PPD-free henna hair dye: what is it and how does it work?
Not everyone wants to dye their hair with ammonia and peroxide every few weeks. And those who react to regular hair dye with itching, redness, or a burning scalp are often looking for a gentler alternative. A PPD-free henna cream dye is a logical step.
On this page, we explain what Herbal Time Henna Hair Dye is, how it works, which shade and processing time to choose, and what you can realistically expect.
What is PPD-free henna hair dye?
Herbal Time Henna Hair Dye is a ready-to-use cream: you don't need to mix anything, as you would with powdered henna, and there is no developer involved, unlike permanent dye. The formula contains henna (Lawsonia inermis) and colorless henna extract (Cassia fistula), supplemented with nettle extract, vitamin F, olive oil, and castor oil, which condition the hair during the coloring process.
What it does NOT contain is just as important: no ammonia, no PPD, no PTD, no hydrogen peroxide, and no parabens.
How does it work?
Permanent hair dye uses ammonia to open the outer layer of your hair, after which hydrogen peroxide allows small color molecules to react inside the hair to form larger ones, which cannot escape. This provides a lasting color but damages the hair with every application.
Herbal Time works without that chemical reaction. The color comes from henna and direct, semi-permanent dyes that adhere to the hair. The specific dyes used vary by shade. Because nothing is forced open, your hair structure remains intact. The downside: the color is not permanent and there is no bleaching effect. Therefore, your hair will not become lighter, only the same depth or at most one shade darker.
Step by step:
- Perform a sensitivity test 48 hours in advance on a clean spot in the crook of your elbow
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and leave it towel-dried, so it is still slightly damp
- Apply the cream evenly using a comb and brush
- Leave it on according to the color chart below; if you have many gray roots, double the time in those areas
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear; only wash with shampoo once after applying Chocolate or Natural Black
Wait 2 to 3 days before washing your hair again afterward, as this will keep the color looking good for the longest time.
Which shade should you choose, and how long should you leave it on?
Choose a shade that is equal to your current hair color or at most one shade darker. The processing times below apply to natural blonde hair:
- #1 Silver Blond: 30 minutes
- #2 Cappuccino: 45 minutes
- #3 Copper Red: 40 minutes
- #4 Morello: 40 minutes
- #5 Chestnut: 45 minutes
- #6 Chocolate: 40 minutes
- #7 Natural Black: 90 minutes
- #8 Fire Red: 40 minutes
- #9 Aubergine: 40 minutes
- #10 Natural Brown: 45 minutes
On gray, bleached, or light to dark brown hair, the times are longer, up to 120 minutes for Natural Black. The full table is on the packaging. Additionally, there is #0 Colorless: a cream conditioner without color, for conditioning without changing your hair color.
Who is it suitable for?
Herbal Time Henna Hair Dye works best if:
- You are looking for a hair dye without PPD, PTD, ammonia, and peroxide
- You want to camouflage gray hair: the dye covers up to 80% of gray
- You want to refresh or deepen your color, or want to maintain it between two permanent color treatments
- You do not want a permanent change and appreciate that the color fades gradually
If you want to go lighter, this is not the right dye: it does not contain any bleaching agents. On heavily bleached hair, the color may turn out more intense or different, sometimes with a green or blue tint. In that case, test on a small strand of hair first.
PPD-free: what should you pay attention to?
PPD and PTD are the substances in permanent hair dye that cause the most allergic reactions. Herbal Time does not contain them, nor does it contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. This makes the chance of a reaction significantly smaller, but does not rule it out: other dyes and ingredients can also cause a reaction in some individuals. Therefore, always perform the sensitivity test, even if you have used the dye before.
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to a temporary 'black henna' tattoo? Do not use the product. Also, do not use on an irritated, sensitive, or damaged scalp, for eyebrows or eyelashes, and not under the age of 16.
What can you expect?
Realistic expectations are important. Here is what you will notice:
- Immediately after coloring: an even color in the chosen shade, with up to 80% coverage of gray hair
- The weeks following: the color remains visible for an average of 4 to 6 washes and then fades gradually, without harsh root lines
- In the long term: you repeat the treatment whenever you want, without your hair deteriorating with each coloring
If you have shoulder-length or thick hair, count on 2 packs per treatment.
Herbal Time Henna Hair Dye
Herbal Time Henna Hair Dye is a henna-based cream dye without ammonia, PPD, PTD, hydrogen peroxide, or parabens. Available in 10 colors from Silver Blond to Natural Black, plus a colorless variant, in a 75 ml tube.
Available at MISTER33.COM as the exclusive Benelux distributor. Read the safety information on the product page before use.
View Herbal Time Henna Hair Dye →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the color remain visible?
On average 4 to 6 washes, depending on your hair type and how often you wash it. After that, the color fades gradually.
Does it cover gray hair?
Yes, up to 80%. Leave the dye on gray hair for longer; for many gray roots, double the time in those areas.
Can I use it to lighten my hair?
No. It does not contain any bleaching action. You will get a tone-on-tone result or at most one shade darker.
Can I use it on bleached or permed hair?
Yes, but the color may turn out more intense or lighter than expected. Therefore, test on a small strand of hair first.
Can I remove the color with a color remover?
That is not necessary and will not work: color removers are made for permanent dye. Herbal Time fades naturally in 4 to 6 washes.
What if my skin gets stained?
Remove stains with a facial cream and a cotton pad. The sooner you do this, the easier it is.
Why are there more dyes listed on the ingredient list than in my tube?
The ingredient list applies to the entire color range. The dyes after '+/-' may be present, depending on the shade you choose.