Do ya'll henna?

[AtlantaJJ]

are you planning to add any oils or conditoners.. IMHO indigo should be use to mix with henna if you desire a darker color. Coffee seems to be causing dryness for some people. I've never personally used coffee. I think the first henna treatment should have as few ingredients as posssible, water, oil conditioner, 2 tbs of ACV if any at all. Starting off simple will help you understand what may be causing dryness if you have any with the treatment.

 

[FunkyDiva]

I'm am definitely going to henna but I haven't had a chance to read this entire thread so I don't quite know how to do it yet. I'll probably start in January

 

[godzooki]

I used 1 cup coffee and 1 tb acv and plain water when I first mixed and this morning added 1/2 cup EVO and 1 tb coconut oil. It's still super thick so I guess I will try adding the yogurt and maybe a bit more water to smooth it out. I think I'm going to try adding 1 egg yolk (no white) also. Still planning on trying it tonight. Hoping the color will have time to settle before Thanksgiving so I don't look like I colored my hair with pumpkin rinds. Hate to have to sport a scarf 24/7 until I could get some indigo.

 

[ThursdayGirl]

I tried it... hoping to get rid of some frizz and get a little texture change. Nada on both fronts. I did get some color though... and my grays are no longer so obvious .

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I used 1 cup coffee and 1 tb acv and plain water when I first mixed and this morning added 1/2 cup EVO and 1 tb coconut oil. It's still super thick so I guess I will try adding the yogurt and maybe a bit more water to smooth it out. I think I'm going to try adding 1 egg yolk (no white) also. Still planning on trying it tonight. Hoping the color will have time to settle before Thanksgiving so I don't look like I colored my hair with pumpkin rinds. Hate to have to sport a scarf 24/7 until I could get some indigo.

I wouild just add water at this point. You have quite enough going on with the coffee and the ACV. I think it's good to keep it simple when you start out with henna and then layer other ingredients as you do addtional treatments. You won't know what is truly causing a problem with all the different things in the mix, if a problem occurs...

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I tried it... hoping to get rid of some frizz and get a little texture change. Nada on both fronts. I did get some color though... and my grays are no longer so obvious .

You have to do several treatments to get the cumulative effects you are looking for... I plan to do mine every 10 days or so...for a while. The old timers do their hennas often.

 

[RoseGolden]

I forgot what page it was on, but it said how to store your henna in different states. How do you store unused henna still in powder form. Just the refrigerator is fine right?

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I forgot what page it was on, but it said how to store your henna in different states. How do you store unused henna still in powder form. Just the refrigerator is fine right?

The henna lounge lady told me she stores her powder and her batches in the freezer.

 

[stinastina]

are you planning to add any oils or conditoners.. IMHO indigo should be use to mix with henna if you desire a darker color. Coffee seems to be causing dryness for some people. I've never personally used coffee. I think the first henna treatment should have as few ingredients as posssible, water, oil conditioner, 2 tbs of ACV if any at all. Starting off simple will help you understand what may be causing dryness if you have any with the treatment.

I over did it with the amla oil so I didn't have any dryness and I always deep condition afterwards. You are right, the coffee made no difference with darkening. Did you get indigo from Cherian's ? What does it look like ? I found a bar of saffron soap attached to a bottle of coconut oil so I bought that but haven't tried it yet !

 

[alexstin]

I forgot what page it was on, but it said how to store your henna in different states. How do you store unused henna still in powder form. Just the refrigerator is fine right?

Refrigerated is fine. Once mixed, put in refrigerator.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I over did it with the amla oil so I didn't have any dryness and I always deep condition afterwards. You are right, the coffee made no difference with darkening. Did you get indigo from Cherian's ? What does it look like ? I found a bar of saffron soap attached to a bottle of coconut oil so I bought that but haven't tried it yet !

I've only seen the indigo online...I know a lot of people get it from henna for hair (expensive!) there are a cuple of other sites... I would have to do some research. I don't mind beet red grays, they seem to deepen in color after a while but if you have a lot I could understand wanting to tone it down... a 50% 50% mix gives a nice chestnut brown. I did that with the first henna. Do a search on this site with keyword indigo and I know you will find references to sites, there is even one in this thread waaaaay up in there somewhere.... let me see if i can find it....

