Is HENNA really worth it?

[RosesBlack]

Henna is SO worth it. I really wish I would've tried it sooner. I really love it.

 

[TwistNMx]

Re: If I may additional questions...

1. it can be stored, in the freezer or fridge - not sure about how long since I mix up enough for 2 applications, 1 for each week.

2. Sareca henna'd first and then indigo'd. Last week, I mixed some indigo w/henna (mixing the indigo w/hot water, letting it sit for 1 min before adding to henna).

Sereca is my henna hero!!!

 

[tocktick]

it made my hair much softer (at least after i finished applying it) and strong. my shedding was reduced so much.

however, it made a gigantic mess in my bathroom. it was like i'd thrown swamp mess all over the bath tub & walls. it also made a mess of my kitchen sink when it came time to rinse out the container that i'd mixed it in. whats more, i was left with all this henna residue in my hair. i would shake my hair a little and little black dots would fall out. i also had small herb looking things (similar to thyme) fall out. it took at least another very good wash, to get the majority of the residue out. bearing in mind, when i originally washed out the henna, i did it very well.

the benefits were nice but it just too much effort. i can get the similar benefits doing something else that requires less fuss. but i've never had my hair that soft or strong before. however, the residue problems may just be with the type of henna i used. i used one by lush, which comes in a solid block and not a powder.

i will try it once more with the powder but it i still have issues then no more after that.

 

[Miss*Tress]

Hi tocktick.
I tried Lush Caca Noir earlier this year and it gave great results on my hair, but I had the same issues with combing out flecks for days afterwards. It might be because the block is made with cocoa butter. Dunno; in any case the powder is easier to mix and makes less mess. Don't give up so easily. Henna is well worth the effort.

 

[Nola Darling]

Don't know if this was said, but if your ends are not in top shape and you are sensitive to protein....do not Henna or you will have to trim before you want to. Other than that, I like it and the color.

 

[tocktick]

Hi tocktick.
I tried Lush Caca Noir earlier this year and it gave great results on my hair, but I had the same issues with combing out flecks for days afterwards. It might be because the block is made with cocoa butter. Dunno; in any case the powder is easier to mix and makes less mess. Don't give up so easily. Henna is well worth the effort.

thanks i tried caca rouge. i will try the powder next month. i also found that the power is more than 50% cheaper anyway.

 

[Miss*Tress]

thanks i tried caca rouge. i will try the powder next month. i also found that the power is more than 50% cheaper anyway.

How does the red look on your hair? And what shade was your hair before the henna? I'm thinking of trying red in the summer for highlights.

 

[tocktick]

How does the red look on your hair? And what shade was your hair before the henna? I'm thinking of trying red in the summer for highlights.

red? lol my hair looks pretty much the same erplexed. it was a good thing that by the time i used it, i was actually contemplating my hair being jet black but was just curious about henna and what the colour would look like. when i got it a while ago, i really wanted my hair to look red or at least auburn-ish. if i'd used it then i'd have been sorely disappointed. it may just be my hair that didn't pick up that red shade but others might though. immediately after using it, it looked a little brown/red in light but never again after that. my natural hair colour is very dark brown/off black. btw, i mixed my henna with lemon juice & olive oil and left that to stand for 15 hours. maybe i should have left it overnight but i heard 12+ hours was fine for the dye to release.

 

[SplashAtl]

Does henna have to sit overnight after mixing with water or whatever else for the dye to release? I want to henna my hair today but didn't mix the henna last night? I could let it sit for like 4 hrs. Would this be long enough? How long do you usually let the henna stay in your hair? Thanks!

 

[january noir]

Does henna have to sit overnight after mixing with water or whatever else for the dye to release? I want to henna my hair today but didn't mix the henna last night? I could let it sit for like 4 hrs. Would this be long enough? How long do you usually let the henna stay in your hair? Thanks!

It would be long enough based on my experience.

 

[angellazette]

I just check my henna throughout the day. Cause sometimes the house is hot, sometimes it isn't and that all affects the release. So I just start to apply some to my inner wrist around 4 hours in and leave on for 30 mins. If I like what I see, then I use it...if not, I let it sit more and probably check every two hours after that. I leave it in for hours...sometimes overnight if I'm really lazy.

 

[Dubois007]

I did my first henna today and I really like the result.

I used Colora Henna powder box mixed it with mustard oil, conditionner, warm water and lemon juice. I let it sit for an hour.

