Many people are reluctant to start using plant-based colours because they’re afraid of getting green highlights in their hair. There is a myth that some people end up with green hair after plant-based colouring. 

We assure you that this is not the case! We tell all about the origins of this myth and the best practices for a successful plant-based colour treatment.

Can plant-based colouring cause green highlights?

As a rule, plant-based colour does not turn hair green. However, in some specific situations, it can lead to slight green highlights.

Green highlights on white hair

Plant-based colour almost always contains henna. Used for thousands of years for their colouring properties, henna pigments oxidize when applied to the hair. 

On coloured hair, this is not a problem: the colour is simply a little more intense for the first few days, then quickly reaches the desired shade.

However, when you have white hair, this oxidation can lead to green highlights in the first few days. This is a completely normal reaction but one that often worries those concerned. 

If this happens to you, rest assured: this effect is usually very slight and only lasts a few days until the colour sets and the oxidation process is complete.

If you prefer to avoid them altogether, opt for IVIVE, which leaves no green tint: we use patented plant extracts and have formulated our dye powders in a balanced way to avoid this inconvenience.

Green highlights following the use of chemical products.

Most plant-based colours react badly when they come into contact with chemicals: if you have a balayage or attempt to bleach your hair after a plant-based colour treatment, you may end up with green highlights. Many plant-based colours use indigo, a blue dyeing agent. If you combine it with yellow after bleaching, you get... green.

At present, IVIVE is the only plant-based colour treatment compatible with chemical colouring. This means that you can use any product after IVIVE colouring without the fear of green hair!

Will my hair turn green after plant-based colouring?

While the oxidation of the henna may cause green highlights in the first few days on white hair, once the colour is set it will not change so your hair will not turn green over time. As with all colours, it may lose some intensity after a few weeks but it will not turn green. On the contrary, any green highlights will continue to fade away.

Why choose a plant-based hair colour?

Plant-based colour is ideal for naturally colouring your hair without damaging it. It is an effective treatment: by enveloping the hair fibre, it acts as a sheath and protects the hair from external aggressors. The pigments do not penetrate the hair and do not reach the bloodstream, so they pose no risk to your health. 

The colours achieved with plant-based colour are very natural and give your hair a new shine. Plant-based colour does not create a root effect and is very long-lasting (up to six weeks with a high-quality hair colour like IVIVE).

Green highlights after a plant-based henna colour treatment: what to do?

If you notice green highlights after a plant-based colour treatment, there's no need to look for a thousand and one tricks to remove them. They will fade on their own once the oxidation process is complete. 

Do not use shampoo in the first 48 hours as you risk altering the final result by hindering the application of the dyeing agents. 

As a general rule, you shouldn't worry too much about green highlights after a plant-based colour treatment: they are always temporary, and most of the time they are very slight and barely noticeable.

Sophie talks about plant-based colouring 

After hesitating for a while about switching to a plant-based colour for fear of green highlights, Sophie chose IVIVE and took the plunge by making an appointment with a specialist hairdresser. She says: 

“I was pleasantly surprised by the IVIVE plant-based colour. I was really afraid of the green highlights that I’d seen on people around me after a plant-based colour treatment. But with IVIVE, the result was super natural with matte brown highlights. I’m delighted!” Sophie, 38 years old (shade IVIVE 0.13)