Do ya'll henna?

[Lavendar]

Hey Vixxen and anyone else using herbs in the mix! How and when are you mixing your herbs with your henna? I have some hibiscus petals, bhrinraj, shikakai, and something else with a B that I am too lazy to get up and get the spelling for. I am wondering if I should mix these in before or after release and if I should mix them with water first and then add or what????? Thanks!

 

[fancypants007]

Okey-doe-key. Thanks!

Sareca, as I promised, the boxes of Jamila henna both have the words "superior quality henna". One of the boxes packaging is shiny than the other 27 boxes so I'm assuming that one is the super super sifted version. Anyhow, I will be using one of them this saturday and hopefully hope I will be getting more auburny highlights. I can see it now throughout my hair if I look at it. It doesn't appear to be black, but a reddish black if that makes sense. I just love henna and I'm so thankful that I didn't listen to my hairdresser and how henna is sooooooo drying for our hair. My hair has improved tremendously since I started back using it which I believe was in July. I'm loving my hair and I love henna.

 

[sareca]

Sareca, as I promised, the boxes of Jamila henna both have the words "superior quality henna". One of the boxes packaging is shiny than the other 27 boxes so I'm assuming that one is the super super sifted version. Anyhow, I will be using one of them this saturday and hopefully hope I will be getting more auburny highlights. I can see it now throughout my hair if I look at it. It doesn't appear to be black, but a reddish black if that makes sense. I just love henna and I'm so thankful that I didn't listen to my hairdresser and how henna is sooooooo drying for our hair. My hair has improved tremendously since I started back using it which I believe was in July. I'm loving my hair and I love henna.

Thanks for checking. I'm glad you're lovin your hair.

 

[Cichelle]

I have used FNWL henna twice and loved it. Maybe it's because I sift it, but I didn't have any trouble rinsing either time. I also got super fast dye release and great color.

BUT

Now that I know I will be using henna on a regular basis, I'm not happy about paying shipping costs and having to watch for the small order charges and having to be around when the UPS man shows up. So today I decided to go out walking and look for Indian stores. I figured there HAD to be some stores nearby that sell henna, since there are plenty of people from India and Pakistan leaving near my neighborhood.

Well, I DID find an Indian store and to my delight they had boxes of Jamila henna. They were $1.99 each! So, if this works well for me, I will be able to buy this locally for CHEAP. I'm really hoping so.

 

[zora]

I have used FNWL henna twice and loved it. Maybe it's because I sift it, but I didn't have any trouble rinsing either time. I also got super fast dye release and great color.

BUT

Now that I know I will be using henna on a regular basis, I'm not happy about paying shipping costs and having to watch for the small order charges and having to be around when the UPS man shows up. So today I decided to go out walking and look for Indian stores. I figured there HAD to be some stores nearby that sell henna, since there are plenty of people from India and Pakistan leaving near my neighborhood.

Well, I DID find an Indian store and to my delight they had boxes of Jamila henna. They were $1.99 each! So, if this works well for me, I will be able to buy this locally for CHEAP. I'm really hoping so.

Wowsers! I'm off to call my Indian store.

 

[sareca]

You guys are so lucky. All I had near me was ancient compound henna. If you can't find it near you, there's always wholesale. It's $1.55/box when you get 1000 boxes and you only pay shipping once.

 

[sareca]

I have used FNWL henna twice and loved it. Maybe it's because I sift it, but I didn't have any trouble rinsing either time. I also got super fast dye release and great color.

BUT

Now that I know I will be using henna on a regular basis, I'm not happy about paying shipping costs and having to watch for the small order charges and having to be around when the UPS man shows up. So today I decided to go out walking and look for Indian stores. I figured there HAD to be some stores nearby that sell henna, since there are plenty of people from India and Pakistan leaving near my neighborhood.

Well, I DID find an Indian store and to my delight they had boxes of Jamila henna. They were $1.99 each! So, if this works well for me, I will be able to buy this locally for CHEAP. I'm really hoping so.

Cichelle, did you sift it using Catherine's method or did you buy a sifter? I was wondering how effective the pantyhose thing was.

 

[Cichelle]

Hey sareca! I'm embarrassed to say I don't even know what Catherine's method is. I used a mesh colander and tapped the side of it with a knife until all the henna went through. It sifted wonderfully. The colander was stainless steel, though and I know some people say you aren't supposed to use any metal utensils with henna, but I had no problems.

