Who is using henna currently?

poemaXX

After using LUSH henna bars for 6 months, I'm finally ready to try out BAQ henna. I'm hoping to get more color from it. I'm waiting to get my first shipment from Mehandi and I'm psyched!:cyclopsani:

Anyone else hennaing? How are you liking the results?

Anyone using higher lawsone hennas (e.g. Rajasthani Twilight, Red Raj, Celebration, etc.)? I think that's gonna be the next step for me. Gonna step it up on Black Friday, but I'd love to get some thoughts on it first!

poemaXX

:sad5: Noooooobody?

Looks like I need to take a hop over to the CurlyNikki forums...

JLeighs

poemaXX wrote: »

After using LUSH henna bars for 6 months, I'm finally ready to try out BAQ henna. I'm hoping to get more color from it. I'm waiting to get my first shipment from Mehandi and I'm psyched!:cyclopsani:

Anyone else hennaing? How are you liking the results?

Anyone using higher lawsone hennas (e.g. Rajasthani Twilight, Red Raj, Celebration, etc.)? I think that's gonna be the next step for me. Gonna step it up on Black Friday, but I'd love to get some thoughts on it first!

I've been using henna for about 7 months now, I think, and I love it. I use Jamila from HennaSooq, and I'm very, very happy with it. The lawsone content is 2.6%, and it gives me the perfect shade of red for my skin tone. Not too cool and not too warm. Even my absolutely brilliant colorist told me to keep using henna because it suits me so well. I had to stop chemical coloring because my hair just couldn't take it anymore.

Just yesterday a complete stranger walked up to me and said "your hair is the most amazing color I've ever seen. I love it! It's absolutely amazing!" That made my day. :iconbiggrin:

poemaXX

JLeighs wrote: »

I've been using henna for about 7 months now, I think, and I love it. I use Jamila from HennaSooq, and I'm very, very happy with it. The lawsone content is 2.6%, and it gives me the perfect shade of red for my skin tone. Not too cool and not too warm. Even my absolutely brilliant colorist told me to keep using henna because it suits me so well. I had to stop chemical coloring because my hair just couldn't take it anymore.

Just yesterday a complete stranger walked up to me and said "your hair is the most amazing color I've ever seen. I love it! It's absolutely amazing!" That made my day. :iconbiggrin:

Wow, exciting to hear a colorist approve of henna! I feel like most folks at salons don't know much about henna and dislike what they've heard about it's permanence and potential to cause dryness (if you don't take care to moisturize after.) And yay for complements from strangers! :hello1:

My hair is dark brown, but I've definitely notice the red tint in my hair. I want to push to to a darker auburn though! I love the smoothness the treatments add to my hair. I'm waiting for my package of Mehandi's Rajasthani Twilight... So excited. :happy8:

JLeighs

poemaXX wrote: »

Wow, exciting to hear a colorist approve of henna! I feel like most folks at salons don't know much about henna and dislike what they've heard about it's permanence and potential to cause dryness (if you don't take care to moisturize after.) And yay for complements from strangers! :hello1:

Honestly, he didn't know much about henna other than the usual misinformation, but he was willing to listen to me (I did a LOT of research first) and then he also researched it for himself. When he saw the final outcome, he was very impressed. He thankfully didn't say anything about it's potential for dryness because I would have asked him about potential dryness with chemical coloring...

My hair is dark brown, but I've definitely notice the red tint in my hair. I want to push to to a darker auburn though! I love the smoothness the treatments add to my hair. I'm waiting for my package of Mehandi's Rajasthani Twilight... So excited. :happy8:

Twilight is a very nice henna. I did strand tests with 4 different hennas. The Jamila henna was the best color for me, but my natural hair is lighter than yours. Let us know how it turns out!

claudine19

I tried to reply earlier but had site issues.

I use henna, and haven't found it to be drying at all. In fact, my hair has returned to its natural oiliness since I quit using chemicals (commercial and salon dye).