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Henna glossing???

I did a gloss last night... it came out good... my hair is soft and shiny plus I didn't lose 1/4 of the hair I normally do.

I airdryed with kerasilk leave in and aveda serum (loooove this stuff!)

My hair is sooo cute!

Henna Rules!!!!!!

Thanks V and S...

How did you mix your gloss?

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Inidigo Source

Check out this web site, I ordered a sample from them recently. They sell indigo. You can get a 50 gram sample for $1.00 which is enough to mix in a nice batch of henna. You can see if you like it and then order from there.
http://www.indian-herbs-exporters.com/index.html

 

[godzooki]

Re: Inidigo Source

Well, I did a strand test and good thing. The coffee I added didn't make it browner like I hoped. I used a wad of collected hair I'd been stashing just for this purpose and the greys in it came out burgandy red and the hair has a burgandy highlight in the sun. Nice yes, but I have way too much greys to go burgandy. I know that it takes about 3 days to oxidize so I set it aside to check later. I think I'm just going to try to go for black or at least no more greys... Anywhoo, today while at Whole Foods I discovered the stuff called Light Mountain Natural Haircolor and Condtioner. It's Henna! Different mixes of indigo, henna and cassia for different colors or just the cassia for conditioning. No chemicals or peroxides or ammonias. I picked up a box of black. Ingredients are Black Henna (Indigoferae folium and lawsonia inermis). I'm gonna give it a test and if all goes well will still be able to henna my hair before Thanksgiving!

 

[JazzyDez]

I am doing my second henna treatment today. I just mixxed up some henna with pectin and jojoba oil. I left it in a sealed container overnight and applied it to my hair. I am waiting to rinse it out now. The last time I didnt have patience and I left it in the oven for for a couple hours after I mixxed it...

Also, the last time I had some dryness but I just got a relaxer 1 1/2 weeks ago and I am using the real BAQ henna from Catherine's this time. Hopefully I dont have that problem again. I bought the indigo too but i didnt use it. I want to see how this turns out first. I hope it isnt too too red

 

[stinastina]

Re: Inidigo Source

Thanks, JJ !

 

[stinastina]

Re: Inidigo Source

Well, I did a strand test and good thing. The coffee I added didn't make it browner like I hoped. I used a wad of collected hair I'd been stashing just for this purpose and the greys in it came out burgandy red and the hair has a burgandy highlight in the sun. Nice yes, but I have way too much greys to go burgandy. I know that it takes about 3 days to oxidize so I set it aside to check later. I think I'm just going to try to go for black or at least no more greys... Anywhoo, today while at Whole Foods I discovered the stuff called Light Mountain Natural Haircolor and Condtioner. It's Henna! Different mixes of indigo, henna and cassia for different colors or just the cassia for conditioning. No chemicals or peroxides or ammonias. I picked up a box of black. Ingredients are Black Henna (Indigoferae folium and lawsonia inermis). I'm gonna give it a test and if all goes well will still be able to henna my hair before Thanksgiving!

How did it turn out ?

 

[BrownBetty]

Re: Henna glossing???

How did you mix your gloss?

ATL - I used left over henna (already mixed) with conditioner, Giovanni 50:50, left it on for 1 hour...

 

[Ponytaildiva]

Re: Inidigo Source

Well, I did a strand test and good thing. The coffee I added didn't make it browner like I hoped. I used a wad of collected hair I'd been stashing just for this purpose and the greys in it came out burgandy red and the hair has a burgandy highlight in the sun. Nice yes, but I have way too much greys to go burgandy. I know that it takes about 3 days to oxidize so I set it aside to check later. I think I'm just going to try to go for black or at least no more greys... Anywhoo, today while at Whole Foods I discovered the stuff called Light Mountain Natural Haircolor and Condtioner. It's Henna! Different mixes of indigo, henna and cassia for different colors or just the cassia for conditioning. No chemicals or peroxides or ammonias. I picked up a box of black. Ingredients are Black Henna (Indigoferae folium and lawsonia inermis). I'm gonna give it a test and if all goes well will still be able to henna my hair before Thanksgiving!

