Misconceptions, Mistakes and Tip in Henna for Hair

[jamaraa]

this girl did a henna..
how would one achieve this without chemicals??


http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/02/its-curlytrini-againand-she-hennaed.html

I don't if this is the result of one use, but I suspect it isn't. If you use henna and henna alone, you should get this over time.

 

[Aggie]

One more suggestion...indigo should be mixed separately from the henna even if you're gonna do a 1 step. Do it in warm water w/ some salt and let it stand covered about 10 mins. That way, you can see if your indigo is good and kicking before you add it to your henna OR use it alone as your 2nd step.

jamaraa I get outstanding results when I add my indigo to my hair immediately after mixing. I have never let my indigo sit, not even for 3 minutes and my color comes out very dark, especially now that I henna and indigo damp hair.

All in all, I don't think you HAVE to let the indigo sit for a few minutes. When I read the hennaforhair.com ebook, it indicated using the indigo immediately after mixing because the color does not have to release like henna does.

You know if letting it sit gets some people good results, I'd say stick with it.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

jamaraa I get outstanding results when I add my indigo to my hair immediately after mixing. I have never let my indigo sit, not even for 3 minutes and my color comes out very dark, especially now that I henna and indigo damp hair.

All in all, I don't think you HAVE to let the indigo sit for a few minutes. When I read the hennaforhair.com ebook, it indicated using the indigo immediately after mixing because the color does not have to release like henna does.

You know if letting it sit gets some people good results, I'd say stick with it.

The Instructions I have say to use the Indigo within 5 to 15 minutes of mixing.

 

[jamaraa]

I never said you HAD to leave it sitting (re: indigo), it's something *I* do. I should have said very expilicitly that *I* don't add the powder directly to the mix w/o mixing it up 1st. *I* find I have better "indigo cling" and uptake since I started to leave it sit.

As I said before, people should do what works best for them.

'Nother misconception folks...indigo isn't as perishable as you think AND it dyes longer than certain sites claim it does. Of course, that's what *I* found...you all probably can and will find differently! I'm NOT selling something so it's necessarily in my best interest to experiment to find out stuff on my own!

 

[january noir]

I never said you HAD to leave it sitting (re: indigo), it's something *I* do. I should have said very expilicitly that *I* don't add the powder directly to the mix w/o mixing it up 1st.

As I said before, people should do what works best for them.

'Nother misconception folks...indigo isn't as perishable as you think AND it dyes longer than certain sites claim it does. Of course, that's what *I* found...you all probably can and will find differently!

I read that you should store your indigo in a cool dark place or refrigerator, and freeze your henna. I got the rule mixed up and I stored my supply of indigo in the freezer and the henna in the fridge instead.

Both products worked just fine when I used it.

 

[jamaraa]

^^^^ I do neither and mine works just fine. I live in a fairly cool climate, so I don't worry. I've been storing some DRY herbs for years and they're fine. I rarely bother w/ quantities of herbs less than 1 lb, so I'd have no fridge space otherwise! LOL

If you're gonna freeze henna, it's what you've added liquid to, In other cases, unless it's gets very hot, your stuff should be fine.

 

[january noir]

^^^^ I do neither and mine works just fine. I live in a fairly cool climate, so I don't worry. I've been storing some DRY herbs for years and they're fine. I rarely bother w/ quantities of herbs less than 1 lb, so I'd have no fridge space otherwise! LOL

If you're gonna freeze henna, it's what you've added liquid to, In other cases, unless it's gets very hot, your stuff should be fine.

Thanks! I thought so! I never have food in my fridge anyway so I might as well use it for my henna and indigo!

So why am I fat?

 

[jamaraa]

^^^ LOL..dunno.

If you want something nice to store your herbs in, try something like those plastic storage bins (you can get them in small sizes) that aren't clear. If humidity isn't an issue where you are, these should work fine all year. If not, punch a few holes in them for air and you're set. The fridge gets humid anyway, so that's another reason I'd not use it for dry herb.

 

[Aggie]

The Instructions I have say to use the Indigo within 5 to 15 minutes of mixing.

This way does not work for my hair Terri. I did this my first time hennaing my hair and it did not take the color at all. Now that I use it right away, I have no more issues.

