If you're looking for a natural way to dye your hair without damaging the strands, irritating your scalp, or compromising your hair care routine, henna is the best solution .

More and more women in Portugal are switching from chemical hair dyes to this ancient, 100% plant-based alternative that is effective and safe, even during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

But does henna really work? Will it actually cover the gray hairs? Will it turn orange? How is it applied?

This post answers all your questions and helps you choose the ideal henna for your hair type and color .

What is henna?

Traditional henna is made from the Lawsonia inermis plant. The leaves are dried and ground into a fine powder, which transforms into a pigmented paste when mixed with water or tea. This pigment adheres to the hair fiber, creating a long-lasting color without damaging the hair .

But today, the best henna products are more complete formulas — like those from MPL Beauty , which combine other Ayurvedic plant powders to strengthen, treat, and enhance the hair while coloring it.

Benefits of painting with henna

• Natural hair color, free of chemicals, parabens, ammonia, or synthetic fragrances.

• Effective gray coverage (progressive and natural)

• Strengthens hair and stimulates growth.

• Balances scalp oiliness.

• It adds volume, shine, and a healthy texture.

• Ideal for sensitive and reactive scalps.

• It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to apply henna to hair (Practical guide)

You will need:

• Your favorite MPL Beauty Henna

• A bowl + application brush

• Gloves (optional)

• Cling film or shower cap

• Dark towel

• Tea (black, chamomile, or hibiscus infusion, depending on the desired tone)

Steps:

1. Mix the powder with hot water or tea until you obtain a paste with the texture of yogurt.
   

2. Apply to dry, unwashed hair (ideally washed 2 days prior).

3. Cover with a shower cap and towel and let it sit.

   • 30 min–1 hour (light hair)

   • 2–3h (dark or gray hair)

4. Rinse with water only (no shampoo that day).

5. The color continues to develop over the next 48 hours.

How to choose the right henna for you?

The choice of henna depends not only on the final color you want, but also:

• Based on the current state of your hair (virgin, colored, with gray hair, damaged)

• The effect you're looking for (highlights, coverage, shine, volume)

• Frequency of use

• Based on the type of base tone (blonde, brown, red, black)

MPL Beauty Henna is available in 4 100% natural shades , with unique formulas based on Ayurvedic plants, antioxidants, and fortifying ingredients. Here's how to choose:

Copper

Ideal for:

• For those with light brown or red hair who want to intensify the warm highlights.

• To enhance natural shine and give a vibrant, golden tone.

• Soft gray coverage with reddish highlights.

A good option for those who want:

• A visible result right from the first application.

• Avoid dark colors.

• Bringing life to dull or lifeless hair

Main ingredients: Henna, Hibiscus, Indigo, Beetroot, Amla, Neem

Brown

Ideal for:

• Those with light to medium brown hair

• Covering white hair without orange reflections.

• To achieve a natural, even brown color with a sheen.

A good option for those who want:

• A more discreet color

• A safe alternative to traditional paints.

• Strengthen your hair while coloring.

Main ingredients: Henna, Indigo, Amla, Neem, Brahmi

Black

Ideal for:

• Dark brown or black hair

• Effective gray coverage across multiple applications.

• Deeper, more intense shades, with shine and texture.

A good option for those who want:

• Covering lots of gray hair naturally

• A more striking and polished look.

• Volume and thickness in fine hair

Main ingredients: Henna, Indigo, Amla, Brahmi, Neem

Blonde

Ideal for:

• For those with light hair who want to enhance their natural shine.

• To add golden highlights without altering the base color.

• Nourish and revitalize hair without strong pigmentation.

A good option for those who want:

• A "shine treatment" instead of coloring.

• Caring for a sensitive scalp

• Using henna between dyes to keep hair healthy.

Main ingredients: Cassia, Amla, Chamomile, Brahmi, Neem

All MPL henna products are organic, vegan, and safe for sensitive skin .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does henna really cover gray hair? Yes, but gradually. Coverage improves with repeated applications. Use black or brown for better coverage.

2. Can I use henna if I am pregnant? Yes! MPL henna contains no chemicals or heavy metals, making it safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

3. Will it turn your hair orange? Only if you choose the Copper shade — perfect for warm highlights. The shades Brown and Black doesn't have that effect.

4. How long does the color last? On average, 4 to 6 weeks. The color fades naturally, without creating noticeable root regrowth.

5. Can I mix two shades? Yes! You can create your ideal shade by mixing, for example, Black + Brown .

6. What if the henna doesn't "take" on the first application? Since henna is a 100% natural pigment, its effect depends on several factors: hair type, porosity, base color, and whether the hair has been chemically treated before. It's normal for the color not to fully adhere on the first application—especially on virgin, very light, or white hair. The pigment will adhere better with regular use, and the hair will naturally "open up" to the color.

7. Can I apply henna again the next day? Yes, you can. Unlike conventional dyes, henna does not damage the hair , so you can reapply it the very next day or a few days later if you feel the color didn't turn out as you wanted.

Tip: Reapply only to the areas that didn't take on color, or to the entire hair if you want to intensify the tone.

8. How many applications do I need for the henna to "take" well? It depends on your hair, but normally:

• 1. Application : Gives soft reflections and shine.

• 2 to 3 applications (over a few days or weeks): The color begins to set better and become more even.

• Continuous use (every 3-4 weeks): Henna provides better coverage of gray hairs, maintains a vibrant tone, and strengthens hair.

9. How long should I leave the henna on?

• For more intense shades and white coverage: 3 to 4 hours.

• For softer highlights: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• For Henna Blonde (neutral): 1 hour is sufficient as a strengthening mask.

10. Does henna cover gray hair? Yes, but the result may vary depending on the color chosen.

• Henna Brown and the Black hair is ideal for gradually covering gray hair.

• THE Copper tones leave warm reflections on white hairs (instead of covering them completely).

• The blonde doesn't cover, it only nourishes and adds shine.

For more effective coverage, it may be necessary to repeat the application the first few times.

What do our customers say?

"I never thought I could cover my gray hair without chemicals! MPL's brown henna left my hair shiny and without any irritation."
— Joana M.

"I loved the tone and texture my hair ended up with. Even with the first application, I felt the difference immediately."
— Inês V.

"I used the blonde shade and noticed that the golden highlights were more vibrant, and my hair was stronger. And it smells great!"
— Rita F.

Ready to try it?