My hair is naturally red, but the henna adds intensity I'd lost as I've aged . It's also really easy to slap on my hairline when I notice grey shining through.

Only one stylist talked about henna with me, and he gave me such a bad haircut, I've tuned out the details.

I like it for its ease of application; having control over my own color; its value; and the vividness of color I get.

(RCW persuaded me to use it, and she was right. Credit where credit is due.)

Rusycurly

I've been using henna for a year or so. The one that gives me the best color is hennasooq's red raj. It covers my greys wonderfully.

claudine19

Is hennasooq BAQ?

Rusycurly

Yes it is :-)

poemaXX

claudine19 wrote: »

I tried to reply earlier but had site issues.

I use henna, and haven't found it to be drying at all. In fact, my hair has returned to its natural oiliness since I quit using chemicals (commercial and salon dye).

My hair is naturally red, but the henna adds intensity I'd lost as I've aged . It's also really easy to slap on my hairline when I notice grey shining through.

Only one stylist talked about henna with me, and he gave me such a bad haircut, I've tuned out the details.

I like it for its ease of application; having control over my own color; its value; and the vividness of color I get.

(RCW persuaded me to use it, and she was right. Credit where credit is due.)

I only have a few grays starting to pop up, but they drive me crazy! I also like the vividness of the henna color and hope to get more of it now that I'm not using a premixed bar. Glad to hear henna doesn't dry out your hair! That's one of the things that made me hesitate trying the BAQ hennas.

Rusycurly wrote: »

I've been using henna for a year or so. The one that gives me the best color is hennasooq's red raj. It covers my greys wonderfully.

I'm so excited for Red Raj to be back in stock! Once it is, I'm gonna pounce! :toothy8:

claudine19

Let us know how it looks, poema.

poemaXX

Alright, so my package of Mehandi.com's Rajasthani Twilight got here today! I set it up for a quicker dye release and it's now sitting on my head where I will keep it overnight...

Here are some pictures of my hair color as it was earlier today. (It's third day hair, so forgive the frizz and uneven curls. :eye:) Note there is already some reddish tint from the LUSH henna bars.

Can't wait to see how it is tomorrow! ...and how it oxidizes over the next few days. :thumbleft:

poemaXX

First of all, this Rajasthani Twilight henna was infinitely easier to rinse out than the LUSH henna bars. (I think the cocoa butter LUSH uses is a PITA and it makes my hair greasy for days.) It still took a lot of time under the tub faucet and then the shower head, a few palmfuls of cheap conditioner after that – but it came out nice and clean!

My hair feels so smooth! I don't think I've ever gotten such a dramatic result from henna before! That being said, my curls are indeed hanging looser, but I expect them to bounce back within a week.

In a few days I'll update regarding color and grey coverage.

claudine19

Yes, please!

I find that the henna I use dries crusty, so I have to use a wide toothed comb or a double shampoo to make sure it's all out if I do a full head (I mostly do the roots).

Excited to hear how the grey coverage works. Btw, I didn't see any in your photos.

poemaXX

claudine19 wrote: »

Yes, please!

I find that the henna I use dries crusty, so I have to use a wide toothed comb or a double shampoo to make sure it's all out if I do a full head (I mostly do the roots).

Excited to hear how the grey coverage works. Btw, I didn't see any in your photos.

I wore two plastic caps and that kept the mix moist overnight.

I don't have too much grey really – just a few strands that pop out occasionally and drive me mad. :tongue7: Most of my greys are coppery right now. I'll try to hunt one down for my update pictures.

claudine19

Greys drive me nuts, too. It's an ongoing project keeping up with them.

poemaXX

Here are some pictures of how the henna is turning out:

1) a picture taken in bright bathroom lighting that picks up on orange glow the hair had yesterday
2) a close-up of my hair today in natural light: very shiny and visible red tones
3) my curls are even and springy! They do hang more when wet than they used to, but look shiny and defined when dry, even with less product.
4) here is my attempt at capturing one of my grays. They are reddish-orange right now, but blend in really nicely as highlights. I had a hard time finding one! Yay!

claudine19

I just have to say this: you remind me (physically) so much of my childhood best friend.

