Is HENNA really worth it?

[tsiporah]

I agree that it does sound like a lot of work. It already takes me 4 hours on Sat to do my hair when I use a rinse which is every 3 weeks now. To add 3 more hours would be a day's work. My question is what does it do so that good cond and treatment don't do? I have a Philip B leave that has henna in it. I think that will be it for me.

It is not alot of work.

If you want color sit the henna out overnight after you made the paste.

Then the next day you apply it. Keep it on for however long you want! It can be one hour or the whole day!!! Then rinse thoroghly.

If you just want conditioning and less color then just mix the paste and apply.

 

[Belle Du Jour]

I finally got my henna! I bought it from the store and it is straight from India. I can't read what's in it, so I was a bit concerned about buying it. Anyone familiar with Komal and Mumtaz brands? They are both for the body, so I'm assuming they don't have chemicals. I asked the guy at the counter if it has anything besides henna and he read the box and said no.

I also bought a box of Beauty Herbal Henna Plus which has henna, mehendi, amla, shikakai, mahabringraj and tannin in it.

 

[Prosperity711]

I did my first henna last night, it was not bad at all, I have mirrors on my closet so I but some plastic on the floor and turned to the Oprah show I tape all week and listened to Oprah while it put it on my hair. I only left it on for 2 1/2 hours, sat under dryer for 1 hour, my hair is dark brown I can see red tint on my gray, it rinsed out real easy, I added the yogurt to it. I didn't want to leave it on too long the first time, it will be fun playing around with different mixes. I bought mine from the Indian store 200 grams for $2.99. I'm hoping it will help my breakage.

 

[starfish]

The first time I henna'd it took me a long time and I had henna all over my bathroom. I can put it on now, 6 weeks later, in 15 minutes with no mess.

My hair was lightish brown with red in it, and henna turned my hair dark brown with a red tint. Anyone know why it turned my hair dark brown? (I still love the color by the way.)

 

[Prosperity711]

The first time I henna'd it took me a long time and I had henna all over my bathroom. I can put it on now, 6 weeks later, in 15 minutes with no mess.

My hair was lightish brown with red in it, and henna turned my hair dark brown with a red tint. Anyone know why it turned my hair dark brown? (I still love the color by the way.)

What did you mix it with and what brand did you use? I'm new to the henna thing but I like to know about the different mixes.

 

[starfish]

What did you mix it with and what brand did you use? I'm new to the henna thing but I like to know about the different mixes.

I mix it with water, then add emu, carrot and olive oil to my mix right before I put it on my hair. My Indian friends say they don't mix it with coffee, wine, etc. so I didn't either.

I got the henna from Castle Art Henna, it's body art quality, but maybe it's old henna or something. I don't mix it with anything that should have turned my hair dark dark brown. I was looking forward to bright red honestly. When I get back from vacation in a week I'm buying it from Henna Sooq, and getting the Rasthjani (sp?) henna, which I've heard has a great dye.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

It does sound kind of odd that your hair would have turned dark brown. That really should not have happened as mostly for sure it has to show up some red tones. Something at least. Sorry to hear.

You won't be disapointed with the indian henna powder from rajasthan. It is very nice !

Khadija

 

[secretrose]

To answer your main question, for me it is worth it. I've noticed a change (in the better) for my hair.
What brand of Henna do you use? Where do you get it? Jamila or Reshma from a local Indian Store

How often do you do your treatments? I henna every week

What if anything do you add to your henna? I add water, coconut or jojoba oil - no coffee, tea, grass or berries . Sometimes, I'll add conditioner

What benefits have you seen in your hair? Shine, Shine, Shine, I like the subtle hightlights, less shedding, body and stronger hair.

How long have you been doing Henna Treatments? I've been hennaing for about 3 months now

What is your hair type? 4a/b, relaxed

It hasn't been a hassle for me. I mix, let it sit for 12 hrs, apply w/applicator brush and smooth (takes about 10-15 min), apply plastic cap, go to sleep or do stuff around the house for 3 hours. Rinse out, wash once w/Aveda Damage Remedy poo, deep condition w/Damage Remedy - style as normal

Hey JLove74, question about the REshma henna, I also bought a box from the Indian store but I've been afraid to use it because it says it gives a hint of red . Did your hair change color using reshma?

 

[Prosperity711]

Hey JLove74, question about the REshma henna, I also bought a box from the Indian store but I've been afraid to use it because it says it gives a hint of red . Did your hair change color using reshma?

This is the one I used, I didn't leave it on long, 2 1/2 hours, I did get a little tint of red, not too much, I like it, my hair was dark brown before.

