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Everything You Need for Your Best Surya Brasil Henna Color Results

Whether you’re coloring with Surya Brasil Henna for the first time or simply looking to perfect your results, we’re here to help. Explore our expert tips, step-by-step guidance, FAQs, color resources, and instructional videos designed to make at-home application simple and help you achieve beautiful, confident color.

With over 31 years of expertise in henna hair color, we’re here to guide you through every step — from choosing your shade and preparing your hair to application, processing, and maintaining your color.

About Our Henna Hair Color

What are the benefits of using Surya Brasil Henna?

Surya Brasil offers two hair color options: Henna Powder and Henna Cream, both designed to enhance hair with rich, vibrant color while providing deep nourishment. Each formula is infused with botanicals sourced from Brazil and India, delivering color, nourishment, and hair care in one treatment.

Surya Brasil’s Henna Powder is a 100% natural hair color, made exclusively from plant-based ingredients.

  • Pure Botanical Formula – Free from additives, Henna Powder is a completely natural way to color hair.
  • Long-Lasting, Gradual Fade – The color fades naturally over time without harsh regrowth lines.
  • Strengthens & Nourishes – Rich in plant-based nutrients, Henna Powder fortifies strands, improves elasticity, and reduces breakage.
  • Scalp Health Support – Soothes the scalp, balances oil production, and promotes hair health.

Winner of the Best of Natural Beauty Awards, Surya Brasil’s Henna Cream is a semi-permanent, antioxidant-rich hair color that nourishes hair while delivering rich, vibrant color.

  • Ready-to-Use & Mess-Free Application – No mixing required; apply directly for an easy at-home coloring experience.
  • Semi-Permanent Gray Coverage – Effectively covers gray hair while nourishing strands.
  • Deep Hydration & Shine – Formulated with sustainably harvested botanicals to moisturize and enhance hair health.
  • 94–98% Natural Origin Ingredients – A Truly Clean® formula enriched with Brazilian and Indian botanicals that nourish the hair while delivering vibrant, semi-permanent color.
  • Customizable Color – Henna Cream shades can be mixed together for a more personalized color result.

Both Henna Powder and Henna Cream are:

  • Hypoallergenic & Dermatologically Tested – Suitable for sensitive scalps and chemically treated hair.
  • Free From – Ammonia, ethanolamine, PPD, peroxide, parabens, resorcinol, heavy metals, artificial fragrances, metallic salts, and gluten.

Whether you choose Henna Powder for its 100% natural, plant-based color and nourishing botanical benefits or Henna Cream for its ease of use, vibrant color, and conditioning hair care, Surya Brasil offers beautiful color with hair and scalp care in every application.

What makes Surya Brasil Henna different from conventional hair color?

Unlike many conventional hair colors, Surya Brasil Henna Creams and Henna Powders color without ammonia, ethanolamine, peroxide, or PPD, providing a gentler, non-oxidative way to achieve rich, vibrant color while nourishing the hair and scalp with botanicals from Brazil and India.

Our hair color is created according to our Truly Clean® standard — beauty without compromising your health, animals, or the planet. As part of this standard, we have banned over 9,000 ingredients commonly found in beauty products, while remaining committed to creating formulas that deliver both conscious care and effective performance.

Conventional permanent hair colors commonly use ammonia and peroxide to open the hair cuticle, lift the hair’s natural pigment, and allow new color to develop. Surya Brasil Henna Creams and Powders do not lighten or lift your natural hair color. Instead, they deposit color onto the hair, allowing your existing shade to work with the selected henna color for a rich result.

Our formulas also incorporate active botanical extracts that color and nourish the hair simultaneously, helping support hair strength, shine, hydration, and overall hair and scalp health. Unlike the strong odor often associated with conventional permanent hair color, Surya Brasil henna has a milder, more pleasant scent.

