Long Time Henna Users

[onyxcabelo]

....have you noticed any issues with using henna for a long time? Unbearable dryness, breakage,etc.? I started using henna this past summer and I love it. I do henna glosses and only add a cheap conditioner and water. So far, I love the results, but I've heard here and there that when people keep using it over and over that they start to develop problems. Has anyone experienced anything bad and if so, what was it and how did you fix it? ~Thanks

 

[discodumpling]

I've hennaed monthly since April 2007. I combat any possible dryness by adding a tblsp or 2 of a nourishing oil to my simple mix right before application. I always follow with a moisturizing DC. No problems with henna! It adds strngth & shine to my fine strands.

 

[JustKiya]

I've been hennaing since - June, I think, or July, of 2006 - I started out henna'ing weekly, then dropped it down to monthly, and currently I'm on an every other month schedule - not due to any issues I was having with henna, but more due to the changing needs of my hair (low-mani being the highest on that list).

Anyhow - when I was henna'ing weekly, yes, I was dealing with issues of increased breakage and dryness - and I realize that you can 'over-henna' much like you can 'over-protien' your hair. Cutting back on the frequency and increasing my moisture returned my hair to normal - that was November 06, or so?

From then until 2008, I henna'd monthly, and my hair loved it - loved it! If it wasn't for the additional things I'm squeezing into my reggie, I would have stuck with that schedule for a VERY long time.

My mix is henna, water, conditioner and sometimes honey and/or oil. I leave it on for at least 18 hours, often more. And I always follow up with a DC.

 

[onyxcabelo]

Thank you for posting, Ladies! This was very helpful. So it seems like monthly henna'ing is fine, but weekly is a bit too much. And also adding lots of moisture to my routine is the key. Got it! Thanks again!!

 

[ajargon02]

....have you noticed any issues with using henna for a long time? Unbearable dryness, breakage,etc.? I started using henna this past summer and I love it. I do henna glosses and only add a cheap conditioner and water. So far, I love the results, but I've heard here and there that when people keep using it over and over that they start to develop problems. Has anyone experienced anything bad and if so, what was it and how did you fix it? ~Thanks

nope! the key for me, is a good DEEP CONDISH that alternates with the henna. I don't ever do henna rinses, b/c that's too much protein, and that would lead for me breakage over the long run. I just alternate. Week 1 henna, week 2-4 is deep condioning weelky. That helps me maintain the balance.

 

[onyxcabelo]

Hey ajargon02! Thanks for responding! What are henna rinses? Is that the same as a henna gloss?