I would like opinions on whether to henna or not.

[Marbid]

Hmmmm

I love black hair. I'm thinking of weather or not to henna to black all of my hair.

I can do the upkeep.

Thing is thou, I want to grow my hair to calf length. That is my goal. But how would black hair that long look? Hmmmm.

This is why I am debating. Would super long hair that is curly/wavy (because that is how my curls are going to look at that length) look good? Or will I look like a permanent Morticia.

I don't really like red hair. I just don't think it would go well with my complexion. And my brown hair makes my skin look tan, while black hair makes me look a bit pale. I like black hair the best. I just don't want to end up creepy looking. And henna is permanent. So no going back if I decide to go black.

All the black hair models I have seen have this gorgeous silky (stick straight) black hair. But I want to see some one with slightly olive skin tone with curly super long hair to get an idea of how I would look.

Ah, I just don't want to regret it later.

What do you guyz think I should do? What are your opinions on calf length black hair. Maybe I should look up indian long hairs.............

hmmmmm perhaps I should henna it to a REALLY dark shade of blackish red instead.....

gah... I just can't make up my mind.

[Salmonberry]

Henna alone won't turn your hair black, it only contains an orange-red dye molecule. If you're thinking of using a "henna" product that claims to turn your hair black then there's more than just henna in it. It could have indigo or chemical dyes mixed in with it. There is a process called henndigo that uses pure henna and pure indigo to achieve dark brown or black. Indigo is very permanent though, so if you're on the fence about it I wouldn't recommend it. Ive never done henndigo so I can't say from personal experience, but I've heard it can be kind of tricky to get the right mix. Also if you bleach or lighten your hair in any way after indigo, then you risk getting a green tone. Also with henna in it, you'll always get a red-orange glow in the sunlight.

I'm not a hair color expert (I've just played around with henna glosses to boost the red tones in my hair) but if I were you and wanted to try out black I'd try a temporary or deposit only color first to try it out.

As far as how it will look, you could try on some wigs in different colors to see if it suits you.

Good luck. :)

[fairview]

I would suggest reading this. Henna does not come in black.

Black Henna
"Black henna" powder may be derived from indigo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigo_dye) (from the plant Indigofera tinctoria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigofera_tinctoria)). It may also contain unlisted dyes and chemicals.[29] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-29) "Black henna" may contain p-phenylenediamine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-Phenylenediamine) (PPD), which can stain skin black quickly, but can cause severe allergic reactions and permanent scarring. The FDA specifically forbids PPD to be used for that purpose, and may prosecute those who produce "black henna."[30] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-30) Artists who injure clients with "Black Henna" in the U.S. may be sued for damages.[31] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-31)
The name "Black Henna" arose from imports of plant-based hair dyes into the West in the late 19th century. Partly fermented, dried indigo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigofera_tinctoria) was called "black henna" because it could be used in combination with henna to dye hair black. This gave rise to the belief that there was such a thing as "black henna" which could dye skin black. Indigo will not dye skin black. Pictures of indigenous people with black body art (either alkalized henna or from some other source) also fed the belief that there was such a thing as "black henna."
Para-phenylenediamineIn the 1990s, henna artists in Africa, India, Bali, the Arabian Peninsula and the West began to experiment with para-phenylenediamine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-Phenylenediamine) (PPD) based black hair dye, applying it as a thick paste as they would apply henna, in an effort to find something that would quickly make jet black temporary body art. PPD can cause severe allergic reactions, with blistering, intense itching, permanent scarring, and permanent chemical sensitivities.[32] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-32)[33] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-33) Estimates of allergic reactions range between 3% and 15%. Henna does not cause these injuries.[34] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-34) "Black henna" made with PPD can cause lifelong sensitization to coal tar derivatives.[35] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-Lifelong_damage_from_black_henna-35) "Black henna" made with gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinner, and benzene has been linked to adult leukemia.[36] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-36)
The most frequent serious health consequence of having a "black henna temporary tattoo" is sensitization to hair dye and related chemicals. If a person has had a "black henna tattoo", and later dyes their hair with chemical hair dye, the allergic reaction may be life threatening and require hospitalization.[37] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-37) Because of the epidemic of para-phenylenediamine allergic reactions, chemical hair dye products now post warnings on the labels: "Temporary 'black henna' tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: ... – you have experienced a reaction to a temporary 'black henna' tattoo in the past."[38] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-38)
Para-phenylenediamine is illegal for use on skin in western countries, though enforcement is difficult. Physicians have urged governments to legislate against "black henna" because of the frequency and severity of injuries, especially to children.[39] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-39) To assist prosecution of vendors, government agencies encourage citizens to report injuries and illegal use of "PPD black henna".[40] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-40)[41] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-41) When used in hair dye, the PPD amount must be below 6%, and application instructions warn that the dye not touch the scalp and the dye must be quickly rinsed away. "Black henna" pastes have PPD percentages from 10% to 80%, and are left on the skin for half an hour.[42] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-42)[43] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-43)
Para-phenylenediamine "black henna" use is widespread, particularly in tourist areas.[44] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-44) Because the blistering reaction appears 3 to 12 days after the application, most tourists have left and do not return to show how much damage the artist has done. This permits the artists to continue injuring others, unaware they are causing severe injuries. The high profit margins of "black henna" and the demand for body art that emulates "tribal tattoos" further encourage artists to deny the dangers.[45] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-45)[46] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-46)
It is not difficult to recognize and avoid para-phenylenediamine "black henna":[47] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henna#cite_note-47)