Another important benefit is that Surya Brasil Henna Color can be used on previously chemically treated hair, including hair that has been permed, straightened, bleached, or previously colored.

Surya Brasil Henna Creams and Henna Powders are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and formulated without ingredients commonly associated with conventional permanent hair color, including:

  • Ammonia
  • Ethanolamine
  • PPD
  • Peroxide
  • Formaldehyde
  • Resorcinol
  • Sulfates
  • Silicone
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Mercury
  • Gluten
  • Mineral oils
  • Heavy metals
  • Metallic salts
  • VOCs
  • GMOs

Surya Brasil Henna Creams and Henna Powders provide effective gray and white hair coverage with rich, radiant color while providing nourishing hair and scalp benefits. The result is beautiful, natural-looking dimension without the oxidative process used by many conventional permanent at-home hair colors.

What is the difference between Surya Brasil's Henna Powder and Henna Cream?

Surya Brasil offers two distinct henna-based hair color options: Henna Powder and Henna Cream, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Surya Brasil’s Henna Powder is made from a 100% natural, plant-based formulation, making it the most traditional option for hair coloring. Henna and Indigo provide natural coloring properties, while additional Ayurvedic botanicals help nourish, strengthen, and support healthy hair and scalp:

  • Henna (Lawsonia inermis) – Naturally deposits color while helping strengthen hair and enhance shine.
  • Amla – An Indian fruit rich in vitamin C that helps strengthen and nourish hair.
  • Shikakai – A botanical traditionally used to gently cleanse and support healthy hair and scalp.
  • Terminalia Belerica – A botanical traditionally used to help support scalp health.
  • Indigo – A plant-based ingredient known for its natural coloring properties.

Henna Powder requires mixing with water before application, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more traditional, hands-on color application process.

For those seeking ease of application, Surya Brasil’s Henna Cream comes pre-mixed and ready-to-use, offering a luxurious and mess-free coloring experience. It has a rich, silky texture and a mild, pleasant scent. Along with henna, which naturally deposits color and enhances shine, Henna Cream contains a small amount (less than 2.5%) of mild HC hair colorant dyes to provide a wider range of vibrant shades. The formula is dermatologically tested and enriched with botanical extracts from India and Brazil, including:

  • Henna – Enhances shine and naturally deposits color.
  • Aloe Vera & Chamomile – Hydrate and soothe the scalp.
  • Brazil Nut & Hazelnut Oils – Deeply nourish and help strengthen hair.
  • Amla & Guaraná – Antioxidant-rich botanicals that support scalp and hair health.

These powerful botanicals, sourced from India and Brazil, including the Amazon Rainforest, provide nourishing and hydrating benefits while coloring.

If you prefer a 100% natural, plant-based hair color, Henna Powder is the best choice. If you want a convenient, ready-to-use option with nourishing hair and scalp benefits and a wider range of shades, Henna Cream is an excellent choice.

How does henna have natural coloring properties?

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) gets its natural coloring properties from lawsone, a red-orange pigment naturally found in the leaves of the henna plant. When henna leaves are dried, ground into a fine powder, and mixed with water, the naturally occurring dye molecules are released and activated.

Lawsone has a natural affinity for keratin, the structural protein found in hair. Its small molecular structure allows the pigment to bind with keratin and penetrate the outer layers of the hair shaft, depositing color without lifting or altering the hair’s natural pigment.

Because lawsone naturally produces a red-orange pigment, henna can create tones ranging from warm golden and copper hues to rich reds and deeper auburns. The final result varies depending on your starting hair color, hair porosity and texture, application time, and the other botanicals used in the formula.

Unlike conventional permanent hair color, henna does not rely on ammonia or peroxide to lift the hair’s natural pigment before depositing color. In addition to its natural coloring properties, henna provides strengthening and nourishing benefits, helping to enhance hair strength, shine, and overall hair health while providing long-lasting color.

What is semi-permanent color?