Please share with us how this worked out for you. I did a strand test on my hair and the grey is really orange. I am so happy that I tested first because I have a lot of grey hair, I would have to henna my UPA Clip!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Re: Inidigo Source

Please share with us how this worked out for you. I did a strand test on my hair and the grey is really orange. I am so happy that I tested first because I have a lot of grey hair, I would have to henna my UPA Clip!

Check out posts by Henna Sooq, Khadija. Henna from differnt regions have different hues to them. But they are all some variation of red. I love the henna I got from the Rajasthani region, it's a deep burgandy. I would use half indigo if you want a darker color. I don't trust coffee tea, and all that other stuff! Read Henna Sooq's posts, you'll get a good education on henna and she has a web site that sells the different hennas. Her henna is fresh, that's very important.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Re: Inidigo Source

Please share with us how this worked out for you. I did a strand test on my hair and the grey is really orange. I am so happy that I tested first because I have a lot of grey hair, I would have to henna my UPA Clip!

Why you laffin, I'm about too to!

 

[godzooki]

Re: Inidigo Source

Please share with us how this worked out for you. I did a strand test on my hair and the grey is really orange. I am so happy that I tested first because I have a lot of grey hair, I would have to henna my UPA Clip!

Well, I did try the light mountain black henna and the results are....My greys turned a slight reddish brown and my hair does seem slightly darker as far as color change. Not as dark or "black" as I'd hoped but oh, well. As for the mix, I used the light mountain kit and mixed it with 1 egg yolk, 1 tb EVOO, 1 tb coconut oil and boiled water. It said to let it sit for 15 min and I did but I'm wondering if I should have let it sit longer for a darker color. It was way too gritty for my liking. While I used gloves and towels, I did not have an application brush and ended up using my fingers to smack it on. Big mistake. Splatters went everywhere! All over my white sink and walls...THOSE turned grey black and I ended up frantically spot bleaching which thankfully cleared up everything.erplexed. Unfortunately, the grittyness stayed and I ended up rinsing what felt like coffee grounds out of my hair!! Afterwards I could feel how my hair felt stronger but rough so I slapped on some Garnier Fructis condtioner and prayed. It worked for the most part and I could definately feel the difference in my hair. While a little dry feeling it did feel stronger and thicker but that could have just been the ton of grit still stuck in my hair . I followed thru with a bit of profectiv to help with slip, amla oil and coconut oil and scarfed. The next day I was pleased with how my hair turned out. It looked much more healthier, the newgrowth was smooth and wavy from being scarfed and I had some shine. Definately a difference in shedding. I just wished the greys had darkened more.
I definately plan to henna again but with better quality products (read: no gritty crap!) and I will be using indigo afterwards. I will be using the jamila I just got and I'm waiting upon my indigo. I also will use an applicator bottle, color brush and part my hair into sections next time instead of being impatient and slapping it in. I still plan to add 1 egg yolk but maybe a bit more coconut oil into the mix.

 

[Proudpiscean]

So I just rinsed henna from my hair and it is sooooo strong AND moisturized! I tried something different this time and loved the results!

I mixed:
jamila
pectin
water
honey
EVOO
DPR-11 (first time trying this)

I mixed this and put it in the oven on 200 degrees for an hour. Afterwards I mixed some indigo with warm water and put this in my henna mix. Applied it to my hair, covered my hair with saran wrap and a plastic cap and left it on for 2 hrs. It rinsed out very easily and my hair feels soft and moisturized! No dryness like before when I would put ACV or black coffee in it. I also noticed pectin (powdered form) has citric acid in it so there is no need to add additional terp to the mix if you use pectin.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

oooohhhhh that sounds yummy!! Where did you get the pectin...is that sold in the grocery store by chance? Great job! Where's our picture ???

So I just rinsed henna from my hair and it is sooooo strong AND moisturized! I tried something different this time and loved the results!

I mixed:
jamila
pectin
water
honey
EVOO
DPR-11 (first time trying this)

I mixed this and put it in the oven on 200 degrees for an hour. Afterwards I mixed some indigo with warm water and put this in my henna mix. Applied it to my hair, covered my hair with saran wrap and a plastic cap and left it on for 2 hrs. It rinsed out very easily and my hair feels soft and moisturized! No dryness like before when I would put ACV or black coffee in it. I also noticed pectin (powdered form) has citric acid in it so there is no need to add additional terp to the mix if you use pectin.