Recently I tried sifting with pantyhose, though. It sifted well, depending on the type of pantyhose (the ultra sheer worked best), but it took more time and energy.

I guess if this Jamila works out, I won't have to sift.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

YAY! I am sooooo glad i read thru this loooong thread....It took me like 3 weeks to read all 100 pages but i finally did! Sareca you just made my day when you said that Mumtaz Al Roosa was recommended!!! This is because the Indian store down the street from my house, they sell the 100g kits for like $1.39. I am soooooo happy! I was searching online to see if i can find a review of this henna. Now i dont have to worry about shipping charges. though it is possible that the boxes can be old and won't stain as well. But its all good cause i am more concerned about the conditioning properties than the coloring... YAY, thanks Sareca for the info!!!! I think i love you!!!

Actually, I ordered from the regular wholesale website (not the special request form). We ordered 10,000g of MDH and a couple of pounds of amla. A guy called and asked if we were using the henna on our hair (the amla tipped him off). We said yes and he said we didn't want to use MDH henna on hair. He said it leaves a green cast. He recommended Jamila and Mumtaz Al-Aroosa Henna. We got half and half. So I still have 2,500g of Mumtaz Al-Aroosa (which is also tripled sifted) that I haven't tried yet. The chick that does my henna tattoos confirmed that some hennas leave a green cast on skin that would not look good on hair. But she also said Jamila (all varieties) was great for hair. My boxes of Jamila say "body art quality" in really tiny writing. Do me a favor and see if yours says that too. I thought that was how they designated the difference between the two.

But it bares repeating... All Jamila's rock!

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

Yay Priestess i found some quality henna at my local Indian store too. but i just wanted to reply to you because i also purchased that Vatika oil that you have in your siggy pic, for $1.99. I haven't used it yet but i will soon. I also purchased some Dakur Alma oil, and some alma powder. Yay, me!!!

I bought some henna today from a local Indian grocery store. The boxes state that it's suitable for hair and hands, that would make it body art quality, right? The packaging also pictures it's use for henna tattoos as well as for the hair. I just need some guidance from the henna experts. The brands are Dulhan Mehendi Deluxe Heena Powder and Shaista Brown Mehndi.


The henna is so finely milled, it's amazing, just like baby powder, it should be a pleasure to use. Not to mention it was dirt cheap. But you better believe I will be testing it on my harvested hair first.

 

[sareca]

Hey sareca! I'm embarrassed to say I don't even know what Catherine's method is. I used a mesh colander and tapped the side of it with a knife until all the henna went through. It sifted wonderfully. The colander was stainless steel, though and I know some people say you aren't supposed to use any metal utensils with henna, but I had no problems.

Recently I tried sifting with pantyhose, though. It sifted well, depending on the type of pantyhose (the ultra sheer worked best), but it took more time and energy.

I guess if this Jamila works out, I won't have to sift.

Here's Catherine's method, but I like yours better. http://www.hennapage.com/henna/how/sift.html

I use metal too. Traditionally henna was mixed in a special silver bowl. Also, Vixxen pointed out that there's a metal tip on the body art applicator.

If you brought Jamila your sifting days are over. I've yet to find a pre-sifted indigo so I think I'm going to have to do it myself.

 

[sareca]

YAY! I am sooooo glad i read thru this loooong thread....It took me like 3 weeks to read all 100 pages but i finally did!

Congrats! I know it's a lot of information to process.

Sareca you just made my day when you said that Mumtaz Al Roosa was recommended!!! This is because the Indian store down the street from my house, they sell the 100g kits for like $1.39. I am soooooo happy!

Mumtaz is considered high quality. I haven't used it yet, but I'm expecting good things. From what I can tell it is triple sifted, BAQ, and very smooth.

I was searching online to see if i can find a review of this henna. Now i dont have to worry about shipping charges. though it is possible that the boxes can be old and won't stain as well. But its all good cause i am more concerned about the conditioning properties than the coloring...

It depends on how old it is. Look for the least dusty packages. But honestly, at $1.39 for BAQ henna *I* would try it. I think the color properties fade faster than the conditioning properties do. Don't use too much terp and strand test. Did you check out the FAQ?

YAY, thanks Sareca for the info!!!! I think i love you!!!

