Do ya'll henna?

[WomanlyCharm]

O.K., I just ordered my henna and indigo from www.everydayhenna.com.
They had the jamila brand henna, so I got that.
I should get them in a few days...I can't wait to do this! I'll make sure and post an update when it's done.
Hopefully I'll have great results like the rest of you.

 

[wish4longlocs]

I just bought 300 grams of jamila henna for 24 dollars, due to Sereca recomendation. I decided to try it out since I did some research and found out that henna is at its best during the summer and henna me had the summer 2006 crop. I order the supply friday night and to my suprise it came today. I am so excited, am going to mix it with yogurt and try it out the next day. I will be sure to post pics and my review.

 

[Neroli]

O.K., I just ordered my henna and indigo from www.everydayhenna.com.
They had the jamila brand henna, so I got that.
I should get them in a few days...I can't wait to do this! I'll make sure and post an update when it's done.
Hopefully I'll have great results like the rest of you.

Is the site back up? Were you able to get someone on the phone? The owner recently died (LHCF member HennaJoy) and the phone number was disconnected a few months ago when I tried to order. TIA

 

[alexstin]

Is the site back up? Were you able to get someone on the phone? The owner recently died (LHCF member HennaJoy) and the phone number was disconnected a few months ago when I tried to order. TIA

Oh my goodness. Was she ill? I was just reading the old Henna thread from 2003 and thought about PM'ing her but checked and I saw she had not visited since '04. How sad.

 

[carameldiva]

Congradulations to VWVixxen. I am on my third application of Lush henna( Caca Marroon). I love it- it is a bit hard to rinse out- i have to rinse and then shampoo twice and then condition. The color has turned out well but i have yet to see the bling. I am gonna leave this treatment on overnite and i only did my roots this time since they are so much darker than my ends. BTW- i am natural and the first application was done on permanently colored ends- they were like a honey blonde - after first application they became a golden coppery color.

 

[kitchen_tician]

I've got another observation question: I'm sitting here thinking, I had a bout a few weeks ago of MAJOR shedding. I thought it was all going to fall out! I had during this time slacked on my henna use...since I've restarted consistently, my hair fall has been almost nonexistent. Anyone else notice this? I've stopped taking my IRON for about 2 months so that's not it. I hennaed once or twice during that time but I didn't use my herbs as the water base for the mix. :scratchch

any more info on this? have others experienced this as well? BTW congrats!!!

 

[kitchen_tician]

Yep, I want to henna too!

Okay, I want the conditioning benefits ONLY. I've read through this thread completely, but now everything is all jumbled together and I just can't read through it again. So my question is, what are the steps for conditioning with henna only? I understand that Henna is better than the Cassia (neutral henna) VWV tried out for conditioning. Could someone fill in the blanks with all of the steps and items? Thanks. KT

STEPS FOR CONDITIONING WITH HENNA (no drastic color change)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
etc.

 

[WomanlyCharm]

Is the site back up? Were you able to get someone on the phone? The owner recently died (LHCF member HennaJoy) and the phone number was disconnected a few months ago when I tried to order. TIA

Oh no, that's so sad!

I ordered through the internet, the site is still taking orders. But after e-mailing someone who used the site, they told me to have the charges reversed on my credit card, apparently noone in HennaJoy's family has thought to take the website down or keep it from accepting orders. So probably quite a few people may try this site, and not get their merchandise.

 

[LaNecia]

Yep, I want to henna too!

Okay, I want the conditioning benefits ONLY. I've read through this thread completely, but now everything is all jumbled together and I just can't read through it again. So my question is, what are the steps for conditioning with henna only? I understand that Henna is better than the Cassia (neutral henna) VWV tried out for conditioning. Could someone fill in the blanks with all of the steps and items? Thanks. KT

What used to work for me in the beginning when I started:

STEPS FOR CONDITIONING WITH HENNA (no drastic color change)
1. Use cooler water to mix the powders
2. Add Amla &/Or Shikakai Powders to your henna (they have conditioning properties, as do Bhringraj and Bhrami powders)
3. Do not a citric acid based liquid or known terp (ACV, tea tree oil, lavender oil, etc).
4. Do not leave in the hair longer than an hour (the longer you leave it in, the more time the henna will have for color release). The terps HELP to speed the color release, not using them will only make the process take a lot longer so the sooner you use it after mixing, the better.
5. Don't use extra heat during the conditioning process (body heat will be fine).

I still do this when I want just conditioning and no/less color or, I do a henna gloss. I prefer doing this though because I've really grown to like the results from the henna better than any of the conditioners I have in my stash. Mixing my henna w/a conditioner at this point feels like I'm wasting my precious henna.

