How to get light brown hair with henna

Wondering how I dyed my hair with henna without any hints of red? Read all about it here!

I haven’t dyed my hair in over 10 years. I’ve actually just dyed it a couple of times ever, not including my high school adventures with Sun-In, of course 😉 . I’ve always liked my natural hair color just fine and been weary of all the chemicals in commercial dyes.

Well, over the last year, being a mom and running my own business has taken a toll on me in several ways, one being my hair!!! White hairs are popping out like crazy. I just can’t keep up with picking them out every morning anymore.

I wasn’t sure what to do, as henna is the most natural way to dye our hair, but I reallllly didn’t want any hints of red.

I jumped on the phone with the awesome team at Morrocco Method and explained my predicament and they said no worries, we have the perfect solution for you. It is not released yet, but we will send it to you to try!

For a limited time, SAVE 15% off your order at Morrocco Method by using the code “RadRubyHair” at checkout!

The trick to minimize henna’s reddish tones and create darker, cooler colors, is using amla powder.

Amla powder is also know and Indian gooseberry and it is a powerful plant commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. I’ve read that it can promote health and longevity. In this case, it promotes gorgeous, shiny, dark brown hair.

I use it to remove the hints of red from my dark brown henna. You can also use it to reduce the red in light and medium brown henna.

An important thing to note, is that this method will ONLY work with Morrocco Method’s henna. This is why. Morrocco Method doesn’t pre-mix the indigo and the henna for you. You will see why this is important in the instructions. There may be other brands that do it this way too, but this is the only brand I’ve come across so far.

*Note: Morocco Method may not offer amla powder at the time that you are reading this post, so you can purchase this separately. But, they hope to start selling it by early April. In the meantime, you can find a similar amla powder HERE.

UPDATE 04/02/15: Morocco Method now offers the same amla powder that I use! You can order it directly from their site with your henna. Order HERE.

All Henna isn’t created equal!

I also highly recommend Morrocco Method henna as they sell a really high quality and clean product. Like most things we consume, all henna is not created equal.

Many “henna colors” are created with metallic salts.  The most frequently used material is lead acetate, though silver nitrate, copper, nickel, cobalt, bismuth and iron salts have also been used. Unfortunately, these other ingredients are not always listed on the package. You can learn more about this topic here.

Morocco Method henna is 100% natural, without any chemical additives, irritants or toxins. Each shade of henna hair color is created using two natural plants: henna and indigo, with the exception of Blonde Henna. Blonde Henna contains chamomile and marigold flower to naturally bring out highlights and/or blend graying roots.

Please note: Henna will not lighten naturally dark hair, but can bring out any natural highlights.

How to Prepare Henna with Amla Powder:

Using Henna with amla powder is a little different. Follow the below PREPARATION instructions and use the regular application instructions, which you can find HERE.

Important notes before you start:

• Do not use use stainless steel or metal with henna. Make sure to use glass, bamboo or wood supplies.
• Your hair should be clean and IT MUST BE TOTALLY DRY.
• Apply coconut oil on your forehead, neck, ears, anywhere your hairline meets your skin. It will be easier to wipe off the henna from your skin this way.
• A note about grey hair. Henna doesn’t cover it up like traditional hair dye, but it turns it a golden brown color that blends in beautifully with the rest of your hair.

1. In a glass bowl, mix 1 part amla powder to 3 parts HENNA powder, mix with warm water and stir until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Let it sit for 8 to 12 hours.  *Note: How I do this is, I take the henna that comes with my dark brown kit from Morrocco Method and place it in a glass measuring cup. Then I figure out how much amla powder to add to the henna.
2. Add Indigo powder. Add more warm water to create a paste. (Do not use tea, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or anything else when using amla powder). APPLY IMMEDIATELY
3. Find step by step application instructions HERE. Skip the preparation instructions on that page and follow the above steps when using amla powder.

Some of my other FAVORITE items from Morrocco Method!

• Shampoos: I LOVE Morrocco Method shampoos. They are plant based and very nourishing for your hair. However, there is an adjustment period. If you can get through that, you hair will look and feel so healthy and beautiful. I use this shampoo on my 2 year old’s hair too. Since I’ve never used chemical shampoos on her hair, her hair is so easy to manage. I just wash it with Morrocco Method shampoo once a week. That’s all!
  • We really like the “Earth” and the “Pine” shampoo. But, you can also get the travel pack, so you get all 5 to try! This way you can decide which 2 you like best. I recommend trading off between 2 different ones for best results.
  • Another important note abut their shampoos, they are very potent, they work best when diluted in some water before each application. I just mix it in a mason jar with some water, before I apply it.

•  Morrocco Method shampoo I love this brush! For best results, I brush my hair out right before I wash it with Morrocco Method shampoo.

• Feng Shea Facial Scrub: This gentle exfoliator cleanses, moisturizes and revitalizes your skin.

• Zen Detox Hair & Scalp Therapy: A gentle clay hair mask that works to lift heavy metals, plastics carcinogens and other toxins from your hair and scalp. Your hair feels awesome afterwards!

Click HERE to SHOP Morrocco Method!

For a limited time, SAVE 15% off your order at Morrocco Method by using the code “RadRubyHair” at checkout!