 

[Aveena]

Sareca I am a convert! I just bought some BAQ from Henna for Hair. I think I'm going to try this formula:

http://www.hennaforhair.com/mixes/chanda/

Which is basically

BAQ Henna
Indigo
Amla

I'll be sure to take b4 and after pics once the products come in... I haven't finished this thread, but I think I'm going to try it anyway.

Thx!

 

[douglala]

Wow!!! I haven't been in this thread in about a week and there are so many new henna users....

So I just tried to order some more Amla from fromnaturewithlove and they are completly sold out, of ALL sizes

Sareca - I think we can ask FNWL for your commissions..

 

[Kimberly]

Okay. I hennaed yesterday again with the black henna and amla powder. My hair is not black. I just noticed in the restroom at work (and I'm actually here late making this post even though I have a computer at home ) BUT the color is lovely! I went back in three times to look at it under that light. I have not seen my hair out in the sun or in any real good light, I guess, so I was shocked! My hair feels so much thicker and stronger...I just hope I can keep it up while I'm away.

 

[sareca]

Wow!!! I haven't been in this thread in about a week and there are so many new henna users....

So I just tried to order some more Amla from fromnaturewithlove and they are completly sold out, of ALL sizes

Sareca - I think we can ask FNWL for your commissions..

It's good stuff. Did I tell ya'll I like it better than Catherine's? It's kinda like the difference between regular henna and Jamila. It's a lot smoother.

 

[sareca]

Okay. I hennaed yesterday again with the black henna and amla powder. My hair is not black. I just noticed in the restroom at work (and I'm actually here late making this post even though I have a computer at home ) BUT the color is lovely! I went back in three times to look at it under that light. I have not seen my hair out in the sun or in any real good light, I guess, so I was shocked! My hair feels so much thicker and stronger...I just hope I can keep it up while I'm away.

Congrats! Even when you think it's not possible to get stronger or thicker your next treatment will prove you wrong.

Mine wasn't that dark after the first time either, the second time was much deep black.

 

[sareca]

Sareca I am a convert! I just bought some BAQ from Henna for Hair. I think I'm going to try this formula:

http://www.hennaforhair.com/mixes/chanda/

Which is basically

BAQ Henna
Indigo
Amla

I'll be sure to take b4 and after pics once the products come in... I haven't finished this thread, but I think I'm going to try it anyway.

Thx!

Welcome aboard Fran. Chanda's got a good mix. It's a little heavy on the vinegar tho. The oil should be enough to get good dye release. Just make sure you deep condition after you rinse and don't forget your strand test.

 

[Kimberly]

Congrats! Even when you think it's not possible to get stronger or thicker your next treatment will prove you wrong.

Mine wasn't that dark after the first time either, the second time was much deep black.

I understand except this was my third time...I guess I'm going to have to hunt down some indigo if I truly want it black.

 

[WomanlyCharm]

This is why I really love this board...we share such great info with each other!
Welcome to the henna revolution ladies...I know you're gonna love it!

 

[LovelyLionessa]

Yay Priestess i found some quality henna at my local Indian store too. but i just wanted to reply to you because i also purchased that Vatika oil that you have in your siggy pic, for $1.99. I haven't used it yet but i will soon. I also purchased some Dakur Alma oil, and some alma powder. Yay, me!!!

Hey, girl that's awesome, way to go on the Indian store goodies! I was paying so much more at the health food store and BSS but I notice the Indian variety of henna is way smoother and cheaper too.

I love that Dabur Vatika oil, coconut oil is the first ingriedient in it so the oil does solidfy in a heartbeat. I just put it on top of my toaster oven while on so it's ready to use. You are sooo lucky, I wanted that Alma oil, but my store didn't have it, or the powder. Oh well. Congratulations on your loot!

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

fyi....Sorry i cannot remember where i read it, but i was browsing a few of the henna sites. It is recommended not to use metal/silver because the acid (or whatever) in henna can cause the metal to tarnish. So this is why it is recommended to use plastic, i haven't read of any harm to your hair or anything...

Here's Catherine's method, but I like yours better. http://www.hennapage.com/henna/how/sift.html

I use metal too. Traditionally henna was mixed in a special silver bowl. Also, Vixxen pointed out that there's a metal tip on the body art applicator.

If you brought Jamila your sifting days are over. I've yet to find a pre-sifted indigo so I think I'm going to have to do it myself.

