Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : June 6, 2025 12:03 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Clelia Cecilia Angelon, the founder and CEO of Surya Brasil
Is Henna Cream The Best Option For Sustainable Hair Colouring? Know From An Expert (Photo: Freepik)
Hair care and henna cream: There is a lot of talk about sustainable hair colour products that yield results and are natural, causing no damage to sensitive scalp, or to nature. The name that instantly crops up when we think about natural hair colouring is henna. It should be noted that with consumers having become more aware of sustainability, hair care brands, too, are banking big on the sustainability factor in their products, not just in terms of ingredients but also the overall packaging. Clelia Cecilia Angelon, the founder and CEO of Surya Brasil points out that from harsh chemical-based shampoos and conditioners to hair dyes, extensive usage has caused dry, frizzy, lifeless hair, often leading to incessant hair fall in the past. But, a simple switch from harsh chemical-based hair dyes has led to a marked difference in hair quality. Even as shampoos and conditioners with natural ingredients have become a popular choice, she says.
According to the expert, henna cream has 'risen as a preferred choice' for those wanting to colour their hair to cover the greys, or even to make a fashion statement.
The hair expert says that while traditionally henna powder has been popular, it involves a tedious process of soaking henna, mixing organic herbs for better outcomes, followed by soaking it for up to three hours. "For those having more greys, it often leaves a hideous orangish tint. Henna cream, however, is a premixed henna concoction with herbs from Brazilian rainforests," she states, adding that it is now available in the market.
"It is the goodness of jua, babassu oil, guarana, cumaru, copaiba, jaborandi, and acai that makes hair softer, stronger, and lustrous. These ingredients also give out beautiful colour options like natural black, brown, dark brown, copper, burgundy, and chocolate. They are a natural and environmentally-friendly choice."
Angelon says henna cream has vitamin E; it contributes to hair softness. Additionally, the natural leaves of the plant are rich in antioxidants and protein that support hair health. "Stronger, thicker, and glossier hair is the result of henna hair dye, which is regarded as an excellent conditioner. It might also aid in re-establishing the hair and scalp's natural pH balance," she states.
In order to do away with the mess, henna cream is also available in special packaging with an applicator that can help the consumer get the right colour without staining their hands.
Henna has nutritional value -- it promotes hair growth, strengthens and nourishes the roots, and improves hair health.
"It is imperative to ensure the henna is free of harsh chemicals. Read the labels carefully. Look out for ammonia and its by-products, such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, synthetic fragrance, EDTA, resorcinol, PPD, and heavy metals. They are not only harmful for the hair, but can impact the scalp and roots, too. As they wash away, they run into water bodies and harm aquatic life. Thus, shifting to organic, vegan, natural henna cream can protect both your hair as well as the environment," the hair expert concludes.
