How long should you leave herbal hair color on?

The processing time directly determines the success of a herbal hair color. Each plant gradually releases its pigments, so there’s no need to exceed 3 hours of application — the pigments stop binding beyond that 🌿

1. Why timing matters

Plant pigments oxidize slowly when exposed to air and heat. Too little time: the color remains light. Too long: no added benefit. The ideal duration depends on the chosen method and desired shade.

2. One-step coloring: recommended times

This method is used for light to medium tones such as blonde, copper, or light brown.

  • Herbal blonde: 30 to 60 minutes of processing time.
  • Other one-step shades: about 1.5 hours.

Beyond that, the pigments have already saturated the hair fiber and the result no longer evolves.

3. Two-step coloring: professional method

For darker shades and to cover white hair, the two-step method is the most reliable:

  • Step 1 (warm copper henna): about 1 hour to create a pigment base.
  • Step 2 (indigo or dark blend): 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the desired intensity.

The total duration should not exceed 3 hours, even for very dark tones.

4. Tips to optimize the processing time

Keeping the hair warm throughout the process improves pigment adhesion. Use a heating cap for at least 1 hour to maintain constant warmth, or replace it with a warm damp towel that you refresh regularly. This gentle heat enhances pigment oxidation and can reduce the total processing time by 15 to 30 minutes 🔥

5. After coloring

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water without shampoo. Let the color oxidize naturally for 48 hours before the first wash. You’ll then achieve a stable, shiny color true to the chosen herbal tone.

💚 Discover our Cosmos Organic certified herbal hair colors and follow Tresse Paris’ advice for precise, natural, and long-lasting results.