 

[sareca]

I understand except this was my third time...I guess I'm going to have to hunt down some indigo if I truly want it black.

Oh! I thought you were using indigo. Yes, indigo makes all the difference... even half indigo will make a dramatic difference.

http://images17.fotki.com/v4/filezt6L/eb329/4/435236/3548335/henna_comparisoncopy-1.jpg

 

[sareca]

fyi....Sorry i cannot remember where i read it, but i was browsing a few of the henna sites. It is recommended not to use metal/silver because the acid (or whatever) in henna can cause the metal to tarnish. So this is why it is recommended to use plastic, i haven't read of any harm to your hair or anything...

Ah! I believe that. But, I don't think henna is acidic by itself I bet it's the terp tarnishing stuff.

Traditional East Indian
Silver mixing bowl with ethnic
print and paddle.

$ 8.00 per set US


http://www.mehndiskinart.com

 

[Blu217]

I have been researching this, but I don't understand why some users are adding herbs, wine or coffee to their mixes; what do these things do?

Also, I'm worried about the coloring effect of henna. I love my natural color, which is a streaky dark auburn; people often think it's a dye job. If I use straight henna, am I likely to turn red and lose my highlights? I read that henna is permanent once you apply it. I'm not interested in using cassia.

 

[sareca]

I have been researching this, but I don't understand why some users are adding herbs, wine or coffee to their mixes; what do these things do?

Red wine, coffee, and some fruit juices are acidic. Anything acidic will help the dye release from henna. Releasing the dye makes it more available to color your hair, but even if you don't use any terps (acidic elements) henna will still make your hair red. Any strongly colored spices or terps you add will influence the color henna deposits. So pretend red wine isn't acidic. Adding it will make henna stain more red simply because the red color in the wine will contribute. Add to that the acidity and you've got the making of some very red hair, assuming you have light colored hair. This is all sort of a moot point on dark hair.

Spices are not terps, but can slightly push the color of henna to a warmer or cooler red.

Herbs are added to better condition the hair. I like amla (which is actually a fruit), but I use it alone instead of adding it to my henna.

Also, I'm worried about the coloring effect of henna. I love my natural color, which is a streaky dark auburn; people often think it's a dye job. If I use straight henna, am I likely to turn red and lose my highlights? I read that henna is permanent once you apply it. I'm not interested in using cassia.

YES! Henna WILL make your highlights dark/meduim red. Although it's a wonderful conditioner, henna has been used as a red dye (for skin and hair) for thousands of years. It's a conditioner, but it's also a dye.

Why aren't interested in cassia? You sound like the perfect candidate. A cassia/amla mix would condition well without changing your color.

 

[JLove74]

I have been researching this, but I don't understand why some users are adding herbs, wine or coffee to their mixes; what do these things do?

Also, I'm worried about the coloring effect of henna. I love my natural color, which is a streaky dark auburn; people often think it's a dye job. If I use straight henna, am I likely to turn red and lose my highlights? I read that henna is permanent once you apply it. I'm not interested in using cassia.

If you don't want any color released used some Cassia?

 

[Blu217]

Everything I've read says cassia can't compare to the henna; I want the best result possible. I'm not totally averse to going red (might be fun), but I don't think I want perma-red. Perhaps one of the lighter-colored brownish mixes on hennaforhair would be to my liking and deposit less obvious color.

But the more you henna, the more color you get... so I gotta decide between strengthening/conditioning and losing my pretty natural color.

Thanks, ladies!

 

[sareca]

I've been braided for over a month now (wow has it been that long). I usually only leave my braids in for a month, but this time I'm going for 7 weeks. Anyway, the day before takedown (which is usually now) I dust all the exposed ends off each individual braid. Instead of twisting the hair and dusting, you run the scissors along the braid taking off anything sticking out. Usually after a month of being unprotected ('cause it's sticking out of the braid) there are splits galore. Well, guess what? I found a sunny spot to do my 1 month dusting and there wasn't anything to dust. I found of couple that were bent at weird angles, but only a few. I didn't even dust it. I just looked at the henna shine in the light, smiled, and reminded myself to tell ya'll. This is the second time since May that I've gone to dust my hair and found it didn't need it. My dusting sessions using lasted days.

I henna.

 

[Cichelle]

That's great news, sareca! Man, this henna is so wonderful. I did my third henna treatment and I'm loving it more and more still. You are way ahead of me and I am inspired by you.