if a paste stains torso skin black in less than ½ hour, it has PPD in it.
if the paste is mixed with peroxide, or if peroxide is wiped over the design to bring out the color, it has PPD in it.

Anyone who has an itching and blistering reaction to a black body stain should go to a doctor, and report that they have had an application of para-phenylenediamine to their skin.
PPD sensitivity is lifelong. A person who has become sensitized through "black henna tattoos" may have future allergic reactions to perfumes, printer ink, chemical hair dyes, textile dye, photographic developer, sunscreen and some medications. A person who has had a "black henna tattoo" should consult their physician about health consequences of para-phenylenediamine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Para-phenylenediamine) sensitization

After that if you still want to do it, use the search function to find the excellent henna threads on the forum and realize the results seems to be equally split between loving it and hating it. Then do a test strand then try to remove it and then after a couple of weeks, try to remove it.

[Marbid]

I used to dye my hair black before the great relaxer catastrophe. I think I look the best when my hair is black. So I miss it.
I read the henna forum, so I also know that indigo and bleach don't go. Also, I did a bit of reasearch and in the forums there are website links to trust worthy henna sellers. I will be using a combination of pure henna and indigo. This does not have ppd right. I read that it does not since Indigo is not what is marketed as black henna (anymore anyhow).
Please correct me if I am wrong. Indigo and henna combination does not have ppd. Does it?
I'm just iffy as to how black hair would look very very long and slightly curly. All the pictures I can find are of people with long black hair that is stick straight. Asian/Hindu

I think I am going for it thou. The more I think about it, the more I think I would like it better in black. Now if I could just find some good pictures....

[Leeloo]

Hmmmm

I love black hair. I'm thinking of weather or not to henna to black all of my hair.

I can do the upkeep.

Thing is thou, I want to grow my hair to calf length. That is my goal. But how would black hair that long look? Hmmmm.

This is why I am debating. Would super long hair that is curly/wavy (because that is how my curls are going to look at that length) look good? Or will I look like a permanent Morticia.

I don't really like red hair. I just don't think it would go well with my complexion. And my brown hair makes my skin look tan, while black hair makes me look a bit pale. I like black hair the best. I just don't want to end up creepy looking. And henna is permanent. So no going back if I decide to go black.

All the black hair models I have seen have this gorgeous silky (stick straight) black hair. But I want to see some one with slightly olive skin tone with curly super long hair to get an idea of how I would look.

Ah, I just don't want to regret it later.

What do you guyz think I should do? What are your opinions on calf length black hair. Maybe I should look up indian long hairs.............

hmmmmm perhaps I should henna it to a REALLY dark shade of blackish red instead.....

gah... I just can't make up my mind.

If you're not sure if you'll like the color then try wearing a wig for a while.

[aksown]

I think it would look great. Morticia's hair is straight, not wavy so I can't see you resembling her at that length.

[jeanniet]

indigo doesn't stick well for everyone, even with a two-step, so make sure you strand test carefully--I would test and then shampoo your samples to see if the indigo holds up. Otherwise, you could end up with faded indigo over henna, and you said you don't want red.

As far as length goes, it could look fine but if you have to do all-over applications, even intermittently, it's going to cost a considerable amount because you will need a lot of henna and indigo for hair that long. IMO, unless you are positive this is what you want, don't do it. Use a temporary dye first to see how it looks, live with it for a while, and then decide. And make sure you do strand tests!