After washing my hair I started applying the paste I kept it for 2 hours under a plastic cap. I rinsed even soak my hair in the tub in order to get it all out.

I washed with conditionner and voila.

I plan to do every month.

Now I'm gonna browse the forum for more info on amla powder

 

[SplashAtl]

It would be long enough based on my experience.

Thank you!

 

[SplashAtl]

I just check my henna throughout the day. Cause sometimes the house is hot, sometimes it isn't and that all affects the release. So I just start to apply some to my inner wrist around 4 hours in and leave on for 30 mins. If I like what I see, then I use it...if not, I let it sit more and probably check every two hours after that. I leave it in for hours...sometimes overnight if I'm really lazy.

Thank you!

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

How long you leave henna for dye release depends on the products and the type of powder you are using.

For powders Jamila needs to sit for at least 12 hours usually but some people can have it ready before then, depends on temperature and location sometimes.

For Moroccan, Indian or Yemeni leave it sit for only a few hours like 2-3 hours and then use them. Up to four is okay if you forget or just want to wait a bit more. But you can test these pastes on your palm by leaving it for 1 min, wash it off, and if you see bright pumpkin orange stain then you are good to go and use it.

Most popular powders for hair usage are those four types but moroccan is used a lot for clients mixing their powder with indigo you want to go more towards brown to black tones and want to do it the quickest way.

Then Indian powder is very popular and gives nice reddish highlights/tones.

I think the cocoa butter and block form of Lush henna products are kind of unappealing to me personally and have never used them. I have always used powder for at least 10 yrs and I am happy with it and I find that it isn't as messy.

If you try it on damp hair too that seems to help a bit more with application. Damp as in towel dry.

Hope everyone has been well. Missed you all! Sorry haven't been around too much just was under the weather for awhile, and trying to do the bare minimum.

 

[anon123]

I'm natural of hair type extremely kinky. I bought henna from From Nature With Love and followed the mixing and application directions as found at Henna for Hair. It left the slightest of dyes and I felt no difference in my hair. It was a lot of hassle and smelled unpleasant. So for me, a lot of work with virtually no results. I still have half of it left, so I might try again at some point, but I'm in no hurry to.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

Mwedzi, you know I wish there were other recipes out there on sites or instructions that made note of the different hair textures and possible requirements that might need to be done. Everything is pretty general and this is a reminder to myself firstly, that sometimes people will get a product, read the instructions and follow it exactly as they are supposed to, BUT end up the results that are not exactly satisfactory.

For one, lemon juice is not needed. I add maybe a splash but you really don't need it and for everyone else that feels you do well from the traditions and hundreds of years of women using henna in other countries before we did over here, they sure did use water (warmed up or tea water perhaps) but I feel for some people the addition of acid doesn't affect them and for others it is a pain to the hair and so drying. So herbs can be a little drying in general and then to add lemon juice, it's a bit too much. I am not implying you did that but I guess I took a moment here to vent about it.

Because I want to write that out myself that for instructions it is going to state that to keep in mind everyone has different hair textures and we need to be aware that some things are good for some, while other things are not. Herbs in my opinion are great for everyone but what you put into that mixture after that is what really counts.

So lemon juice: that's a number 1 concern. Better not to add it, especially if you are concerned about drying your hair and scalp out.

Damp hair: Putting herbal treatments onto damp hair. It makes a huge difference. It is easier to apply and there is definetely less mess all over.

Oiling/Conditioning: Add this to your herbal recipe, oil for sure. You favorite and this will also enhance the smell of that herbal smell some of you might not like. You may also add some conditioner to the mixture but remember that conditioner does dilute the mixture a bit so if you want color then don't add to much. Oil/condition afterwards for sure and some do it before as well.

Indigo: be careful with it and don't add extra to the indigo only the other herbs as indigo CAN SOMETIMES be fussy and just demise on you. No freezing for this herb, and it's the only one you cannot freeze not even the powder. Freezing helps keep herbs fresh and make them last longer and stronger.

Those are a few general tips but some of the ladies here have some great recipes. Right now cassia with honey and chamomile tea is pretty popular. Honey is a natural hydrogen peroxide and is known to lighten your hair some. I did it recently to make my reddish tones not so deep burgundish from the build up of years of henna'ing. I needed a little boost and to make it all fresh looking. It was nice

Take care everyone

Khadija

 

[MissMasala5]

I think the cocoa butter and block form of Lush henna products are kind of unappealing to me personally and have never used them. I have always used powder for at least 10 yrs and I am happy with it and I find that it isn't as messy.