Side Note:

For the ladies who have a hard time rinsing after your henna application, I rinse my hair in the shower, trying to do so in the sink made for a HUGE mess everywhere and it took forever. I just take the spray cleaner with me and clean after I finish showering. The henna doesn't stain the tile/grout. Oh and no, I don't end up red all over cause of the henna!

ETA: Thank you CarmelDiva and Kitchen_tician!

 

[douglala]

I thought I would have been jet black by now with the indigo.....
That was the original plan, henna was just for conditioning....
I've been doing 50/50 henna/indigo with some amla..........
But now I've been fallin for the color that the henna has given me.....
Think I'm going to do a FULL henna treatment tonight..straight, no chaser(indigo)
I want to experience the henna fire just a bit longer.........

The jet black will just have to wait........

 

[BrownBetty]

I want to do a gloss this week.... I have left over henna in the refrigerator, I am going to mix this with conditioner but I have a couple of questions:

Do you use your good conditioners for the gloss?
Should I mix pectin in the gloss mix or will the conditioner make it easy to wash out?

Thanks
MV

 

[chocolatesis]

What used to work for me in the beginning when I started:

STEPS FOR CONDITIONING WITH HENNA (no drastic color change)
1. Use cooler water to mix the powders
2. Add Amla &/Or Shikakai Powders to your henna (they have conditioning properties, as do Bhringraj and Bhrami powders)
3. Do not a citric acid based liquid or known terp (ACV, tea tree oil, lavender oil, etc).
4. Do not leave in the hair longer than an hour (the longer you leave it in, the more time the henna will have for color release). The terps HELP to speed the color release, not using them will only make the process take a lot longer so the sooner you use it after mixing, the better.
5. Don't use extra heat during the conditioning process (body heat will be fine).

I still do this when I want just conditioning and no/less color or, I do a henna gloss. I prefer doing this though because I've really grown to like the results from the henna better than any of the conditioners I have in my stash. Mixing my henna w/a conditioner at this point feels like I'm wasting my precious henna.

Side Note:

For the ladies who have a hard time rinsing after your henna application, I rinse my hair in the shower, trying to do so in the sink made for a HUGE mess everywhere and it took forever. I just take the spray cleaner with me and clean after I finish showering. The henna doesn't stain the tile/grout. Oh and no, I don't end up red all over cause of the henna!

ETA: Thank you CarmelDiva and Kitchen_tician!

Congratulations on your engagement Vixen!

I was thinking of using the henna powder without releasing the dye since I only want the conditioning. So if you don't use a terp to release the dye, will that eliminate the red color, or just reduce it?

 

[LaNecia]

I want to do a gloss this week.... I have left over henna in the refrigerator, I am going to mix this with conditioner but I have a couple of questions:

Do you use your good conditioners for the gloss?
Should I mix pectin in the gloss mix or will the conditioner make it easy to wash out?

Thanks
MV

I tend to use a moisturizing conditioner w/the henna. Since the henna is very effective at strengthening the hair already, I don't want to add protein to the mix.

My moisturizers are Rivas Silicon Mix and Miss Key 10 en 1. Once those are gone, I'm not sure what I'll use if any. My hair is very balanced right now (strength and moisture) so I will probably keep with what is working for me (finally).

Depending on the conditioner, you won't need the pectin at all. I used to use conditioner to rinse out the henna after a treatment so it should be sufficient on it's own.

 

[LaNecia]

Congratulations on your engagement Vixen!

I was thinking of using the henna powder without releasing the dye since I only want the conditioning. So if you don't use a terp to release the dye, will that eliminate the red color, or just reduce it?

Thank you!!

There MAY be some color release regardless of whether you use a terp or not. It depends on the henna itself. But, it WILL be SIGNIFICANTLY use if you do NOT let it sit or use a 'terping' agent.

I'd probably recommend going with a lower ratio of henna in the mix and increasing other powders (if you're using some.) Or do a gloss, the conditioning won't be as dramatic but you'll get less color as well.

 

[kitchen_tician]

What used to work for me in the beginning when I started:

STEPS FOR CONDITIONING WITH HENNA (no drastic color change)
1. Use cooler water to mix the powders
2. Add Amla &/Or Shikakai Powders to your henna (they have conditioning properties, as do Bhringraj and Bhrami powders)
3. Do not a citric acid based liquid or known terp (ACV, tea tree oil, lavender oil, etc).
4. Do not leave in the hair longer than an hour (the longer you leave it in, the more time the henna will have for color release). The terps HELP to speed the color release, not using them will only make the process take a lot longer so the sooner you use it after mixing, the better.
5. Don't use extra heat during the conditioning process (body heat will be fine).

