How long does the colour need to stay on?
At least 60 minutes, and longer for good grey coverage. The longer the paste stays on, the more intense and darker the result, and up to about 4 hours is possible. Cover the paste with cling film or a shower cap and keep it warm with a hat or a towel, which helps the colour. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water, without shampoo.
How much powder do I need?
For the roots only, plan on about 80 g. For short to shoulder-length hair, about 100 g, and for long hair, about 150 g. For very thick hair it can be a little more. The paste should cover the hair well, so it is better to mix a bit too much than too little.
How do I mix the paste, and does it need to rest?
Mix the powder with warm, not hot, water (about 50 to 60 °C) into a creamy paste, roughly like yoghurt. The paste does not need to rest, you apply it right away. Lemon, oil or other additives are not necessary.
Does Kakao Brown cover grey hair?
Yes, with a longer application time the colour covers grey hair well. For a lot of grey we recommend the two-step method: first Henna Pure, then Kakao Brown, either straight after each other or the next day, whichever you prefer. The result will be noticeably darker than in one step.
Which shade of brown is right for me?
Light Brown is the lightest brown, Mokka Brown the medium one and Kakao Brown the darkest. The result always depends on your starting colour. In the Botanical Color Lab you can preview where your shade is heading.
Can I use it to lighten my hair?
No. Plant colours do not lighten hair. They coat your hair with colour and enrich the shade you already have. If you want to go lighter, a plant colour is not the right tool.
Will the colour get darker?
Yes. The colour keeps developing for the first 24 to 48 hours after dyeing because it darkens as it oxidises in the air. Right after rinsing it often looks lighter or warmer. It is best to wait a few days before washing with shampoo and to judge the result only then.
Can I apply the colour to chemically dyed or bleached hair?
Yes, our colours contain only plant powder and are compatible with previously dyed hair. Bleached, porous or lighter areas absorb more colour and often come out more intense, so the result can be uneven. Do a strand test first.
Do I need to do an allergy test first?
Yes, please. Plants can also cause reactions. Apply a small amount of mixed paste to the inside of your forearm for 30 to 60 minutes, wash it off and watch the spot for 24 hours. If you notice redness, itching or swelling, do not dye. We also recommend a test strand.
Will the colour stain my skin too?
Yes, henna can stain skin orange to brownish, but you do not need to worry much about it. The colour also needs time to take hold on skin. If you wipe off any paste that gets onto your ears, forehead or skin during the processing time, it is usually not a problem. It is best to wear gloves and protect your hairline, forehead and ears beforehand with a little oil or cream. Stains on the skin fade after a few days.
Can I adjust the colour to my desired shade?
Yes. You can mix our powders together, for example to soften a red tint by adding indigo, katam or amla. The Botanical Color Lab shows you which amounts suit your desired shade, with a colour preview and recipe.
How long does the colour last, and how do I touch it up?
Plant hair colour bonds firmly to the hair and grows out with it. As soon as your roots show, you can touch up. Because plant hair colour forms a film around the hair, the colour becomes more intense and a little darker with every new dyeing. If you do not want that, dye only the roots each time and leave the lengths out.
Can I use the colour during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
We cannot answer that in general terms, as we do not give medical advice. Our colours consist only of plant powder without chemical additives. However, natural substances can also cause reactions. So during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please talk to your doctor or midwife before dyeing.
