Calling all CHERRY COLA or BURGUNDY henna heads!!!

[Waterlilly21]

Now I'm seriously considering burgundy henna! Gorgeous sig pics!

[unicornlady]

Still waiting for my henna to arrive... This time I'm more educated - last time I used henna years ago the color didnt stick, it gave me a few shades change that almost completely washed out, I didnt even know then about time for dye release and all that stuff, I just mixed it and applied... :embarassment:
Want to be cherry cola so much!!! :D

[Neoma]

Now I'm seriously considering burgundy henna! Gorgeous sig pics!Waterlilly, the color in your avatar is gorgeous, too! :flower:


Still waiting for my henna to arrive... This time I'm more educated - last time I used henna years ago the color didnt stick, it gave me a few shades change that almost completely washed out, I didnt even know then about time for dye release and all that stuff, I just mixed it and applied... :embarassment:
Want to be cherry cola so much!!! :Dunicornlady, you're not alone! I used henna off and on for years before I found LHC. I, too, thought that it didn't "stick" to my hair. I didn't know about dye release. And I didn't know that the color builds up over repeated applications.

[Waterlilly21]

Thank you Neoma. It's faded box dye and you're not able to tell in my avatar photo but I have brown hair patches showing through from me doing a terrible rushed job, I've ordered red raj henna and am looking forward to deepen my red. I'd eventually like to get a nice burgundy tone in later applications.

[Neoma]

Thank you Neoma. It's faded box dye and you're not able to tell in my avatar photo but I have brown hair patches showing through from me doing a terrible rushed job, I've ordered red raj henna and am looking forward to deepen my red. I'd eventually like to get a nice burgundy tone in later applications.
You're welcome, Waterlilly. :flower: Good luck with your henna journey. I look forward to seeing your new hair color(s).

[unicornlady]

Sitting with henna on and waiting to see what I get!
It was pretty fresh, it started releasing in about 20 minutes. When I was about to mix it, I realized that I should have asked for exact way to mix this because it's not just regular henna but henna with hibiscus. :facepalm:
I did it this way...
I put almost half finely grounded hibiscus, and terped with tea tree oil for stronger stain. I mixed hibiscus with a little hot water first, then added it into the henna. Probably done it wrong but oh well... It is the first dyeing anyways so hibiscus cant stick much. I had some extra but I just poured it on my head and massaged into the hair. I got horribly messy. I'm having the impression that although my scalp feels wet and although I put a lot of henna on and made sure to soak the whole hair, like I didnt apply this well, maybe because it's so muddy and piece-y.
Can I use conditioner while rinsing this?

[Auni]

Sitting with henna on and waiting to see what I get!
It was pretty fresh, it started releasing in about 20 minutes. When I was about to mix it, I realized that I should have asked for exact way to mix this because it's not just regular henna but henna with hibiscus. :facepalm:
I did it this way...
I put almost half finely grounded hibiscus, and terped with tea tree oil for stronger stain. I mixed hibiscus with a little hot water first, then added it into the henna. Probably done it wrong but oh well... It is the first dyeing anyways so hibiscus cant stick much. I had some extra but I just poured it on my head and massaged into the hair. I got horribly messy. I'm having the impression that although my scalp feels wet and although I put a lot of henna on and made sure to soak the whole hair, like I didnt apply this well, maybe because it's so muddy and piece-y.
Can I use conditioner while rinsing this?

You should have a nice mud pack on your head for a while! We ALWAYS, (by we I mean those of us here on this thread) use a cheap conditioner to rinse with, some a whole bottle! It often helps to do a mermaid soak before really getting to work at loosening up the mud on your head. The soak loosens up the mud that can sometimes be quite dense. You still get the grit on your scalp and length, that's where the conditioner comes in; it grabs all that and washes it clean pretty quick. My first henna years back had me FREAKING out because I didn't know or expect this and after I rinsed my henna-and it took a LONG time without the conditioner-My hair was left quite tangly and stiff. HTH:toast:
As far as the mix goes, I've never used powdered hibiscus, only the tea added to my henna. Hopefully Neoma or Hennalonghair can chime in!
Question, did you pour the extra on your head after you applied the henna?

[texangrrl]

Sitting with henna on and waiting to see what I get!
It was pretty fresh, it started releasing in about 20 minutes. When I was about to mix it, I realized that I should have asked for exact way to mix this because it's not just regular henna but henna with hibiscus. :facepalm:
I did it this way...
I put almost half finely grounded hibiscus, and terped with tea tree oil for stronger stain. I mixed hibiscus with a little hot water first, then added it into the henna. Probably done it wrong but oh well... It is the first dyeing anyways so hibiscus cant stick much. I had some extra but I just poured it on my head and massaged into the hair. I got horribly messy. I'm having the impression that although my scalp feels wet and although I put a lot of henna on and made sure to soak the whole hair, like I didnt apply this well, maybe because it's so muddy and piece-y.
Can I use conditioner while rinsing this?

I use a half and half mixture of henna and hibiscus and I have cherry cola hair. While we're not for sure on the science, we (use cherry cola and burgundy henna heads) seem to think that when the henna binds to the keratin in the hair, it binds the hibiscus as well and that's what results in a richer red color. I first did this back in October and I have yet to have the hibiscus fade out on me. I should also note that I left it in my hair overnight.

When rinsing it out, I go through an entire bottle of Suave Naturals conditioner. It's cheap and it's a cleansing conditioner, so it works perfectly.

What kind of henna did you purchase? Also, you mentioned dye began releasing in 20 minutes. Did you actually apply it then or wait longer?

Also, I can't wait to see your results!!! Post pictures!

[unicornlady]

Question, did you pour the extra on your head after you applied the henna?

Yeah as the length was piled up on my head I massaged it into the length and the roots. :)

I didnt have too much problem with rinsing, most of it got out by itself by warm water and just at the end I used a few handfuls of conditioner, I had a bowl ready for dipping but there was no need - as I was bent over the bathtub I just held the pile that was on my head with one hand and shower handle with the other and it loosened quickly.


I use a half and half mixture of henna and hibiscus and I have cherry cola hair. While we're not for sure on the science, we (use cherry cola and burgundy henna heads) seem to think that when the henna binds to the keratin in the hair, it binds the hibiscus as well and that's what results in a richer red color. I first did this back in October and I have yet to have the hibiscus fade out on me. I should also note that I left it in my hair overnight.

When rinsing it out, I go through an entire bottle of Suave Naturals conditioner. It's cheap and it's a cleansing conditioner, so it works perfectly.

What kind of henna did you purchase? Also, you mentioned dye began releasing in 20 minutes. Did you actually apply it then or wait longer?

Also, I can't wait to see your results!!! Post pictures!