Your hair looks great!

poemaXX

claudine19 wrote: »

I just have to say this: you remind me (physically) so much of my childhood best friend.

Your hair looks great!

Aw shucks! Hope that brings nice memories.

I'm really happy with my hair right now. Definitely placing an order for the Organic Rajasthani Henna from Henna Sooq soon!

pinkbritta

I've also been using LUSH caca bars for a couple years now with great success, but have heard a little about using henna and I'm definitely curious! I'm also overwhelmed with all the info out there and have no idea where to start. I have dark brown hair with redish highlights in the light, and I'd like to stay close to my natural colour, any advice for a beginner??
Thanks a ton!

poemaXX

pinkbritta wrote: »

I've also been using LUSH caca bars for a couple years now with great success, but have heard a little about using henna and I'm definitely curious! I'm also overwhelmed with all the info out there and have no idea where to start. I have dark brown hair with redish highlights in the light, and I'd like to stay close to my natural colour, any advice for a beginner??
Thanks a ton!

Well, my biggest advice is read read read! Be very well aware of what to expect.

Although you've already used LUSH henna, just a friendly reminder that henna is permanent and only dyes red. If it's not red, it's not pure henna – the colors other than "Red" have Indigo and Cassia in them, which is fine if you're aware. (If you bleach your hair after indigo, it will be green! Word of warning.)

Also, some people experience curl loosening with henna. My hair's cuticle feels much smoother after a henna treatment and my curls hang a bit more. However, I also have a strong curl pattern.

1) Where to get and how to prepare henna
I'd suggest you buy Body Art Quality (BAQ) henna from online (preferred – try Henna Sooq, Butters-and-Bars, Mehandi.com) or from the Indian grocery. You don't need a difficult recipe: just a mildly acidic juice (lemon can be a bit drying; orange or apple works) or strong tea. Let the mix rest covered in plastic for the necessary time for dye release!! This is super important. Henna Sooq has a good guide for this online.

2) How long should I leave it on?
Depends on how much control you want over the color. You can do strand tests to figure out how it will change your hair color. For me, I want as much color/conditioning as I can, so I wear it overnight.

3) How do you rinse it out efficiently?
I suggest using the pressure from the bathtub faucet to your advantage. Other people fill the tub and dunk their hair in and shake it out. Using a cheap conditioner like Vo5 or Suave is good once most of the grit is out.

Hope that helps!

pinkbritta

poemaXX wrote: »

pinkbritta wrote: »

I've also been using LUSH caca bars for a couple years now with great success, but have heard a little about using henna and I'm definitely curious! I'm also overwhelmed with all the info out there and have no idea where to start. I have dark brown hair with redish highlights in the light, and I'd like to stay close to my natural colour, any advice for a beginner??
Thanks a ton!

Well, my biggest advice is read read read! Be very well aware of what to expect.

Although you've already used LUSH henna, just a friendly reminder that henna is permanent and only dyes red. If it's not red, it's not pure henna – the colors other than "Red" have Indigo and Cassia in them, which is fine if you're aware. (If you bleach your hair after indigo, it will be green! Word of warning.)

Also, some people experience curl loosening with henna. My hair's cuticle feels much smoother after a henna treatment and my curls hang a bit more. However, I also have a strong curl pattern.

1) Where to get and how to prepare henna
I'd suggest you buy Body Art Quality (BAQ) henna from online (preferred – try Henna Sooq, Butters-and-Bars, Mehandi.com) or from the Indian grocery. You don't need a difficult recipe: just a mildly acidic juice (lemon can be a bit drying; orange or apple works) or strong tea. Let the mix rest covered in plastic for the necessary time for dye release!! This is super important. Henna Sooq has a good guide for this online.