[stachelbeere]

I would say henna + indigo is REALLY PERMANENT. if I were you I'd make see that I am 100% sure about this. So why don't you temporarily dye your hair with Manic Panic to see if you like having black hair or not? Also, it's not just the length your have to take into consideration but also how it'd look with your skin, eyes, eyebrows. a mass of black hair could totally 'overwhelm' you.

I'm trying to grow out henna, it sucks. For me, the even more challenging thing would be to grow out black hair when my hair is pretty light.

[Flor]

My advice in this kind of situation is always - don't go there unless prepared to embrace whatever shade of red/brown/black you'll end up with. jeanniet is right, indigo is less permanent than henna, even if used in 2 step process. On some hair it sticks just fine, on other it washes off or doesn't even properly take. I do henna because I like how it affects my hair aside from color and since my virgin color is really dark, I don't get that much of a color change anyway.

Also, it looks like you have A LOT of hair (at least judging by avatar) and considerable length. Applying both henna and indigo evenly without an extra set of experienced hands will be tricky.

[shutterpillar]

Maybe you should grow to your goal length first, then do a non-permanent dye to determine if you like your hair black at that length. If you do, then proceed with something more permanent.

[Stray_mind]

I agree with shutterpillar. You should test the color, if you like it or not. But there's a question, is there temporary hairdye that aren't harmful for hair....

[jessj48]

I agree that if you're not 100% sure, don't do it. To get to calf length and then ruin it by getting a colour you aren't happy with would be devastating.

But, if black hair suits you now I see no reason why the length would change that. Long, black curls sound beautiful.
Maybe you could try using henndigo on your ends to see how it turns out on your hair? Especially since that ombre thing is in fashion. :)

[restless]

I think that when you are in doubt, you shouldnt do anything at all until youve made up your mind. Having to ask the question here shows that you are still unsure and hence why Id say "wait with the hendigo!" as its such a commitment, especially if you want hair that long. Give it some more thought. The hendigo wont go anywhere so if you ever decide that now is the time, then its just to order some and go along.

Just my two cents :flower:

[shutterpillar]

I agree with shutterpillar. You should test the color, if you like it or not. But there's a question, is there temporary hairdye that aren't harmful for hair....

Manic Panic makes a black temporary dye (I think the color is called "Raven"), and many LHCers have used that brand of temporary dye without any harm to their hair.

[MonaMayfair]

Also remember that henna makes hair go straighter for a lot of people (not for everyone, but it's very common) So you could end up with very long, black, almost straight hair (but you might prefer that?)

[MonaMayfair]

Seriously though, if it were me, I'd try manic panic, adore etc first!
I know everyone's saying be 100% sure, and that's great advice, but I was 100% sure I wanted red hair 3 years ago. I dyed it with henna, and now I hate the very sight of red hair, and I'm having to grow it out. Long hair and permanent dyes can be a dangerous combination! :D

[Marbid]

I'm sure I would love black. I used to dye my hair black all the time, before I destroyed my hair with all the chemicals. (that was years ago, but I have a picture of me with my hair black on my LHC album). I hate my natural shade of brown. It makes me look soo tan. I really want black hair without the damage.

I would have to buy a small amount of henna and indigo and do a strand test to see if it would stick to my hair well thou. If it does and does not fade, I guess I could take it to calf length. If it does not fade, I don't see why I would have to re-apply it all over my hair. If it does not fade that is.

Also, I was thinking..... Would re-applying the henna and indigo over henna and indigo, strengthen the color. And prevent fading even more? Because that means I could layer the dyes twice on my hair as it keeps growing so I won't have to re-dye the entire length. Hmmmmmm.... I gotta look that up. Also, my roots come in pretty dark (to my eyes anyhow) I could get away with new hair growth for a little while before I have to dye them.

I don't mind if it has a straitening effect on my hair, my hair is going to get wavy by the time I reach my goal anyhow. So I don't see how that matters.

Thanks for your advice guys. gave me something to think about and some more questions to ask. :)

[lapushka]

FWIW, I like your picture and your haircolor!

[Anje]

Easy rule of thumb: If you're not sure about whether to use henna and/or indigo, DON'T!

The stuff is too permanent for a longhair who isn't willing to commit to the color for years, given that to get rid of it will either mean years of growout with roots, years of growout with removal damage, or years of growout after chopping the colored hair off.

