Can I put ginger dye on brown hair?
Ginger dye, also known as henna, is a plant-based dye that can be used to color hair a natural reddish-brown hue. Henna has been used for centuries in various cultures to create temporary body art and as a natural hair dye. When applied to brown hair, henna can add subtle warmth and shine, boost natural highlights, and cover stubborn grays. With proper application and care, ginger dye can be a gentle, non-damaging option for those with brown hair looking to enhance their natural color.
What is ginger dye?
Ginger dye is derived from the powdered leaves of the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis. Henna dye contains a reddish-orange pigment called lawsone that binds to the keratin in hair, staining it a rusty orange-brown color. While often referred to as “henna,” most modern hair dyes that claim to be pure henna also contain other ingredients like metallic salts and preservatives. When shopping for ginger dye to use on your hair, look for products made from 100% natural, body-quality henna for the best results.
Is ginger dye permanent or semi-permanent?
Pure henna ginger dye is considered a semi-permanent hair color. The lawsone molecules in henna do not fully penetrate the hair shaft, but rather coat the exterior of each strand. This means that henna hair dye is not permanent and will fade out gradually over the course of 6 to 8 weeks as the hair grows. Henna should not significantly lighten or damage the hair. You can redo applications as desired to maintain color intensity.
| Permanent Hair Dye | Semi-Permanent Hair Dye |
|---|---|
| Penetrates cuticle and cortex, lifting original pigment | Coats the outside of the hair strand |
| Uses peroxide & ammonia to open cuticle | Does not use chemicals to process hair |
| Long-lasting, 4-6 weeks regrowth | Temporary, fades after 6-8 washes |
| Can lighten hair | No lightening of original hair color |
| Harsher on hair, higher damage risk | Gentler on hair, low to no damage |
Does ginger dye work on brown hair?
Yes, ginger dye can be used to enhance different shades of brown hair. On light to medium brunette hair, henna imparts a vibrant coppery hue. Dark brown hair usually won’t show as much warm variation, but will benefit from extra shine and dimension. Ginger dye works best on hair that hasn’t been chemically treated, as the lawsone in henna reacts with other chemicals and can produce unexpected results. For best results, grow out previously colored hair to virgin growth before applying ginger dye.
It’s important to note that henna cannot lighten hair. If you have dark brown or black hair and wish for a lighter, more visible ginger color, you will need to pre-lighten with bleach first. Henna also has a harder time taking to gray or white hairs, often dyeing them an orange-ish yellow. Do a strand test before applying henna ginger dye to your whole head.
How long does ginger dye last on brown hair?
On average, the color from ginger dye will last between 4-6 weeks on brown hair before fading. However, henna color on darker hair hues tends to fade faster than on lighter hair. The shade will look its most vibrant and intense for the first 1-2 weeks. Warmth and shine may linger a bit longer before the color fades back to your natural brunette.
To make the color last longer, use a sulfate-free shampoo and cool water when washing to prevent excessive fading. Avoid chlorine, salt water, and other damaging elements as much as possible. You can refresh the color every 4-6 weeks by reapplying ginger dye as needed to maintain the richness.
How to dye brown hair ginger
If you’ve decided to try ginger dye on your brown locks, follow these tips for application:
Supplies Needed
– Body art quality henna powder
– Bowl and spoon
– Applicator brush
– Shower cap
– Old towel
Mixing Instructions
– Add henna powder to a glass or metal bowl (no plastic!)
– Add 1/4 cup lemon juice per 100g of powder
– Mix into a thick, smooth paste, let sit 15 min
– Add 4-8 oz of very hot water, stir well & quickly
– Let the mixture release dye for at least 4-6 hours
– Store unused paste in freezer up to 3 months
Application Tips
– Start with clean, dry hair
– Section hair neatly and clip back
– Apply paste thickly from roots to ends
– Massage paste to evenly distribute
– Cover hair with shower cap for 4-6 hours
– Rinse until water runs clear, shampoo gently
– Style as usual, avoid chlorine for 72 hours
– Expect color to develop and darken over 24-48 hrs
Does ginger dye damage brown hair?
The natural lawsone pigment in henna ginger dye is not known to damage hair. In fact, the coating action of ginger dye can temporarily strengthen and add elasticity to brown hair when applied properly.
However, some important caveats for avoiding damage:
– Only use natural, body-art quality henna – no metallic salts
– Do not mix henna with chemical dyes or bleaches
– Check for ingredient sensitivities if hair is fragile
– Avoid over-processing with excessive dyeing sessions
– Use a good deep conditioner after rinsing dye out
Pure henna gingers dye is free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide that can damage brown hair over time. Still, moderation is key for maintaining healthy hair overall.
Can you ginger dye over highlights?
It is not generally recommended to apply ginger dye directly over highlighted hair. The lightened pieces will likely pick up the henna pigment much more intensely than the natural hair. This can create an uneven, splotchy effect.
If you want to ginger dye highlighted brown hair, it is best to either:
a) Allow highlights to grow out several inches first before applying henna. The regrowth will take the dye more evenly.
b) Bleach and re-highlight the hair after the ginger color fades to return to your desired look. Keep in mind bleaching after henna can be tricky.
c) Apply henna just to the roots and lower lengths to avoid overlap with highlights around the mid-lengths and ends. This will help blend new growth for a subtle, low-maintenance look.
What is the best ginger dye brand for brown hair?
Some top rated natural ginger dye brands for brown hair include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Light Mountain Natural Hair Color | – 100% natural henna powder |
| Rainbow Research Henna | – Contains natural humectants |
| Nupur 9 Herbs Henna | – Blend with 9 Ayurvedic herbs |
| Ancient Sunrise | – Fermented henna for richer color |
| Henna Sooq Body Art Quality | – High lawsone content |
When shopping, always read ingredient lists carefully and look for henna powders that are natural, pure, and free of metallic salts. Samples are a great way to test colors. For body art quality henna suitable for hair, reputable health food stores and online retailers are the best sources.
Conclusion
Ginger dye made from pure henna powder can add beautiful warm, red tones to brown hair safely and naturally. Though not permanent, ginger dye is a wonderful way to experiment with enhancement of brunette locks. From imparting shine and dimension to masking grays, henna’s conditioning properties can improve hair health. With proper research, application technique, and after care, the results of ginger dye on brown hair can be gorgeous. Just take the process slowly and listen to your hair’s needs.