Do ya'll henna?

[Ponytaildiva]

MIchellehall LOL!!

What exactly are you afraid of? Making the decision to henna can be a little intimidating but if you get BAQ and do a strand test you can't go wrong.

I have a lot of gray hair and I am afraid of the color that it will turn my gray hairs.

I have seen so much talk about henna in the threads. Whenever one is started, it always receives a lot of action. So I figure it must be something to it which is why I started reading this one. But to be honest, I do not have the time to read through them all or the time it seems to take to henna.

What I am realizing is that it takes a lot of time and effort to really grow the long beautiful hair that you LHCF ladies have. I just don't have the time which is why I have pitiful hair begging for attention.

I am thinking of starting a thread asking for shortcuts to growing long hair. I know that I will get murdered in comments, but there have got to be some short cut secrets.

 

[WomanlyCharm]

MichelleHall,

I have grey hairs too...henna turns then a really cool shade of dark red (that's a bit too much for me, lol!). So I use indigo to turn them dark brown/black.

As for your wanting a "short-cut" to growing hair long...well, you probably will catch some flak for that.
If there were short-cuts to growing hair long, we'd all be swinging butt-lenght locks by now. It takes time energy and PATIENCE. There are some growth potions (MTG, etc.) that some of us use, but in the end, it should be about trying to make your hair as healthy as possible...the lenght will come along with it.

 

[Cichelle]

MichelleHall,

I have grey hairs too...henna turns then a really cool shade of dark red (that's a bit too much for me, lol!). So I use indigo to turn them dark brown/black.

As for your wanting a "short-cut" to growing hair long...well, you probably will catch some flak for that.
If there were short-cuts to growing hair long, we'd all be swinging butt-lenght locks by now. It takes time energy and PATIENCE. There are some growth potions (MTG, etc.) that some of us use, but in the end, it should be about trying to make your hair as healthy as possible...the lenght will come along with it.

ITA

Patience and careful handling are required. As for henna coloring gray hair, yeah...it turned my grays a HOT copper red. This color darkened with repeated applications, but the grays are clearly red. I happen to like it. But as WC already stated, you can use indigo to turn them a brown or black color.

 

[gharp001]

ITA

Patience and careful handling are required. As for henna coloring gray hair, yeah...it turned my grays a HOT copper red. This color darkened with repeated applications, but the grays are clearly red. I happen to like it. But as WC already stated, you can use indigo to turn them a brown or black color.

Chichelle,

In the beginning of the this tread there were comments about hair texture/curls changing after using henna, I'm courious if you have noticed a change in your hair?

I'm transitioning from a very mild relaxer and wear a wash & go and really don't want to loose my curls. It's the one consistent style that I have going for me during this transitioning and would hate to lose it.

TIA

 

[Cichelle]

Chichelle,

In the beginning of the this tread there were comments about hair texture/curls changing after using henna, I'm courious if you have noticed a change in your hair?

I'm transitioning from a very mild relaxer and wear a wash & go and really don't want to loose my curls. It's the one consistent style that I have going for me during this transitioning and would hate to lose it.

TIA

You know, I was just thinking about this the past couple of days. It seems to me that I have noticed a difference. I'm not really sure, but my hair seems to be getting more wavy and less curly. It is still plenty curly, particularly at the ends. But there is a wavy quality to a lot of it that is different than it used to be.

I really don't know that this has to do with henna. It could have more to do with length. I'm going to look through some pictures and maybe try to make a comparison. I'm sorry I can't answer precisely. If it has changed it has been slow and subtle. It wasn't like I did a henna treatment and my hair lost a lot of its curl. I think if you noticed a lessening in your curl, you could just stop using henna. But I'm sorry I can't be more definite.

ETA: If you haven't read it, see sareca's story about the way her hair changed. Though, I think she attributed it to silica and/or MSM.

 

[gharp001]

You know, I was just thinking about this the past couple of days. It seems to me that I have noticed a difference. I'm not really sure, but my hair seems to be getting more wavy and less curly. It is still plenty curly, particularly at the ends. But there is a wavy quality to a lot of it that is different than it used to be.

I really don't know that this has to do with henna. It could have more to do with length. I'm going to look through some pictures and maybe try to make a comparison. I'm sorry I can't answer precisely. If it has changed it has been slow and subtle. It wasn't like I did a henna treatment and my hair lost a lot of its curl. I think if you noticed a lessening in your curl, you could just stop using henna. But I'm sorry I can't be more definite.

ETA: If you haven't read it, see sareca's story about the way her hair changed. Though, I think she attributed it to silica and/or MSM.

Thanks, Chichelle!

 

[sareca]

OMG, I would be so afraid to do this! Are you serious Sareca???

With great risk comes great reward... or a blad head.

I'm totally serious and I've been doin' it for the last 6 months. I my hair... except the stupid ends...

 

[Ponytaildiva]

With great risk comes great reward... or a blad head.

I'm totally serious and I've been doin' it for the last 6 months. I my hair... except the stupid ends...