Thank you for sharing. I have purchased Indian pure henna from a company that also imports ayurvedic herbal medicines by Maharishi Ayurveda. They dont have henna in their products so they get it from some other supplier in India. The package just says it's from India, it's all in my language. I have applied it a little but not too much after the release as I got caught up doing something in the house. The package said to have it sit for 3 hours so I just didnt expect it would release so quickly.

It seems I got some auburnish orange. It's not dry yet so I have to wait that it dries to show you, and I dont like this color (the roots are orange and I mean ORANGE) but I will have to suffer with it if I want to go burgundy. I had it on for 5 hours.

[unicornlady]

I'm trying to take pictures but it keeps appearing on pictures like I just toned it a tiny bit almost no difference to my natural color... I tried all kinds of setting... Maybe something's wrong with my sight lol and I have fatamorgana that the coloring succeeded??? :D

Is it normal to have headeache after hennaing? My roots hurt a bit.

Edit: pictures! It doesnt work when posted as image so here are the links.
http://postimg.org/image/h2q48zfdv/
http://postimg.org/image/hqyyrxe3n/
The color's not as bad as I expected. At all. It's weaker than on pics but it with oxydize, too.

[Neoma]

Sitting with henna on and waiting to see what I get!
It was pretty fresh, it started releasing in about 20 minutes. When I was about to mix it, I realized that I should have asked for exact way to mix this because it's not just regular henna but henna with hibiscus. :facepalm:
I did it this way...
I put almost half finely grounded hibiscus, and terped with tea tree oil for stronger stain. I mixed hibiscus with a little hot water first, then added it into the henna. Probably done it wrong but oh well... It is the first dyeing anyways so hibiscus cant stick much. I had some extra but I just poured it on my head and massaged into the hair. I got horribly messy. I'm having the impression that although my scalp feels wet and although I put a lot of henna on and made sure to soak the whole hair, like I didnt apply this well, maybe because it's so muddy and piece-y.
Can I use conditioner while rinsing this?


Yeah as the length was piled up on my head I massaged it into the length and the roots. :)

I didnt have too much problem with rinsing, most of it got out by itself by warm water and just at the end I used a few handfuls of conditioner, I had a bowl ready for dipping but there was no need - as I was bent over the bathtub I just held the pile that was on my head with one hand and shower handle with the other and it loosened quickly.



Thank you for sharing. I have purchased Indian pure henna from a company that also imports ayurvedic herbal medicines by Maharishi Ayurveda. They dont have henna in their products so they get it from some other supplier in India. The package just says it's from India, it's all in my language. I have applied it a little but not too much after the release as I got caught up doing something in the house. The package said to have it sit for 3 hours so I just didnt expect it would release so quickly.

It seems I got some auburnish orange. It's not dry yet so I have to wait that it dries to show you, and I dont like this color (the roots are orange and I mean ORANGE) but I will have to suffer with it if I want to go burgundy. I had it on for 5 hours.My scalp and roots always look orange the first day or so, then the color oxidizes, as you mentioned in your next post.


The color's not as bad as I expected. I forgot it with oxydize, too.

I'm trying to take pictures but it keeps appearing on pictures like I just toned it a tiny bit almost no difference to my natural color... I tried all kinds of setting... it is auburnish in reality... what the hell is up with that??? Maybe something's wrong with my sight lol and I have fatamorgana that the coloring succeeded??? :D I will try tomorrow in daylight - this doesnt work.

Is it normal to have headeache after hennaing? My roots hurt a bit. Next time no more than 3hrs, period.
The color may look very different in natural light/sunshine. My hair looks basically brown in most indoor lighting. Then when the sun or natural light hits it...whoa! It's cherry cola!

I get chronic daily migraines, but I've never gotten a headache from hennaing! Perhaps it was the terp? I can't stand the smell of tea tree oil.

[unicornlady]

Thanks Neoma!
I'd say the headeache is due to pull on the roots, it feels that way.
I just edited to shorten posts and I put pictures into the last one. It's not s strong but looks promising... I'll probably follow up with next application in a week or two :)

[Waterlilly21]

I got some red raj on my head and hope I can sleep well with this. I'm excited to see the result!

[unicornlady]

Fingers crossed Waterlilly21!

Guys,
My color turned out a horrible color of rust that washes me out and looks AWFUL on my complexion! It looked more chestnutt-y under the lightbulb. The upper part of the hair is somewhat lighter and I look like a fox! I''m horrified. It's not just that I dislike the color but that it doesnt look good on me! I cant show you in pics because I cant capture it with pictures it looks different in real life.

Please tell me second application wont look like this - I'm scared that it will be the same! Or I just let this wash out while I still can! :( :( :(

[Auni]

Fingers crossed Waterlilly21!

Guys,
My color turned out a horrible color of rust that washes me out and looks AWFUL on my complexion! It looked more chestnutt-y under the lightbulb. The upper part of the hair is somewhat lighter and I look like a fox! I''m horrified. It's not just that I dislike the color but that it doesnt look good on me! I cant show you in pics because I cant capture it with pictures it looks different in real life.

Please tell me second application wont look like this - I'm scared that it will be the same! Or I just let this wash out while I still can! :( :( :(

I'm SO sorry you are dealing with this right now! Yes, the color darkens with repeated applications, it's like water colors, the more layers of color you put on, the deeper the color.

[Waterlilly21]

Unicorn lady, I think I have a similar colour outcome this morning but it still needs to oxidize and I'm enjoying the colour on me :) I still want more of a burgundy shade but am enjoying this while it lasts

[brunette]

I'd say now it's oxidized give it a good shampoo and condition and you might like it better, until you can do another coating!
I just received a new henna powder from Hennacat, which I am really excited to try! Can't do it till Friday or Saturday though, so I will mix it up ready and freeze, and test a hairball while I wait.
I've not tried beetroot powder yet, is it just a temporary boost of cherry before the orange oxidizes and the beetroot rinses out? My length is burgundy, pretty much, but I leave my root touch-ups a few months at a time. Very tempted to get some to try. I wasn't keen on hibiscus tea as an after rinse when I tried it, it was sooooo acidic! My henna stained bath turned blue and I feared for my hair!

[Nightshade]

The blue is a PH reaction, that's all :) Hibiscus is a natural PH indicator, blue = your water is alkaline, red = your water is acidic. :) It doesn't impact the color it stains, however.

[brunette]

Phew ;) Yes, it's a soft water area so that makes perfect sense! Of course my hair was perfectly fine afterwards, but I rinsed it as quickly as I saw the reaction on the enamel bath! ;)
Considering buying some beetroot powder.. I will use it in smoothies too, and get it from a food grade supplier :D

[texangrrl]

Fingers crossed Waterlilly21!

