Coloring grays using cocoa???? Is this possible? Will it work?

[Diva_Esq]

Someone told me I could mix cocoa powder into my deep condition to cover my grays.... Is this possible? Anyone ever try this? What was your method and what were your results? How long did it last??

 

[Pompous Blue]

I don't know if mixing cocoa powder in your conditioner will cover your greys, but I mix cocoa powder in my henna mixture and it covers my greys.

I hate the red color of henna (turns my hair bright red). So, I had been mixing Katam in my mixture to tone down the red and try to keep my hair a dark brown. Been doing that for over a year. I henna every 10 days to 2 weeks.

A few months ago while looking at butters-n-bars.com website, I saw they had a "Cocoa Brown Henna Bundle" that included cocoa powder; so, that gave me the idea to use it in my henna mixture. I have a few grey hairs and it covers them well. I use Hershey's natural cocoa powder bought from the grocery store. It is cheaper than the Katam (purchased from hennasooq.com) My mixture is 1/2 and 1/2.

 

[CocoBunny]

Subscribing.

 

[Diva_Esq]

I don't know if mixing cocoa powder in your conditioner will cover your greys, but I mix cocoa powder in my henna mixture and it covers my greys.

I hate the red color of henna (turns my hair bright red). So, I had been mixing Katam in my mixture to tone down the red and try to keep my hair a dark brown. Been doing that for over a year. I henna every 10 days to 2 weeks.

A few months ago while looking at butters-n-bars.com website, I saw they had a "Cocoa Brown Henna Bundle" that included cocoa powder; so, that gave me the idea to use it in my henna mixture. I have a few grey hairs and it covers them well. I use Hershey's natural cocoa powder bought from the grocery store. It is cheaper than the Katam (purchased from hennasooq.com) My mixture is 1/2 and 1/2.

Due to the messiness and red tint of henna, I would prefer not to mix. I love my jet black hair, just want to find another non-chemical gray cover up for these Frederick Douglases!

Thanks for your input.

 

[faithVA]

I don't know if mixing cocoa powder in your conditioner will cover your greys, but I mix cocoa powder in my henna mixture and it covers my greys.

I hate the red color of henna (turns my hair bright red). So, I had been mixing Katam in my mixture to tone down the red and try to keep my hair a dark brown. Been doing that for over a year. I henna every 10 days to 2 weeks.

A few months ago while looking at butters-n-bars.com website, I saw they had a "Cocoa Brown Henna Bundle" that included cocoa powder; so, that gave me the idea to use it in my henna mixture. I have a few grey hairs and it covers them well. I use Hershey's natural cocoa powder bought from the grocery store. It is cheaper than the Katam (purchased from hennasooq.com) My mixture is 1/2 and 1/2.

I am definitely going to try this. I have a red henna and med. brown henna I mix now. I will need to henna again at the end of December and will definitely try the cocoa. hmm, or maybe I will do a test patch before that.

 

[Pompous Blue]

I am definitely going to try this. I have a red henna and med. brown henna I mix now. I will need to henna again at the end of December and will definitely try the cocoa. hmm, or maybe I will do a test patch before that.

faithVA You'll walk around smelling like a chocolate cake.

Let me know how it turns out.....

 

[Krystle~Hime]

Due to the messiness and red tint of henna, I would prefer not to mix. I love my jet black hair, just want to find another non-chemical gray cover up for these Frederick Douglases!

Thanks for your input.

so an henna / indigo.. or indigo by its own ????

 

[Curlykale]

Although I cannot predict how it would work on greys, I know that cocoa it gives me a slight brownish tint (when my hair is almost black). I leave conditioner in, and when I use a conditioner that has cocoa powder in it (it's called "Faith in Nature", UK brand, by the way... it simply has cocoa powder) I can see it. I find that cocoa gives shine, and the smell of cocoa powder + coconut oil is to die for!

Anyway, another one I have heard of is a concentrated sage tea as a spray (or, an idea that now comes into my mind, could be a dark flax seed gel that has a lot of sage in it). Or one could make a powder with dry leaves in a coffee grinder, and use it deep conditioners and leave ins maybe.

What about black walnut hull powder? It is quite popular where I come from. Some people add it to henna as well. Maybe adding it to deep conditioners, rinses, flax gel, would work.

another crazy, but maybe cool idea could be: looking for a recipe for a natural mascara and making one with these powders, so that you can brush your hair while coloring it (usually it's charcoal powder or pigment + aloe gel or castor oil or waxes/ butters).

NOTE: I cannot predict if these powders could affect your beloved ones, clothes, cats, hats and pillows though as I have never tried them (cocoa doesn't).

 

[greenandchic]

I don't know if mixing cocoa powder in your conditioner will cover your greys, but I mix cocoa powder in my henna mixture and it covers my greys.

I hate the red color of henna (turns my hair bright red). So, I had been mixing Katam in my mixture to tone down the red and try to keep my hair a dark brown. Been doing that for over a year. I henna every 10 days to 2 weeks.

