Henna is a flowering plant that has been used for thousands of years to dye hair, skin, and textiles. It grows in subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and northern Australia. India, in particular, has a long tradition with henna and still cultivates the highest quality henna plants today. The leaves are then used to produce the well-known henna powder for body art and hair dye.

The powder is made from the leaves of the henna plant, which contain the red dye lawsone . The dyeing power is strongest when the leaves are carefully dried and ground into a fine powder. The lawsone dye colors the hair in warm red and copper tones.

Henna deposits the lawsone pigment onto the outer cuticle layer of the hair. The pigment bonds with the hair's keratin, creating a permanent color. The longer the processing time, the more intense the tone becomes. At the same time, natural highlights and undertones remain visible in the hair, resulting in a vibrant, natural-looking color – unlike chemical hair dyes.

Henna not only dyes particularly gently, but also has a nourishing effect:

• It can balance the sebum production of the scalp.
  
• It strengthens the hair structure and adds shine.
  
• It supports hair growth.
  
• It has a mild detoxifying effect on the scalp and hair.
  

This way you get healthy-looking, strong hair – while it is naturally colored at the same time.

Yes – henna bonds with the hair's keratin and is therefore permanent. The color may fade slightly over time, but it remains in the hair until it grows out. The color result is most vibrant in the first 6–8 weeks after application.

Henna is a purely plant-based alternative to chemical hair dyes. However, allergic reactions can occur in rare cases. We therefore recommend performing a skin compatibility test (patch test) before the first application .

Apply a small amount of the prepared paste to the inside of the arm or behind the ear and allow it to dry. Observe the area for 24–48 hours. If no redness, itching, or irritation occurs, the product can be used safely.

Pure plant-based hair dyes consist exclusively of finely ground plant parts such as henna, indigo, cassia, or katam. These natural powders work physically , not chemically: The dyes adhere to the outer layer of the hair but do not penetrate the scalp or body .

Therefore , pure, unadulterated plant-based hair dyes are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding .

However, the following is important:

• Use only 100% natural products without synthetic additives , metal salts or chemical color enhancers.

• Those with sensitive skin or experiencing hormonal changes may find their scalp more reactive during this time. Therefore, a skin test on the inside of the elbow or at the hairline is recommended before coloring.

• The hair structure, which often changes during pregnancy, can cause the color to turn out somewhat different than usual (e.g., lighter or more uneven).
  

If you want to be sure, check the INCI declaration of the product — for pure plant hair dyes, only plant names such as Lawsonia inermis (henna) or Indigofera tinctoria (indigo) should be listed.

🌸 Are you pregnant and want to switch to plant-based hair dye?

Congratulations! 🌿

If you want to switch to natural hair care during pregnancy, you're on the safe side with pure plant-based hair dyes!

As a small token of our appreciation, we will give you a little something extra with your next order of €30 or more using the code BABY .

Plant-based hair dyes have a typically herbaceous, earthy smell , which comes from the leaves, herbs and tannins they contain.

This fragrance is completely natural – it is created when the powders are mixed with warm water and has nothing to do with chemical dyes .

The smell can be perceived differently depending on the composition:

• Henna and cassia have a slightly grassy to hay-like smell , similar to dried herbs.

• Indigo or katam often have a somewhat harsher tone .

• If the mixture contains Amla, Brahmi or other Ayurvedic plants, the scent may also have a spicy or slightly sour note.
  

After dyeing, the plant-based scent usually remains noticeable in the hair for another one to two days.

However, it is very subtle – you usually only notice it during close contact , such as when washing your hair, lying down, or when someone is standing very close.

In everyday life – for example in the office or in company – the scent is not noticeable from a normal distance (one to three meters) .

It usually disappears completely through natural oxidation and the first hair wash.

A few drops of a mild essential oil (e.g. lavender or rose geranium) in the dyeing water can round off the fragrance without affecting the coloring.