Guys,
My color turned out a horrible color of rust that washes me out and looks AWFUL on my complexion! It looked more chestnutt-y under the lightbulb. The upper part of the hair is somewhat lighter and I look like a fox! I''m horrified. It's not just that I dislike the color but that it doesnt look good on me! I cant show you in pics because I cant capture it with pictures it looks different in real life.

Please tell me second application wont look like this - I'm scared that it will be the same! Or I just let this wash out while I still can! :( :( :(


Unicorn lady, I think I have a similar colour outcome this morning but it still needs to oxidize and I'm enjoying the colour on me :) I still want more of a burgundy shade but am enjoying this while it lasts

unicornlady and Waterlilly21, if you've never hennaed before, it's not unusual to have that orange color after you first henna. The color will tone down after about 3-5 days and with repeated applications, you will achieve the burgundy color! :)

[texangrrl]

hennalonghair and Neomahave you had a chance to try the Yemeni henna yet? I just received mine in the mail and I'm eager to use it! I'm waiting on my hibiscus powder to arrive and I'll be doing a full application this Friday. I don't have enough hairs collected to strand test, so I'm probably going to do an application and just leave it in for about 4 - 5 hours instead of my usual overnight hennas.

[unicornlady]

I'm SO sorry you are dealing with this right now! Yes, the color darkens with repeated applications, it's like water colors, the more layers of color you put on, the deeper the color. What does it mean "Deeper color". Darker orange? :( :( :( I realize now that I have no slightest idea what people mean with "deeper red" and "it will 'tone down'". I just imagined something obviously incorrect in my head.

[unicornlady]

unicornlady and Waterlilly21, if you've never hennaed before, it's not unusual to have that orange color after you first henna. The color will tone down after about 3-5 days and with repeated applications, you will achieve the burgundy color! :) What does it look like when it tones down (idk what it means, I always assumed but obviously I was wrong). The biggest problem is the roots, although I dislike the rest of the hair as well because it's totally wrong for my skin tone. The hair goes really horrible as it gets closer to the roots. Yes I know repeated applications will build up. But the reason for my stress is how many times a month do I need to henna to touchup the roots + have orange scalp for days as a consequence which also looks hideous on me?? You see why I'm so upset? :( Burgundy length with orange roots will look ugly on me. I'm beyond upset right now because I've been growing my hair for years it's waist first time in my life and what if I messed it up just then???

[unicornlady]

Sorry for many posts guys... what happens if I wash it right now? I stop the process and it stays ugly like this? Should I wait 48 hours or more?

[Auni]

When we say the color will tone down, it means that the color will become or turn towards more red than orange, this can sometimes take 2 days or so. I got my burgundy color initially with repeated henna applications, no hibiscus, beetroot or other additives, just henna over henna for a good few months. Now I add hibiscus tea to maintain my roots, which come out pretty orange the first 2 days, no lie, but deepen to red after about 2 days. As far as washing goes, I usually wait at least 24hrs before another wash. Not sure if washing sooner will stop the oxidation process, you WANT that to happen.

[Waterlilly21]

I will continue applying henna. I look forward to the differing shades, to me that's part of the fun:)

[Auni]

Here's a link that shows pictures of the henna post, and a few days after.http://twobobbinslater.com/2014/02/19/diy-dyeing-henna-first-timers-club/

[unicornlady]

I will continue applying henna. I look forward to the differing shades, to me that's part of the fun:)

Lol I dont.... spontaneity is overrated!!! LOL bless your heart Waterlilly I'm very glad you're enjoying your color....! :flower:

@Auni:
That was... relieving!
Seems that she waited 5 days for it to oxydize. At least, she waited 3. I'm definitely waiting for 3 days, maybe more, and I wonder what will others say. I've read that more than 3 days can lead to weird colors. You guys are so precious, idk what would I do! Henna is so unpredictable and different than commercial dyes.

[Waterlilly21]

That article has a great example of the process. Her hair turned out exactly the way I hope mine will eventually turn out.

[Waterlilly21]

I wouldn't worry too much. If its too coppery I'd just layer on to it until you get the desired shade, I'm sure it will get there at some point, I'd wait though until you see what your hair will look like after oxidizing. Good luck, hopefully you'll get closer to your desired shade after a few days.

[pixietail]

Sorry, I haven't read the whole thread yet. I made it 80-something pages in, saw how far I still had to go, and sort of gave up! I have a few questions that perhaps you lovely ladies could help with?

My hair is naturally black, but has been going steadily gray since I was a teenager. I've been hennaing with use Godrej Nupur henna for about 5 years now because it's relatively dark if still orangey. It was fine when it was just a few grays, but in the last year or so I have a ton of gray roots, especially around my temples and the top of my head. It's starting to look more and more like a pumpkin patch up there. I tried the henna-indigo trick and, while it does give a beautiful black for a while, indigo doesn't stick on my hair for long. Some people mentioned freezing the henna for a darker color and I was wondering about that too.


How much darker does henna get when frozen?
How soon after you mix it do you freeze it and how long do you freeze it for?
Those of you who've been adding amla - does it tone down the redness, or does it just reduce the amount of dye that sticks?
How does the henna/hibiscus mix look on resistant grays? Will it come out looking fakey pink?

Thanks so much for reading this!

[unicornlady]

Seems that the color settling down is not what oxydation is, as I thought. Oxydation is when henna turns into weird (in a bad way) colors - based on this response, it happens rarely, and it happens only under the condition that it has not been washed after 48hours since hennaing. It seems most reasonable to wash after 48 hours. (Linking the source (http://community.hennahut.com/threads/oxidation-period-after-henna.490/) for others who are interested.)

I feel better now when I learned more... you dont really get to see that scary orange before and after, everyone takes pictures when the color has already stabilized. I'm not worried about it now. Sorry that I came off as a nervous wreck... which I was at the moment... lol...

[Waterlilly21]

Seems that the color settling down is not what oxydation is, as I thought. Oxydation is when henna turns into weird (in a bad way) colors - based on this response, it happens rarely, and it happens only under the condition that it has not been washed after 48hours since hennaing. It seems most reasonable to wash after 48 hours. (Linking the source (http://community.hennahut.com/threads/oxidation-period-after-henna.490/) for others who are interested.)

I feel better now when I learned more... you dont really get to see that scary orange before and after, everyone takes pictures when the color has already stabilized. I'm not worried about it now. Sorry that I came off as a nervous wreck... which I was at the moment... lol...

Good to know, thank you for researching that. I hope our hair won't go wonky on us!

[Waterlilly21]

I was under the impression that it oxidation was a good thing after henna. A lot of threads seem to indicate it as the waiting period for the colour to set and tone down a bit.

[Nightshade]

I was under the impression that it oxidation was a good thing after henna. A lot of threads seem to indicate it as the waiting period for the colour to set and tone down a bit.

