Maintaining vibrant red hair can be tricky. Natural redheads, like myself, know the struggle of keeping our color from fading or turning brassy. Henna shampoos can be a great way to boost red tones and add shine, but finding the right one is key. Not all henna shampoos are created equal, and some can even darken your hair if you’re not careful. So, I’ve tested a bunch to bring you my top picks for enhancing your natural red.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Rainbow Research Henna Shampoo: Best for intense color boost and deep conditioning.
- Lush Caca Rouge Henna Hair Dye: Best for rich, long-lasting red color with a blend of natural ingredients.
- Light Mountain Natural Hair Color & Conditioner, Red: Best for covering grays and achieving a natural-looking red.
- The Henna Guys Henna Hair & Beard Color Dye: Best for all-natural ingredients and versatile use on hair and beard.
- Hennalucent Shampoo Red Highlights: Best for subtle red highlights and maintaining color-treated red hair.
Top 5 Best Henna Shampoo for Natural Redheads
Rainbow Research Henna Shampoo
Rainbow Research Henna Shampoo is designed to boost red tones while gently cleansing your hair. It’s formulated with henna extract and other natural ingredients to enhance color and shine.
Pros:
- ✅ Enhances red tones effectively.
- ✅ Adds noticeable shine to hair.
- ✅ Contains natural ingredients.
Cons:
- ❌ Scent might be too strong for some.
- ❌ Can slightly stain porous surfaces.
- ❌ May not be moisturizing enough for very dry hair.
Verdict: This shampoo is excellent for those looking to intensify their red hair color and add a healthy shine. However, be mindful of the scent and potential staining.
Lush Caca Rouge Henna Hair Dye
Lush Caca Rouge isn’t technically a shampoo, but a henna hair dye in block form. It’s packed with cocoa butter and essential oils to condition your hair while depositing a vibrant red color.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides a rich, long-lasting red color.
- ✅ Contains cocoa butter for deep conditioning.
- ✅ All-natural ingredients.
Cons:
- ❌ Application can be messy and time-consuming.
- ❌ The block needs to be grated and mixed before use.
- ❌ Can be difficult to remove completely.
Verdict: If you’re seeking a deep, vibrant red and don’t mind a bit of effort, Lush Caca Rouge is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those wanting a more permanent color boost with added conditioning benefits.
Light Mountain Natural Hair Color & Conditioner, Red
Light Mountain Natural Hair Color offers a blend of henna and other botanicals to color and condition your hair. It’s a powder form that you mix with water.
Pros:
- ✅ Covers gray hairs effectively.
- ✅ Provides a natural-looking red color.
- ✅ Contains no harsh chemicals.
Cons:
- ❌ Color can be unpredictable on previously dyed hair.
- ❌ Application can be messy.
- ❌ Requires a longer processing time.
Verdict: This is a good option for those wanting to cover gray hairs and achieve a natural red shade. Just be prepared for a potentially messy application process.
The Henna Guys Henna Hair & Beard Color Dye
The Henna Guys offer a versatile henna powder that can be used on both hair and beard. It’s made with all-natural henna and is free from additives.
Pros:
- ✅ All-natural ingredients.
- ✅ Can be used on hair and beard.
- ✅ Provides a rich, vibrant color.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires mixing and a longer application time.
- ❌ Color can vary depending on your natural hair color.
- ❌ Can be messy to apply.
Verdict: The Henna Guys Henna is a great choice for those who want a natural, versatile coloring option for both their hair and beard. Be prepared for a bit of a process to get the best results.
Hennalucent Shampoo Red Highlights
Hennalucent Shampoo is designed to maintain and enhance red highlights in your hair. It’s a gentle cleansing shampoo that adds subtle red tones with each wash.
Pros:
- ✅ Enhances existing red highlights subtly.
- ✅ Gentle cleansing formula.
- ✅ Helps maintain color-treated red hair.
Cons:
- ❌ May not be strong enough for a significant color change.
- ❌ Results are subtle and gradual.
- ❌ Can be less effective on very dark hair.
Verdict: This shampoo is ideal for those who already have red highlights or color-treated red hair and want to maintain and enhance their color. It’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a dramatic color transformation.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right henna shampoo can be overwhelming, but here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your hair:
- Consider Your Hair Type: Is your hair dry, oily, or normal? Choose a shampoo that caters to your specific hair type. For example, if you have dry hair, look for a henna shampoo with added moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.
- Read the Ingredients: Make sure the shampoo contains natural henna and avoids harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors. These can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause damage.
- Check Reviews: Look for reviews from other redheads who have used the shampoo. See what they say about the color payoff, longevity, and overall experience.
- Do a Strand Test: Before applying any henna shampoo or dye to your entire head, do a strand test. This will help you see how the color will look on your hair and avoid any unwanted surprises.
- Consider the Application Process: Some henna products require a more involved application process than others. If you’re new to henna, start with a simpler product like a henna-infused shampoo. If you’re more experienced, you might be comfortable with a henna powder or block.
- Think About Your Desired Result: Are you looking for a subtle boost of red, or a dramatic color change? A henna shampoo will provide a more subtle effect, while a henna dye will give you a more intense result.
FAQs
Q: Will henna shampoo turn my hair orange?
A: It’s possible, especially if you have very light hair. Always do a strand test first to see how the color will develop. Also, look for henna shampoos formulated specifically for red hair to minimize the risk of an orange tint.
Q: How often should I use henna shampoo?
A: It depends on the product and your hair type. Start by using it once a week and adjust as needed. If you notice your hair becoming dry, reduce the frequency.
Q: Can I use henna shampoo on color-treated hair?
A: Yes, but proceed with caution. Henna can react unpredictably with chemical dyes. It’s best to wait at least a few weeks after coloring your hair before using henna shampoo. And, as always, do a strand test first.
Q: Will henna shampoo cover gray hairs?
A: Henna shampoo may help blend gray hairs, but it likely won’t provide complete coverage. For better gray coverage, consider using a henna hair dye instead.
Q: Does henna shampoo dry out your hair?
A: Some henna shampoos can be drying, especially if they contain harsh sulfates. Look for moisturizing formulas or use a deep conditioner after shampooing.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect henna shampoo for natural redheads can make a real difference in maintaining vibrant, healthy-looking hair. Whether you’re looking for a subtle boost of color or a more intense transformation, there’s a henna product out there for you. Remember to consider your hair type, read the ingredients, and always do a strand test before applying any new product to your entire head. With a little research and experimentation, you can find the perfect henna shampoo to enhance your natural red beauty.
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