2) How long should I leave it on?
Depends on how much control you want over the color. You can do strand tests to figure out how it will change your hair color. For me, I want as much color/conditioning as I can, so I wear it overnight.

3) How do you rinse it out efficiently?
I suggest using the pressure from the bathtub faucet to your advantage. Other people fill the tub and dunk their hair in and shake it out. Using a cheap conditioner like Vo5 or Suave is good once most of the grit is out.

Hope that helps!

Thanks poemaXX, that was super helpful! I'm excited to give this a try. I've read about mixing the henna with coconut milk as well. Do you think this provides the acid to release the colour, or would it be an extra conditioner added in the mix? Thanks again for your advice!

poemaXX

pinkbritta wrote: »

poemaXX wrote: »

pinkbritta wrote: »

I've also been using LUSH caca bars for a couple years now with great success, but have heard a little about using henna and I'm definitely curious! I'm also overwhelmed with all the info out there and have no idea where to start. I have dark brown hair with redish highlights in the light, and I'd like to stay close to my natural colour, any advice for a beginner??
Thanks a ton!

Well, my biggest advice is read read read! Be very well aware of what to expect.

Although you've already used LUSH henna, just a friendly reminder that henna is permanent and only dyes red. If it's not red, it's not pure henna – the colors other than "Red" have Indigo and Cassia in them, which is fine if you're aware. (If you bleach your hair after indigo, it will be green! Word of warning.)

Also, some people experience curl loosening with henna. My hair's cuticle feels much smoother after a henna treatment and my curls hang a bit more. However, I also have a strong curl pattern.

1) Where to get and how to prepare henna
I'd suggest you buy Body Art Quality (BAQ) henna from online (preferred – try Henna Sooq, Butters-and-Bars, Mehandi.com) or from the Indian grocery. You don't need a difficult recipe: just a mildly acidic juice (lemon can be a bit drying; orange or apple works) or strong tea. Let the mix rest covered in plastic for the necessary time for dye release!! This is super important. Henna Sooq has a good guide for this online.

2) How long should I leave it on?
Depends on how much control you want over the color. You can do strand tests to figure out how it will change your hair color. For me, I want as much color/conditioning as I can, so I wear it overnight.

3) How do you rinse it out efficiently?
I suggest using the pressure from the bathtub faucet to your advantage. Other people fill the tub and dunk their hair in and shake it out. Using a cheap conditioner like Vo5 or Suave is good once most of the grit is out.

Hope that helps!

Thanks poemaXX, that was super helpful! I'm excited to give this a try. I've read about mixing the henna with coconut milk as well. Do you think this provides the acid to release the colour, or would it be an extra conditioner added in the mix? Thanks again for your advice!

Some people do fancy mixes with all sorts of stuff, but I try to keep it simple. The pH of coconut milk is 6.1 - 7.0, so I'd guess it be an additional conditioner. (Some folks recommend apple juice as a gentle acid: 3.3 - 3.9. That's what I'm using today!) Coconut milk has its benefits, but I want to get the most out of the henna itself! It also makes it easier to do trouble shooting if your hair feels funny afterwards. I'm not sure if the protein in the coconut milk plus the protein-like effect of the henna might be drying...

pH reference at Food and Foodstuff - pH Values

pinkbritta

poemaXX wrote: »

pinkbritta wrote: »

poemaXX wrote: »

Well, my biggest advice is read read read! Be very well aware of what to expect.

Although you've already used LUSH henna, just a friendly reminder that henna is permanent and only dyes red. If it's not red, it's not pure henna – the colors other than "Red" have Indigo and Cassia in them, which is fine if you're aware. (If you bleach your hair after indigo, it will be green! Word of warning.)

Also, some people experience curl loosening with henna. My hair's cuticle feels much smoother after a henna treatment and my curls hang a bit more. However, I also have a strong curl pattern.

