Yeah, another henna thread

[GypsyCurls]

Jazzi, you're more than welcome.  It really does appear that the conditioning and strengthening effects are cumulative.  I just really have to work with my hair a little more since henna'ing to get it back to normal.  But with each application it gets better.  But dang, why not straight out the gate the first time?  I hope yours turns out great the first time around.  The first couple times I used too much ACV.  And that could be part of the reason.  But the 3rd and 4th time, I changed up what I used and it was much better than the first. 

C4L...yes, I mixed it in that bag from beginning to end.  I poured the powder henna in it and the liquids and mushed the bag around.  And I let it sit in the bag wrapped in a towel until the dye released.  I didn't mess up any dishes.  It mixed wonderfully for me without any issues.

[keepitmovin]

That's interesting gypsycurls.  My experience with the whole "loosening" thing was definitely like using a clay...get it out and it snaps back.  The woman that started that henna thread on NC mentioned that she laid off if it for about 3 weeks and her hair went back to normal.  Maybe just give it some more time, I dunno.  It definitely made my hair feel drier afterwards, but DT and it's back to normal as well.

What kind of henna did you use?

[GypsyCurls]

That's interesting gypsycurls.  My experience with the whole "loosening" thing was definitely like using a clay...get it out and it snaps back.  The woman that started that henna thread on NC mentioned that she laid off if it for about 3 weeks and her hair went back to normal.  Maybe just give it some more time, I dunno.  It definitely made my hair feel drier afterwards, but DT and it's back to normal as well.

What kind of henna did you use?

I bought mine from FromNatureWithLove.  Very nice, fluffy, and fresh henna from what I could tell.

It took a few weeks for my hair to get sort of back to normal.  It is still drier than what it was prior to the henna, but not as dry as it was after the first treatment.  My products are beginning to work again, but not so well with the creams.  My hair is not receiving them like they used to.  But that is getting better.  It could be that I SHOCKED the hell outta my hair and my hair is more sensitive to radical changes.  And it might mean that my usual product line up may have to be revisited since it changed my hair needs, hopefully temporarily.  I shall see.  But I am banking on my hair getting back to normal, but just taking a while longer than others.

One thing that I have noticed that I forgot to mention is that my hair is not as protein sensitive anymore since the henna.  I can use the Eco Styler gel again and the results are wonderful.  That is a plus.

[Amber]

After reading those other threads, I think I will go ahead and try an indigo and amla mix.  Maybe the cassia, too.

[jazzi]

I'm gonna try cassia too Amber b/c the more I think about it, the more I know I'm not gonna like the reddish tint.  I like my hair to be coal black.

[Amber]

I'm gonna try cassia too Amber b/c the more I think about it, the more I know I'm not gonna like the reddish tint.  I like my hair to be coal black.

Yeah, I've had my hair turn out reddish before and that ended in another chop, lol.  I like it on others but it looks funny with my skin tone.

[jeamaria]

Thanks for the info gypsycurls. I will tread very cautiously now; dryness and my hair rejecting products are exactly what I feared from henna. Especially when that's a permanent effect. I will be trying it soon, but definitely with patch tests in various areas of my hair beforehand. Thanks a million for the freezer bag tip, too!

[GypsyCurls]

I'm gonna try cassia too Amber b/c the more I think about it, the more I know I'm not gonna like the reddish tint.  I like my hair to be coal black.

That was my purpose for doing it, was for the reddish tint in my hair.  I wanted to give my hair some oomph.  You look awesome with coal black hair!  And I also like it on AMBER.  I have never heard anything bad or adverse about indigo, amla, or cassia.  It seems like the final product for them is always the same.  Whereas henna is a wild card.  The final effect is different for each individual.

[keepitmovin]

So that you are responsible for your own hair destiny, research as much as you can....


hennaforhair.com is a great source of info of folks who've being doing this for a long time. Some of them have hair like ours, most don't, but there's definitely valuable info in everyone's experience.

[GypsyCurls]

So that you are responsible for your own hair destiny, research as much as you can....


hennaforhair.com is a great source of info of folks who've being doing this for a long time. Some of them have hair like ours, most don't, but there's definitely valuable info in everyone's experience.

I spent two months on that site before I did my first henna treatment.  I read about what happens when used on black hair and it gave it a thumbs up.  But, even when equipped with information, when you are dealing with something that you cannot control the outcome, then you are always taking risks.  The risks associated with henna aren't detrimental, but may not be what you were looking for.  It won't kill your hair like coloring with chemicals or straightening your hair, but it can alter its behavior.

[jazzi]

Finally bought some henna and will post results asap.

[BrownSugakc]

Can't wait to see your post. Jazzi, did you order your henna on-line or go to the store? I am going to the the cassia as well.

GyspyCurls:
  I am definitely going to do the zip lock method. One question before you used the henna did you do a strand test?

Also I heard that there was a chemical henna is that true. I definitely do not want to put that on my hair.

[GypsyCurls]

Can't wait to see your post. Jazzi, did you order your henna on-line or go to the store? I am going to the the cassia as well.

GyspyCurls:
  I am definitely going to do the zip lock method. One question before you used the henna did you do a strand test?

Also I heard that there was a chemical henna is that true. I definitely do not want to put that on my hair.

I did not do a strand test on my hair.  I have too many varying textures and curl patterns for me to be able to assess appropriately, so I would have about four different test spots.  Since henna is not a chemical process, it just deposits color to your hair and does not lift the hair shaft to do so, I did not feel that it would be necessary.  Plus since henna is all natural, you cannot control it what-so-ever.  What it does, it what it does to your particular hair.  But I do know of a lot of ladies that do strand tests.  If I am not mistaken...Spiral and Lady Libra have.  The effects from henna is not detrimental, so even if it acts funny the first time, it helps to do it a few more times for a more uniform effect.  My hair is much better since the last time I posted.  It is back to normal all the way.  I thought I would have to transition for the drier area, but now not necessary.

I ordered pure powdered henna in bulk from FromNatureWithLove.com and I know that the ladies also bought theirs from the Mendhi.com website.  You can be sure that is pure body art quality henna that does not contain any of those coloring chemicals.  I did not buy mine from a box.  So, please do be careful that you are getting very pure henna without additives.

JAZZI~ I cannot wait to hear about your experience.  When using the ACV, I diluted a TBSP in a cup of distilled water and aloe vera juice in my last concoction and then added to the henna powder.  You have to be careful with the amount of ACV or Lemon Juice you use with OUR hair.  That made a HUGE difference.  You don't need it to be that acidic in order for the dye to release.  Just an FYI.

-Gypsy Curls

[jazzi]

Can't wait to see your post. Jazzi, did you order your henna on-line or go to the store? I am going to the the cassia as well.

I got it from an Indian store. The brand is Jamila.  I didn't see Cassia so I may have to go to a few more stores or just order online.


Gypsy,

Thanks for all the info hon!  I'll be using it!

[Wildchild453]

It makes me hair very strong. I use it in lieu of a protein treatment. My only problem is that it tends to loosen my curls after a while..my hair starts to look like it was underprocessed and my twists don't really stay(but this was when I was using henna once a week)