I still do this when I want just conditioning and no/less color or, I do a henna gloss. I prefer doing this though because I've really grown to like the results from the henna better than any of the conditioners I have in my stash. Mixing my henna w/a conditioner at this point feels like I'm wasting my precious henna.

Side Note:

For the ladies who have a hard time rinsing after your henna application, I rinse my hair in the shower, trying to do so in the sink made for a HUGE mess everywhere and it took forever. I just take the spray cleaner with me and clean after I finish showering. The henna doesn't stain the tile/grout. Oh and no, I don't end up red all over cause of the henna!

ETA: Thank you CarmelDiva and Kitchen_tician!

Thank you VWV!!!

Oh yeah, have we ruled out Bigen Henna as a good brand. Just wondering, I know it's for those that want permanent color. That's the one I see in the stores alot. I don't think that's the body henna though and that's the one relaxed ladies should be concerned about right?

 

[LaNecia]

I used Bigen successfully (Brown Black Color) before I did my first Henna treatment. I was blessed not to have experienced any damage from it. It works, and fast but...

Bigen is NOT body art henna. Bigen is not pure henna. I think it's probably ok (reasonably safe), just not the BEST & SAFEST option.

 

[kitchen_tician]

I used Bigen successfully (Brown Black Color) before I did my first Henna treatment. I was blessed not to have experienced any damage from it. It works, and fast but...

Bigen is NOT body art henna. Bigen is not pure henna. I think it's probably ok (reasonably safe), just not the BEST & SAFEST option.

Girl, your responses are quick! I mean S.T.A.T. You must have a "Henna Thread" alert on the hip!!! Thanks!

 

[LaNecia]

Yepp, literally on my hip, the messages drop into my Blackberry Inbox!! I GOTTA have my LHCF fix!

 

[kitchen_tician]

Yepp, literally on my hip, the messages drop into my Blackberry Inbox!! I GOTTA have my LHCF fix!

I knew it!!! Well, I'm not going to write any more unnecessary posts, because I know it's going straight to 'da hip and I don't want to bother you, unless it's urgent. Wow, I have my very own Henna specialist on speed dial!!!

 

[LaNecia]

Wow, I have my very own Henna specialist on speed dial!!!

I've graduated to being a Henna Specialist!!

Feel free to write whenever, I only reply when I feel I have a worthwhile answer (or am feeling kinda zany and wanna write something dumb).

Have a great day!!

Your Resident Henna Specialist!

 

[chocolatesis]

Thank you!!

There MAY be some color release regardless of whether you use a terp or not. It depends on the henna itself. But, it WILL be SIGNIFICANTLY use if you do NOT let it sit or use a 'terping' agent.

I'd probably recommend going with a lower ratio of henna in the mix and increasing other powders (if you're using some.) Or do a gloss, the conditioning won't be as dramatic but you'll get less color as well.

You're welcome.

Ok, last time I'm going to bother you; what if I mix the henna with indigo? Do you think that will ensure that my hair stays black? I want to keep my indigo black hair, in case you haven't noticed.

 

[LaNecia]

You're welcome.

Ok, last time I'm going to bother you; what if I mix the henna with indigo? Do you think that will ensure that my hair stays black? I want to keep my indigo black hair, in case you haven't noticed.

I think Sareca, (Resident Henna Specialist VP) would be the best one to answer this. I have not used the indigo yet, though I'm ordering some this evening. I'm scared of the permanently really dark hair.

I think the two mixed would work towards give you a darker color but probably not BLACK. You may have to opt for a separate application of Indigo following the Henna. Again, that's just speculation on my part, cause I haven't done it.

 

[douglala]

You're welcome.

Ok, last time I'm going to bother you; what if I mix the henna with indigo? Do you think that will ensure that my hair stays black? I want to keep my indigo black hair, in case you haven't noticed.

That is what I did. I mixed henna, indigo, and amla in about a 2/2/1 ratio, respectively. I started with dark brown hair and my hair color somewhat remained the same but in the sunlight I do see a little redish hue. But in sunlight only. I would definitely do a greater % of indigo in the mix if you want to remain black. Maybe a 2 to 1 or even a 3 to 1 ratio (3 parts indigo to every 1 part henna). And make sure you use the henna unreleased.

But like Vixxen said your best bet might be to do a henna treatment for conditioning followed by an indigo only treatment to get your jet black back.

 

[alexstin]

Chocolatesis,

Catherine at henna for hair sent me these recommendations for different hair colors:
If you have black hair and want to keep it that way.....1/2 henna and 1/2 indigo gives a warm black.....1/3 henna and 2/3 indigo gives a warm black also..of course henna first then indigo gives a blue-black color.