Sareca, you are too funny. That is what I am afraid of...the bald head. Then I would have to come looking for you.

 

[sareca]

Sareca, you are too funny. That is what I am afraid of...the bald head. Then I would have to come looking for you.

You have my address and I'm still not worried.

I think the more realistic issue for you is orange hair. Henna will make your grays orange. I don't think it's a very pretty orange either, at least not after the first time. After the second henna treatment I liked it. After I indigo'd (which left them a coppery red) I LoVeD it.

 

[HoneyDew]

Last night I did a strand test with 2 parts cassia and 1 part henna, both purchased from Henna Sooq. I left it on for a little over an hour and I did not get any color change. The strands very very shiny though.

I think I am going to try that on my hair this weekend.

Has anyone ever done it like that?

 

[CLASSYEBONYGIRL]

Is natural henna the same as neutral henna?

The reason why I am asking is because I went to a store on Lexington Ave to see if they had any cassia obovata (neutral henna) and all they had was red and black henna in clear plastic packets. I went to another store further down the block and I found another indian grocery store and they had red henna, black henna and natural henna, so I asked the man in the store if the natural henna was cassia obovata (neutral henna) because I do not want any color I just wanted clear and he looked at me as if was crazy. He said the natural henna doesn't result in any color. On the other hand, I have the Rajasthani henna that I purchased for my first henna treatment and on the packet it says natural henna but dark brown so now I am a bit confused.Anyway, I still purchased the natural henna but I have not used it yet to see if it's cassia obovata.

Does natural henna mean that it's pure no chemicals etc, or does it mean that it doesn't release any color? Please enlighten me.

 

[Amylee]

Hi Classyebony!!!

Neutral henna is cassia obovata : it doesn't give any color to the hair
Natural henna is lawsonia inermis: it gives a coppery red color to the hair

You can find henna that contains indigo and colors the hair brown or black. If it is good quality, it doesn't contain any chemical ingredients, only natural additives that alter the coppery colour of natural henna.

If you don't want any color, use only CASSIA OBOVATA. (not natural henna)

 

[CLASSYEBONYGIRL]

Hi Classyebony!!!

Neutral henna is cassia obovata : it doesn't give any color to the hair
Natural henna is lawsonia inermis: it gives a coppery red color to the hair

You can find henna that contains indigo and colors the hair brown or black. If it is good quality, it doesn't contain any chemical ingredients, only natural additives that alter the coppery colour of natural henna.

If you don't want any color, use only CASSIA OBOVATA. (not natural henna)

Thanks for responding. So I guess he misunderstood me or he just lied so that I could make a purchase because I told him I didn't want any color.

 

[JazzyDez]

okay i been checking this thread for a minute trying to get through the massive amount of posts.....I ordered $36 worth of henna and indigo from hennaforhair a couple days ago....then i started reading more posts and decided to look locally for henna. I bought some Uttam brand henna (herbal mehndi powder) and then I went to another store I did end up finding the JAMILA henna for 1.49 . So I am happy yet kind of ticked since I bought all that henna from the website ....anyway I am optimistic about it all from all of the great results that I will like the results and end up using it all.

My question is....I also purchased Alma OIL from the indian store....I think I remember ladies saying they used the powder. Is it okay to mix with my henna? I plan on using it on sunday.

Cichelle (who has been very helpful via PM) has a brownish reddish color that I am going for....

 

[JLove74]

okay i been checking this thread for a minute trying to get through the massive amount of posts.....I ordered $36 worth of henna and indigo from hennaforhair a couple days ago....then i started reading more posts and decided to look locally for henna. I bought some Uttam brand henna (herbal mehndi powder) and then I went to another store I did end up finding the JAMILA henna for 1.49 . So I am happy yet kind of ticked since I bought all that henna from the website ....anyway I am optimistic about it all from all of the great results that I will like the results and end up using it all.

My question is....I also purchased Alma OIL from the indian store....I think I remember ladies saying they used the powder. Is it okay to mix with my henna? I plan on using it on sunday.

Cichelle (who has been very helpful via PM) has a brownish reddish color that I am going for....

Yes, it's ok to use the Amla oil with your henna mix. It will provide extra conditioning.

 

[JazzyDez]

Great....I couldnt remember what was said about the alma oil but I saw it on the shelf above the henna so I picked it up and figured I'd research later.

 

[sareca]

Great....I couldnt remember what was said about the alma oil but I saw it on the shelf above the henna so I picked it up and figured I'd research later.

Alma also makes a great pre-poo. I saturate my hair with it, add a warm towel, when it cools I poo or co-wash.

 

[Cichelle]

For the people who have tried Jamila and other types/brands of henna: Do you find that Jamila takes longer for dye release? With FNWL, I used to get strong dye release within an hour. I guess I got spoiled.

Btw, I love the color Jamila gives. I'm not complaining. Just wondering.

 

[JazzyDez]

Alma also makes a great pre-poo. I saturate my hair with it, add a warm towel, when it cools I poo or co-wash.

Sounds yummy! I will try in my wash before the henna....I plan to clarify first to I can really tell the difference.

