Hair Colouring FAQ

A: Yes, Surya Henna colours both white and grey hair in one easy application. The reason that our henna is so effective in one application is due to its quality and the proper blending with other plants. The difference between grey and white hair is just the lack of colour on the white hair due to the non-production of melanin, which provides the colour. In grey and white hair, the colour of Surya Henna is less intense, since these colourings deposit upon the strands and remain on the base colour of the hair colour (remember that the white hair has no colour base and the grey hair has few strands with colour). On natural hair colour such as light brown, the brown is the base helping to intensify the colour with the application of henna.

Q: What is the difference between Surya Henna and other henna brands?

A: Surya Henna is a new concept in hair colouring that provides excellent colour and treatment to the hair in one easy, simple application. Both the cream and powder are guaranteed to colour grey hair in one application. Surya Henna Powder is 100% natural and vegetable based using not only henna but other herbs to colour and treat the hair. It is the quality of our henna that makes it so effective in giving the beautiful ranges of colour that it provides. Surya Henna Cream combines plants from India and Brazil along with mild colouring agents to give uniformity and consistency of colour. There is no ammonia, peroxide, resorcinol, PPD or parabens in our products that could cause harm to the body. Both of our products can be used before or after any conventional colouring on people of any age. Our customers report that they find their hair is shinier, healthier and easier to manage after using our cream and powder. When you purchase a Surya Henna product, you are supportinga mission that embraces both individual and environmental health, beauty and well being.

Q: Surya Henna comes off with how many washings?

A: Surya Henna Cream lasts about 6 to 7 washings. Surya Henna Powder lasts up to 15, sometimes even 20 washings. You can increase the time further with the use of the pre colour shampoos and conditioners and by using the colour fix range from Surya Henna. Q: Do all the shades of Surya Henna colour white/grey and discoloured hairs?

A: Both Surya Henna Powder and Cream do cover white and discoloured hairs. Both products are designed and guaranteed to cover grey from the very first application. However people with black hair wanting to cover grey hair will get a better result using one of the darker shades of brown rather than the black powder or cream. The black powder is formulated to give a very thorough conditioning effect to the hair and won't cover grey as well.

People with very dark hair should use a dark brown or black in the cream option.

Q: What is the difference between Surya Henna Cream and Surya Henna Powder?

A: Surya Henna Powder is 100% natural and vegetable based, composed only of dried and ground plants and fruits. These plants colour and treat the hair. Powder tends to colour for a longer period of time, easpecially if the hair has been recently treated.

Surya Henna Cream colours the hair by using gentle dyes. In addition, exotic herbs and fruits from India and Brazil are used to provide healthy treatment for the hair. People often find this an easier option and will give a more predictable result for the uninitiated.

Q: What are the advantages of using Surya Henna products?

A: It is not just a hair colourant. The formulation give outstanding condition and shine to the hair after application. Surya Henna Hair Colouring does not contain unsafe chemicals that most traditional hair colouring applications use. There are no heavy metals, peroxide, ammonia, parabens, PPD and resorcinol. Surya Henna Powder is 100% natural and plant based. Surya Henna Cream uses both plant dyes and gentle hair dyes to colour the hair. Both products are semi-permanent hair colouring which means that they wash out after a certain number of shampoos. The powder last for a longer amount of time but the creams are easier to use and give a much more predictable colour tint.

In our formulas, we use the highest quality henna and other Indian and Brazilian herbs and fruits which condition and treat the hair unlike any other hair colouring products on the market.

These plants support hair growth and hair health. Our products are unique because we actually recommend that our cream and powder be used before or after any chemical process.

We also heartily recommend our products for special use situations like children, the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy and pregnant women.