A few months ago while looking at butters-n-bars.com website, I saw they had a "Cocoa Brown Henna Bundle" that included cocoa powder; so, that gave me the idea to use it in my henna mixture. I have a few grey hairs and it covers them well. I use Hershey's natural cocoa powder bought from the grocery store. It is cheaper than the Katam (purchased from hennasooq.com) My mixture is 1/2 and 1/2.

Thanks for the idea; I cant wait to try it!

 

[Pompous Blue]

What about black walnut hull powder? It is quite popular where I come from. Some people add it to henna as well. Maybe adding it to deep conditioners, rinses, flax gel, would work.

Curlykale Thanks for the info! Tell me about black walnut hull powder. How much should be added to a henna recipe?

Thanks for the idea; I cant wait to try it!

greenandchic You're gonna love it!

 

[Diva_Esq]

so an henna / indigo.. or indigo by its own ????

I will research that, thanks.

 

[greenandchic]

so an henna / indigo.. or indigo by its own ????

Diva_Esq

Indigo "sticks" to the henna to create the black/dark brown color you're looking for. You cant do indigo on its on - it wont work.

 

[Curlykale]

@Curlykale Thanks for the info! Tell me about black walnut hull powder. How much should be added to a henna recipe?

it can be used 100% or just like indigo (on hennaed hair or mixed with henna). The difference with indigo is, it's not as potent as indigo is, it doesn't have a blue hue (it is "true chestnut". indigo only has a blue hue if used not correctly, which means by itself on non hennaed hair) and it isn't permanent at all: it gets gradually washed off (like cassia). For a durable or jet black effect, indigo is much better.

If you want a temporary brown + temporary conditioning effect= 50% black walnut 50% cassia. Otherwise, added to henna, it makes the red hue darker or more chocolatey depending on how much you use.

If you want to use 100% black walnut, you usually make a paste with the powder and some warm water or tea, leave it to rest for 2 hours, add some oil, then apply to dry hair for a couple of hours. it may cover your greys (I say "may" because it only works for some people). the worst you can get if it doesn't work, is increased shine. In order to increase its potential to "work" or last you need to mix it to cassia or henna from what I've read here and there.

if used on dark hair, it makes the hair darker.

hope it helps, I'm not good at explaining but it's easier than it sounds from me !

 

[Pompous Blue]

@Diva_Esq

Indigo "sticks" to the henna to create the black/dark brown color you're looking for. You cant do indigo on its on - it wont work.

]@Diva_Esq
I do the 2-step henna/indigo process on DH's hair. It turns out a perfect black every time.

it can be used 100% or just like indigo (on hennaed hair or mixed with henna). The difference with indigo is, it's not as potent as indigo is, it doesn't have a blue hue (it is "true chestnut". indigo only has a blue hue if used not correctly, which means by itself on non hennaed hair) and it isn't permanent at all: it gets gradually washed off (like cassia). For a durable or jet black effect, indigo is much better.

If you want a temporary brown + temporary conditioning effect= 50% black walnut 50% cassia. Otherwise, added to henna, it makes the red hue darker or more chocolatey depending on how much you use.

If you want to use 100% black walnut, you usually make a paste with the powder and some warm water or tea, leave it to rest for 2 hours, add some oil, then apply to dry hair for a couple of hours. it may cover your greys (I say "may" because it only works for some people). the worst you can get if it doesn't work, is increased shine. In order to increase its potential to "work" or last you need to mix it to cassia or henna from what I've read here and there.

if used on dark hair, it makes the hair darker.

hope it helps, I'm not good at explaining but it's easier than it sounds from me !

Curlykale Thank you so much for your informative post. This is what I wanted to hear -- that I can mix it with henna. I had read about this some time ago, and since I'm restocking some bulk powders, teas and herbs from mountainroseherbs.com, I added a pound of it to my cart. Your information was right on time!

 

[gn1g]

love this thread. Also add coffee will make your hair brown or black.

 

[greenandchic]

]@Diva_Esq
I do the 2-step henna/indigo process on DH's hair. It turns out a perfect black every time.


Curlykale Thank you so much for your informative post. This is what I wanted to hear -- that I can mix it with henna. I had read about this some time ago, and since I'm restocking some bulk powders, teas and herbs from mountainroseherbs.com, I added a pound of it to my cart. Your information was right on time!

I have even done it in one step: henna and indigo mixed together after its been individually "released" and it gives my hair a very dark brown color. Its good when you don't want to take the time to do it in a 2-step process.

 

[Diva_Esq]

@Diva_Esq

Indigo "sticks" to the henna to create the black/dark brown color you're looking for. You cant do indigo on its on - it wont work.

greenandchic: I really need to do more research on indigo AND henna...clearly, I don't know SQUAT!