 

[starfish]

It does sound kind of odd that your hair would have turned dark brown. That really should not have happened as mostly for sure it has to show up some red tones. Something at least. Sorry to hear.

You won't be disapointed with the indian henna powder from rajasthan. It is very nice !

Khadija

Hi Khadija,

Clarification: My hair does have a great red tint to it and I get compliments on the color and shine all the time. I use it every week/every other week and on henna days I LOVE the color...it's more of a brassy red on top of the dark brown. But then the color oxidizes and it looks dark brown. I just thought the henna would coat your hair, not turn it any darker brown.

You know what? Now that I write this the first three times I henna'd I did add Brinjgam (or something like that) powder to my mix. Maybe that turned it dark brown. I just went into the bathroom and it's not as dark as it used to be, but darker than my orginial color. I'm so obsessed with my hair now that I tend to over analyze it anyway.

Since I don't use anything else but water and after the dye has released, oils, it'll eventually be the color I want.

To the original question...my hair is soo incredibly shiny and so strong after my weave made it thin and dull and weak. The first time I did it I was afraid and left it on for 2 hours. Now I leave it on all day (I work from home) and sit under the dryer for about 1-2 hours. It is by far the best thing that I have ever done for my hair.

 

[deltagyrl]

Do you HAVE to add an acid to henna to get the dye release? I don't have any acv or lemon juice at home and I don't want to buy anything else....

If I mix henna, evoo and water and let it sit overnight what will happen?

Is it safe to henna right before or after a relaxer?

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

YEAH Starfish !! After a few more henna applications the color should come out more but it might just be the type of henna powder you need to be using. Moroccan henna seems to be better for those who don't want such a bright color. I have used that one for years now and then when I used the Indian henna I noticed a difference. More redder tones for sure !

You can use henna after or before a relaxer but just make sure it is body art quality, like pure henna powder with no additives. Make sure not to stress your hair out though and balance out your treatments.

You can most definetely use NO ACID with your henna for hair treatment as hair isn't as fussy as the body. Some claim that the color can be deeper or clearer but we don't always know which henna powders they are speaking of. IN the native countries in which these fresh powders grow, they don't use lemon juice or acids in their mixtures. Traditionally it is water.
Water is fine for hair. I always get great color and am satisfied with it. Some people will find acids dry out there hair too much as well. It is up to you. I say give it a shot !

If you let your mix sit overnight you will have dye release and it would be ready to use in the morning. If it's Moroccan henna though don't leave it so long.

 

[deltagyrl]

Henna'd last night. Loved it.

 

[e$h]

Henna'd last night. Loved it.

Let's see some pics girl!

 

[deltagyrl]

Let's see some pics girl!

I'm relaxing this weekend. Will post some pics then!!

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

I can't wait to see !

 

[Keen]

YEAH Starfish !! After a few more henna applications the color should come out more but it might just be the type of henna powder you need to be using. Moroccan henna seems to be better for those who don't want such a bright color. I have used that one for years now and then when I used the Indian henna I noticed a difference. More redder tones for sure !

You can use henna after or before a relaxer but just make sure it is body art quality, like pure henna powder with no additives. Make sure not to stress your hair out though and balance out your treatments.

You can most definetely use NO ACID with your henna for hair treatment as hair isn't as fussy as the body. Some claim that the color can be deeper or clearer but we don't always know which henna powders they are speaking of. IN the native countries in which these fresh powders grow, they don't use lemon juice or acids in their mixtures. Traditionally it is water.
Water is fine for hair. I always get great color and am satisfied with it. Some people will find acids dry out there hair too much as well. It is up to you. I say give it a shot !

If you let your mix sit overnight you will have dye release and it would be ready to use in the morning. If it's Moroccan henna though don't leave it so long.

I do like that Moraccan Henna sample you send me. I haven't use the Jamila yet so I don't know how it is compared. My hair came out more red than I wanted. I did use a little bit of Indigo. I guess I didn't use enough. How much Indigo to Henna am I suppose to use to get a darker caller. I don't want it too blue black. Just an almost black color.

 

[JLove74]

I do like that Moraccan Henna sample you send me. I haven't use the Jamila yet so I don't know how it is compared. My hair came out more red than I wanted. I did use a little bit of Indigo. I guess I didn't use enough. How much Indigo to Henna am I suppose to use to get a darker caller. I don't want it too blue black. Just an almost black color.