Get some Manic Panic or a demi-permanent color. See what you think of how it looks, mess around with colors a little. Don't go with the permanent herbs unless you're absolutely sold and good at making commitments. Henna isn't quite tattoo-permanent, but with long hair it's pretty close.

[torrilin]

My personal take is only do henna if you like the kind of red hair it produces. If you are trying for black, you're not going to reliably get it with henna or henna + indigo.

My other personal take is I don't care what hair stylists say, you can't "get back" your natural haircolor after dye has touched your hair. It's sometimes possible to overdye and get the regrowth to match pretty well, but every successive dye attempt is going to damage your hair. If you're going much past BSL, most kinds of hair dye should be treated as permanent. Even deposit only dye like Manic Panic can be remarkably long lived on long hair, and especially on blonde shades. Some of the blondes on these boards can get 4-6 weeks out of deposit only dye with no extra help (and I can't remember if any of them have tried black... generally they go for lighter and less permanent colors like blue or pink). If you do things like add dye to your conditioner and do regular refreshes, you can get a really stunning look with deposit only dye. And it's not going to go away in a wash or two either.

Mileage may vary, void where prohibited, and handle with care :)

[jillosity]

From your avatar, your hair looks to be a light/medium brown. If that is close to correct, please DO NOT use indigo on your hair. I am 18 months into growing out indigo weirdness in my hair, and I too was certain I loved having black hair. The thing was, I never really got black hair, EXCEPT on virgin growth at my scalp. What does that mean? a band of black hair with my natural color above it and murky greenish/brownish hair beneath it. It's slowly slowly growing out, and I lost a metric ton of hair in my totally futile removal attempts.

Please, especially since you want very very long hair, do not use indigo! In fact, don't use henna either. Any type of hair color is going to cause a certain amount of strain simply through the applying/removal phases, people often lose quite a bit of hair when they color. Henna, even for those who love the red, is very unpredictable, and the color builds up.

If you must do black, use either a temporary color like Jazzing or manic panic. If you decide you do really like it, then use a good regular hair dye and do the coconut oil trick (you soak your hair in coconut oil at least an hour before coloring and it cuts down on damage). Then even if you change your mind at that point you can just bleach your hair (again use coconut oil before) and you'll have some damage but it would be better than losing ALL of your hair because a sharp pair of scissors is the only reliable indigo remover.

This is one case where "natural" is not better!

[Marbid]

Hmmmm... I really love black hair on me. I really don't think I would dislike it unless the henna acted strangely and gave me a reddish tint. So far, from what I read, It would be a bit of a gamble regardless. And not really practical for growing hair supper long.

Sigh.

I guess I wont do it. I really want black hair. But it just does not seem practical anymore. Plust, I detest red hair, just don't like how lit looks on me. So this would be an either love it or hate.

I guess its better to not gamble my hair away.

Ok. Thank you fellas for helping me decide.

Now.... Is there a way that I can darken my natural color naturally without dying. Even if it is over time, or some sort of honey treatment.... Perhaps I should ask this on a different thread.

[Flor]

Now.... Is there a way that I can darken my natural color naturally without dying. Even if it is over time, or some sort of honey treatment.... Perhaps I should ask this on a different thread.

The few things I vaguely remember reading about are - rosemary and sage tea rinses and something with walnuts.

[MonaMayfair]

Honey treatments lighten, not darken. I made my henna a lot lighter using honey.

[Anje]

I really don't think I would dislike it unless the henna acted strangely and gave me a reddish tint.
Henna gives a reddish tint. Period, full stop, exclamation point. If you do a two-step henna + indigo, you can still expect to see red flaring in your hair in certain lights and perhaps when it's been a while since you've touched up the indigo.

Even if you love it, you should know that a 2-step henna + indigo treatment will take you at least a few hours, every time you have to do your roots. Even most of those people who are completely sold on their indigo-black hair will tell you that this can be annoying sometimes.

I'm not trying to dissuade you if this is what you really truly want -- there are some epic, gorgeous examples of long hair that's made black with henna and indigo. But I think I'd go so far as to say that if you haven't had your hair black before now, you need to try it with a more temporary method (and compared to henna and indigo, permanent salon color is temporary) before you do this.