ETA: And I finally got my digi-cam yesterday so I should have great clear comparison shots! I am so excited!

 

[sareca]

Sounds yummy! I will try in my wash before the henna....I plan to clarify first to I can really tell the difference.

ETA: And I finally got my digi-cam yesterday so I should have great clear comparison shots! I am so excited!

Don't forget to use the macro button.

 

[Spidergul]

Alma also makes a great pre-poo. I saturate my hair with it, add a warm towel, when it cools I poo or co-wash.

Ok.. all this talk about amla, henna and such, brought out my pjs. I purchased some alma powder and oil and parachute coconut oil and the vitkia(sp) shampoo
from a local Indian store this week. I mixed it the best I could per the instructions on the box of alma powder and had the most horrible hair experience! I mixed it to make a paste using the oils and hot water. The amla powder said you could use water or oil. I used both. I left it on for about an half hour to an hour. The box said 3 hours. When I rinsed it out, I was so scared, becuase it made my hair tangle so bad that I thought I was not going to be able to comb through it!! I thought I was going to have to do a big chop! My hair has no slip and is just hard. I tried washing and deep conditioning right after and again last night to no avail. All my slip is gone.

My question-do you think I should try and rinse my hair in ACV to get the slip back or is there another un-named product that might help?

Also when and if you buy from a local Indian store-please be sure and check the bottle for any type of expiration date. I did not realize when I purchased but the amla and parachute coconut oil were both expired. The amla by 6 years and the coconut by 7 months. Not sure if that had anything to do with my experience. (I'm really not sure that what I was looking at on the bottles were expiration dates, they look like dates.)

 

[sareca]

Ok.. all this talk about amla, henna and such, brought out my pjs. I purchased some alma powder and oil and parachute coconut oil and the vitkia(sp) shampoo
from a local Indian store this week. I mixed it the best I could per the instructions on the box of alma powder and had the most horrible hair experience! I mixed it to make a paste using the oils and hot water. The amla powder said you could use water or oil. I used both. I left it on for about an half hour to an hour. The box said 3 hours. When I rinsed it out, I was so scared, becuase it made my hair tangle so bad that I thought I was not going to be able to comb through it!! I thought I was going to have to do a big chop! My hair has no slip and is just hard. I tried washing and deep conditioning right after and again last night to no avail. All my slip is gone.

My question-do you think I should try and rinse my hair in ACV to get the slip back or is there another un-named product that might help?

Also when and if you buy from a local Indian store-please be sure and check the bottle for any type of expiration date. I did not realize when I purchased but the amla and parachute coconut oil were both expired. The amla by 6 years and the coconut by 7 months. Not sure if that had anything to do with my experience. (I'm really not sure that what I was looking at on the bottles were expiration dates, they look like dates.)

Don't rinse with ACV. That will definitely make it worse. When I have hard hair (for whatever reason) I use amla oil (just the oil) on dry hair, leave it for a few minutes and rinse. If you're scared of amla now then use whatever oil you have (olive, kemy, whatever), then Co-wash with your favorite moisturizing deep conditioner (no poo).

 

[Spidergul]

Don't rinse with ACV. That will definitely make it worse. When I have hard hair (for whatever reason) I use amla oil (just the oil) on dry hair, leave it for a few minutes and rinse. If you're scared of amla now then use whatever oil you have (olive, kemy, whatever), then Co-wash with your favorite moisturizing deep conditioner (no poo).

Thanks. Would the amla oil still work well if it is expired?

 

[sareca]

Thanks. Would the amla oil still work well if it is expired?

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Use another oil. That's too long ewww...

ETA: I'm guessing here, but I think it was the amla powder and the length of time and not the expired oils.

 

[Spidergul]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Use another oil. That's too long ewww...

ETA: I'm guessing here, but I think it was the amla powder and the length of time and not the expired oils.

I mixed the oils in the powder along with water. The powder box did not have an exp. date-I don't think

 

[sareca]

I mixed the oils in the powder along with water. The powder box did not have an exp. date-I don't think

You did the right thing. That sounds like it should have worked great. But amla powder even when mixed with oil and water can be a little drying.

 

[Lavendar]

Spider,

If that doesn't help, use some Porosity Control. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, 30 if its really bad. That should help a lot. My first henna with amla was rough too. Of course, I just learned I used hair quality instead of BAQ.

 

[stinastina]

I did my 2nd henna treatment yesterday and my naughty little grays are now orange. I think next week I will try some indigo.....

 

[LovelyLionessa]

I did my 2nd henna treatment yesterday and my naughty little grays are now orange. I think next week I will try some indigo.....

Mine too.

 

[HoneyDew]

Spider,

If that doesn't help, use some Porosity Control. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, 30 if its really bad. That should help a lot. My first henna with amla was rough too. Of course, I just learned I used hair quality instead of BAQ.

I always following with a moisturizing deep condition so that I can get my slip and softness back.

But, the 1st time I did henna, I did not do the moisturizing deep condition. My hair felt good after I put in my leave-in, though.