Semi-permanent hair color deposits color without permanently altering or lightening your natural hair pigment. Surya Brasil Henna Cream and Henna Powder are deposit-only hair colors formulated without ammonia, ethanolamine, or peroxide and do not require mixing with a developer.

Unlike conventional permanent hair color, which uses an oxidative process to lift the hair’s natural pigment and develop new color, Surya Brasil henna works with your existing hair color, adding rich color, enhancing your natural shade, and providing effective gray coverage without lightening the hair.

Because the color is semi-permanent, it gradually fades with washing rather than creating the same permanent color change associated with oxidative hair color. How long the color lasts can vary depending on the product used, your starting hair color, hair porosity, and your hair care routine.

Surya Brasil henna hair color can also be used on previously chemically treated hair, including hair that has been relaxed or permed. We recommend performing a strand test before application to ensure your desired color result.

How long does Surya Brasil semi-permanent hair color last?

The longevity of Surya Brasil semi-permanent hair color varies depending on the product used. Henna Cream typically lasts up to 10–12 shampoos, while Henna Powder typically lasts 20–30 shampoos.

Color longevity can vary depending on your hair porosity, starting hair condition, how frequently you wash your hair, and the hair care products you use.

To help preserve your color and extend its vibrancy, we recommend using color-safe hair care, such as Surya Brasil’s Color Fixation Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hair Mask, specifically designed to care for color-treated hair.

Choosing Your Hair Color

How many shades of hair color does Surya Brasil offer?

Surya Brasil offers 15 shades of Henna Cream and 9 Henna Powder options, giving you a range of blondes, browns, reds, and deeper shades to complement different starting hair colors and desired results.

Henna Cream is available in 15 shades, from Swedish Blonde and Golden Blonde to rich browns, reds, and Black.

Henna Powder is available in 8 color-depositing shades, plus Neutral Henna Powder, which does not deposit color and is designed to provide nourishing hair and scalp benefits.

Because Surya Brasil henna is deposit-only and works with your existing hair color, results will vary based on your starting shade and hair condition. Visit our Color Chart to explore the full shade range and see expected results before choosing your color.

How do I know which hair color is best for me?

Choosing the right Surya Brasil shade depends on your current hair color, percentage of gray or white hair, and your desired result. Because our henna hair color is deposit-only and does not lighten your natural hair, your starting color will influence your final result.

For personalized guidance, take our Find Your Shade Quiz, designed to help you discover the Surya Brasil Henna Cream or Henna Powder shade best suited to your hair and color goals.

You can also explore our Color Chart to compare available shades and see how each color may appear on different starting hair colors.

For best results, we always recommend performing a strand test before full application, as individual results can vary based on hair color, condition, and porosity.

Will my hair turn red if I use Surya Brasil henna hair color?

Henna naturally contains lawsone, a red-orange pigment, so warm undertones are a natural characteristic of henna-based hair color. However, this does not mean every Surya Brasil shade will make your hair red. Your final result depends on the shade you choose, your starting hair color, hair condition, and processing time.

With Surya Brasil Henna Powder, reddish, copper, or golden undertones may be more noticeable. These warm tones are a natural characteristic of henna and can appear differently depending on your starting hair color and the shade selected.

With Surya Brasil Henna Cream, the result depends largely on the shade selected. Some shades are intentionally designed to create rich reds, coppers, and warmer tones, while others are formulated to achieve blonde, brown, or deeper results. Because Henna Cream contains henna, some natural warmth may still be present; however, proper application and processing time are important for allowing the intended shade and depth of color to fully develop.

For deeper brown and darker shades, longer processing can help build greater depth of color and create a more neutral-looking result. Gray, white, very light, or previously bleached hair may require additional processing time for the selected shade to fully develop. For resistant gray or white hair, doubling the recommended processing time may be beneficial for achieving greater depth and coverage.