 

[JazzyDez]

Update! Catherines henna did NOT make my hair dry like the one from the local store did. My hair was so soft and strong! Yay its gonna be a keeper! (as long as I am sure that it is not the culprit for my relaxer underprocessing)

Now I just need to do some more research and find the right (and much cheaper) good quality baq henna.....

 

[Proudpiscean]

oops double post

 

[Proudpiscean]

oooohhhhh that sounds yummy!! Where did you get the pectin...is that sold in the grocery store by chance? Great job! Where's our picture ???

I buy it at walmart, it's in a yellow box (on the isle near the instant pudding). I don't own a digital camera, but it's on my christmas list (so I'll be posting pics soon!)

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I buy it at walmart, it's in a yellow box (on the isle near the instant pudding). I don't own a digital camera, but it's on my christmas list (so I'll be posting pics soon!)

That's good to know but I forgot that Plain full fat Yogurt is my heanna base .... so I don't need that... From there I add oils, etc. A wise one once told me long ago that yogurt allows you to use less of your henna and get all the conditioning and color benefits... I tried different batches and found the wises ones are correct. Another wise one that said "keep it simple" ... what that meant to me was... loose all the all the fruits, nuts and berries and starbucks drinks out of my henna mix. Both wise ones will remain nameless haha but they know who they are!! Oh and they are SO correct!

 

[Proudpiscean]

That's good to know but I forgot that Plain full fat Yogurt is my heanna base .... so I don't need that... From there I add oils, etc. A wise one once told me long ago that yogurt allows you to use less of your henna and get all the conditioning and color benefits... I tried different batches and found the wises ones are correct. Another wise one that said "keep it simple" ... what that meant to me was... loose all the all the fruits, nuts and berries and starbucks drinks out of my henna mix. Both wise ones will remain nameless haha but they know who they are!! Oh and they are SO correct!

lol @ fruits, nuts, berries and starbuck drinks!
I would've used yogurt too, but someone ate it.

 

[blackbarbie]

Although I just applied the cassia to my hair last night and am sitting under the dryer in rollers as I type, I am completely sold!!!

First of all, I was getting soooo impatient b/c it took me a month to get it, but when it came earlier this week, I started getting excited about using it. Thanks to mystic, atlantajj, melodee, and keluric for answering my annoying pm's about this (cause I was scared yall' ) and thanks to all the other knowledgeable ladies on the board for all their trial and error info!!

I shampooed hair and let it airdry and applied it to dry hair last night. I used 100g and used 1/2 cup of yogurt, EVOO, and warm water. I applied it throughout my head and scalp (forgot to get plastic gloves so i had to use an extra set of yellow cleaning gloves I had )....Wrapped everything in plastic saran wrap and put a plastic cap over that and got up this morning to rinse it out......

I rinsed for a while - about 30 minutes - and let me tell you, it's still not all out!! (saw the grains as I was rollersetting ). I did a deep conditioner afterwards and sat under the dryer for 30 minutes. When I got back in the shower after the DC, the water was still coming out yellow!...Anywho, after I rinsed for another 30 minutes, I just said what the heck and got out of the shower and proceeded to rollerset.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this or not, but I swear the stuff loosened my curls. I say this b/c I got a relaxer 6 weeks ago at the dominican salon and they didn't relax it straight as i normally get it relaxed so i haven't been looking forward to rollerset day since then and each week gets worse and worse. Even though it still took me a long time, it was much easier b/c it wasn't as curly.......

I am already sold on it b/c I immediately felt the strength in my hair as I was rinsing the deep conditioner out and as I was rollersetting, I kept having to pick my jaw up off the floor b/c I was so happy that it was feeling strong........

I'll post pics of the different steps in my gallery when my hair dries and i take the rollers out, but for right now, i am loving this! (darn, i was really trying to simplify my routine but it's going to be hard NOT to continue this every week!)

ETA: I posted my results in my gallery....(in the link below)