How to Achieve That Dark Brown Shade with Henna?
By Nat Habit
Craving that rich, deep brown hue henna lovers swear by? You're not alone—and the good news is, the secret’s not in synthetic dyes but in doing henna right. When done properly, henna can lend a natural depth and radiance that no chemical color can rival.
Let’s unlock the steps to achieving that darkest, most luscious henna stain, naturally.
Step 1: Start with the Right Henna Base
The deeper your stain, the purer your paste.
Choose triple-sifted, unadulterated henna—preferably from Sojat, Rajasthan, where the soil quality produces some of the most pigment-rich leaves.
Boost stain depth by adding:
- Amla – Encourages cooler undertones
- Manjistha – Enhances richness of red-browns
- Tea or coffee decoction – Acidic medium helps dye release
- Rosemary – Improves scalp health and colour longevity
Or, skip the prep with Nat Habit’s Ready-to-Apply Henna, crafted with these ingredients and no preservatives. Just tear, pour, and apply!
Use an iron vessel while mixing—the iron reacts with lawsone (henna's natural dye), helping develop a deeper shade.
Before you start the process, remember to cleanse your hair thoroughly, or else any oily residue, dirt and impurities sitting on tresses will prevent henna penetration and staining.
Remember, time is your ally. After application, let the henna sit for a minimum of 2-3 hours. Applying henna can’t be hurried if you want a dark shade. You must be patient enough for henna to work its magic. Also, don’t exceed the timings as well. Or else not only taking henna off will become difficult but it will also lead to dryness.
When it's finally time to say goodbye to the henna, resist the urge to reach for that shampoo bottle. Instead, wash your hair with only water. Using shampoo will open up your cuticles and the stain imparted will rinse away.
To enrich and intensify the shade, warm oils can work as a game changer. Choose oils that resonate with your hair – Sesame or mustard oil work wonders. Apply them post-henna procedure, as it gives your strand proper nourishment and helps in locking in the stain for a longer period.
Achieving a dark shade with henna is not just a routine; it's a hair revolution in which you have a committed role to play.
As you start your hair colour journey with henna, always remember – patience, precision, and persistence are your allies!
All the best for your perfect henna experience!
Also Read: The Herbal Enhancement of Henna
