A Natural Way to Achieve Rich Brown Hair Colour

What Is Katam?

Katam is a natural botanical powder made from the dried and finely ground leaves of Buxus dioica.

Traditionally used in Yemen, where it is cultivated, Katam has long been combined with henna to create a variety of beautiful hair shades.

Today, Katam is gaining attention as a plant-based hair colouring option, especially among those who prefer natural botanical hair care.

Who Is Katam Suitable For?

Katam is particularly suitable for colouring white, grey, and light-coloured hair, where its effects are more noticeable than on darker hair.

Depending on your natural hair colour, application method, and processing time, Katam can help create beautiful shades ranging from copper chestnut to deep brown.

On very dark or black hair, colour changes may be less noticeable.

How to Use Katam: Two Application Methods

Katam can be used with henna in two different ways, each offering its own colouring results.

Method 1: Mixing Henna and Katam Together

Mixing Ratio

• 25% natural henna powder

• 75% Katam powder

Preparation and Application

1. Combine the henna and Katam powders in the recommended proportions.

2. Gradually add water, stirring until you achieve a smooth, soft paste that is easy to spread through the hair.

3. Apply the mixture evenly throughout your hair.

4. Leave it on for approximately 1–2 hours.

5. Rinse thoroughly with water.

6. We recommend avoiding shampoo for the first 24 hours to allow the colour time to develop and settle.

Expected Results

The final shade depends on your natural hair colour, hair characteristics, and application time. Generally, longer processing times may produce deeper, darker shades.

Method 2: Henna First, Then Katam (Our Preferred Method)

Based on our practical experience, we prefer applying henna and Katam in two separate stages, particularly when aiming for a more noticeable brown shade on white or light-coloured hair.

Step 1: Create a Henna Base

1. Mix an appropriate amount of natural henna powder with water to form a smooth, spreadable paste.

2. Apply the henna evenly throughout your hair.

3. Leave it on for approximately 30–60 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly with water, preferably without shampoo.

At this stage, the hair develops its initial henna colour, creating a base for the next step.

Step 2: Apply Katam

1. Mix the required amount of Katam powder with water until you achieve a smooth, easy-to-apply paste.

2. Apply the Katam mixture immediately after rinsing out the henna. For easier and more even application, we recommend keeping the hair slightly damp.

3. Leave the Katam on for approximately 30–120 minutes, depending on your desired shade.

4. Rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid shampoo for the first 24 hours to allow the colour to develop and settle.

The final shade depends on processing time, your natural hair colour, and your hair's individual characteristics.

Expected Hair Shades by Application Time

Based on our practical experience with white and light-coloured hair, the following table offers a general guide to possible results when applying Katam after creating a henna base.

Katam Processing Time	Expected Hair Shade
20–35 minutes	Copper Chestnut
45–90 minutes	Medium Cool Brown
90–120 minutes	Dark Brown

Please note: These shades are based on practical experience and are intended as a general guide, not guaranteed results. Your final colour may vary depending on your original hair colour, hair characteristics, and individual response to botanical hair dyes.

Tips for Achieving Your Desired Hair Colour

• Colour results are generally more noticeable on white and light-coloured hair than on very dark hair.

• Results may vary from person to person, even when using the same mixing ratios and processing times.

• The length of time Katam remains on your hair can influence the final shade.

• The quality and characteristics of the henna used can also affect the final colour achieved with Katam.

• When using the two-step method, apply Katam to slightly damp hair after rinsing out the henna to help distribute the paste evenly.

• We recommend avoiding shampoo for the first 24 hours after colouring to allow the shade to develop and settle.

• Always perform a strand test before full application to see how the colour develops on your hair.

ZOZEEN – Botanical Hair Care

Inspired by traditional Yemeni hair care rituals.