ITA, I was in Macy's y/day and checked out the Lush stall there. Looked over their $20+ henna bricks, and one brick would not have been enough

Henna Sooq, thank you for your informative posts on the henna experience!

 

[LadyZ]

Does henna stop breakage or make it worse?

 

[sweetgal]

I'm not by any means a henna expert. However, henna may cause your hair to break more if you hair is breaking because it's dry. Henna acts like a protein treatment. So it strenghtens your hair, however may also dry it out.

If you hair is breaking due to dryness do a dc, if it's very weak and limp do a protein or henna, if your not sure you can do a mild protein like aphogee 2 min and a dc. Continue to watch you hair and you should be able to make a better assessment. If you do henna, make sure that you dc right afterwards,

...hope this helps.

 

[Lavendar]

Damp hair: Putting herbal treatments onto damp hair. It makes a huge difference. It is easier to apply and there is definetely less mess all over.

Khadija

That was an awesome post Khadija!!! I specifically want to address the above. I used henna on dry hair for over a year and finally decided to try on clarified, damp hair. I had much better and brighter color penetration on damp hair. I'm so glad I decided to try it, especially since the consensus at that time was henna should be done on dry hair. Damp hair is definitely better for me. And you are right....application is sooooo much easier and I use much less henna which is a money saver as well!

 

[Lavendar]

Does henna stop breakage or make it worse?

If the henna is mixed and applied correctly for your hair type, it can stop breakage or at least greatly reduce it. Henna actually has a great conditioning effect on the hair. Although henna has a similar effect to a protein treatment in that it fills-in and coats the cortex of the hair, I don't believe it is actually a true "protein" treatment and should never be used in the place of the moderate-to-heavy protein treatments if this is what your hair requires. Henna really strengthens and conditions my hair, but I still use heavy protein when needed for my extremely fine hair. I can use light protein DC once a week in addition to a henna gloss every 2-3 weeks and never overload on protein. My first henna treatment was drying, but I quickly made some adjustments to my mix and have had great treatments thereafter. Personally, I think a henna gloss (henna mixed with conditioner) with a small amount of oil right before application would be great on anyone's hair. Of course, this is all my honest opinion.

 

[LadyZ]

I'm not by any means a henna expert. However, henna may cause your hair to break more if you hair is breaking because it's dry. Henna acts like a protein treatment. So it strenghtens your hair, however may also dry it out.

If you hair is breaking due to dryness do a dc, if it's very weak and limp do a protein or henna, if your not sure you can do a mild protein like aphogee 2 min and a dc. Continue to watch you hair and you should be able to make a better assessment. If you do henna, make sure that you dc right afterwards,

...hope this helps.

====

Thanks, is does.....

 

[sweetgal]

Lady z,

good luck, sometimes it's so difficult to detemine what you hair needs-but you will get there

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

Lavendar and sweet gal made some very good points. I especially like that lavendar you didn't just give up on henna, but you adjusted and made the necessary changes to your hair for the better.

The thing with henna is that everyone does have their own ways and their own recipes, while that's something I respect, it's not something that I think is a ONE WAY IS the Only Right way. I feel it is really important to be open about natural hair care and not to be stuck on telling others that there is only way to do it. Could you imagine how many people would have left henna behind and never looked back at it? That's just one thing I never agreed with. People have different hair textures and there is so much variety in that alone, that there will be no one way with henna and natural herbs. You may have to experiment and adjust your recipes to suit your hair and yourself. That's what makes henna worth it!

Okay I'm gonna stop my preaching

Thank you for the comments regarding my previous posts.

Khadija

 

[LadyZ]

Thank you Ladies,
What everyone said is true, you have to try things and make the adjustment for your own hair... I have some and it is in the freezer... I let it set over night, wrapped in plastic in a heated area to release the color... I think I will try it with in a month and see what happens... I mixed it with a cone-free conditioner so it won't be so drying... and of course before I do anything... I will double check what I am about to do with the pros on this forum, so I can do it the correct way...

Thanks for responding with such good info... As always...