It isn't a good thing or a bad thing, it's just a thing that henna does. Part of the whole henna deal so to speak :) If you have a diluted blend like 65% cassia, 35% henna, the oxidization will seem less drastic because there just isn't as much henna (leaving the final result more coppery), but it oxidizes all the same. It's just most drastic with pure henna because the effect isn't diluted as it is with my example, or say, a henna gloss.

[hennalonghair]

So I got my package today. From the moment I started opening the box I could tell it was good stuff. Like any good herb the aroma was potent and distinct. The colour looks so pure and untampered with and it all came in labelled packages of 100 grams each. I really like that especially for storage.
Unfortunately I just did a henna yesterday because I was going into the city and this hadn't arrive yet so I won't be trying it for about 10 days or so.
Words out: Nightshades got some good stuff:rockerdud:



Welcome to the thread Waterlilly, Brunette and Unicornlady:waving:
The problems most of you write about was my main reason for making this thread to begin with. Because my canopy hair that frames my face is about 50% gray now, regular henna wasn't cutting it.
My silver roots would turn a vibrant pumpkin orange. Not exactly the look I was going for.
I tried henndigo for about 6 months but the indigo always washed out leaving a colour I didn't quite like so I knew I needed something different. The cherry cola/burgundyish colours I found quite attractive so started experimented with a variety of tea rinses: cranberry, hibiscus, rosehip and found I changed the colour quite a bit and using them in powder form, even better. I sometimes even add beetroot powder.
I also discovered that besides getting a good quality body art quality henna , how I mixed and applied makes of huge difference.
I think one of the most important things in learning about henna is to know the strain you have. Different strains take different dye release times and if you don't know what strain you have , then you can't possibly know how long to leave it on for. This is important info. For instance Morroccan henna only needs 1 to 2 hours for dye release so you have a certain amount of time. Also you can't freeze morrocan henna. Get a good quality henna that has a brand name and henna strain name . Don't purchase any henna compounds. This isn't pure henna. They often carry metallic salts in them from the pesticides used for growing and these can have unpredictable results.
The reason the roots are usually harder to do is because your hair is oiilier near your scalp so colour has a harder time sticking because of it. My hair is normal to dry and is very porous so I never have a problem getting colour to stick. Another huge reason that roots are harder to do is because it's virgin hair. Henna has a more difficult time sticking to virgin and gray hair. It works the same of watercolours so the thicker the application the darker the stain or the more applications you use the darker the colour.
Because it works like a watercolour it needs a pigment to stick onto for it too look it's best and gray hair is void of this necessary pigment but it STILL can be done.
If you want to cover your roots more in one shot then you need to start with a potent henna like red raj, or Yemeni . Mix hot water with some ACV or lavender, peppermint or Rosemary to your mix. I use 2 tbsps. Of applecider vinegar or 5 to 7 drops of EO's pure 50 grams of henna. If you don't add any carrier oils then it will stick better on roots. Also if you apply a thick paste on freshly washed hair, especially the scalp and leave it on for 5 or 6 hours then you WILL get a darker stain.
BUT in doing this you have to remember that this colour builds up with repeatedly staining your roots making your overall hair much darker so there will be a line. Once you get the colour you wish to achieve then you might be best off just using full strength henna on the roots only and every once in a while glossing the length just to keep the colour fresh.
Yes henna stains red orange and the scalp does get stained as well as the hair. What I do is get a cloth and add a drop of two of shampoo suds a portion of it up and dab at my scalp to get rid of the scalp stain down my part line and around my hairline . And yes you can use conditioner . If have use of a bathtub then doing a final rinse this way is best. It's called a mermaid rinse. It will help get all the henna grit out of your hair. A rinse of ACV also helps seal in the colour. The smells goes away within the hour or two. It helps keep your scalps pH balance in check which is extremely important in healthy hair. PH levels that are thrown off balance usually result in scalp issues like dandruff and SD. ACV adds incredible shine to hair also.
If you want to do a gloss just use what's leftover or from the freezer and add about 1 cup of conditioner to it and mix it all together and apply throughout the length , leave it on for one or two hours and rinse. Paint it on with a hair dye brush. At the roots then slop the rest on for the length.
If I'm doing my length I always add conditioner and do a gloss otherwise it's too difficult. Even doing your hair this way you'll eventually get the colour you want.
While repeated applications of henna DOES change the colour, adding other herbs can help create just the colour you want. I'm presently a Rick cherry cola. I will take pictures soon and post them.
Virgin hair, oily hair or gray hair is more difficult to colour than other types of hair so experimenting is greatly needed.

If you get headaches each time you use henna then you might wNt to stop using henna. Headaches are a sign from your body that's telling you something's wrong and you might wanna listen:shrug;

There are links at the top of the henna category page and there's a wealth of information of you click on Nightshades signature.

Happy hennaing.

[Waterlilly21]

It isn't a good thing or a bad thing, it's just a thing that henna does. Part of the whole henna deal so to speak :) If you have a diluted blend like 65% cassia, 35% henna, the oxidization will seem less drastic because there just isn't as much henna (leaving the final result more coppery), but it oxidizes all the same. It's just most drastic with pure henna because the effect isn't diluted as it is with my example, or say, a henna gloss.

Thank you for the explanation :). I got confused for a moment with that post, I was almost certain that henna oxidizes almost every time from what I've read on this forum site. I meant a good thing in terms of what I'm looking for with henna for myself, I could see how many may not always want it to oxidize too much.

[Waterlilly21]

So I got my package today. From the moment I started opening the box I could tell it was good stuff. Like any good herb the aroma was potent and distinct. The colour looks so pure and untampered with and it all came in labelled packages of 100 grams each. I really like that especially for storage.
Unfortunately I just did a henna yesterday because I was going into the city and this hadn't arrive yet so I won't be trying it for about 10 days or so.
Words out: Nightshades got some good stuff:rockerdud:



Welcome to the thread Waterlilly, Brunette and Unicornlady:waving:
The problems most of you write about was my main reason for making this thread to begin with. Because my canopy hair that frames my face is about 50% gray now, regular henna wasn't cutting it.
My silver roots would turn a vibrant pumpkin orange. Not exactly the look I was going for.
I tried henndigo for about 6 months but the indigo always washed out leaving a colour I didn't quite like so I knew I needed something different. The cherry cola/burgundyish colours I found quite attractive so started experimented with a variety of tea rinses: cranberry, hibiscus, rosehip and found I changed the colour quite a bit and using them in powder form, even better. I sometimes even add beetroot powder.
I also discovered that besides getting a good quality body art quality henna , how I mixed and applied makes of huge difference.
I think one of the most important things in learning about henna is to know the strain you have. Different strains take different dye release times and if you don't know what strain you have , then you can't possibly know how long to leave it on for. This is important info. For instance Morroccan henna only needs 1 to 2 hours for dye release so you have a certain amount of time. Also you can't freeze morrocan henna. Get a good quality henna that has a brand name and henna strain name . Don't purchase any henna compounds. This isn't pure henna. They often carry metallic salts in them from the pesticides used for growing and these can have unpredictable results.
The reason the roots are usually harder to do is because your hair is oiilier near your scalp so colour has a harder time sticking because of it. My hair is normal to dry and is very porous so I never have a problem getting colour to stick. Another huge reason that roots are harder to do is because it's virgin hair. Henna has a more difficult time sticking to virgin and gray hair. It works the same of watercolours so the thicker the application the darker the stain or the more applications you use the darker the colour.
Because it works like a watercolour it needs a pigment to stick onto for it too look it's best and gray hair is void of this necessary pigment but it STILL can be done.
If you want to cover your roots more in one shot then you need to start with a potent henna like red raj, or Yemeni . Mix hot water with some ACV or lavender, peppermint or Rosemary to your mix. I use 2 tbsps. Of applecider vinegar or 5 to 7 drops of EO's pure 50 grams of henna. If you don't add any oils then it will stick better. Also if you apply a thick paste on freshly washed hair, especially the scalp and leave it on for 5 or 6 hours then you WILL get a darker stain.
BUT in doing this you have to remember that this colour builds up with repeatedly staining your roots making your overall hair much darker so there will be a line. Once you get the colour you wish to achieve then you might be best off just using full strength henna on the roots only and every once in a while glossing the length just to keep the colour fresh.
Yes henna stains red orange and the scalp does get stained as well as the hair. What I do is get a cloth and add a drop of two of shampoo suds a portion of it up and dab at my scalp to get rid of the scalp stain down my part line and around my hairline . And yes you can use conditioner . If have use of a bathtub then doing a final rinse this way is best. It's called a mermaid rinse. It will help get all the henna grit out of your hair. A rinse of ACV also helps seal in the colour. The smells goes away within the hour or two. It helps keep your scalps pH balance in check which is extremely important in healthy hair. PH levels that are thrown off balance usually result in scalp issues like dandruff and SD. ACV adds incredible shine to hair also.
If you want to do a gloss just use what's leftover or from the freezer and add about 1 cup of conditioner to it and mix it all together and apply throughout the length , leave it on for one or two hours and rinse. Paint it on with a hair dye brush. At the roots then slop the rest on for the length.
If I'm doing my length I always add conditioner and do a gloss otherwise it's too difficult. Even doing your hair this way you'll eventually get the colour you want.
While repeated applications of henna DOES change the colour, adding other herbs can help create just the colour you want. I'm presently a Rick cherry cola. I will take pictures soon and post them.
Virgin hair, oily hair or gray hair is more difficult to colour than other types of hair so experimenting is greatly needed.

If you get headaches each time you use henna then you might wNt to stop using henna. Headaches are a sign from your body that's telling you something's wrong and you might wanna listen:shrug;

There are links at the top of the henna category page and there's a wealth of information of you click on Nightshades signature.

Happy hennaing.

Wow thank you so much for all that information.

[unicornlady]

Thank you hennalonghair and amazing info.

I had root pain until this morning. Last night it started changing into regular headache but I dont think this other one is of henna, I have them often and had them with short hair too. I believe the mistake was that I was napping with my hennaed hair piled up on the top of my head (and of course this was cemented soon enough lol) and as I was in horizontal position the pile was pulling the hair on my crown, where exactly I had the root pain later, or most of it. Probably someone who sleeps with henna gathers the hair in the nape. How many details that you cant even think of asking, lol.

Seems that henna has drying effect on my scalp, this happened in the past, and I've read last night that dryness could cause root pain but I'll be beginning with Indian routine of oiling the scalp these days.

[hennalonghair]

You're welcome. Are you using plastic wrap to seal in the moisture? I use pieces of plastic to wrap around my hair and the odd small pieces sticks out like at the front of my ears dry out) . Done properly the henna shouldn't dry out because this WILL cause root pain and needless shedding.
Perhaps you would be best of doing full treatments on your roots only and the rest of your hair with glosses only. The difference is like chalk and cheese. The glosses are easy to apply, keep on and rinse off. They make this haircare much easier with a lot more conditioning . It's a win win.
You use about 2 to 4 tbsps pure henna to 1/2 to 1 cup of hair conditioner. Mix it up and leave it on your hair for an hour or two.
If you deep conditioner once a week anyway then this is the perfect time to colour also.
This method :
adds less mechanical damage,
Much more conditioning
Easier to apply
Easier to rinse
Colour is easier to control ( can't go too dark too soon)
Less weight
Less waiting time
Nicer smelling ( due to conditioner smell)

[hennalonghair]

Henna will still oxidize even if you wash it out. Oxidizing just means mixing with oxygen. If you wash out before 48 hours , it just has a bit less colour to oxidize is all BUT your colour will still change some. I've personally found leaving it for 2 days before washing really helps keep the colour but some of you might not want that much colour each time. After all the colour is compounded each time you use it. A bit of the colour washes out with regular shampooing but most will stick.

[Auni]

Henna day for me tomorrow:disco:! I think I'm going to do about half my head instead of just the roots, mainly because my hair is asking for it, you know, when your hair just doesn't seem to have the "thick" henna feel anymore? I notice it does this about every 6 months or so. I would also like a little more deposit of color on my mid length, as my ends are still extra saturated from when I was a henna novice and did full head applications every 2 weeks!:doh: I do like the deepness of the tone though! Do you guys find that henna glosses give you the same weight/density to your hair that a full application does?

Also, I want to thank you, Hennalonghair, for starting this thread. I "liked" my burgundy color before, but I drooled over the henna colors you get over lighter brown/dark blonde. Obviously, I will never achieve this being a graying dark brown. But this thread has me over it! I adore my color now and embrace my dark tones.:D

[pixietail]

Thanks for the info hennalonghair, it's been super informative. I got bunch of hibiscus leaves yesterday. It's not powdered, so I'll have to do that part myself. I'll try it Friday night and hopefully there's a nice, rich color come Saturday morning!

Another quick question, if you don't mind. You mentioned leaving the henna in for 48 hours. When I put henna in my hair, it gets all chunky and matted-looking until I wash it out. How do you cover that up for two whole days? I want the deepest, darkest color, but I also don't want to have to hide in the house for two days.

