henna fading?

[ReneeIstKrieg]

So, it's been about two weeks since I hennaed my hair and it definitely seems to be fading. It looks less red (not just darker from oxidation, it actually looks like it's getting closer to my natural hair color) and when I wash my hair the water coming off is orangy. I thought this wasn't supposed to happen with henna? Or was I misinformed?

[twilight]

what kind of henna did you use? where did you buy it? what was your mix?

that's really odd...

[scalawaggirl]

Hi, there. I have read that henna can indeed fade after the first application - this would likely also be subjective to the type of henna you used and source (BAQ, for example, is recommended for quality and lasting).

It seems that after the 2nd application, fading is rare. From my own experience, I applied a henna/cassia mix for the first time and did not get any further color when rinsing my hair after washing except for the very first time. I purchased the Moroccan from Henna Sooq, just an FYI.

So far, it seems that my color stayed and is stuck so I will only be doing glosses hereafter.

[twilight]

what kind of henna did you use? where did you buy it? what was your mix?

that's really odd...

doh! i see now, you used punjabi prime from H4H, huh?

i never experienced any fading with my hennas (indigo, yes) but i think i have always done it on previously-dyed hair. i definitely agree it will "grab" more the more applications you do...

[Fencai]

Im not sure about the fading, as I have many applications on my head, but once its done oxidizing, I do an ACV rinse, and that helps to "seal" it so I dont get run off any more

[ReneeIstKrieg]

It was Catherine's Punjabi Prime mixed with cranberry juice (I live on a college campus in the middle of nowhere and I couldn't find lemon juice anywhere. I figured it would be acidic enough) and water. The ends of my hair are quite damaged from past flat-ironing so maybe they can't hold the color?

[ReneeIstKrieg]

Oh alright. It is my first application so that explains it. I'll try the ACV rinse too, if I can find it on my wasteland of a campus that is :P Thanks!

[twilight]

It was Catherine's Punjabi Prime mixed with cranberry juice (I live on a college campus in the middle of nowhere and I couldn't find lemon juice anywhere. I figured it would be acidic enough) and water. The ends of my hair are quite damaged from past flat-ironing so maybe they can't hold the color?

that is a possibility for sure--porous hair lets color "leak" out more easily, but as henna acts as a filler to close the gaps it shouldn't be too drastic a difference.

calling all veteran henna experts! :?:

[Anje]

Don't worry too much about the acidity. The general consensus around here is that Catherine's water is somehow weird (maybe basic?), because most people have just as good or better staining with tap water than with lemon juice. Acid doesn't hurt much, but many people find it makes the henna more drying than it already can be.

[Aisha25]

Yeah henna can be used with just water,you dont have to get fancy with your henna. Just remember the ancient times when they didnt have alot of stuff around:shrug: Dont worry your henna wont all go away just next time it will have more staying power like everything else henna takes patience:)

[Oskimosa]

I had my H4H henna fade in the past. It just seems to go a bit dull, especially since it's so VIBRANT at first, it seems worse than it really is. Just re-do it. It will fade less. Also, some people's hair just grabs the henna less than others.

Some other things to consider: your haircare rutine. Oiling can fade henna, as can bs washes. Not for everyone, though.

Even with repeated applications and ideal washing/conditioning on your hennaed hair, you will get some fading. That initial vibrant burst doesn't hang around. You can do glosses with the henna and cassia every so often to keep that going, if you like. Or, add something like manic panic or special effects. HTH :)

[burns_erin]

It took 3 hennas for my hair to settle. I use water with some powdered cloves in mine. Also, how often are you washing your hair, and did you wash it the day after hennaing? I usually wait a day or three to wash again, and I only wash my hair a couple to three times a week.

[ReneeIstKrieg]

I wash about every two days but I'm slowly cutting back to every 3, to answer your question. I also oil my ends so I guess that could be the culprit too? Oh well, I guess I'll see if it sticks better next time!