Q: I have dark brown hair but about 50% has turned white/grey. How should I darken these white hairs?
A: We suggest using Surya Henna Cream in dark brown for 60 minutes. We also recommend the chocolate colour for the same amount of time.
Q: Does Surya Henna Powder colour white/grey hair to the same exact colour of the hair?
A: No. It will only give a colouring to the white or grey hairs as a natural shades. If the natural hair colour is blonde, the colour will come out very close but just as natural shades or highlights. This gives a very pleasing result.
Q: I have white/grey hair and I want to produce golden hues. Which product would be best?
A: Use the blonde and golden colours of Surya Henna Powder or Cream and then follow the instructions.
Q: What treatment does Surya Henna provide the hair?
A: The plants in our formulations have been used safely and effectively by indigenous cultures to improve conditions such as hair thinning, seborrhea, dandruff, oily hair and to support luster and growth.
Q: What is the best way to apply Surya Henna Powder?
A: Surya Henna Powder must be applied to wet hair washed with shampoo only. Do not use conditioner. Dissolve the powder in lukewarm water along with the honey to make a homogeneous paste. For a stronger, more intensive hair treatment, dissolve the powder in a bowl with skim yogurt or skim milk and add the honey packet provided in the box. For best results, we always suggest following the instructions included.
Q: I want to lighten my hair. What colour of Surya Henna works best?
A: The powder and the cream can be used on hair that has been chemically lightened already, but Surya Henna does not lighten the hair because it does not contain ammonia or peroxide. If the golden and blonde colours of Surya Henna Powder are applied to white or light hairs, you may expect lighter colours but it will not lighten dark hairs. Q: Can Surya Henna products be used on all hair types?
A: Yes, it can be used on all hair types even those that have been damaged by chemicals.
Q: To obtain golden colours, can I add peroxide to your products?
A: Our products are not designed to mix with any chemicals. We highly suggest that you do not do this nor can we take responsibility for the results of this action. Surya Henna can be used on hair that has been lightened by a chemical process, but don't mix the two together.
Q: Can Surya Henna be used effectively on chemically treated hair? Why?
A: Yes. Hair that has undergone any type of chemical treatment can be helped with the use of Surya Henna. Besides the fact that our products do not contain any aggressive agents, the plants used in our formulas actually minimize the harmful effects of conventional colouring. Surya Henna protects the hair strands by placing a protective film on each one of them.
Q: Where do you source your plants?
A: Our henna comes from an exclusive plantation in India that is under strict quality control and soil regulations. Our other plants are from India and our own Brazilian rainforest. We have a botanist on our Brazilian staff that has vast experience and knowledge with these rainforest plants. Thus we carefully choose the highest quality plants for our formulas. In addition, our staff is constantly researching plants in India, Amazonia, Europe and other areas of the world to discover new herbs and fruits that can offer our customers excellent hair care results. Our goal is to begin using organic henna and other organic plants as soon as we can as we are dedicated to sustainability and protection of resources.
Q: What is the suggested interval between applications of Surya Henna? How often may I apply the same colour or a different colour?
A: Since Surya Henna colourings do not harm the hair, applications may be made as frequently as the person wants. There are no specific time intervals. If for some reason a person wanted to apply colour every day, there would be no contraindications. If you choose a colour that you are not happy with after application, a new colour can be used immediately after that application.
Q: Do have any suggestions of what I could mix Surya Henna Powder with for a better treatment?
A: Though Surya Henna Powder is effective alone, we highly suggest using skim yogurt or milk, honey or even chamomile tea. Since the chamomile tea has a yellow pigmentation that will deposit on the superficial layers of the hair, it can even enhance with yellow tinges. An important note: never mix Surya Henna Powder with Surya Henna Cream.
Q: Is it possible to treat hair loss, dandruff and other scalp conditions with Surya Henna? For very opaque hair, does it have any result?
A: Surya Henna does not make any medicinal claims about its products. However, we do stand behind our products and want to make sure that our customers are fully satisfied. The herbs and fruits that are used in our formulas are known traditionally to support good health with regards to hair and scalp. We invite you to try our products we offer a money back guarantee if you are not completely happy with the results.
Q: I am pregnant for the first time; are your products safe for me and my child?
A: Yes, our products can be used safely by pregnant women since they do not have any type of aggressive agents or heavy metals that may damage the development of the fetus or the formation of mother's milk. It is important to mention, however, that all users of these products conduct a sensitivity test before using Surya Henna on the hair. This information is supplied in the instructions that accompany the products. Sensitivities are individual in nature and testing a small area of the skin can easily provide the answer. As with any treatment during pregnancy, when in doubt, consult your practitioner.
Q: I have oily and thin hair. Is one product better than the other for my needs?
A: Surya Henna Powder will treat the hair by controlling oiliness, reviving and strengthening thin hair while increasing the volume of the hair. Surya Henna Cream can also be used, for at the same time it gently colours the hair, it revives, conditions and hydrates the hair naturally.
Q: My hair is more than 60% white. The natural colour is dark brown and I don't want the white strands to become golden. I just want to even out the colour. What shall I use?
A: Surya Henna Cream in dark brown or chocolate would probably be the best choice for you. Surya Henna Cream provides consistency of colour plus conditions your hair.
Q: I recently dyed my hair and got a permanent. I want to try your products. Is it best to use the powder or the cream?