[unicornlady]

You're welcome. Are you using plastic wrap to seal in the moisture? I use pieces of plastic to wrap around my hair and the odd small pieces sticks out like at the front of my ears dry out) . Done properly the henna shouldn't dry out because this WILL cause root pain and needless shedding.
Perhaps you would be best of doing full treatments on your roots only and the rest of your hair with glosses only. The difference is like chalk and cheese. The glosses are easy to apply, keep on and rinse off. They make this haircare much easier with a lot more conditioning . It's a win win.
You use about 2 to 4 tbsps pure henna to 1/2 to 1 cup of hair conditioner. Mix it up and leave it on your hair for an hour or two.
If you deep conditioner once a week anyway then this is the perfect time to colour also.
This method :
adds less mechanical damage,
Much more conditioning
Easier to apply
Easier to rinse
Colour is easier to control ( can't go too dark too soon)
Less weight
Less waiting time
Nicer smelling ( due to conditioner smell)

That's an AWESOME idea about glosses. I wish I could rep you up or something.

I didnt put the plastic wrap right away so it dried some - I've read that it needs air to release dye and that I shouldnt wrap, so I left it open. Then in an hour when it started bothering me and yes, started pulling, I wrapped it anyway... lol. I guess by trial and error I learned that I should wrap. So much conflicting advice out there.

I feel confounded, studying doesnt help. Honestly, there is too much unpredictability and potential for error that cannot be washed out. I wanted to make my hair healthier and I wanted to try to get that cherry cola or burgundy color but this is becoming a stressful obsession and maybe it's not for me. My hair is not chin length anymore so I cant say "oh who cares lets play with some colors". How my hair looks is very important to me, and if the color looks bad on me, that's also a source of plenty of negative feelings throughout the day, even though granted, I dont use mirrors much. I thought I would enjoy it, but I really dont enjoy the process of "searching for the color" in the slightest, I'm sort of person that likes stability and knowing what to expect, and it's negatively impacting my day.

I will wait at least a month until the next application because I'm not sure anymore about this... I got ugly orangey auburn and it's hard to believe that this will turn anything purple. Pictures showing colors that people get are not realistic. I realized this when taking shots to share the color I've got. The shots were nothing like the real color and a lot of them were outright weird. So I dont even know what is the color that I'm trying to achieve, neither, consequently, do I have the idea how it will look on me. This is basically just experimentation and that's all I've got. But I cant quite afford to play with my hair because it took me precious 3 years to get where I am. So I'll think about this.

[unicornlady]

I apologize to everyone who's been responding to me because it might have been lost time.
But I really had so much stress over henna in just two days that I might give this up solely for the reason of stress. Nobody wants extra stress in their life (and hey, that also makes hair fall out!).

[Waterlilly21]

I apologize to everyone who's been responding to me because it might have been lost time.
But I really had so much stress over henna in just two days that I might give this up solely for the reason of stress. Nobody wants extra stress in their life (and hey, that also makes hair fall out!).

Hope you will find something that will work better for you in your hair journey :)

[texangrrl]

Henna day for me tomorrow:disco:! I think I'm going to do about half my head instead of just the roots, mainly because my hair is asking for it, you know, when your hair just doesn't seem to have the "thick" henna feel anymore? I notice it does this about every 6 months or so. I would also like a little more deposit of color on my mid length, as my ends are still extra saturated from when I was a henna novice and did full head applications every 2 weeks!:doh: I do like the deepness of the tone though! Do you guys find that henna glosses give you the same weight/density to your hair that a full application does?

Also, I want to thank you, Hennalonghair, for starting this thread. I "liked" my burgundy color before, but I drooled over the henna colors you get over lighter brown/dark blonde. Obviously, I will never achieve this being a graying dark brown. But this thread has me over it! I adore my color now and embrace my dark tones.:D

I still felt like I got the same weight/density from the glosses, but I suppose how you prepare and how thin or thick the glosses are will help determine that factor so YMMV. And yes, I love that she started this thread!!! When I found this thread, I was still a henna newbie using only henna with only a couple of full applications and hoping it would eventually turn a cherry or burgundy color. But because she started this thread, I know how to achieve the shade I desire. And I'm SO HAPPY to know this thread has helped you embrace your darker tones!! And for the record, I adore the rich, deep color of your hair - it's simply stunning!! :grouphug:


Thanks for the info hennalonghair, it's been super informative. I got bunch of hibiscus leaves yesterday. It's not powdered, so I'll have to do that part myself. I'll try it Friday night and hopefully there's a nice, rich color come Saturday morning!

Another quick question, if you don't mind. You mentioned leaving the henna in for 48 hours. When I put henna in my hair, it gets all chunky and matted-looking until I wash it out. How do you cover that up for two whole days? I want the deepest, darkest color, but I also don't want to have to hide in the house for two days.

I could be wrong, but I think what she was saying was don't wash it with shampoo for 48 hours AFTER you rinse the henna out. Most of us use conditioner to get the henna out after leaving it in for a few hours and then we don't wash with shampoo for at least 48 as the color develops or "oxidizes". I hope that makes better sense! :)

[texangrrl]

That's an AWESOME idea about glosses. I wish I could rep you up or something.

I didnt put the plastic wrap right away so it dried some - I've read that it needs air to release dye and that I shouldnt wrap, so I left it open. Then in an hour when it started bothering me and yes, started pulling, I wrapped it anyway... lol. I guess by trial and error I learned that I should wrap. So much conflicting advice out there.

I feel confounded, studying doesnt help. Honestly, there is too much unpredictability and potential for error that cannot be washed out. I wanted to make my hair healthier and I wanted to try to get that cherry cola or burgundy color but this is becoming a stressful obsession and maybe it's not for me. My hair is not chin length anymore so I cant say "oh who cares lets play with some colors". How my hair looks is very important to me, and if the color looks bad on me, that's also a source of plenty of negative feelings throughout the day, even though granted, I dont use mirrors much. I thought I would enjoy it, but I really dont enjoy the process of "searching for the color" in the slightest, I'm sort of person that likes stability and knowing what to expect, and it's negatively impacting my day.

I will wait at least a month until the next application because I'm not sure anymore about this... I got ugly orangey auburn and it's hard to believe that this will turn anything purple. Pictures showing colors that people get are not realistic. I realized this when taking shots to share the color I've got. The shots were nothing like the real color and a lot of them were outright weird. So I dont even know what is the color that I'm trying to achieve, neither, consequently, do I have the idea how it will look on me. This is basically just experimentation and that's all I've got. But I cant quite afford to play with my hair because it took me precious 3 years to get where I am. So I'll think about this.

I'm sorry to hear it's stressing you out. :grouphug: Henna shouldn't be this stressful, but I do believe that you can achieve the cherry cola or burgundy color you're looking for. The kind of henna you use will make a difference too. There are some hennas that are reputable for giving the deep cherry or burgundy colors. Red raj is one of them and so is Yemeni henna. Maybe you could try one of those? Red raj mixed with hibiscus at a 1:1 ratio is how my hair became cherry colored.