Keen:
Here is the link to a color guide I received from HennaForHair...
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=101133&highlight=henna

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

Yes I would recommend that you add more indigo powder to your mixture. I am glad you liked the moroccan henna powder !! great !

It should be at least 50/50 for what you would like to achieve. Try that out and if not balance it out by adding about 50 henna to 60 indigo. (percentage).

 

[ak46]

I used Henna for the first time 2 weeks ago and I plan on doing it again this week. It was AMAZING, I could instantly tell my hair was thicker and it wasn't complicated at all. I will continue to use henna every two to three weeks.

What brand of Henna do you use? Where do you get it?
I use Reshma Henna, I get it from a local Indian grocery store,

How often do you do your treatments?
I have only done it once but I will probably start doing it every two to three weeks.

What if anything do you add to your henna?
I add...
Amla Powder (which I also get from a local Indian store)
Plain Yogurt
Conditioner
EVOO
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Avacado Oil

What benefits have you seen in your hair?
It instantly made my hair a lot thicker and stronger. It was visibly noticeable.

How long have you been doing Henna Treatments?
I have only done it once

What is your hair type?
4a/b

Do you have any additional henna info that you think is helpful?
I mix mine so that it's thick enough to not drip.

 

[Lavendar]

The first time I henna'd it took me a long time and I had henna all over my bathroom. I can put it on now, 6 weeks later, in 15 minutes with no mess.

My hair was lightish brown with red in it, and henna turned my hair dark brown with a red tint. Anyone know why it turned my hair dark brown? (I still love the color by the way.)

It did the same to me...check out the first set of comparison pics! It was unexpected, but I love it! The color is so rich and glossy. No more dry, dull hair.

 

[LovelyLionessa]

Yes I would recommend that you add more indigo powder to your mixture. I am glad you liked the moroccan henna powder !! great !

It should be at least 50/50 for what you would like to achieve. Try that out and if not balance it out by adding about 50 henna to 60 indigo. (percentage).

This is good to know. I've been mixing 2/3 henna to 1/3 indigo and I want to go darker.

 

[NIK]

For naturals who uses henna, have you noticed a change in hair texture after using henna? Looser curl pattern??

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

There is a poll that has been done here. I recommend that for the change in hair texture that you read this:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=47481


I would like to work with a couple of women who have african textured hair. I say african, because many women are either african american, west indian, moroccan, africa, puerto rico etc....but there is also a lot of variety in between. We would like to compile some information on how henna has or has not worked out for women of african hair texture, as there is not enough information out there. Some women just think they can't use henna because they are black or because they have a perm etc....
So if you having been using henna and any other herbs for at least 6 months (or have at least a 6 month committment to henna or herbs and can share their experiences) or more please PM me or email me at [email protected], so we can discuss this further.

Thank you !!

Khadija

 

[ebbiebaby55]

I have what may be a stupid question. I ordered the samples from hennaforhair.com, I would love to try it, but are the sample packs enough to treat my entire head? Any information would be great!

 

[pink06]

I have what may be a stupid question. I ordered the samples from hennaforhair.com, I would love to try it, but are the sample packs enough to treat my entire head? Any information would be great!

I doubt it. The samples are pretty small.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

No the samples are pretty small. Not for an entire head only for doing some hair strand tests. There might be about 10-15 grams per sample.

 

[lil'paw]

I am a natural and I just did my henna about 3 weeks ago and It didn't come out so well. I did use the alma powder and it did loosen the curl but now my hair is kind of dry and brittle. It's also been shedding a lot and there is some breakage. I didn't even get the color I wanted, I want to
go darker.
The application wasn't bad at all, it was just the results for me that didn't make the effort worth it.

 

[january noir]

I am a natural and I just did my henna about 3 weeks ago and It didn't come out so well. I did use the alma powder and it did loosen the curl but now my hair is kind of dry and brittle. It's also been shedding a lot and there is some breakage. I didn't even get the color I wanted, I want to
go darker.
The application wasn't bad at all, it was just the results for me that didn't make the effort worth it.

Don't give up yet!

1. What henna did you use, was it Body-Art-Quality (BAQ)?
2. What did you mix it with?
3. What color did you want?
4. Did you deep condition under a heat cap for >30 minutes with a moisturizing conditioner after?

These are very important. Please let me know.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

January Noir is right those questions are very relevant. For darker you would need some indigo as well. The conditioning would definetely help. Because of different hair textures we have to take different steps and proceedures. Amla oil would also be a good after conditioning treatment. It must be rubbed in real well and massage your scalp at the same time to circulate blood flow to promote hair growth. I hope this helps.