How Long To Wait After Henna Before Dyeing Your Hair Again

Henna is a natural plant-based hair dye that imparts gorgeous red tones to your locks. But what if you want to switch up your color after henna? How long should you wait before using chemical hair dye or bleach after henna?

The short answer is at least 4-6 weeks, though longer is better. Henna coats the hair shaft so chemical dye applied too soon won’t absorb properly. This guide covers:

• How long henna pigments last on hair
• Why you should wait before re-dyeing after henna
• Tips for removing henna or transitioning colors
• How long to wait before bleaching or perming
• Aftercare to extend your henna color

How Long Does Henna Last On Hair?

Henna contains lawsone, a red pigment that bonds strongly to keratin proteins in the hair. This gives long-lasting color that gradually fades over time.

On hair that hasn’t been chemically treated, henna results typically last:

• 4-6 weeks on dark hair
• 6-8 weeks on medium brown hair
• 8-12 weeks on light brown or blonde hair
• Up to 3 months on gray/white hair

With repeated use, henna builds up and can give semi-permanent color for 6 months or longer.

Why You Should Wait Before Dyeing Over Henna

applying chemical dye too soon after henna can cause problems:

• The color may not deposit well or evenly.

• You could get an unwanted color result.

• It may fade quickly.

This is because the henna coats the outer hair shaft, blocking chemical pigments from penetrating properly.

Permanent dye uses peroxide to open the cuticle so pigment can enter the cortex. But thick henna buildup prevents this.

For the new color to take best, wait 4-6 weeks minimum to allow some fading so the cuticle can open.

How Long To Wait Before Dyeing Over Henna

Here are some general guidelines on wait times:

Permanent Dye

• Wait at least 4 weeks after henna
• 6-8 weeks is better for darker or long-lasting henna
• Always do a strand test – color may still not take evenly

Demi-Permanent Dye

• Wait 2-4 weeks after henna
• The lower peroxide levels may work after lighter henna

Semi-Permanent Dye

• 1 week wait is fine as it only coats the cuticle
• May not cover henna fully since it doesn’t penetrate hair

Bleaching

• Wait a full 2 months after henna before attempting to bleach
• Henna makes hair very resistant to lightening

How To Remove Henna or Transition Colors

If you don’t want to wait weeks or months, here are some other options:

Use A Clarifying Shampoo

Washing frequently with a clarifying shampoo containing sulfates may help lift some of the henna stain, speeding up the fading process.

Try A Henna Color Remover

Products like Colourless Hair Colour Remover work to shrink henna dye molecules so they can be rinsed away. However, results vary and it may not remove henna fully.

Dye With Darker Permanent Color

Opting for a darker shade than your current henna can help camouflage it, allowing you to transition colors. But the henna base may still cause uneven results.

See A Professional Color Correctionist

A pro colorist can assess your hair and skillfully transition the color with techniques like glossing, toning, or double dyeing with ammonia-free options.

How Long To Wait Before Bleaching Henna

Bleach is alkaline and pushes henna pigments deeper into the hair shaft. This can create a stubborn greenish tint very difficult to lift.

Wait at least 2 full months after your last henna before attempting to bleach. It may take multiple sessions over many months to successfully lighten.

Another option is to grow out your henna treated hair several inches before bleaching new growth only.

How Long To Wait Before Perming Hennaed Hair

The perm process requires the chemicals to penetrate the hair shaft. Henna creates a barrier, so perming straight after henna likely won’t take properly.

Wait 2-4 weeks to allow some fading before perming hennaed hair for best results.

Doing a test strand is also wise – if it doesn’t curl with the perm solution as usual, more waiting time is needed.

Aftercare To Make Henna Last

Once you’ve gone through the waiting time and effort to dye over henna, you’ll want your new color to last! Here are some tips:

• Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water when washing
• Apply weekly hydrating hair masks
• Limit use of hot styling tools
• Avoid chlorine and salt water exposure
• Use a UV-protectant product before sun exposure
• Get a coloring gloss treatment every 4-6 weeks

Take the guesswork out of dyeing over henna and book a custom color consultation today at Heather Annz Salon. Our experts will ensure the timing is right for stunning results!