 

[PassionFruit]

<slipping out of lurkdom to post some helpful Henna hints>

I dont current use Henna but as a teen it was the only thing we used to condition/color our hair




though Rainbow Henna is a brand ( non-Indian) it is considered pure Henna by Whole Foods Mkt where it can be purchased... more importantly, the website there gives great henna useage hints that can be used with tattoo grade hennas from Indian sellers if you so choose


http://www.rainbowresearch.com/henna_instructions.html


Preparation
Rainbow Henna may be applied on wet or dry hair, but it is important that the hair be clean. If you wish to shampoo first, towel dry hair before application. Apply cream, oil, or Vaseline around the hairline, ears, and neck to avoid staining your skin.
Directions **(If using Henna on Grey or White Hair see directions below)**
Pour a 4 oz. jar of Rainbow Henna into a glass or plastic bowl. Gradually add boiling water, coffee or tea to the Henna powder. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix thoroughly to a creamy soup-like consistency, (more liquid can be added if mixture is too thick).
For Rainbow Neutral Henna, mix 2 oz. (1/2 jar) with boiling water.
Rainbow Henna is filled by weight. A 4 oz. jar is equal to an 8 oz. cup by volume.
**For best results with Henna on Grey hair see instructions below**
Directions for use on Grey or White Hair
Pour a 4 oz. jar of Rainbow Henna into a glass or plastic bowl. Gradually add boiling coffee or tea to the Henna powder. See special recipes and hints below for exact Coffee & Tea use. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix thoroughly to a creamy soup-like consistency, (more liquid can be added if mixture is too thick).
For Rainbow Neutral Henna on Grey Hair: Mix 2 oz. (1/2 jar) with boiling water, do not use coffee and vinegar.
Best Recipes for Grey Hair:
Dark Brown Henna + Coffee + 1-2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar = Dark Brown
3 parts Black + 1 Part Medium Brown + Coffee + 1-2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar = Dark Brown
3 Parts Dark Brown + 1 Part Medium Brown + Coffee + 1-2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar = Medium/Dark Brown
3 Parts Black + 1 Part Dark Brown + Coffee + 1-2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar = Darkest Brown

Special Recipes and Hints
Substitute Coffee or Tea for Water to add these effects:
Coffee – Use for Best Results on Grey Hair to help tone down red tones, deepens brown-red tones, & cover grey. Use brewed, black coffee or espresso (not instant or decaffeinated). After coffee or espresso is brewed, bring to a boil. Mix as directed above.
Teas- To have the following effects take place, substitute tea for water. Let tea steep for 20-30 minutes, and then bring to a boil. Mix as directed above.

• Ceylon, Black China or Darjeeling Teas will help tone down red & deepen brown-red tones on Dark Brown, Med Brown, Burgundy, Mahogany & Sherry.
• Ceylon, Black China or Darjeeling Teas will add gold highlights to Light Brown Henna.
• Red Zinger Tea enriches red tones in Burgundy, Sherry, Mahogany, Dark Brown, Med Brown and Red Henna.
• Chamomile Tea brightens and adds highlights to Neutral, Blonde, or Marigold Blonde Henna.

** Remember the water, tea or coffee should be brought to a boil. The amount you use is up to you. More can be added if the mixture thickens. Apply Henna while warm, not hot. The electric Thermo Heat Cap can improve color and conditioning.
Apple Cider Vinegar – To help all colors hold on grey hair, add 1-2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar to Henna mixture.
Lemon Juice – To lighten blonde shades, add 1-2 tbsp. lemon juice to Henna mixture.
To Deepen Red Shades – Red, Sherry, Mahogany, or Burgundy can be deepened by mixing a darker shade. For example, 3 oz. (3/4 jar) Mahogany + 1 oz. (1/4 jar) Dark Brown = Dark Auburn.
Dry or Damaged Hair – Add 1 Egg, or 1-2 tbsp. of Olive Oil, or 1-2 tbsp of Plain Yogurt to the Henna mixture. These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes. Choose any 1 of the 3 options listed above for similar results.
Application
Wear plastic or rubber gloves to avoid staining your hands.

1. Section hair front to back and ear to ear. Take 1 inch partings in the sections.
2. Method 1 - Begin at the scalp and paint on the Henna with a tint brush from roots to ends, or use hands
3. Method 2 - Begin at scalp and apply Henna with gloved hands. Packing it on as if you were putting a mud pack on your head.
4. Continue until all the hair is thickly coated with the Henna mixture.
5. Place a cotton or tissue band around the hairline. Cover the hair with a plastic bag or plastic wrap and old towel to help maintain heat.

