Surya Brasil: Natural Henna Cream, Black 2.31 oz (2 pack)

The first time I ever used this product, I didn't read the reviews. I just followed the directions, put it on wet hair with the plastic cap, and was so disappointed when I rinsed it out after 2 hours - it didn't darken my grays one bit. I wanted something more natural though, and other natural hair dyes cover way better but leave my hair stripped, thinned, and dry. So I gave this another try (Surya Henna in Black) after thoroughly reading reviews. I bought a heat cap this time. I find this is my magic formula: shampoo my hair like the instructions say (not as convenient compared to other dyes that say to apply on dry hair but I'm getting used to it). After applying, I cover my hair with the supplied plastic cap. Then I get my heat cap going in the microwave (I bought a nice flax seed-filled one that you heat for 45 secs at a time in the microwave). Put that on my head over the plastic cap and let it sit for 3hrs, longer if I have time. Wash it out with color-safe conditioner and it covers my grays! I don't shampoo after. I also don't wash my hair every day. When I do, I condition only. The only thing I'm not that thrilled about, but others seem to love, is that I discovered in the sun it's more of a very dark reddish-brown. No one has commented on it though (don't know if they notice or not), and the softness that it brings my hair compared to other dyes keeps me sticking with it. Another bonus is that I find the clean-up of any dye splashing in the bathroom easier. It will more easily come off surfaces other dyes have stained permanently.update: I decided to stop shampooing or wetting my hair before applying, and to my relief, I get the same results! I also only leave it in for about 2.5 hours and it works fine, but the less time I leave it in, the lighter the color results. Shampooing made the process much longer and washing my hair before and after dying got old quick. I don't use hair styling products and only apply a little bit of natural oil to my hair so there isn't a big buildup, and it works just fine without shampooing. This is still my go-to dye. When needing a quicker fix, I go back to other "natural" dyes that take less time, and I notice I'm now more sensitive to their chemical smell. My scalp also is more sensitive to the other dyes. It reminds me of how much more natural this Surya Brasil henna-based dye is, and so I make a greater effort to carve out the time to use it.

This is a product I have used for 4 years and I have black Asian hair so I have always used the black color. As I have gotten more gray hair, the henna continues to coat my black hair with a tinted shine and made my gray hair look like I have very expensive salon highlighted hair. The color and shine stays on till the gray hair grows out, so typically 3 weeks. I get tones of compliments so I will try to upload a picture if I can get a friend to take a picture of my back in the sun. I only put it on dry hair that has been washed 1 day prior. I also leave it on at least 2 hours. I will put another shower cap over the inclusive cap to give it more heat/moisture. I do not use shampoo to wash right after color but I do use the color seal. Btw I only use color safe shampoos. Hope this helps.

Ok so I have been using different henna products for about a year now. I mainly wanted to make the switch because frequent chemical coloring left my hair dry and processed. Tradiotinal henna is messy to put on and always leaves red hue, no matter what color you go for. So I was very pleasantly surprised when this product gave me full gray coverage and colored my strands beautiful dark brown. My hair feels conditioned and healthy. It was so easy to use, no dripping issues. I'm obsessed!

I have used this hair dye several times before and encountered little trouble with it until now. The product itself is pretty effective and is great for achieving a natural black hair color that gradually fades into black-brown. Since it is a natural hair dye, it only works in a semi-permanent capacity and doesn't last as long as other black hair dyes. With minimal hair washing (ie cold washes 2-3 times a week) the pigment in this dye will last you about 3 to 4 weeks depending on your hair quality and other factors.The product is relatively easy to apply and comes with a squirtable bottle. I would recommend getting a hair dye bowl and some brushes if you want a more accurate application. The henna formula is thick and chunky, so it does have a tendency to get everywhere if you are not careful. In the event that you spill some on your carpet or clothes, just use a baking soda and water paste and blot with a paper towel to get the pigment out.For the best, most pigmented results, I would leave the dye on for several hours to ensure that the color gets into your hair evenly. The box comes with a plastic hair wrap to keep on your head while the color is developing. The hair wrap does not have an elastic band though, so you will need to put a large hairband around your head to secure it or simply use a shower cap.Now to get to the negative aspects of the dye: many black henna products contain a chemical called Paraphenylenediamine, also known as PPD. This compound is found in several black hair dye products as well and is used to intensify the pigment of the dye and make it more potent. Unfortunately, PPD can produce severe allergic reactions for people, myself included.Even though I had used this dye two times before and done a strand test, I didn't get any type of reaction until my most recent experience with the dye. I left it on for about three hours to get the maximum effect in there and felt the usual amount of irritation associated with hair dye on my head. When I washed it, I didn't notice any particular itchiness, but over the next few days my body broke out into hives and I was extremely itchy. I have eczema, but these levels of irritation were far beyond what I ordinarily experience. The itchy sensation was unbearable, and I not only felt the reaction on my scalp but on my face, neck, and whole body. Although I had washed out the dye the appropriate amount and had been seeing less dye runoff in the shower after every wash, the allergic reaction has continued to plague me despite my efforts to wash out the excess dye. Please be careful when you use this dye or any other product that contains PPD. The allergic reaction is no joke and this stuff can have your eyes swelling and your skin red and bumpy before you know it.

Love the product, wish it lasted longer. I have long hair and it lasts only 2-3 shampoos. I have to apply every 15 days which the only thing I dislike.The color is great, hair feels soft and silky after application and wash. Love the product.