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Herbal Hair Color: Definition, Benefits and Base + Color Method
Herbal Hair Color: What Is It Really?
Herbal hair color is increasingly popular for its promise of luminous, healthy, and well-cared-for hair. In this article, Tresse Paris explains in detail how it works, its composition, the professional Base + Color method, and how it fundamentally differs from traditional chemical hair dye.
Herbal Hair Color: Definition
Unlike oxidative dyes, herbal hair color does not penetrate the hair cortex. It works on the surface thanks to plant-based coloring powders mixed with hot water to create a pigmented paste that coats the fiber.
This natural film reflects light, protects the cuticle, and enhances shine with every application. The result is vibrant, long-lasting, and fully scalp-friendly.
Discover our shades in the Herbal Hair Color section.
Composition and Formulation
A premium herbal hair color relies on three key elements: the quality of the plants, the fineness of the powder, and the precision of the preparation temperature.
- Tinctorial plants: henna, indigo, amla, cassia — they provide tone, care, and strengthening;
- Hot water: activates color molecules and helps bind pigments to keratin;
- Natural texturizers: ensure a smooth, even, and easy-to-apply paste.
Tresse Paris formulas are Cosmos Organic certified, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and contain no harsh agents like ammonia or PPD. This total respect for the hair and scalp makes it a unique professional herbal color system in France.
How the Color Fixes
Plant pigments naturally attach to the hair’s keratin. This surface bond does not damage the fiber — it actually strengthens it and boosts shine. With each application, the color becomes richer and the highlights deepen, without any visible root line.
- Thicker, softer hair;
- Custom highlights based on your natural shade;
- Gradual, harmonious fading over time.
Herbal vs. Chemical Hair Color
The key difference lies in the mechanism. Chemical hair color opens the cuticle and alters the internal melanin, while herbal hair color coats the surface and strengthens the fiber instead of damaging it.
| Criterion | Herbal Hair Color | Chemical Hair Color |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Coats the fiber and colors the surface | Alters internal melanin |
| Lightening | Impossible without oxidant | Possible (bleaching) |
| Effect on fiber | Strengthens and protects | May weaken over time |
| Result | Natural and nuanced | Uniform, sometimes artificial |
| Fade | Soft, progressive fade | Visible regrowth |
| Scalp tolerance | Very well tolerated | Often sensitizing |
Base + Color (2-Step) Method
For complete white hair coverage and deep tones, the 2-step method is ideal. It consists of first applying a Base (pre-color), then a Color (final shade).
- The Base coats, evens out, and prepares the hair fiber to receive the pigments;
- The Color sets the tone and delivers the final shine.
This technique, inspired by professional salon rituals, is recommended for dark shades (from hazelnut to deep black). Tresse Paris is the only brand offering ready-to-use 2-step boxes with separate Base + Color sachets.
Discover our full kits in the Herbal Hair Color category.
Care and Longevity
The durability of a herbal hair color depends primarily on post-color care. Here are the essential steps to preserve its shine and intensity:
- Use a mild shampoo without sulfates or silicones;
- Rinse with lukewarm water, never hot;
- Space out washes to let pigments settle;
- Protect hair from sun and limescale;
- Apply the SuperCare Herbal Mask regularly to nourish and seal in color.
Herbal Hair Color FAQ
Does herbal hair color cover white hair?
Yes, perfectly, thanks to the 2-step Base + Color method. The first stage prepares the fiber, and the second deposits the final shade for an even, natural result.
Can you lighten hair with herbal color?
No, it contains no oxidant. It works transparently, enriching the natural shade with warm or cool highlights depending on the plants used.
How long does the color last?
On average, 4 to 6 weeks. The fade is soft and natural, with no root line, as long as gentle products are used.
Is it suitable for sensitive scalps?
Yes. The fragrance-free, alcohol-free and Cosmos Organic certified formulas are designed for sensitive or reactive scalps.