Timing
For best results use a Heat Lamp, or Thermo Heat Cap:
Leave on as follows:

• Black, Red, Sherry, Mahogany, Burgundy, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, and Copper –with heat 45- 60 minutes; without heat 60-90 minutes.
• Strawberry Blonde, Blonde, Marigold Blonde, Light Brown, and Neutral –with heat 30 minutes; without heat 45-60 minutes.

When timing is completed, rinse thoroughly with hot water, and then rinse with cool water. Follow with Rainbow Henna Shampoo, or any mild natural shampoo without essential oils. Rinse thoroughly and style. Leaving the Henna on longer then recommended is not advised, results may vary.
Henna Test Strand Instructions

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of Henna with Boiled Water* Use enough water to make it into a thick soup-like consistency. Additional water may be added to thin mixture if needed.
2. Test on enough hair to see results. Select a 1 inch section (enough to wrap around 2 fingers).
3. Apply Henna Roots to Ends, coating the hair. After Henna is applied, wrap the section of hair in plastic wrap. Leave on 45-60 minutes. Rinse off, shampoo and dry. Check color in good light, daylight is best. For more depth of color, timing can be increased 15-30 minutes.

*coffee or tea should be substituted for water for grey hair.
Helpful Accessories

• Plastic or glass bowl
• Plastic or wooden spoon
• Oil, Vaseline, or cream
• Plastic or rubber gloves
• Tint brush or 1 ½ inch paint brush
• Cotton or tissues
• Plastic bag or plastic wrap
• Protective cape or old towel
• Rainbow Henna Shampoo
• Rainbow Henna Conditioner
• Thermo Electric Heat Cap

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Should I try a test strand first?
Yes. See Henna test strand instructions above.
Can Henna be used on grey or white hair?
If you have over 10% grey, we suggest doing a “test strand” first. The following formulas work best:

• Medium Brown Henna + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar
• Dark Brown Henna + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar
• Light Brown Henna + Ceylon Tea or Black China Tea or Darjeeling Tea + apple cider vinegar
• Dark Brown Henna + Medium Brown Henna (50% of each) + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar - works well on more than 10% grey

Can I Henna after a perm?
After a Perm we suggest that you wait 3-5 shampooings. This will insure that the entire chemical residue is removed prior to doing the Henna application.
Can I Henna before a perm?
Yes, Follow instructions below to remove Henna coating first.
Can I use a Chemical Dye or Bleach over hair with Henna on it?
No. First you must remove the Henna coating from the hair shaft. The Henna coating is naturally removed after 2-3 weeks of regular shampooing. If Henna was applied less then 2-3 weeks before see removal instructions below.
What is the best way to remove Henna?
To help remove Henna from the hair shaft, apply warm mineral oil to the hair. Leave on 20-25 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Shampoo out. This procedure is good prior to using a perm or chemical tint/color.
Is Henna safe to use over a chemical tint?
Yes. If the hair is in excellent condition, Rainbow Henna can be used over a chemical tint. However, this is not its purpose. Color results may very until new growth comes in fully. Henna should not be used over bleached or white hair.
Can Hair be lightened after Henna?
No. The Henna color will remain on the hair even if high lift blonde tints or bleaches are used.
Will Henna lighten hair?
No. Henna does not contain any lightening chemicals. Blonde Henna brings out yellow and golden brown highlights. Marigold Blonde Henna brings out gold and yellow highlights. Both add shine and body to grey hair.
How often can I use Henna?
Neutral Henna can be used on any type of hair every 4 weeks. All other shades can be used every 4 to 6 weeks. If color fades quicker than 4-6 weeks it is safe to re-apply sooner.
Can Henna powders be mixed?
Yes. You can mix powders together to create your own formula. Mix powders well before adding liquid.

 

[onyxcabelo]

I love henna!!! I use a texturizer, and I do henna glosses about once a month. For me using henna is like a spa experience - I always look forward to it.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

Nice!

It's been extremely henna quiet lately that's for sure.

Khadija

 

[Aggie]

I'm subcribing to this thread as I have just bought some henna from www.fromnaturewithlove.com and is waiting for it to arrive. I like all the helpful tips in this thread. Thanks ladies for starting this one.