Henna for Hair: What to Know About Al Madina Henna

Heritage in every strand.

Imagine the scent of henna in your grandmother's house, and its warm color glowing on hair in the sunlight.

Today you'll find many types on the shelf; some promise a quick black color, and some carry the Madinah name.

In this article we answer:

• What is henna, and what color does it give?
• What makes Al Madina henna special?
• Why do regulators warn about "black henna"?
• How do you choose a safe, trustworthy product?

Let's explore the science behind henna.

1. What is henna and what color does it give?

Henna is a plant-based coloring.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), henna typically produces a brown, orange-brown or reddish-brown tint.

Other colors, such as "black henna" or "blue henna", require added ingredients.

The takeaway: Natural henna gives a warm shade between orange and reddish-brown, not black.

2. What makes Al Madina henna special?

Madinah is one of the leading henna-growing regions in the Kingdom, with cultivation in areas including the governorates of Wadi Al-Fora'a and Badr, according to a 2025 Arab News report.

The report describes the plant's light green color and strong herbal fragrance, and says it is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Henna is also one of the sectors supported by the Reef program for farmers.

The takeaway: Al Madina henna is an authentic local product; what matters is buying it from a source that tells you what's inside.

3. Natural henna or "black henna"?

This is the most important difference in this article.

The FDA says the ingredient that gives "black henna" its color is often a coal-tar hair dye containing p-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause dangerous skin reactions in some people.

It adds that even some brown henna products may contain ingredients to darken the color or make it last longer.

	Natural henna	"Black henna"
Color	Orange to reddish-brown	Black or very dark
Ingredients	The henna plant	Often has added PPD
What the FDA says	Approved as a hair dye only	Can cause dangerous skin reactions

• "Henna" on the pack ≠ pure natural henna
• A quick black color ≠ traditional henna
• "Natural" ≠ safe for everyone

The takeaway: If a product promises black color, read the ingredients carefully.

4. Henna for hair vs henna for skin

The FDA says henna is approved only for use as a hair dye, and that it has received reports of skin injuries from both henna and "black henna" products.

While hand designs are a cherished part of our culture, this article focuses on hair.

The takeaway: Use henna for the purpose stated on its pack.

5. Common henna myths

Myth 1: "All henna is natural."

Not true. Some products contain added ingredients to darken the color, according to the FDA.

Myth 2: "Black henna is just a type of regular henna."

Not true. Its black color often comes from a dye containing PPD.

Myth 3: "A local product doesn't need checking."

Not true. In 2021, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issued a warning about a henna product on the market because its bacteria levels exceeded the permitted limit and it wasn't listed in the electronic cosmetics listing system.

The takeaway: Heritage doesn't replace checking the source and registration.

6. Henna in Saudi Arabia: why this conversation matters

• Heritage: henna is part of occasions, Eid and everyday care.
• Local product: Al Madina henna is an agricultural product being encouraged for development and export.
• Registration: the SFDA advises buying from reliable sources that let you trace a product's origin.

The takeaway: Combine the heritage of henna with a trustworthy source.

7. Five habits for safer use

1. Read the ingredient list, and avoid any product that lists PPD.
2. Patch test on a small area before use, as hair dye labels usually recommend.
3. Follow the pack's instructions for mixing and timing.
4. Keep the paste away from your eyes, and wear gloves.
5. Stop immediately if itching, redness or swelling appears.

8. How to choose trustworthy henna

Ask yourself these six questions:

• Does the pack list the ingredients clearly?
• Does it promise an unusually black or fast color?
• Is the product SFDA-registered?
• Am I buying from a trusted source that names the brand?
• Is the pack intact with a clear expiry date?
• Have I had a previous reaction to hair dyes?

If you're looking for Al Madina henna in its simple form, Avnzor carries Hawafel Henna Powder 250g Al Madina.

It's a 250 g henna powder, and the ingredient listed on the product page is henna powder. Check the pack for mixing and timing instructions.

Best for: anyone who wants hair henna in its warm, traditional shade.

The takeaway: Clear ingredients and a trusted source matter more than any color promise.

9. FAQs

What color should I expect from natural henna?

According to the FDA, usually brown, orange-brown or reddish-brown.

Is there natural black henna?

The FDA says other colors such as black require added ingredients, so read the label carefully.

What is PPD?

An ingredient in some hair dyes that can cause dangerous skin reactions in some people; in the US it isn't permitted in cosmetics applied to the skin.

Do I need a patch test?

Yes, especially with any new product or if you've had a previous reaction.

Can I use henna on chemically dyed hair?

Ask a hair professional first, and follow the pack instructions.

Is every henna with the Madinah name from Madinah?

You can't be sure from the name alone. Buy from a trusted source that shows the brand and ingredients.

What should I do if a skin reaction appears?

Wash the area, stop using the product, and see a doctor if the reaction is severe.

10. The Avnzor Takeaway

Natural henna gives a warm shade between orange and brown; a quick black color is often a sign of added ingredients.

Choose a product with clear ingredients, registered, and from a trusted source.

At Avnzor, we believe heritage and trust go hand in hand, and that our traditions deserve products whose contents we know.

Heritage in every strand.

Discover hair henna from Avnzor, with free delivery and no minimum order.

Disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a substitute for advice from a dermatologist or pharmacist. Consult a professional before use if you've reacted to hair dyes before, have a scalp condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, and before using it on children. Patch test before every use, and keep the product away from your eyes.