[hennalonghair]

Hey Unicornlady,
I'm sorry you are not happy with your hair colourung journey. I think most information suggests doing strand tests first. Everyone sheds so it's best to always test first so you have a basic idea how it's going to look first before you do your entire hair. No cherry cola and burgundy aren't natural colours but they ARE gorgeous all the same
Deciding to colour hair is a big step and its best to do all your research BEFORE you jump in with both feet.

Henna isn't for everyone. Colouring hair isn't for everyone but it is for those who are dedicated to finding the colour they want through experimenting with herbs and other natural substances. We ust don't do all this experimenting directly on our heads first. .It's a great alternative to commercial hair dyed that strip hair of all moisture and goodness.
Many of us here have been using henna for a while now so know what to expect. Most of us already liked henna but not the orangey colour so we ALL have experienced what you are presently going through. None of us how have orangey hair.
Henna can be super messy but it's actually very predictable. I'm not sure where you got your info about it needing air in order to give dye release but that's just flat out wrong. It's no wonder you don't want to do this again. Honestly if I just had your horrible experience I wouldn't either. Henna needs to be completely wrapped in plastic in order for it to work. Once it starts drying out it loses it's staining potential. also cracks, dries out and creates impossible tangles. I'm so sorry you got bad info and followed it .
I'm sure you can get the colour you desire but not if you don't do your research first.
Much of my hair is silver and I get the colour I want.
If you hate orange then why just settle for that?
You've just gotten wrong info and used it with horrible results but you only just started. You might want to at least get the colour you want and 'then grow it out.'
But next time you try anything you should always stand test first.

[Waterlilly21]

Would it be possible to just keep applying red raj to get that deep cherry or burgundy colour without hibiscus powder? By the way, hennalonghair your colour is gorgeous!

[Neoma]

Would it be possible to just keep applying red raj to get that deep cherry or burgundy colour without hibiscus powder? By the way, hennalonghair your colour is gorgeous!
I haven't tried it, but I don't believe so. Based on the "watercolor" theory that layers add up to darken the color, I suspect that layering straight henna, even Raj Red, on top of burgundy would eventually give you orange tones.

[hennalonghair]

B
Thanks for the info hennalonghair, it's been super informative. I got bunch of hibiscus leaves yesterday. It's not powdered, so I'll have to do that part myself. I'll try it Friday night and hopefully there's a nice, rich color come Saturday morning!

Another quick question, if you don't mind. You mentioned leaving the henna in for 48 hours. When I put henna in my hair, it gets all chunky and matted-looking until I wash it out. How do you cover that up for two whole days? I want the deepest, darkest color, but I also don't want to have to hide in the house for two days.

No I'm sorry. You must be confused. You don't leave the henna on for 48 hours. You leave it on according to strain instructions . If that 6 hours then you rinse it out as good as you can. Then conditioner your hair. It's suggested that you don't wash your hair with shampoo for 48 hours but even that isnt set in stone. Some people wash their hair sooner because of various reasons but I've honestly never hurt of anyone leaving it on for that long.
Honestly if I had to leave it on for 48 hours I would not be doing this every 2 weeks.
Usually 6 to 8 hours is pretty. My last root touch up I left on for 90 minutes and I got great coverage but my hair is porous so absorbs colour easily.

[unicornlady]

Hey Unicornlady,
I'm sorry you are not happy with your hair colourung journey. I think most information suggests doing strand tests first. Everyone sheds so it's best to always test first so you have a basic idea how it's going to look first before you do your entire hair. No cherry cola and burgundy aren't natural colours but they ARE gorgeous all the same
Deciding to colour hair is a big step and its best to do all your research BEFORE you jump in with both feet.

Henna isn't for everyone. Colouring hair isn't for everyone but it is for those who are dedicated to finding the colour they want through experimenting with herbs and other natural substances. We ust don't do all this experimenting directly on our heads first. .It's a great alternative to commercial hair dyed that strip hair of all moisture and goodness.
Many of us here have been using henna for a while now so know what to expect. Most of us already liked henna but not the orangey colour so we ALL have experienced what you are presently going through. None of us how have orangey hair.
Henna can be super messy but it's actually very predictable. I'm not sure where you got your info about it needing air in order to give dye release but that's just flat out wrong. It's no wonder you don't want to do this again. Honestly if I just had your horrible experience I wouldn't either. Henna needs to be completely wrapped in plastic in order for it to work. Once it starts drying out it loses it's staining potential. also cracks, dries out and creates impossible tangles. I'm so sorry you got bad info and followed it .
I'm sure you can get the colour you desire but not if you don't do your research first.
Much of my hair is silver and I get the colour I want.
If you hate orange then why just settle for that?
You've just gotten wrong info and used it with horrible results but you only just started. You might want to at least get the colour you want and 'then grow it out.'
But next time you try anything you should always stand test first.

I know my decision to do henna seems to have come out of the blue, but I've read your thread and this thread (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=109927) and studied about henna since several years ago when I wasnt a member here. I've been interested into this hair color for at least 3 years and found this earlier through google images. Sorry, I should have mentioned this before) I kept coming back to this color. I was so fascinated. Kinda this thought process.

http://memeblender.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/funny-meme-natural-hair-color.png

The reason I didnt do it back then was that I concluded... (had the pic saved on my pc ever since):

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhes6hIZ7z1qhqoebo1_500.jpg

...that one could get this color with Red Raj only, and I dont have access to Red Raj. But also later I've ran into information that you can get it with any henna by repeated applications, or if you add half hibiscus to it. I started warming up again lately, especially that a few people separately told me out of the blue "red hair would look so good on you". And I wanted some change on my hair for a long long while.

Why I didnt strand test... I've read comments from people that strand tests didnt work out for them and that their color turned out quite different. I've prepared a big hairball but finally didnt strand test for that reason. I cant imagine the frustration to the sky I'd have if this happened also, lol. I remembered from my former application that I was able to grow out of ONE henna application without big probs because I have some natural auburn in my hair. That's how I mustered up the courage for one application: I could predict. I'm Aspergers and I dont like changes unless I want and plan them for years, I react very stressfully to anything unpredicted, in fact.

I made my research but soon got to a point that the more I read the less I knew, because everyone said opposite things. Use ACV. Dont use ACV. Hibiscus + henna gives auburn. Hibiscus + henna gives red. Hibiscus + henna gives purplish. You dont need any hibiscus, just apply henna and you get there. Wrap. Dont wrap. Add lemon juice. Omg NO lemon juice. And so on, you get the picture. The info that was most helpful was the info explaining what ingredient does what and why, so some of these were cleared up for me but some didnt.

I mostly sticked to what I've read on this thread. I didnt want to bring up details about general henna application here. I asked specific details about the color the thread was about but tried to make my own research about henna "basics". I was stressed out with the roots because I was unprepared for so saturated orange. I was unprepared for the fact that terping and proper dye release would give me darker AND more saturated stain - I expected darker stain (this did happen as I read it would) and deeper stain - more red instead of orange (not quite - fortune presents gifts not according to the book - I got more saturated and darker orange instead).

