False Myths of Natural Dying

During these almost 9 years, at Henna Morena we have encountered all kinds of doubts. Many of the questions arise when looking at plant-based cosmetics through the eyes of synthetic colouring. Other times, because there are myths that take hold and are difficult to reverse.

We still have a long way to go, but our main goal is for you to get to know your hair, discover how to take care of it and be the master of your own hair care. Here are the most common misconceptions about vegetable hair colouring:

1. Natural dyes lighten hair

FALSE. Natural dyes, unlike synthetic dyes, dye by deposition, coating the hair structure as if it were a varnish with a little colour. They do not penetrate into the deep layers of the hair, such as the cortex (which contains melanin) or the medulla, and therefore cannot homogenise or lighten the tone.

2. The longer you leave the plants, the more the colour rises

FALSE. The Henna Morena colouring, being of high quality, only needs one hour of application. However, if you want a more intense shade and if you have thick hair, we recommend that you repeat the process twice.

3. Plants dye better on wet hair

FALSE. If we apply the poultice on wet hair, as it has already absorbed water, it cannot absorb the vegetable dye correctly. On the other hand, if we apply the poultice on dry hair, it is absorbed 100%.

4. I can't go back to synthetic dyes if I have dyed with natural dyes

FALSE. Yes, you can reapply synthetic dyes after having dyed your hair with vegetable dyes. Just don't ever stop taking care of your hair. If you've made it this far, you already know what it means to take care of yourself, so even if you apply synthetic hair dyes, keep up your nourishing routines with first cold-pressed oils and use hair-friendly washing and care products.

5. It is not advisable to dye your hair during pregnancy

FALSE. On the contrary, plant-based hair colouring, being a 100% natural dye, does not break the hair structure, nor does it contain aggressive substances such as ammonia or hydrogen peroxide (as synthetic dyes do). In addition, colouring with plants provides the hair with multiple vitamins and minerals that will slow down hair loss during the postpartum period.

6. Natural dying has a colour chart like synthetic dyeing.

FALSE. Dyes made from plants, as they do not penetrate the innermost layers of the hair structure, act by coating the cuticle as if it were a coloured varnish. The colour underneath will always be the element that defines the final colour. However, the more you use the plants, the better the hair will be covered and the more control you will have over the colour, even completely covering grey hair.

7. I can't use natural dyes if my hair is bleached.

FALSE. You can apply natural dye to bleached hair, but first you need to repair the hair cuticle (oxidised by the synthetic dyes). How? By performing hair masks with oils once or twice a week. You should also know that vegetable dyes, by respecting the structure of the hair, cannot erase the colour underneath or homogenise the tone. For this reason, the bleached areas will be dyed a lighter and more intense colour than the rest of the hair. Here you can see some examples. 

8. La coloración natural está sucia

FALSE. Natural dying with plants is clean, you just need the right tools to prepare and apply it. What will you need? A wooden or glass bowl + a dye brush + gloves + biodegradable paper film + cape or towel so as not to stain your clothes.

9. Natural dying spoils your hair

FALSE, VERY FALSE. Natural dying is also a nourishing and moisturising hair treatment. The best thing about vegetable hair colouring is that it is much more than just a hair dye. It provides nutrients, minerals and vitamins that strengthen our hair as well as colouring it.