[spidermom]

Manic Panic, Punky, Special Effects and similar dyes are like a conditioning treatment; use one of those. They gradually fade out rather than create roots, and you could renew the black whenever you wanted without fear of damage. Of course, they do bleed and stain, although the stains have been relatively easy to remove - Comet cleanser to the tub, spray on spot remover in the laundry or bleach.

[jeanniet]

Now.... Is there a way that I can darken my natural color naturally without dying. Even if it is over time, or some sort of honey treatment.... Perhaps I should ask this on a different thread.

Not really. There are some herbs (and black walnut) that will theoretically give a darkening effect over time, but it's a lot of work for minimal results, and not lasting. Walnut can give darker and more lasting effects, but it's still a lot of work. Manic panic would be better.

[Freija]

I'll just chip in here and say that the only Manic Panic-style (demi-permanent) dye I've found that gave a true black which faded nicely was Adore, because it used a blue pigment as its base. Manic Panic, Stargazer, Directions, etc, tend only to have green-based blacks which fade to a sludgy colour after a few washes. So watch out for the base colour of the black dye you use if you do want to try this!

[Anje]

Well, there is Grecian Formula... if you're not averse to the idea of putting lead on your head. I would be. :P

[Nightshade]

I want to second EVERYTHING Anje has said.

Henna is reddish-orange. PERIOD.

Indigo often fades, leaving your hair with a reddish-orange cast, and it will flare orange in bright light. PERIOD.

Your odds of undoing a henna job you don't like are slim to none. PERIOD.

Please, as someone well-versed in henna, don't. You're not striking me as a good candidate for henna and I'd hate you to be stuck with an irremovable color you hate.

Try one of the other suggestions in this thread, like Manic Panic, but I truly think you'd be making a mistake with henna :flowers:

[Panth]

I have nothing really to add, except that if you want to see what super-long, black, curly hair looks like you could take a look at one of our new members (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=115432) (!).

[Funkyfish]

I have started to dye my hair with henna and indigo and I love it. I have also been reading a lot about henna and indigo and have a few things to consider. Dying your hair with indigo over henna will not always give you a blueish kind of black, and when it does, it won't last long. Indigo fades gradually so when you want realy pitch black hair without a reddish shine, henna is nog the right choice. From the picture in your avatar I can imagine you with a burgundy red and as you mentioned in yourself, it might be an option to consider using baq henna and go for that. When you don't like the way it looks on you, it is possible to start using indigo for a dark brown or black result. This way you can make changes along the way. When you start on indigo for black hair, there is no way back.

[heidi w.]

My vote is against hennaing because it eventually blocks the uptake of conditioner. Around 5 years.
So, I say no.
heidi w.

[Isilme]

My vote is against hennaing because it eventually blocks the uptake of conditioner. Around 5 years.
So, I say no.
heidi w.
That is not necessarily true. I have been hennaing since 2006, I think. My hair still takes up conditioner, in fact I use more conditioner now on my henna+virgin hair than before. Mostly because conditioner would build up and make my hair lanky before.
But I agree with everyone else, if you don't like red, don't henna. Because it will flare red/orange in sunlight even with indigo.

[Marbid]

Thank you guyz for all your support and opinions. I decided not to do henna or any dyes.

As I kept reading I realized that even if the indigo did not fade (which is not likely) Doing Henna or any dye for my hair goals would be impractical. And once started on henna, I would be stuck with an hombre effect (which I do not like) at the ends even if I stop.

So I decided to leave my hair on its natural color. :)

[MonaMayfair]

Marbid, I think you made the right decision, and I'm glad we could help! :)

[rosiedeam]

Thank you guyz for all your support and opinions. I decided not to do henna or any dyes.

As I kept reading I realized that even if the indigo did not fade (which is not likely) Doing Henna or any dye for my hair goals would be impractical. And once started on henna, I would be stuck with an hombre effect (which I do not like) at the ends even if I stop.

So I decided to leave my hair on its natural color. :)


Sounds like the best choice, I have been Henna/indigo ing for about 6 years and have Hip length hair. I'm trying to quit because the sheer weight of all of my hair when covered in the mud gives me migraines. Also if you're someone that that dye combo works well for (ie it doesn't just fade to a funny grey in a month) then it doesn't come out. I spent all summer trying to lighten mine, and it wouldn't fade even a bit. I am lucky that I am only a couples of shades form black naturally so the root grow out (now about 4 in) is less noticeable. But still, my heart felt advice would be if you're planning on growing super long, don't color!