A: It is not only safe to use our products on chemically treated hair but recommended. Choose either formula, cream or powder, based on your preference. However, you will find that Surya Henna Powder will last longer in your hair if you have dyed your hair with a permanent hair colour. This is because the hair scales have been opened through this process and the lawsone in the henna has a natural affinity for the hair. For Surya Henna Cream, the exact opposite is true. The colour will remain in the hair less time than usual since the colour molecules will not fix as well to the opened scales.
Q: My six year old daughter swims almost every day and her hair is becoming dry, brittle and greenish in colour. What shall I do?
A: For treating the dry and brittle issue, you may use the Surya Henna Powder in neutral (no colouring effect) to soften and rejuvenate the hair. To address the green tint, we suggest you try Surya Henna Cream to colour and treat the hair.
Q: I have heard that henna dries out the hair. Does Surya Henna have this effect?
A: No. Surya Henna Powder removes excessive oil from the hair and helps to condition the hair naturally. For dry hair, we suggest mixing Surya Henna Powder with skim yogurt or milk plus honey for a luxurious hydrating treatment. Surya Henna Cream also conditions the hair.
Q: Why are there several colours of Surya Henna?
A: Surya Henna Powder is a combination of plants that confer reddish, golden and copper colours to the strands. Each colour has different quantities of each plant, resulting in the different colours of red, gold and copper. Surya Henna Cream has in its formula mild dyes in the primary colours (blue, yellow and red) and when combined with henna and the other plant extracts from India and the Amazon forest create the different shades we have available to colour and treat the hair.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Surya Henna Powder?
A: While we don't make medicinal claims about our products, the herbs used in this formula are traditionally known to be astringent, antibacterial, antifungal and growth stimulating for the hair.
Q: What type of hair is best treated by Surya Henna Powder?
A: Surya Henna Powder is indicated for all hair types and is highly recommended for those suffering from hair loss, oiliness, thinness, opaque or chemically damaged hair. Q: Can I mix Surya Henna Powder with Surya Henna Cream?
A: No, it is not advised as it will not result in any colour. However, you may mix powder colours with other powder colours and the same for the cream to experiment getting a broader range of colours.
Q: For people with allergies to aggressive agents, which product is recommended?
A: Either product, cream or powder, may be used. For those that do not wish any chemical agents at all, even the mild dyes we provide in the cream, we suggest Surya Henna Powder as it is only made with plants. We always suggest doing a sensitivity test prior to using the product. Instructions can be found inside the product packaging.
Q: My hair has been straightened and is now discoloured? Can I use Surya Henna and if so, do I need to wait for any interval of time?
A: Surya Henna can be used immediately after any chemical process to which the hair was submitted.
Q: Can the product be used again on another day after being opened?
A: Yes. Make sure it is tightly closed and kept in a place with good circulation. If properly stored, it should last until the expiration date.
Q: Which colour of Surya Henna would be suggested to avoid reddish tones in blonde hair?
A: We would suggest golden and blonde colours with short application time.
Q: May I add any type of cream or vitamin treatment to Surya Henna?
A: No. Surya Henna already contains all the natural vitamins for full treatment of the hair. If any type of cream or vitamin is added, both colour and treatment may be altered. Foreign substances can keep the henna from fixating on the hair strands.
Q: What is the best procedure for applying the powder or cream in the hair? Is a comb a good option?
A: We suggest using a brush to apply the powder and applying the cream directly with the hands. Do not use a comb as it can remove the product from the hair. We also suggest wearing disposable gloves when colouring the hair. Always make sure that each strand is coated from root to tip.
Q: I have some balding going on. Can I use Surya Henna and for how long?
A: You most certainly can use our products for as long as you wish. Remember, however, that Surya Henna does not solve the problem of balding but can provide strength to the remaining strands.
Q: Does Surya Henna stain skin and clothing?
A: If the skin comes in contact with the colour, wash with soap and water and it will disappear in a few days. With regards to clothing, Surya Henna Cream can stain but it does not occur in most cases. It will depend on the type of cloth, amount of the product and time of contact, as well as colour used. Because of this issue, we suggest wearing disposable gloves and an apron if desired.
Q: Can people with curly hair use Surya Henna?
A: Yes, both powder and cream. In the case of Surya Henna Powder, we recommend the addition of skim milk or yogurt for better hydration.
Q: Does Surya Henna colour very dark hair? I am oriental and want to henna my hair.
A: Surya Henna Cream in the colours black and dark brown will make the hair darker. The colours red, mahogany and burgundy will make it reddish.
Q: Are Surya Henna colourings permanent or temporary?
A: They are semi-permanent. Surya Henna Cream, for instance, has in its composition, lighter dyes that act by depositing colour on the strands and penetrating the superficial layer of the hair, ensuring a better uniformity of colour. It also contains plants and herbs from Brazil and India, which treat the hair while colouring it. Being semi-permanent, the colouring comes out in 7 to 10 washings. On the other hand, permanent colouring does not come out. Temporary colouring comes off with the first washing.
Q: Why should consumers rely on Surya Henna products?
A: Because they do not contain agents aggressive to the health of the hair like lead or other heavy metals that may cause health problems with prolonged use. Our products do not contain PPD or parabens. They are made of plants and fruits with medicinal properties, such as Amla, a fruit from India rich in natural vitamin C. The products can be used before or after any type of chemical use. They have no restrictions and may be used on children, teenagers, pregnant women, people with allergies, elderly people and people subject to chemotherapy. Surya