💡 Tip: A subtle plant scent is a sign of pure, untreated raw materials!

It's very simple. 🌿

Plant-based hair dyes work differently than chemical hair dyes: they do not change the hair structure , but rather coat each hair like a fine, colored layer .

The final tone always results from the interplay of your natural hair color and the plant pigments used .

You can find a detailed overview in our knowledge portal , in the section...

👉 Plant-Based Hair Dye Guide | Application, Mixtures & Tips

There we explain how the different plants work and which combinations produce which shades of color.

We offer both ready-made, balanced blends and pure plant powders , which you can use to create your own individual blend .

Many customers like to experiment to find their personal shade – completely natural and without chemical additives.

💡 Important: Plant-based hair dyes cannot lighten hair.

They deepen and refine the existing tone or give a warm, natural shimmer – depending on your starting color.

To begin with, it is recommended to test on a small strand of hair how your hair reacts to the color.

This way you can find the tone that suits you best in a safe and relaxed manner.

No.

Plant-based hair dyes cannot lighten hair because they do not contain chemical bleaching agents.

The plant-based dyes work purely physically : They form a fine, protective layer around the hair, but do not penetrate the hair structure and do not alter the body's own melanin (the natural pigment of the hair).

That means:

• Light hair can be made darker or more intense with plant-based dyes.
  
• Dark hair takes on a color reflex or warm shimmer , but remains the same in its basic color.
  

True "lightening" or "bleaching" is not possible with pure plant-based hair dyes.

💡 But: If you already have grey or white hair , a beautiful, natural highlighting effect will occur all by itself.

Lighter hairs usually absorb the color more gently and therefore appear like fine, sun-bright highlights.

This creates a very harmonious, natural result – especially when the natural hair color gradually turns gray.

Many find this effect vibrant and soft – similar to naturally lightened summer highlights.

Both are plant-based hair dyes that produce dark shades. Indigo comes from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, katam from Buxus dioica (or similar species).

How do the shades differ?

• Indigo: produces a cool, bluish dark brown to black.
  
• Katam: appears more natural and somewhat warmer, with ash-brown nuances.
  

Which color lasts longer?

• Indigo adheres particularly well to thick hair, but can become uneven on fine or straight hair.
  
• Katam blends more evenly with fine or porous hair and washes out more harmoniously.
  

Which is better tolerated?

Katam is considered milder and is usually better tolerated by sensitive scalps. Indigo can cause mild irritation or a feeling of tightness in some people.

Could this cause color casts?

• Indigo can appear greenish or bluish on lighter hair.
  
• Katam generally produces more natural, stable brown tones without a greenish tint.
  

Which combinations of henna and cassia are effective?

• Henna + Indigo (e.g. 1:1) → Dark brown to black, cool tone.
  
• Henna + Katam (e.g. 1:1) → Medium to dark brown, natural and warmer tone.
  
• Henna + Cassia → Copper to golden blonde, depending on the application time and starting color.
  
• Cassia + Katam → Ashy light brown to light medium brown.
  
• Cassia + Indigo → Cool ash blonde to very light brown (with shorter processing time).
  

It's very simple. 🌿

Plant-based hair dyes work differently than chemical hair dyes: they do not change the hair structure , but rather coat each hair like a fine, colored layer .

The final tone always results from the interplay of your natural hair color and the plant pigments used .

You can find a detailed overview in our knowledge portal , in the section...

👉 Plant-Based Hair Dye Guide | Application, Mixtures & Tips

There we explain how the different plants work and which combinations produce which shades of color.

We offer both ready-made, balanced blends and pure plant powders , which you can use to create your own individual blend .

Many customers like to experiment to find their personal shade – completely natural and without chemical additives.

💡 Important: Plant-based hair dyes cannot lighten hair.

They deepen and refine the existing tone or give a warm, natural shimmer – depending on your starting color.

To begin with, it is recommended to test on a small strand of hair how your hair reacts to the color.