For the best results, always follow the application instructions for your selected shade, use our Find Your Shade Quiz and Color Chart for guidance, and perform a strand test before full application.

Will Surya Brasil henna hair color cover my gray hair?

Surya Brasil Henna Cream and Henna Powder are specially formulated to provide 100% coverage of gray and white hair.

Because gray and white hair has little to no natural pigment, your starting hair color will influence the final result. The selected shade may appear brighter or more vibrant on gray and white strands than on naturally pigmented hair, creating natural-looking variation throughout the hair.

Processing time is especially important for gray coverage. If you have a higher percentage of gray or white hair, or resistant or coarse grays, additional processing time may be needed to allow the color to fully develop and achieve greater depth. For 50–100% gray or resistant gray hair, doubling the recommended processing time can be beneficial for optimal color and coverage.

For the best results, use our Find Your Shade Quiz and Color Chart to select your shade, follow the application and processing instructions carefully, and perform a strand test before full application to preview your expected result.

Can Surya Brasil Henna colors be mixed together?

If you’re looking to customize your color, Surya Brasil Henna Cream shades can be mixed together to create a result that better suits your desired tone and depth. Combining Henna Cream shades allows you to create your own custom color by adjusting the proportions of each shade.

When mixing Henna Cream shades, keep in mind that your starting hair color, percentage of gray or white hair, and the proportions of each shade can influence the final result. We always recommend performing a strand test with your chosen mixture before full application.

For Henna Powder, we do not recommend mixing different shades together. Instead, choose the individual Henna Powder shade that best suits your desired result and prepare it according to the instructions provided with the product.

If you’re interested in creating a more personalized color, Henna Cream offers greater flexibility for customizing your shade. For help choosing a color or determining which Henna Cream shades to mix, please contact our Customer Service team for personalized color guidance.

How can I minimize warm or red undertones in my color?

The natural red-orange pigment found in henna gives henna-based hair color its characteristic warmth. However, Surya Brasil Henna Cream combines henna with our color technology, allowing certain shades and customized shade combinations to help neutralize and balance warmer tones.

Choosing the right shade or shade combination and following the recommended application and processing time are important for achieving your desired result. Longer processing typically allows greater depth of color to develop, which can help reduce the appearance of warmer tones, particularly when using brown and darker shades.

Gray, white, very light, or resistant hair may require additional processing time for the full depth of the selected color to develop. Doubling the recommended processing time, or processing beyond that when needed, can be beneficial for achieving greater depth and coverage.

Henna Cream shades can also be mixed together to create a customized color and help balance unwanted warmth. One of our go-to tips for a more neutral result is to add a small amount of Black Henna Cream to your desired shade. The amount needed will depend on your starting hair color and desired result, so we always recommend performing a strand test with your chosen shade or mixture before full application.

For personalized help selecting a shade, adjusting processing time, or creating a Henna Cream mixture, please contact our Customer Service team for personalized color guidance.

Can Surya Brasil Henna lighten my hair?

Surya Brasil Henna Cream and Henna Powder do not lighten or lift your natural hair color. Unlike permanent hair color, our henna formulas do not use ammonia or peroxide to remove or lighten the hair’s natural pigment. Instead, they deposit color onto the hair, working with your existing hair color to create rich, vibrant results.

Because henna does not lighten the hair, your starting hair color will influence your final result. Lighter, gray, white, or previously lightened hair may show a more noticeable color change, while darker hair will typically see more subtle tones, highlights, and enhanced shine.

For the best indication of your expected result, we recommend reviewing our Color Chart and performing a strand test before full application.

How To Use Our Henna Hair Color

What do the Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color kits contain?

Each Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color kit contains the selected color along with easy-to-follow instructions:

  • Henna Cream: One 2.37 fl. oz. (70 mL) bottle of ready-to-use Henna Cream and easy-to-follow application instructions.
  • Henna Powder: One 1.76 oz. (50 g) packet of Henna Powder and easy-to-follow preparation and application instructions.