 

[chocolatesis]

Thank you for responding Vixen!
And thank you for the info Douglala and Alexstin! I think I might try the neutral henna, cassia I think it is. I guess it's not as good as the regular henna but it may be good enough. I just don't want to have to do an indigo treatment after each henna treatment in order to keep my jet black hair.

 

[carameldiva]

has anyone purchased henna from http://www.bytheplanet.com/Products/Henna/KitsandTattoos/hennapowder.htm ? i was just curious. Their recipe says that you mix it with water and petoleum jelly or unpetroleum jelly.

 

[alexstin]

Do I need clean hair before applying henna?


Are you guys just mixing it in a plastic bowl? Can I just cover the bowl with a paper towel or bath towel or do I need a lid.

I'm going to mix the henna today and do the strand test tomorrow.

If I refrigerate the henna how long will it keep in the fridge? Do I have to heat it the next time I want to use it?

Thanks guys, you're the best!

 

[LaNecia]

Do I need clean hair before applying henna?

There are no hard fast rules on this. My personal preference is to have my hair as coating free as possible. My hair is rarely ever heavily coated with products. IF your hair has a lot of products in it, I'd recommend doing the henna treatment a day or two after a wash (Say you're going to henna on Saturday morning, perhaps do a wash on Friday nite?). When I first learned about henna, I was doing an overnite treatment w/Amla Oil to prevent drying. I do not need to do that, my hair isn't dried out because of omitting this step. If I'm going to be a Mudd Head for 4 hours, I want maximum results!

Are you guys just mixing it in a plastic bowl? Can I just cover the bowl with a paper towel or bath towel or do I need a lid.

I mix mine in a clear mixing bowl and cover it with a plastic cap to keep a little heat in. I usually sit it in a sunny window or outside the door on the porch. Using the glass bowl instead of the plastic allows me to see when it's releasing color. If you sit the bowl (or put the henna in a plastic bag inside a bowl) on a papertowel, the paper towel will start to turn orange when the color is releasing from the henna. (When I first read that, I was like yeah right...no, it really does!)

If I refrigerate the henna how long will it keep in the fridge? Do I have to heat it the next time I want to use it?

I've kept mine for 3 days, I'm not sure on the lasting time of it. Usually when I'm done, I put the remainder in one of those Vacuum seal bags and toss in the freezer. I thaw it over night on a towel or in a bowl. No, you dont' have to heat it! But...that stuff can hold some cold so you may want to sit it in some warm water for a few or GENTLY nuke it to heat it a little. I'd probably do 5 second increments just to knock the chill off if you use it fresh outta the fridge! B-r-r-r-rr!!

Good luck!

 

[sareca]

Originally Posted by chocolatesis
You're welcome.

Ok, last time I'm going to bother you; what if I mix the henna with indigo? Do you think that will ensure that my hair stays black? I want to keep my indigo black hair, in case you haven't noticed.

I think Sareca, (Resident Henna Specialist VP) would be the best one to answer this. I have not used the indigo yet, though I'm ordering some this evening. I'm scared of the permanently really dark hair.

I think the two mixed would work towards give you a darker color but probably not BLACK. You may have to opt for a separate application of Indigo following the Henna. Again, that's just speculation on my part, cause I haven't done it.

You speculated right, Vixxen. I've indigo'd my hair twice chocolatesis. Then I did Jamila over the top and it looks like I did a 75% indigo 25% henna mix. I'll post pics. It's actually a pretty dramatic difference. Well, it's as dramatic as changes in already black hair can be. :wink2: But it redden the blue in my blue-black indigo'd hair. I suspect an indigo/henna will do the same, but to a lesser degree.

I'm going re-indigo my hair (MAN, I henna) and use unreleased henna/indigo mixes from now on. I'm assuming unreleased will still deposit some red, but I'm hoping not as much.

 

[chocolatesis]

Originally Posted by chocolatesis
You're welcome.

Ok, last time I'm going to bother you; what if I mix the henna with indigo? Do you think that will ensure that my hair stays black? I want to keep my indigo black hair, in case you haven't noticed.


You speculated right, Vixxen. I've indigo'd my hair twice chocolatesis. Then I did Jamila over the top and it looks like I did a 75% indigo 25% henna mix. I'll post pics. It's actually a pretty dramatic difference. Well, it's as dramatic as changes in already black hair can be. :wink2: But it redden the blue in my blue-black indigo'd hair. I suspect an indigo/henna will do the same, but to a lesser degree.

I'm going re-indigo my hair (MAN, I henna) and use unreleased henna/indigo mixes from now on. I'm assuming unreleased will still deposit some red, but I'm hoping not as much.

Thanks so much for replying Sareca. I was thinking the same thing: unreleased henna and indigo. Have you ever tried the indigo alone?