Henna colours 100% of white or grey hair in the first application. Our company fully stands behind each and every product guaranteeing customer satisfaction. Our parent company in Brazil has been in operation for over 25 years and is a leader in natural hair colouring.

Q: Can men use Surya Henna? Which colours are indicated?
A: Yes, anyone can use Surya Henna, both men and women. The process is the same as indicated for women. Generally dark colours are more sought after by men.
Q: What is Ayurvedic Medicine?
A: Ayurveda is a millenary science developed in India in the last 5000 years. It unites the knowledge of the internal mechanism of human health and longevity, and of medicinal herbs, in the pursuit to eradicate from the human body everything that is harmful. To achieve this objective, one must seek the balance between body, mind and spirit.
Q: Why does Surya Henna formulate its products based on this medicine?
A: We seek in nature the inspiration to create high quality products based on what nature has to offer us: herbs and fruits. Being based on Ayurvedic Medicine, we ensure our commitment of quality by uniting nature, science and technology to make beauty and health amply accessible. Surya Henna believes that physical beauty is a reflection of the inner beauty of the individual. Thus we apply the science of Ayurveda to cosmetics through pursuing a natural approach to beauty treatment for the purpose of providing a healthy and happy life.
Q: What are the herbs and fruits used in Surya Henna Cream?
A: Henna, Arnica, Achillea millefolium, Chamomile, Mallow, Amla, Guaraná, Honey, Hazelnut, Carrot, Açaí, Juá, Aloe Vera, Acerola and Brazil Nut.

Q: How many colours are available in Surya Henna Cream and Surya Henna Powder?
A: We have 8 colours and 2 neutral colours in Powder and 15 colours in Cream.

We have 8 colours and 2 neutral colours in Powder and 15 colours in Cream.

