How often - all over

[Amberlee]

I rarely post, but I hope someone will take a bit of time for my beginner questions. I hennaed for the first time last September and although I thought the process was cumbersome I love the results. Since then, I've done my roots about 4 times - I've had ok luck with that but perhaps need a bit more patience. I do not notice any variations in color from root to end and I'm super pleased as that was always my issue with commercial dyes. So, two questions:

Is there some reason I should do another all over henna at some point? As I said, with no color variations, I wouldn't be tempted. When I do my roots I do mix just a bit of henna into a goodly amount of condish and slap dash that onto the length - so I imagine I get a bit of a gloss.

It takes me two large root shooters to do a decent job on my roots. Is there any reason I couldn't mix up enough henna for four - wait for dye release - and then freeze half for next time? I know people freeze their mixed henna - but how long will it keep and will it be just as effective as fresh? I guess I do roots a tiny bit more often than every 6 weeks.

One more, as I get more and more grey in the front, the hennaed hair is brighter and brighter - of course. Could I darken the front grays a bit before a henna application to damp down the bright? I'm not interested in going darker all over.

Hope those make some sense. Thanks, in advance, for any time and advice.

[burns_erin]

If you are happy with your overall color then I would suggest you do not need to do another all over.

I freeze mine in the root shooter and it is no problem for a good bit of time (several months) in fact I have reached the point that i never use it without having first frozen it, and I do not wait for dye release before freezing, but that is me, you mayu want to try a small bit to see what works for you. I feel as do most people, that previously frozen henna stains much more vividly, so that could play a role in your choice.


As for the more grey being brighter, well so is mine and I like it, but if you do not, you can try a few things. 1. Try using previously frozen henna. 2. Leave it on longer to have it darken up some. 3. Henna a bit more frequently darken them a bit.

And if you have not already, read Nightshades article and the Henna Thread.

[twilight_faerie]

As burns_erin said, if you like the color that one henna has given you, there's no reason to henna again. The more you henna, the darker your hair will get.

P.S. I never wait for dye release. I slop it on my head immediately after mixing and the dye releases on my head.

[happymommy]

I freeze my leftovers after dye release and haven't had a problem. I do second the more intense stain from frozen henna. I usually have to leave the frozen one on for about half the time of the fresh and get a very deep stain. As for how long it will keep, I defer to more knowledgable henna experts on that one. I'm still a relatively new henna head, only 8 months :)

I freeze mine in a cheap ice cube tray covered in plastic wrap then pop the cubes into a ziploc bag. Bless you whichever member you are, who I learned this technique from!!!! SOOO much easier than freezing in ziplock bags!

[Amberlee]

Thank you all - I tried to get a picture that showed my overall color and my bright front and top - and now I will try to upload them.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/damndan96/February2009025-1.jpg
This is probably the best idea of my color.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/damndan96/February2009019.jpg
This one shows you my bright spots - both close up and in the mirror - I didn't realize my top is also a little bright - but that makes sense and I'm greying all around.

I tend to leave the henna on for at least four hours - you still think re-hennaing the bright spots might darken me up some?

[tabitie]

Hi there! I'm new to the list and it's my first time posting. I've never hennaed before but read a lot of material on the sites.

Did you get the help you needed? Does everyone think she needs some indigo or buxos to neutralize the orange into an ash brown? If she adds henna, it will just make it more and more orange, right?