ETA: I have pretty fine hair so that may be why it works so well for me this way.

 

[Aggie]

I never said you HAD to leave it sitting (re: indigo), it's something *I* do. I should have said very expilicitly that *I* don't add the powder directly to the mix w/o mixing it up 1st. *I* find I have better "indigo cling" and uptake since I started to leave it sit.

As I said before, people should do what works best for them.

'Nother misconception folks...indigo isn't as perishable as you think AND it dyes longer than certain sites claim it does. Of course, that's what *I* found...you all probably can and will find differently! I'm NOT selling something so it's necessarily in my best interest to experiment to find out stuff on my own!

If I remember correctly jamaraa, I believe you said your hair is thick and quite long, correct? This may be why sitting works for you.

 

[Aggie]

here's is what I read on page 5 on indigo from the www.hennaforhair.com ebook:

Mix indigo powder with water to the consistency or yoghurt. If you think you might have dye-resistant hair, throw in a teaspoon of salt. Put the indigo immediately into your hair. Do not wait for dye release from indigo.

This works amazingly on my hair. So for me it's not broken and I'm not about to fix it.

 

[Eisani]

I second Kadijah's suggestion of using Yemeni on sandy colored hair. I got the best color release from Yemeni. My mix was NEVER complicated (warm water, crushed cardamom for scent) and I only let the mix sit for about an hour before applying to my hair. I let it stay in a max of 2 hours, rinse then do an over-night moisturizing dc. No frills, no extra...And I'm not in a warm climate AT ALL. Posting these pics (again) showing my Yemeni color results.

 

[jamaraa]

Aggie...the 1st time you used indigo it wasn't going to "cling" like it does after several times of using it. This is probably why you got better results after the 1st time. Henna works on the same principal really. Now, I have little "wash out" of color on either henna or indigo, but this is after using these herbs several times each. The more you use them, the more they uptake. People should know this when they use these herbs...the color and how much "cling" you get increases w/ each use as far as I have been using them (1 year+) and I've seen this w/ people who've been using them far longer.

If my hair were short and thin, I can't see that would matter given how the product works. It would probably work better because it would be easier to get it to the scalp. Fortunately the one who applies it to me knows what they're doing!

My hair has grown since I started and even using them as frugally as I do (w/ my liquids/dye release time) I've now had to add more powder to give me full coverage. LOL...I add as I need and now I need.

 

[jamaraa]

I second Kadijah's suggestion of using Yemeni on sandy colored hair. I got the best color release from Yemeni. My mix was NEVER complicated (warm water, crushed cardamom for scent) and I only let the mix sit for about an hour before applying to my hair. I let it stay in a max of 2 hours, rinse then do an over-night moisturizing dc. No frills, no extra...And I'm not in a warm climate AT ALL.

What is the consistancy of your henna after such a short dye release time? Given Yemeni's "stringy" texture, what's your rinse out like?

 

[Eisani]

What is the consistancy of your henna after such a short dye release time? Given Yemeni's "stringy" texture, what's your rinse out like?

Before even mixing, I sift the henna myself two more times so the rinse out is easier, but the consistency admittedly isn't super smooth. I don't mind though because I'm impatient and really just want to get it over with.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

As we See, Our Own Personal Preferences and Practices are working for Us, giving us Each Good Results.

I learned some 'helpful' things in this Thread, that may help me to achieve even more "Brilliant" Color/Texture/Tone. I'm always appreciative to learn what works for someone else.

So, I thank each of You for your insight/input. Very Good Dialogue. We have some very knowledgable Henna Mixtresses Out There.

I Love Henna! It's Great! Each Time I Hendigo, I get a New Appreciation for it's Richness and Depth.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

this girl did a henna..
how would one achieve this without chemicals??


http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/02/its-curlytrini-againand-she-hennaed.html

This woman is actually one of my clients. So she used Jamila henna to achieve those color tones in her hair. Just use henna powder, and she used jamila henna as it washes out really nicely. If you visit the blog you'll find LOTS Of information on how to do it. (I have the same pictures as in CurlyNikki's blog post, linked above)

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

jamaraa I get outstanding results when I add my indigo to my hair immediately after mixing. I have never let my indigo sit, not even for 3 minutes and my color comes out very dark, especially now that I henna and indigo damp hair.