This way you can find the tone that suits you best in a safe and relaxed manner.

Please visit our knowledge portal for detailed instructions!

You don't need a thermometer – your feeling in your hand is enough.

A temperature of 40–50 °C corresponds to pleasantly warm bathwater .

If you dip your finger into the water and it feels noticeably warm, but not hot or burning , it's just right.

💡 Practical guidance:

• Below 35 °C: feels lukewarm – the dyes dissolve more slowly.
  
• 40–50 °C: pleasantly warm – ideal for henna and cassia.

• Above 60 °C: hot – the enzymes that activate the dye may be weakened.
  

If you like, you can use a kitchen thermometer the first time to get a feel for it. After that, you can easily do it by feel.

Both are plant-based hair dyes that produce dark shades. Indigo comes from the Indigofera tinctoria plant, katam from Buxus dioica (or similar species).

How do the shades differ?

• Indigo: produces a cool, bluish dark brown to black.
  
• Katam: appears more natural and somewhat warmer, with ash-brown nuances.
  

Which color lasts longer?

• Indigo adheres particularly well to thick hair, but can become uneven on fine or straight hair.
  
• Katam blends more evenly with fine or porous hair and washes out more harmoniously.
  

Which is better tolerated?

Katam is considered milder and is usually better tolerated by sensitive scalps. Indigo can cause mild irritation or a feeling of tightness in some people.

Could this cause color casts?

• Indigo can appear greenish or bluish on lighter hair.
  
• Katam generally produces more natural, stable brown tones without a greenish tint.
  

Which combinations of henna and cassia are effective?

• Henna + Indigo (e.g. 1:1) → Dark brown to black, cool tone.
  
• Henna + Katam (e.g. 1:1) → Medium to dark brown, natural and warmer tone.
  
• Henna + Cassia → Copper to golden blonde, depending on the application time and starting color.
  
• Cassia + Katam → Ashy light brown to light medium brown.
  
• Cassia + Indigo → Cool ash blonde to very light brown (with shorter processing time).
  

It is perfectly normal for the tone to initially appear somewhat orange or copper-colored after dyeing – especially if pure henna was used.

The color oxidizes in the air during the first two to five days , becoming significantly darker and richer . So it's worth being patient at first.

If the tone still seems too warm after a few days, you can try the following options:

• Increase the proportion of cassia the next time you dye your hair – this will lighten the mixture visually and result in more natural gold tones.

• For cooler or darker tones, add a little katam (ashy brown) or indigo (blue-black).

• Amla powder can also help to slightly neutralize the red tint and give the hair more depth.

• Leave the prepared henna to soak in (e.g., overnight). The color will begin to oxidize, resulting in a redder and darker shade on the hair. However, note that the other ingredients, such as cassia, katam, and indigo, should only be added immediately before dyeing.
  

If you've already dyed your hair and the result currently seems too intense, you can:

• Treat the hair with a cassia treatment or ziziphus wash to reduce excess pigments.

• Washing your hair once or twice with mild natural soap or lava clay will also help to make the tone appear softer.
  

💡 Tip: Plant-based dyes develop naturally – the final result is only visible after complete oxidation. The color is stable after about three days.

We will ship your order as quickly as possible – in most cases within 1-2 working days .

As soon as your package is on its way, you will receive a shipping confirmation with a tracking link.

If you need something urgently, please write to us, we will try to make it possible.

Returns:

If you wish to return an item, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs. Please contact us to arrange a return by emailing info(at)berlin-botanicals.com or via the contact form, including your order number.

Complaints:

Should anything be wrong, please write to us directly – we will always find a solution.

Of course, we will cover the return shipping costs if there is an error on our part.

We currently do not offer any fixed sample sizes.

However, if you would like to test a specific color or learn about a product, don't hesitate to write to us – we'll definitely find a way.

You can reach us either via the contact form , via Whatsapp or by email at info(at)berlin-botanicals.com.