Henna Cream comes pre-mixed and ready to apply, while Henna Powder is mixed with water according to the included instructions before application.

How many boxes of hair color do I need for one application?

The amount of Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color you’ll need depends on your hair length, thickness, and density. Shorter or finer hair may require only one package, while longer or thicker hair may require additional product to ensure even, complete coverage.

For long, thick hair reaching approximately mid-back, you may need:

  • Henna Cream: Approximately 2–3 bottles
  • Henna Powder: Approximately 2–4 boxes

It’s important to have enough product to fully saturate the hair from roots to ends for even color results. If you’re unsure how much you’ll need, we recommend having an additional package available before beginning your application.

Should my hair be clean and damp before applying Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color?

Surya Brasil Henna Cream and Henna Powder should be applied to clean, towel-dried, damp hair for best results.

Before application, shampoo your hair thoroughly to remove excess oils, styling products, and product buildup. Do not apply conditioner before coloring, as this may interfere with how the color deposits onto the hair.

After shampooing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water before applying your Henna Cream or prepared Henna Powder.

For best results, always follow the preparation, application, and processing instructions included with your product.

How long do I leave Surya Brasil henna hair color on?

We recommend allowing Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color to process for a minimum of 45-60 minutes, regardless of hair length. Processing time plays an important role in allowing the color to develop and achieve the desired depth and coverage.

For 50–100% gray or white hair, coarse or resistant grays, or low-porosity hair, additional processing time may be beneficial. In these cases, we recommend doubling the processing time to at least 2 hours, with additional time as needed to help achieve greater depth of color and optimal coverage.

In general, longer processing allows greater depth of color to develop, which can be particularly helpful when trying to achieve deeper or more neutral-looking results with brown and darker shades.

Because every head of hair can respond differently, we recommend performing a strand test before your full application to help determine the processing time needed to achieve your desired result.

When should I start timing my hair color application?

Start your processing time once you have finished applying the color to the area you are coloring.

For a full-head application, apply the color thoroughly and evenly throughout your hair, then begin your recommended processing time once the application is complete.

For a root touch-up, apply the color to your new growth first and begin timing once your roots are fully covered. If you are refreshing the color through your lengths and ends, apply the color to those areas toward the end of your processing time, rather than processing previously colored hair for the same amount of time as your roots.

This allows your roots and new growth to receive the processing time they need while refreshing the lengths and ends without unnecessarily extending their processing time.

How often do I have to use Surya Brasil henna hair color?

You can reapply Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color as needed to refresh your color or cover new growth. How often you choose to recolor will depend on how quickly your hair grows, how frequently you wash your hair, and how your color fades over time.

Henna Cream typically lasts up to 10–12 shampoos, while Henna Powder provides longer-lasting color, typically lasting 20–30 shampoos. You can refresh your color when you begin to notice fading or reapply to new growth as needed.

To help maintain your color between applications, we recommend using Surya Brasil Color Fixation Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hair Mask, which are specifically designed to care for color-treated hair and help preserve color vibrancy.

Will Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color stain my hands, towels, or fabrics?

Because Surya Brasil Henna Hair Color deposits pigment, it may temporarily stain the skin and may transfer onto towels, clothing, or other fabrics it comes into contact with. We recommend wearing gloves during application and using a dark towel that you can dedicate to your at-home color routine.

Some color may also release during the first few washes. We recommend using a dark towel when drying your hair and avoiding sleeping with wet or damp hair, as color pigments may transfer onto pillowcases, bedding, or other fabrics, particularly after a recent application.

Following these precautions and the instructions included with your product will help minimize unwanted color transfer.

What if I don’t use the whole bottle of Surya Brasil Henna Cream? Can I reuse it?

If you don’t use the entire bottle of Surya Brasil Henna Cream during your application, the remaining product can be stored and reused for up to one month.

