat. It can also reduce frizz and make hair soft and shiny.
Pros
- Rejuvenates dry and dull hair
- Reduce frizz
- Protects from damage
- Acts as a natural conditioner
The Cons
- Pricey
Feedback from Experts and Users
“My hair always looks and feels amazing afterwards. (You do get the earthy smell but IMHO it’s kind of nice and far better than the chemical smell of most dyes.) I get lots of compliments, especially in the sunshine!” – Anonymous, Amazon
8. Surya Brasil Henna Dark Brown Cream – Best for Dark Hair
Detailed review
This henna cream from Surya Brasil has many dark color options. This can help you achieve dark hair and cover gray hair.
It’s also infused with essential ingredients like aloe and arnica flower extracts to smoothen the hair.
Another thing to love about it is the fact that it’s cream-based. You no longer need to worry about messy mixes and applications.
Main ingredients
- Henna, aloe and arnica extracts, essential oils
This formula is not the cleanest option you can get to yield the best results. But, if you’re looking for a chemical-free and cheap alternative, this brand can give you a good head start.
Pros
- Easy application
- Available in several dark color options
- Nourishes hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t use the best ingredients
Feedback from Experts and Users
“A beautiful, true dark brown without the red, and I’m now on week 3 without my greys showing through.” – Anonymous, Amazon
9. Just Jaivik – Simplest Henna Formula
Detailed review
If you wish for a natural alternative that’s straight-up henna, this brand is what we can recommend. It gives you that henna glow you can get from traditional henna dyes.
Its green powder cures into a rich auburn color with warm water. Such a natural auburn tone can be achieved a few weeks after application.
Main ingredients
- Henna
This formula is perfect for those who wish for a henna glow on their dark hair while still covering grays.
It’s also different from other brands as it requires you to apply the paste in dry instead of wet hair.
Pros
- Applied on dry hair
- Simple formula and free from irritants
The Cons
- Has a strong orange pigment
Feedback from Experts and Users
“I like the natural smell of henna it produces. The scent incites the feel of purity. The powder is also very soft. The longer time it is soaked the color will be more deep.” – Anonymous, Amazon
10. Rainbow Henna Hair Color – Most Color Options
Detailed review
If you’re wishing to have either dark, red, or blonde hair, you must find a dye with multiple color options. Good thing Rainbow is available in several shades, from the lightest to the darkest.
It’s a great alternative to synthetic dyes that are full of harsh chemicals. This does not only add a touch of vibrancy to your hair. But, it promotes healthy hair too.
With this, you can achieve a rich auburn color, a chocolatey brown, or a bright blonde.
Main ingredients
- Neutral henna, chamomile
This brand can create a chunky paste that is strongly pigmented. Hence, it’s a perfect substitute for your hair dyes, especially if you don’t want the usual red tone of henna.
This also works on gray hair and will last you up to 6 weeks with proper care.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Use natural ingredients
The Cons
- Thick and chunky paste
- Messy application
Feedback from Experts and Users
“I use this because I think it is safer than most hair colors on the market. It is basically a permanent color. May see some color in shampooing a couple times after applying.” – Anonymous, Amazon
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Henna Hair Dyes
There are several things you must consider when choosing the best henna dyes. But for us, these two are the major criteria to consider:
#1 Color
Typically henna dyes have a red tint. But, you can customize it to achieve a darker shade by adding indigo or black henna. Black henna is a common add-in to mute the reddish tone.
You can customize the henna’s color yourself by purchasing black henna and amla to mix with the paste.
Yet, you can opt for brands that offer different shades, like blonde, golden brown, and mahogany.
Manufacturers use natural pigment to add color. However, some may include synthetic additives that could irritate and harm your hair and scalp.
The PURE FORM of henna dye is a much safer option. But, if you want to add a touch of color, consider brands that use all-natural ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.
#2 Type
There are two common types of henna dye: Powder and Cream. Usually, if you look for pure form henna, you’ll most likely get the powder.
Powder needs to be cured in warm water for a few hours. Hence, you’ll need A LOT of time to prepare before you can dye your hair.
If you wish for convenience, you can opt for the cream type. However, this is no longer pure henna. It may already be infused with chemical products and blends.
Powder types may be a tough nut to crack, but it gives you enough quality control than creams.
The Benefits – Why Should You Use a Henna Hair Dye?
Henna has A LOT of benefits to your hair. It’s a chemical-free dye that won’t dry or damage your hair. Instead, it makes it look vibrant, bouncy, and soft.
There are brands that can improve hair texture, while others are good at stimulating hair growth. It’s also effective in covering up gray hair like synthetic dyes, yet it’s a safer choice.