]@Diva_Esq
I do the 2-step henna/indigo process on DH's hair. It turns out a perfect black every time.

Pompous Blue: What is the 2-step henna/ indigo process??

I have even done it in one step: henna and indigo mixed together after its been individually "released" and it gives my hair a very dark brown color. Its good when you don't want to take the time to do it in a 2-step process.

greenandchic: Can you explain the term individually released?

 

[Pompous Blue]

@Pompous Blue: What is the 2-step henna/ indigo process??

Diva_Esq Here's the 2-step process I use on DH's hair.

1) Shampoo - RINSE
2) Clarify w/bentonite clay mixture (Clay + Aloe Vera Gel + Brine) - RINSE
3) Apply coconut oil or vatika frosting to hair and scalp.
4) Mix henna (Jamila or Karishma) - Immediately apply to hair
5) Let stay on hair for about 2 hrs. OR sit under the steamer for an hour.
6) Thoroughly RINSE out henna
7) Mix indigo & 1 TSP sea salt w/warm water. Immediately apply to hair
8) Let stay on hair for about 2 hrs. OR sit under the steamer for an hour.
9) Thoroughly RINSE and co-wash a couple of times.
10) Perfect, black hair. All grey hair is covered.
11) To restore moisture, DC with KBB hair masque, HV sitrinillah or Darcy Botanicals Pumpkin Seed conditioner for about 30 - 45min under the steamer.
12) Finish up with a leave-in only. Sometime he'll leave Darcy's in and let air dry.

I use 100g of henna and 100g indigo. His hair is 7" - 8" long (3C/4A)

If you notice, I don't let the henna sit to release its color. I mix and immediately apply. It's a common misconception that the henna must release its color for it to infuse into your strands. Not true.

Also, before i got my steamer, I would have to DC overnight to restore the moisture to my hair. DC'ing for 30-45 min under the steamer does the job better.

DH and I are natural.

@IDareT'sHair is relaxed. Maybe she won't mind giving you her henna and indigo regimen. She does the 2-step process, too.

 

[Diva_Esq]

@Diva_Esq Here's the 2-step process I use on DH's hair.

1) Shampoo - RINSE
2) Clarify w/bentonite clay mixture (Clay + Aloe Vera Gel + Brine) - RINSE
3) Apply coconut oil or vatika frosting to hair and scalp.
4) Mix henna (Jamila or Karishma) - Immediately apply to hair
5) Let stay on hair for about 2 hrs. OR sit under the steamer for an hour.
6) Thoroughly RINSE out henna
7) Mix indigo & 1 TSP sea salt w/warm water. Immediately apply to hair
8) Let stay on hair for about 2 hrs. OR sit under the steamer for an hour.
9) Thoroughly RINSE and co-wash a couple of times.
10) Perfect, black hair. All grey hair is covered.
11) To restore moisture, DC with KBB hair masque, HV sitrinillah or Darcy Botanicals Pumpkin Seed conditioner for about 30 - 45min under the steamer.
12) Finish up with a leave-in only. Sometime he'll leave Darcy's in and let air dry.

I use 100g of henna and 100g indigo. His hair is 7" - 8" long (3C/4A)

If you notice, I don't let the henna sit to release its color. I mix and immediately apply. It's a common misconception that the henna must release its color for it to infuse into your strands. Not true.

Also, before i got my steamer, I would have to DC overnight to restore the moisture to my hair. DC'ing for 30-45 min under the steamer does the job better.

DH and I are natural.

@IDareT'sHair is relaxed. Maybe she won't mind giving you her henna and indigo regimen. She does the 2-step process, too.

Pompous Blue: YOU ROCK!!!! :2cool:

 

[greenandchic]

greenandchic: I really need to do more research on indigo AND henna...clearly, I don't know SQUAT!

]@Diva_Esq
I do the 2-step henna/indigo process on DH's hair. It turns out a perfect black every time.

Pompous Blue: What is the 2-step henna/ indigo process??



greenandchic: Can you explain the term individually released?

Sure! I just meant not mixing the powders together, but do what Pompous Blue wrote and mix the henna in one bowl and the indigo & salt in a separate bowl, wait until the dye releases in the henna and in the indigo, then mix the two together. It doesn't make my hair jet black, but it does make it a very, very dark brown - plus it saves time. If you want a blue/black look, then what Pompous Blue is great for that. For me it depends on what I'm in the mood for.

 

[Diva_Esq]

greenandchic: Thanks!!

greenandchic: I really need to do more research on indigo AND henna...clearly, I don't know SQUAT!




Sure! I just meant not mixing the powders together, but do what Pompous Blue wrote and mix the henna in one bowl and the indigo & salt in a separate bowl, wait until the dye releases in the henna and in the indigo, then mix the two together. It doesn't make my hair jet black, but it does make it a very, very dark brown - plus it saves time. If you want a blue/black look, then what Pompous Blue is great for that. For me it depends on what I'm in the mood for.