To help maintain the product’s quality and performance, tightly reseal the bottle immediately after use and minimize air exposure to the remaining product. Store the sealed bottle in a cool, dark place until your next application.

For best results, always make sure the bottle is securely closed after each use, as excessive air exposure can affect the product’s performance over time.

Previously Colored & Chemically Treated Hair

Can I use Surya Brasil henna hair coloring before and/or after a chemical process?

Surya Brasil henna hair color is compatible with all chemical processes and can even be used on the same day. However, to ensure the desired results, we recommend performing a strand test before full application. Simply apply a small amount of the product to a strand of hair, following the instructions provided inside the package.

Independent testing conducted by the Instituto de Bioengenharia da Pele Evic Brasil (Evic Brasil Institute of Skin Bioengineering) has confirmed that Surya Henna Cream can be safely used after hair straightening, relaxing, and hot brush treatments formulated with Guanidine, Ammonium Thioglycolate, or Sodium Hydroxide.

Can I use Surya Brasil henna hair color if I have used chemical color before?

Surya Brasil henna hair color can be applied even if you have previously used chemical hair color. However, we strongly recommend performing a strand test before application, especially if your hair has been bleached with ammonia or undergone other chemical treatments.

It’s important to note that Surya Brasil Henna Cream will not lighten hair, as it is formulated with gentle, nourishing ingredients that are far healthier for your hair compared to the ammonia found in most commercial permanent dyes.

Can I transition back to my natural hair color after using Surya Brasil Henna Cream?

Yes. Our henna hair color is a semi-permanent, deposit-only color that will gradually fade over time.

If you’re looking to transition back to your natural hair color, the best approach for overall hair health is to allow the color to fade naturally. You can support this process by incorporating clarifying treatments periodically and using oil treatments with warm water to help release buildup over time.

Safety, Pregnancy & Allergy Information

Are the additive dyes in Surya Brasil Henna Cream safe?

Surya Brasil Henna Cream contains under 2.5% of mild synthetic dyes to achieve a wider range of shades while maintaining a safe, plant-enriched formula. These dyes are carefully selected and comply with international cosmetic safety regulations, including those set by the FDA (U.S.), EU Cosmetic Regulations, and ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency).

Unlike harsh harsh chemical dyes, our HC (Hair Colorant) additives are gentle, non-toxic, and dermatologically tested to ensure safe use on hair and scalp. They are not banned substances and have undergone thorough safety evaluations to meet the highest industry standards.

For those looking for a 100% plant-based alternative, our Henna Powder provides natural color without any added dyes.

Can I use Surya Brasil henna hair color if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Surya Brasil henna hair coloring treatments are designed with safety in mind, using gentle, nourishing ingredients and a non-oxidative approach to hair color. Our Henna Cream and Henna Powder are formulated without ammonia, ethanolamine, peroxide, PPD, or resorcinol.

As every pregnancy and breastfeeding experience is different, we recommend consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.

For added precaution, we advise performing a sensitivity and strand test, as outlined in the instructions included in the package, to ensure compatibility and optimal results.

Can I use Surya Brasil products if I have allergies or sensitive skin?

Surya Brasil products are designed with safety and sensitive skin in mind, using thoughtfully selected ingredients while avoiding many ingredients commonly associated with irritation and sensitivity in conventional hair color.

Our Henna Cream and Henna Powder are formulated without PPD (p-Phenylenediamine), ammonia, ethanolamine, peroxide, or resorcinol. PPD, in particular, is a common permanent hair color ingredient known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

However, sensitivities and allergies can vary from person to person, and reactions can occur even with botanical or naturally derived ingredients. For this reason, we strongly recommend performing a sensitivity test before every application, following the instructions included with the product.

If you have a known allergy, a history of reactions to hair color or cosmetics, or particularly sensitive skin or scalp, we recommend reviewing the full ingredient list and consulting with your healthcare provider before use.

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