All in all, I don't think you HAVE to let the indigo sit for a few minutes. When I read the hennaforhair.com ebook, it indicated using the indigo immediately after mixing because the color does not have to release like henna does.

You know if letting it sit gets some people good results, I'd say stick with it.

I agree Aggie, that you can use it just about immediately, but some people aren't always using fresh indigo or the best indigo out there, so waiting a few minutes is playing it safe, to make sure the color is coming out and you can see that

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

I read that you should store your indigo in a cool dark place or refrigerator, and freeze your henna. I got the rule mixed up and I stored my supply of indigo in the freezer and the henna in the fridge instead.

Both products worked just fine when I used it.

What kills and damages any herbs mostly is humidity, dampness, and the sun/light. These are things that are most damaging to herbs and henna. At a minimum, a cool, dark place works best. If you can use your fridge that's great or your freezer that's great too. But a min. a cool, dark place should be fine for any of the herbs

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

What is the consistancy of your henna after such a short dye release time? Given Yemeni's "stringy" texture, what's your rinse out like?

I've been using yemeni primarily for the last year or two, it is a very stringy henna powder, but it's deep red results are awesome. No need to let this henna powder sit out for so long. I use it after an hour or two as well, and I treat rajasthani Indian henna the same, if it's for hair. The only time I ever let my henna paste sit out 24 hours is for body art (and that recipe is half rajasthani indian henna, and half jamila)

The consistency is fine when the dye release is a short period, as it doesn't change even when you let yemeni sit out for longer periods of time. The stringiness is there no matter what.

 

[Aggie]

Aggie...the 1st time you used indigo it wasn't going to "cling" like it does after several times of using it. This is probably why you got better results after the 1st time. Henna works on the same principal really. Now, I have little "wash out" of color on either henna or indigo, but this is after using these herbs several times each. The more you use them, the more they uptake. People should know this when they use these herbs...the color and how much "cling" you get increases w/ each use as far as I have been using them (1 year+) and I've seen this w/ people who've been using them far longer.

If my hair were short and thin, I can't see that would matter given how the product works. It would probably work better because it would be easier to get it to the scalp. Fortunately the one who applies it to me knows what they're doing!

My hair has grown since I started and even using them as frugally as I do (w/ my liquids/dye release time) I've now had to add more powder to give me full coverage. LOL...I add as I need and now I need.

I humbly disagree with the bolded if the whole reason of letting it sit for the 10-15 minutes in most peoples minds is that it would have a better dye uptake and for me, it doesn't matter. Others may think that it would work better on their hair type if they allowed the indigo to sit for a few minutes first. I don't need to.

Actually henna worked immediately on my hair the very first time I used it. It was the indigo that didn't work. And honestly I believe that was because I was using it on dry hair. I use it on damp hair now and I still apply it immediately after mixing.

I like it this way and have no need to change it. If allowing the indigo to sit for you is working better for you, I don't see any reason why you should change it either. I think everyone should try it the correct way first and see what happens and if it doesn't work, then they can try it other ways until they get the best results for their hair.

 

[Aggie]

I agree Aggie, that you can use it just about immediately, but some people aren't always using fresh indigo or the best indigo out there, so waiting a few minutes is playing it safe, to make sure the color is coming out and you can see that

So just to be clear, you're saying that it's okay to let the indigo sit for a few minutes if it's "old" to ensure dye uptake?

 

[flowinlocks]

jamaraa I get outstanding results when I add my indigo to my hair immediately after mixing. I have never let my indigo sit, not even for 3 minutes and my color comes out very dark, especially now that I henna and indigo damp hair.

All in all, I don't think you HAVE to let the indigo sit for a few minutes. When I read the hennaforhair.com ebook, it indicated using the indigo immediately after mixing because the color does not have to release like henna does.

You know if letting it sit gets some people good results, I'd say stick with it.

Me too.

 

[flowinlocks]

I haven't read the thread in it's entirety, so forgive me if this has been touched on. I always thought the reason you were suppose to use Indigo immediately was because the dye releases very quickly. For this reason also is why you can't store it after it's mixed, because unlike Henna it becomes useless.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

So just to be clear, you're saying that it's okay to let the indigo sit for a few minutes if it's "old" to ensure dye uptake?

