If, like us, youre tired of the damage that comes with box dye, then why not try the best henna hair dye as a natural alternative? The best hair dye wont ruin your locks, in fact, some even condition your hair while you colour it. Henna actually protects it by binding with the hair’s cuticle and strengthening it from within. Whod have thought?

　　An age-old method for colouring your hair, its one of the oldest forms of pigmentation out there. Henna is an all-natural, plant-based dye. In other words, its a fab alternative to the dyes that are full of chemicals and strip your hairs protective barrier. Its made with the leaves of the Henna plant, which are crushed into a powder and combined with a liquid to form a thick, green paste.

　　Pure henna creates more of a red hair dye. But, a combination of other ingredients produces different shade results, from strawberry blonde to brunette. There are so many shade choices, and here at Closer, weve made it easier for you by rounding up the best.

　　Closers best henna hair dyes at a glance: Editors choice: Its Pure Organic Henna Hair Dye in Strawberry Blonde, £12.95 on Amazon

　　Best budget henna hair dye: Rainbow Research Henna Hair Colour in Medium Brown, £7.06 on iHerb

　　Best highly reviewed henna hair dye: The Henna Guys Henna Hair Dye in Wine Red, £16.97 on Amazon

　　So, are you looking to get this seasons trending colour with a cowboy copper hair dye? Henna is particularly known for its bold copper hues, so youll have fresh, new and on-trend do in no time. Just, without all of that added damage, and packed full of plant-based goodness instead. The only question is, which colour will you go for?

　　SHOP: The best henna hair dyes 1. Its Pure Organic Henna Hair Dye in Strawberry Blonde

　　Editors choice

　　AmazonPrice:12.95View offer Description

　　As a favourite shade of ours, get strawberry blonde locks with the Its Pure Organic Henna Hair

　　... read morePros ConsPros100 per cent natural and organicPPD-free, ammonia-free, peroxide-free and gluten-freeVegan-friendlyConsNot suitable for brunettes2. Rainbow Research Henna Hair Colour in Medium Brown

　　Best budget henna hair dye

　　iHerbPrice:7.06uk.iherb.com

　　View offer Description

　　At such a steal, the Rainbow Research Henna Hair Colour from iHerb has this brown hair dye that we

　　... read morePros ConsProsFree of all chemicals, preservatives and dyesCan be used to cover grey or white hairConsMay come out warm on some3. The Henna Guys Henna Hair Dye in Wine Red

　　Best highly reviewed henna hair dye

　　AmazonView offer Description

　　The Henna Guys is the most highly viewed Henna Hair Dye that we could find. And, this wine red

　　... read morePros ConsProsOffers a vibrant colour resultNo parabens, alcohols, fragrances and additivesFree from chemicals and metallic saltsConsThe colour is said to fade quickly by reviewers4. HC Pure Natural Henna

　　Best pure henna hair dye

　　AmazonPrice:8.99View offer Description

　　For those familiar with mixing their own henna or those wanting an authentic copper red shade, the

　　... read morePros ConsProsFree from chemicals and PPDDelivers a vibrant colourHair feels soft and shinyConsYou have to mix it up yourself5. Khadi Plant Hair Dye with Henna and Amla in Nut Brown

　　Best popular henna hair dye

　　AmazonPrice:20.57View offer Description

　　Nearly sold out, the Khadi Plant Hair Dye is a popular choice at Amazon. Containing Amla powder as

　　... read morePros ConsProsAmmonia-free and peroxide-freeCovered greys for someVegan-friendlyConsIt's low in stock6. Herbal Time Henna Natural Cream Colour in Coppery Red

　　Best henna hair dye for beginners

　　AmazonRrp: £8.69View offer Description

　　At a reasonable price, the Herbal Time Henna Natural Cream Colour is by far the easiest to apply

　　... read morePros ConsProsProcessing time is shorter than other henna dyesNettle extract, olive oil, and resin oil improve hair structureCruelty-freeConsMay not be suitable for some hair types7. Henne Color Henna Hair Colouring Cream in Copper

