Dosage Guide: How Much Henna Do You Need
"How much do I need?" is the second most-asked question we receive. Buy too little and you'll have patchy coverage. Buy too much and you've spent extra. Use this guide to get the amount right the first time.
The Quick Answer
| Hair length | Fine / thin hair | Medium hair | Thick / coarse hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixie / very short (above ears) | 50 g | 75 g | 100 g |
| Short / chin-length | 100 g | 150 g | 200 g |
| Shoulder-length | 150 g | 200 g | 300 g |
| Mid-back | 250 g | 300 g | 400 g |
| Waist-length | 300 g | 400 g | 500 g |
| Below waist | 400 g | 500 g | 600+ g |
Adjustments
- Root touch-up only (1–2 inches of new growth): use about 30% of the full-head amount above.
- 50%+ gray hair: add ~50% more powder — gray hair takes more dye to cover evenly.
- Two-step gray coverage (henna then indigo): buy equal amounts of each. The total powder you need is roughly double a single-shade application.
- Very curly or kinky textures: these tend to be more porous and dense. Plan for the thick column even if your hair feels "medium".
How to Measure
A kitchen scale (the kind that measures grams) is the most accurate. If you don't have one:
- 100 g of henna powder ≈ 3/4 cup loosely packed
- 200 g ≈ 1.5 cups
- 300 g ≈ 2.25 cups
Volume estimates vary by powder fineness — when in doubt, buy slightly more than you think you need. Sealed powder stores well in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.
How Much Liquid to Mix In
Use roughly 2 to 3 parts liquid per 1 part powder by volume — adjust until the paste resembles thick yogurt or mashed potatoes (spreadable but not runny). For example:
- 100 g powder → about 200–300 ml liquid
- 200 g powder → about 400–600 ml liquid
- 300 g powder → about 600–900 ml liquid
Add liquid gradually — it's easier to thin out a thick paste than to thicken a runny one. If the paste is too thin, sprinkle in extra powder; if too thick, add more warm water a tablespoon at a time.
Don't Forget…
- Buy slightly more than the chart suggests on your first application. Running out mid-application is the worst feeling.
- Leftover mixed paste freezes well in airtight bags for up to 6 months — thaw at room temperature before use.
- Pure dry powder lasts up to 2 years if kept sealed, cool, and dark. The dye potency does slowly decline, so use the freshest powder for the most vivid results.
Need a personal recommendation? Email us your hair length, thickness, and goal color — contact@purahenna.com — and we'll tell you exactly what to buy.