1) Where to get and how to prepare henna
I'd suggest you buy Body Art Quality (BAQ) henna from online (preferred – try Henna Sooq, Butters-and-Bars, Mehandi.com) or from the Indian grocery. You don't need a difficult recipe: just a mildly acidic juice (lemon can be a bit drying; orange or apple works) or strong tea. Let the mix rest covered in plastic for the necessary time for dye release!! This is super important. Henna Sooq has a good guide for this online.

2) How long should I leave it on?
Depends on how much control you want over the color. You can do strand tests to figure out how it will change your hair color. For me, I want as much color/conditioning as I can, so I wear it overnight.

3) How do you rinse it out efficiently?
I suggest using the pressure from the bathtub faucet to your advantage. Other people fill the tub and dunk their hair in and shake it out. Using a cheap conditioner like Vo5 or Suave is good once most of the grit is out.

Hope that helps!

Thanks poemaXX, that was super helpful! I'm excited to give this a try. I've read about mixing the henna with coconut milk as well. Do you think this provides the acid to release the colour, or would it be an extra conditioner added in the mix? Thanks again for your advice!

Some people do fancy mixes with all sorts of stuff, but I try to keep it simple. The pH of coconut milk is 6.1 - 7.0, so I'd guess it be an additional conditioner. (Some folks recommend apple juice as a gentle acid: 3.3 - 3.9. That's what I'm using today!) Coconut milk has its benefits, but I want to get the most out of the henna itself! It also makes it easier to do trouble shooting if your hair feels funny afterwards. I'm not sure if the protein in the coconut milk plus the protein-like effect of the henna might be drying...

pH reference at Food and Foodstuff - pH Values

Great! Thanks so much for your help, I think I'll start my experimenting with apple juice and see where it goes from there.

claudine19

I was very uneasy about trying henna, since I thought there was a chance that using henna on naturaklly red hair might turn my color Ronald McDonald orange, or something horrible like that. RCW suggested a glaze: mixing henna with conditioner (henna that had been prepared properly, of course), so I'd have a tinge of color, rather than full impact at first.

I support that method for the nervous. (Btw, I got more brave and now use it full strength all the time.)

poemaXX

claudine19 wrote: »

I was very uneasy about trying henna, since I thought there was a chance that using henna on naturaklly red hair might turn my color Ronald McDonald orange, or something horrible like that. RCW suggested a glaze: mixing henna with conditioner (henna that had been prepared properly, of course), so I'd have a tinge of color, rather than full impact at first.

I support that method for the nervous. (Btw, I got more brave and now use it full strength all the time.)

Trying out a henna gloss first is a great suggestion.

lady_m

Meeee! Nupur henna I like it. I've henna'd twice. First time it stained my hands and nails so red but once you figure out you should wear gloves, you'll appreciate the process so much more. I want to try the red raj though.

poemaXX

lady_m wrote: »

Meeee! Nupur henna I like it. I've henna'd twice. First time it stained my hands and nails so red but once you figure out you should wear gloves, you'll appreciate the process so much more. I want to try the red raj though.

Word on the street is that Henna Sooq's Red Raj will be back in stock on November 19th! :blob4: I'm excited to try it as well.

poemaXX

PSA : Oyin Handmade Hair Dew makes my post-henna hair feel so silky!!!! When I washed my henna out this morning and DT'd, my hair still felt a little stiff. I smoothed on Hair Dew (nothing else!) and let it dry – and it looks and feels AWESOME!!! In love. Smitten. Srsly. :love6:

dresdendoll

Yes! I'm hennaing now thanks to your advice
The Mehandi Full Color Henna with Amla and Shikaki gave me amazing curls and a vibrant red color! It was also SOOO much better than Rainbow, and it was only $3. Love henna!

poemaXX

dresdendoll wrote: »

Yes! I'm hennaing now thanks to your advice
The Mehandi Full Color Henna with Amla and Shikaki gave me amazing curls and a vibrant red color! It was also SOOO much better than Rainbow, and it was only $3. Love henna!

Yay! Glad to hear your enjoying the benefits of henna now.