Henna can also act as a natural conditioner that would nourish your hair.
Definitely, every hair strand is revitalized, your scalp is replenished, and you’ll get that natural glow on your hair!
Before and After
Here are a few photos of people who used henna to dye their hair:
When covering gray hair
When applied to light hair
When applied to brown hair
The Side Effects and Cons of Henna Hair Dye
Although henna is a natural product, it may still cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Some users also reported experiencing hair fallout after using.
Henna can even have a few health effects, especially when you apply it WITHOUT using a face mask. Leaving it OVERNIGHT may result in:
- Mucus build-up
- Coughs and colds
- Neck and shoulder aches
Other users also experienced damage and dryness on their hair shaft. But, the good thing is, the hair shaft can still grow back after being damaged.
Is Henna Good for Your Hair?
Henna is ABSOLUTELY better compared to synthetic dyes. It’s made of natural ingredients, which means it’s chemical-free. It’s also free from potential irritants that may cause hair damage.
This formula is also rich in antioxidants and proteins that are all beneficial to hair health.
Henna is sometimes infused with a cooling agent that greatly helps with headaches and dries out excess oil on the scalp that causes dandruff.
How to Apply Henna on Hair
Henna is fairly easy to apply to the hair. You only need to follow 3 easy steps!
NOTE: Application may differ across different products. Make sure to follow product-specific instructions if ever there are any.
Step 1: Cure the Powder
As previously mentioned, henna needs curing. To do this, you only need to mix the powder with lukewarm water. Some also add black tea or lemon juice to yield better results.
There are brands that should be cured for up to 6 hours, while some have to be cured OVERNIGHT. After which, you can already apply the paste to your hair.
You should also ensure you get the exact amount for your hair length. Every length requires different proportions for better coverage.
PRO TIP: Cure the henna overnight if you want darker results. You can also customize it with black henna and amla.
Step 2: Apply Paste and Wait
Once the henna becomes a paste, you can already apply it to your hair. Use gloves and a brush to coat every strand evenly.
When you’re already sure that your hair is evenly coated, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Keep your hair away from your skin, as it may leave a stain.
Allow your hair to absorb the pigment for up to 4 hours. You may not want to leave it for too long as it may cause irritation to some users.
Step 3: Rinse It Off
When the time is up, rinse the henna paste with water. DO NOT use shampoo when rinsing your hair, as it may strip off the color.
You may use a conditioner with plant-based ingredients, especially if the formula you’re using can make your hair appear dry and frizzy.
You can continue using your usual hair care products 24 to 48 hours after the henna application.
Alternative Options for Henna Hair Dyes
The biggest rival of henna in hair coloring is synthetic dyes. It’s a popular choice, especially among the younger generation who love to play with different shades and colors.
However, the downside of a hair dye with synthetic ingredients is the probability of having harmful chemicals that would IRRITATE the skin, scalp, and hair.
Most of these ingredients can strip away the natural oils of the hair, while some may result in dandruff or frizzy hair.
Getting exposed to harmful chemicals is also a MAJOR health risk. Studies have shown that it can result in certain types of cancer that can greatly deteriorate one’s quality of life!
That’s why going for natural alternatives, like henna, is a much better option.
Even if it doesn’t lighten the hair as much as synthetic hair products, it can still give a vibrant touch to the hair.
It can also promote hair health by making it appear more bouncy and smooth. It conditions the hair efficiently and helps it to grow thicker and stronger.
If you wish to ditch that boring auburn tone, there are many brands on the market that are available in different shades.
Conclusion – Why Do We Consider Zenia the Best?
Henna works wonders for your hair. It adds vibrancy and color while nourishing the hair all at once. With any of the products above, you’re sure that your hair is not at risk of any kind of damage, especially if you opt to purchase its pure form.
Overall, Zenia is our top choice. Other than the fact that it’s a natural choice to dye your hair with, it’s also VERY PIGMENTED for the best gray hair coverage.
Besides that, it can be customized to achieve a darker brown or black shade. Plus, it’s also body art quality!
This brand also creates a very smooth paste that’s easy to rinse, and it doesn’t clump on your hair and leave residue on your scalp, too.
Although it lacks other color options, you’re assured that this can give you the most natural experience.
Zenia is probably the best brand we can recommend to any hair type!
Zenia Pure Natural Henna Dye
- Highly pigmented
- Body art quality
- Customizable
Frequently Asked Questions
Henna is a truly popular product used to dye hair and skin, especially in the Middle East. In this article, we highlighted the several benefits you can enjoy when you opt for this product.
If you ask us, we won’t think twice and just go for the natural choice. But, if you still have a few questions about henna, we’ll gladly answer them for you!
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!