Not exactly, like letting it sit reassures people that there is dye release (color), becuase not everyone is using the same indigo (same farm, same supplier, same brand etc...) so it can vary. So to be "safe" letting it have some dye release like 15-20 mins, is a safe choice, especially for beginners, and those who need some reassurance. But at the same time, those who are comfortable with what they are doing, and using indigo on a regular will be used to the way it works, so what you are doing is perfectly fine.

If it works, then that's what counts. Does this explanation make sense? I just hope I am coming across clearly to say what I meant.

 

[Khadija.D.Carryl]

I haven't read the thread in it's entirety, so forgive me if this has been touched on. I always thought the reason you were suppose to use Indigo immediately was because the dye releases very quickly. For this reason also is why you can't store it after it's mixed, because unlike Henna it becomes useless.

exactly that's perfectly fine, you can use it right away. But you shouldn't worry if you do let it sit 15-20 mins. It will still work fine. It should because the indigo is still coloring your hair when it's on your hair (leaving it on there for about 2-3 hrs), and if it didn't work then there would be no color.
I just need my hubby's beard the other night and I let both henna and indigo sit out for a bit. Henna about 30 mins, and the indigo about 15 mins, and then combined it and he used it. His hair looks perfect!

 

[jamaraa]

I've been using yemeni primarily for the last year or two, it is a very stringy henna powder, but it's deep red results are awesome. No need to let this henna powder sit out for so long. I use it after an hour or two as well, and I treat rajasthani Indian henna the same, if it's for hair. The only time I ever let my henna paste sit out 24 hours is for body art (and that recipe is half rajasthani indian henna, and half jamila)

The consistency is fine when the dye release is a short period, as it doesn't change even when you let yemeni sit out for longer periods of time. The stringiness is there no matter what.

I do mixes too like you do for body art....for the most part I don't use 1 type of henna at a time. I want some nuance to the color.

I bought alot of henna and experimented on it singularly and mixed before I ever put it on my head. There is a method to my madness. I'm using up my excess.

 

[jamaraa]

I agree Aggie, that you can use it just about immediately, but some people aren't always using fresh indigo or the best indigo out there, so waiting a few minutes is playing it safe, to make sure the color is coming out and you can see that

As I said, I buy most herbs large quantities so I do this just to make sure for my own edification. However, my stuff is quite fresh...it's turns a lovely "oil slick" blue w/in mintues.

I now get very little color wash out. I don't know if that's due to the length of time using this stuff or my new method (which I accidently stumbled on). I'm not suggesting anyone else do this if they aren't comfortable...I am saying that indigo isn't as "whimpy" an herb as I initially expected.

 

[jamaraa]

I humbly disagree with the bolded if the whole reason of letting it sit for the 10-15 minutes in most peoples minds is that it would have a better dye uptake and for me, it doesn't matter. Others may think that it would work better on their hair type if they allowed the indigo to sit for a few minutes first. I don't need to.

Actually henna worked immediately on my hair the very first time I used it. It was the indigo that didn't work. And honestly I believe that was because I was using it on dry hair. I use it on damp hair now and I still apply it immediately after mixing.

I like it this way and have no need to change it. If allowing the indigo to sit for you is working better for you, I don't see any reason why you should change it either. I think everyone should try it the correct way first and see what happens and if it doesn't work, then they can try it other ways until they get the best results for their hair.

Of course..I'm simply saying that I've found the herb is alot more versatile that *I* was lead to expect. I didn't suggest that if someone had a method that works for them they should abandon it.

Again...hair type and texture doesn't seem to matter w/ these products, but I always avoid things I know to be drying on principle. I've used and/or advised use on natural, relaxed, and chemically died Cauasian hair at different lengths...so far what worked for one worked for all. These are my results, but YMMV.

 

[Aggie]

I haven't read the thread in it's entirety, so forgive me if this has been touched on. I always thought the reason you were suppose to use Indigo immediately was because the dye releases very quickly. For this reason also is why you can't store it after it's mixed, because unlike Henna it becomes useless.

AHH! A light bulb comes on. Makes sense FL. Thanks for sharing this.