　　Best trending henna hair dye

　　AmazonPrice:7.99View offer Description

　　Copper is all in this season, and the Henna Hair Colouring Cream from Henne Color is a much-loved

　　... read morePros ConsProsHighly recommendedVibrant colour that covered greys for someEasy to applyConsMay not be suitable for some hair types8. Henne Color Henna Hair Colouring Cream in Auburn

　　Best natural-looking henna hair dye

　　AmazonRrp: £8.50View offer Description

　　A final one from Henne Colour, their shade of auburn Henna Hair Colouring Cream has us SO

　　... read morePros ConsProsStunning natural resultsNo PPs, no SLS, no ammonia, no parabens, no oxidantsCovered greys for someConsThe colour is said to fade quickly by reviewers9. Henne Color Henna Hair Dye Powder in Brown (Pack of 3)

　　Best multipack henna hair dye

　　AmazonPrice:14.99View offer Description

　　If a few packs of henna hair dye is what youre looking for, then look no further. Henne Colors

　　... read morePros ConsProsBest for sensitive skinNo PPs, no SLS, no ammonia, no parabens, no oxidantsDifferent shades availableConsHas a messy application FAQs What to be mindful of with henna hair dye? Selecting your dye: Always read the ingredients. A chemical called PPD is commonly used in products claiming to be black henna or used in some black henna hair dyes and can cause allergic reactions. Check that any premixed product is made from pure henna and plant dyes, with no additives, chemicals or metallic salts.

　　Mixing your henna: If you have pure henna instead of premixed henna, youll have to mix up your dye. Adding certain ingredients will change the outcome of the dyes colour. There are guides on how to mix henna and video tutorials you can watch to help with this part.

　　Testing your product: Always do a patch test and a strand test in the days before. We dont advise you to colour your hair without doing a patch test. A strand test will give you an idea of what the result will be. Keep in mind, therell be natural variations using henna dye and it may not be as effective on previously coloured hair or greys.

　　The development time: This takes a bit longer than your average box dye. Leave the dye on your hair for the time instructed, which is usually anywhere from about three to six hours. Again, the colour result can vary but tends to deepen the longer that you leave it on.

　　The final shade: Be warned that henna does stay in your hair for some time, as the pigment stains your hair. One thing to be mindful of is that you may have to repeat the process if the shade isnt as vibrant as youd like the first time around. A final point is that henna cannot lighten hair, so managing your expectations if youre anticipating brand new blonde locks is for the best.

　　How to dye your hair with henna from home? Its no secret that henna is difficult to remove, and no amount of shampoo for stripping hair colour is going to shift it. But, if youre sure about your colour and ready to go, then here are a few steps on how to dye your hair with henna from home:

　　CREDIT: GettyImages Step one) Following our tips above, select your dye. There are two types of henna, pure henna powder and premixed henna powder. Premixed dye is better for beginners, so this is what wed recommend.

　　Step two) Put on an old shirt. Youll want something you can button open and something you wont mind the dye dripping onto. Henna is usually a thick paste, so its sure to get messy.

　　Step three) Apply a barrier cream around your hairline, ears and the back of your neck. This prevents the dye from staining your skin, but if you do, follow our guide on how to remove hair dye off skin.

　　Step four) We recommend you pop on a pair of gloves, and use a brush and bowl for application. Sectioning your hair into layers with clips, follow the instructions that come with your henna. Apply it thickly to dry hair.

　　Step five) Unlike regular box dye, henna takes a lot longer to develop. So, you might want to block out the rest of your afternoon! After the developing time is up, wash your hair as instructed.

　　If the colour isnt as vibrant as youd like, repeat the process again a few days later until you get the desired result. Or, use a shampoo for red hair to enhance the colour (if youve gone for a red hue). Et voilà, hair envy pending.

　　Samantha Sam Price is a Beauty, Fashion Wellness Products Writer at Closer magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother Baby and Spirit Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.