Hair Color

Hair dye types: permanent, semi-permanent plant colour and henna

Check the type first. Permanent oxidation dye is mixed with a developer and gives longer-lasting colour and stronger grey coverage; semi-permanent plant hair colour cream uses plant extracts with a small amount of pigment and is positioned as gentler. This category centres on Herbatint ammonia-free permanent herbal colour, plus herbal henna hair dye (70ml, 8 tones), so pick by grey coverage, scalp sensitivity and the depth of colour you want.

Choosing a shade: N, C, D, M and R tones

Herbatint shade codes combine depth and tone: numbers 1 to 9 run from darkest to lightest; N is natural, C ash, D gold, M mahogany and R copper. For grey coverage choose a natural tone close to your target colour, or one shade lighter. For an ash, warm gold or red-wood effect, pick C, D, M or R and mix with the same-depth N tone as directed on the product page.

Dyeing at home: steps, mixing ratio and safety

Before you start, do not wash your hair for 24 hours so natural scalp oils form a barrier, and complete a 48-hour patch test plus a strand test. Mix the colour gel and developer 1:1 in a plastic or glass bowl, never a metal one. Apply to dry, unwashed hair, leave for about 40 minutes, rinse until the water runs clear, then apply the included conditioner for 5 minutes and rinse again.

• For hair only: never use on eyelashes, eyebrows or the upper lip.
• The product page states suitability from age 16; not for children.
• Hair dye can cause severe allergic reactions; always do a 48-hour patch test first.
• Do not use on irritated or broken scalp skin, or after a reaction to hair dye or a black henna tattoo.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with long-term conditions should consult a healthcare professional first.
• Wear gloves, avoid contact with eyes, and rinse with plenty of water if the product gets into the eyes.

Before and after colour care

Make sure no styling product or leave-in conditioner remains before dyeing, as residue can affect the result. After dyeing, use colour-care shampoo and conditioner, keep water temperature moderate and reduce daily heat styling; a deep treatment 1-2 times a week helps. Permanent colour usually lasts about 4-6 weeks, depending on hair type, washing frequency and care.

Buying in Hong Kong and Macau: stores, free shipping and authenticity

Herbatint hair colour is sold at our Mong Kok store only in Hong Kong (no delivery); Macau orders over MOP$200 ship free. Other hair dye products ship free in Hong Kong over HK$300 and in Macau over MOP$200, and can be ordered online. Mong Kok store: Room 1703, 17/F, Omega Plaza, 32 Dundas Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Macau store: Room T, 2/F, Kwok Wah Theatre Shopping Centre, 47 Rua dos Anjos, Macau.

We are a member of the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department No Fakes Pledge and all products are genuine. Ask in store if you need help with shade choice or application.

Related categories and further reading

• Herbatint brand page: Italian origin, shades and colour-care products.
• Herbatint 1N black permanent herbal colour: product page example and ingredients.
• Hair wash and care: shampoo, conditioner and scalp care categories.
• Beauty and personal care: the parent category for more personal care.
• Store addresses and shipping fees: visit us or check delivery details.

This page provides retail information only and is not medical advice. Hair dye can cause allergic reactions; read the label and follow the patch-test instructions before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and people with long-term conditions should consult a healthcare professional first. Last updated: 2026-11-11.

Hair Dye — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of hair dye are there?

There are 3 groups: permanent oxidation, semi-permanent plant and herbal henna dye. Permanent colour lasts longer and covers grey better.

Q2: Is Herbatint ammonia-free, and is it suitable for a sensitive scalp?

Herbatint is an ammonia-free herbal colour, dermatologically tested. It still contains PPD and peroxide, so do a 48-hour patch test first.

Q3: Can hair dye cover grey hair?

Yes. Permanent and herbal henna dye both cover grey; pick a natural N tone or C/D/M/R for cool or warm casts. 33 products.

Q4: How do I choose a shade: N, C, D, M or R?

Numbers 1-9 set depth; N natural, C ash, D gold, M mahogany, R copper. Start with a natural tone for grey coverage and mix as directed.

Q5: How should I prepare before dyeing?

Do not wash your hair for 24 hours before dyeing, complete a 48-hour patch test and a strand test, remove styling residue and wear gloves.

Q6: How do I mix Herbatint, and how long does it take?

Mix the colour gel and developer 1:1 in a plastic or glass bowl, never metal. Apply to dry hair, leave about 40 minutes, rinse clear.

Q7: How do I care for colour after dyeing?

Use colour-care shampoo and conditioner, keep water temperature moderate and reduce heat styling; a deep treatment 1-2 times a week helps.

Q8: Can I use hair dye on my eyebrows or eyelashes?

No. Hair dye is for hair only, not eyelashes, eyebrows or the upper lip (16+ only). If it gets into the eyes, rinse well and seek advice.

Q9: Can pregnant women or people with a sensitive scalp use hair dye?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional first. Do not dye irritated scalp skin; patch-test 48 hours first.

Q10: What is the difference between plant hair colour cream and permanent dye?

Plant hair colour cream is a 70ml semi-permanent dye that states no ammonia, PPD or resorcinol; permanent dye lasts longer but has PPD.

Q11: Can hair dye lighten my hair?

Hair dye colours and covers grey; it is not a bleach. The 33 products here are permanent or semi-permanent colour.

Q12: Where can I buy hair dye in Hong Kong?

Visit our Mong Kok and Macau stores. Herbatint is Mong Kok only; Macau orders over MOP$200 and other hair dye over HK$300 ship free.

Q13: How should I store hair dye after opening?

Keep unopened gel and developer closed in a cool, dry place; once mixed, use it in 1 application only and keep it away from children.