Surya Henna Cream: Black, Red, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Golden Brown, Reddish Dark Blonde, Golden Blonde, Swedish Blonde, Ash Blonde, Silver Fox, Chocolate, Light Blonde, Burgundy, Mahogany and Copper

Surya Henna Powder: Red, Brown, Golden Brown, Swedish Blonde, Strawberry Blonde,Mahogany and Burgundy; and for intense treatment but no colour we have Surya Henna Powder Neutral and Surya Henna Powder Black

Q: Why is Surya Henna special?
A: Surya Henna Powder is 100% natural and vegetable. Surya Henna Cream has a less aggressive formulation than conventional colouring. Both offer treatment and colouring at the same time. These products carry a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. We know once you try these products, you will immediately see why they offer superior quality treatment compared with other hair colouring products in the market.
Q: What is Amla?
A: Amla is a fruit from India that is rich in C vitamin. Even when dried, it maintains its vitamins.
Q: What is an antioxidant?
A: An antioxidant prevents oxidation, i.e. the action of oxygen in the degrading of chemical agents. The honey (in the package of Surya Henna Powder) has this function, protecting and preventing damage to the hairs. Q: I heard that henna cannot be used on straightened hair or on permed, dyed or discoloured hair for one year after the use of these methods. Is this true? If not, why do these comments exist?
A: There are no restrictions on the use of Surya Henna Cream or Powder for these types of hair, since they do not have any aggressive chemicals. Henna confers health to the strands, creating a film on them and occupying any empty space created by constant chemical damage. What happens is that some manufacturers of henna products add heavy metals, thus rendering them unusable for use on these types of hair.
Q: Why do some people say that their hair turned orange or some other strange colour by using henna?
A: The orange colour is the result of removal of the henna product by washings. Even washing the hair with great frequency, there still exists a residue of the dyes that have great affinity to the hair and that, combined with the natural colour, give the impression of orange.

This is quite common with brown and reddish colouring. To understand why, one must look at the “colour chemistry”. Violet and blue colours of dye are composed of molecules that are larger than the red and yellow molecules. The larger the molecule the faster the disbursement.

After a few washings, the blue and violet molecules are the first to wash out leaving theyellow/red molecules remaining. (This is also common with plain henna powder, since henna has the orange colour characteristic of the plant itself.) It is recommended to retouch the colouring, depending on the degree of the hair colour.

Q: I have heard that henna is not indicated for dry hair, because it makes it even drier. Is this true? Why? If so, should a person with dry hair mix it with some type of cream to make the hair less dry?
A: Henna has lawsone, a red-orange dye that has great affinity to hair. It acts as a sealant of the damaged parts of the strand, making it more uniform and reflecting light with more intensity. The impression given is that the strands are thicker and more lustrous. Since henna removes the excess oil from the hair, the hair does not have an oily film, giving the impression of being dry. The use of Amazonia Preciosa conditioner completes the treatment and leaves the hair as soft as before, with the advantage of being treated. The hair becomes fluffy and very brilliant. When using Surya Henna Cream, the colour is provided by the gentle dyes so this “drying effect” of henna (removing excess oil) does not happen. Q: Henna can also be applied as a tattoo in different forms and on different parts of the body. Is it the same henna for hair? Same composition? How long does it last?
A: Henna for hair and body has been used for centuries in different parts of the world, with religious and cultural objectives. With the popularization of tattooing, henna is now used on rather a large scale. But since it gives an orange-like colour different from real skin tattoos, many tattooists mix other products to reach a colour nearer to black. Some of these products are harmful to the skin and may damage the health. In the United States and Canada, there is a national campaign to banish this type of tattooing because it has caused severe cases of burning and allergy. For this reason, the FDA has banned the use of henna for the skin because companies were using substances like PPD (paraphenylenediamine) in their tattoo products.

Different from all other temporary tattoos in the market which use chemical dyes or lead salts, Surya Tattoo is the only product available without any chemical substances, being entirely composed of vegetal materials. Its special formula uses an Amazon plant called Genipa americana, a tropical fruit used by American Indians to dye their skin. The plan constituents react with the skin’s biochemical components and with the air to produce the dark (bluishblack) colour of the tattoo easily and without harm to the skin appearing in its full colour within 24 hours. Surya Tattoo looks like a real tattoo but remains for an average period of 10 days. Various dermatological tests have been made in laboratories under international norms demonstrating that the product was considered non-irritant and non-allergenic. Its commercialization has been authorized by the Ministry of Health in Brazil. Surya Tattoo can be used by both children and adults safely.