In general, now when the color is a bit darker and when the orange mostly washed out from the skin, it's not so bad, I cant wait that it washes out some more, this super saturation is too strong for my pale skin. I'll definitely do some strand tests now to see how henna and hibiscus behave when repeatedly applied and how many repeated apps would I need till saturation. I could re-treat the same hairball. I also want to see if I could get some cooler color - the current tone is really too warm for me.

I've read good instructions on here, I think it was written by either you or Nightshade (I studied all the material in her sig), how to do most realistic strand tests.

I'd like to share this interesting post (http://archive.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=1036107&postcount=15) too, that I've digged out on the forum yesterday. Worth testing and it might be useful to somebody. Quote:


Mine used to take a few days to oxidize the orange on my grey to a deeper tone, but since I've been boiling the heck out of whole cloves, then near pureeing them, squeezing out the liquid and using that to mix my henna, the time has cut way down. There's practically no orange at all, just an intense fiery red that darkens over time.

Thank you for reading and for all the help.

[Upside Down]

Unicornlady, I am so sorry about your bad henna experience. :(
I will throw this suggestion out here, because no one should be miserable withtheir hair color.

Toning with temporary deposit only dyes (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=130018).

I went from a deep orange I didn't like to purple cherry cola that washes out to a burgundy wine red, I love it. It was Directions rose red over lots of orange henna on dark brown hair.
After coloring (http://www.dodaj.rs/f/3A/jZ/vPbE7Zt/2015-04-18-151030.jpg)
It is now after two washes more red and less purple, the pinks have washed out. But it is FAR from orange.

ETA: here (http://www.dodaj.rs/f/a/OG/48RcHzeg/photostrip-2015-05-14-1.jpg) is a comparison from after coloring and after wash, same phone camera and light - the camera makes the colors brighter and colder, so you can see the pink/purple better and how fast it washed out.

AspenSong had success with just toning brass down, check the thread I linked out...

For sure you should strand test. But even if this doesn't give you results you want it is not permanent, unlike henna.


The blue is a PH reaction, that's all :) Hibiscus is a natural PH indicator, blue = your water is alkaline, red = your water is acidic. :) It doesn't impact the color it stains, however.

This is super interesting, and I had no idea!!

[unicornlady]

Upside down, I wonder now how on earth did I get the idea that you got that pretty purple with henna and hibiscus earlier on this thread, because I was firmly convinced into it. So it was actually Manic Panic all the time. :(

It's no issue, as I said I dont look into the mirror much. I'll be depressed for a few months and then it shall pass. If I dont like the strand test results that I'm gonna do in the following month with henna and hibiscus, I'll just grow this hideous thing out. I dont expect much from the tests. The henna I have is body art quality but seems too weak, it gives no red. Seems it matters the most which henna is used.

[hennalonghair]

Yes there's no doubt that repeat applications will deepen the colour. prettyinpink gets her burgundy colour that way. I've often gotten burgundy purple streaks throughout my hair after a rich henna treatment but as I got older this way of getting the colour just wasn't cutting it. Because I have so much silver/gray on my canopy hair, I'd end up with orange roots whenever I did them. It got so annoying that after 35 years of using henna I almost packed it in. In fact I DID stop using henna and grew in my grays. At first it wasn't too bad but after a while my hair dried right out.
I had forgotten all the great benefits of using natural herbs for the health of the hair and sure missed my colour. The henna from the henna guys was potent enough to stain my roots in one shot so I used that until I noticed huge shedding so now I'm back to just good quality henna once more and tweaking it.
I think if you start off with a good strain that more on the red side to begin with then achieving cherry cola red or burgundy is easier to achieve. If you have more of an orange red henna then you will need more and more applications to get your desired results. This was why I started experimenting with indigo. Indigo didn't cut it for me either because it would change many colours while oxidizing before it settled to a brownish tone that washed out within a week or two. It was pure frustration.
Now my henna routine had become REALLY complicated and I had to be extra careful of other substances that indigo could reactive badly with. It's was getting too complicated.

FOR ROOTS ONLY:
Now I start with a deeper red as a base and then add my additives. (Hibiscus, beetroot powder, cranberry tea) as added colour enhancers.
ACV and / or a good terp. ( lavender, Rosemary, peppermint or tea tree oil)
This I use for roots only because it's a potent mix. I get a great stain that will colour my roots within 2 to 3 hours.

FOR LENGTH ONLY: the same henna strain , (2 tbsps) with a bit of hibiscus powder and either coconut milk or conditioner. (1/2 to 1 cup) This stays on for about an hour or two max.
THIS is an awesome way to get colour AND deep condition your hair at the same time. Gone are the nights of sleeping with henna stuck to my hair. Gone are the days of leaving henna in my hair for hours on end.
Now I actually get the hair colour I love without as much time, effort or mess.
AND I'd been using henna for decades. This was a new discovery for me over the last few months.

I'm glad you others pitched in here to help. I've always been a huge henna fan but over the last 4 months, even MORE so. Colouring hair with herbs takes more than just a desire to get the colour you want. It takes a certain amount of persistence and perseverance. We don't all instantly get the colour we want first time around. Even once we find our perfect combination or recipe we STILL experiment or tweak it some.

FREEZING HENNA in cubes works great. Since the application to do my roots is so different from my length I usually do them at different times.
Freezing henna becomes super handy.
You can freeze most strains of henna except Moroccan. You can scoop pre made henna into ice cube trays so that you know just how much to use and it's ready in no time.
Henna can even be frozen with coconut milk in it. Some people successfully freeze it with conditioner in it.
Either way it, it turns henna day into a pamper day. When you start finding methods and techniques that are time and cost effective while getting the colour and conditioning you crave then it's a game changer.

So Unicornlady, try not to get so discouraged. I hennaed for decades before I figured this out. It might be a bit difficult for you to accept at the moment but hennaing can be a VERY enjoyable experience. Most of us can relate to your story because we've BEEN THERE too.
Honestly hon, it DOES get BETTER:cheer:

[hennalonghair]

That cartoon is KILLER FUNNY!!!! :rollin:

[Auni]

Would it be possible to just keep applying red raj to get that deep cherry or burgundy colour without hibiscus powder? By the way, hennalonghair your colour is gorgeous!

That's exactly how I got my burgundy! When I started henna, I didn't realize it got deeper with repeated applications, and I did my whole head every 2 weeks for about 6 months!

[Upside Down]

Cause I posted it on this thread :lol: among other places ;)

I gues I feel like a hennahead.. And will keep doing glosses, just with a mix from Nightshade for a change, but Directions was a great fun fix for color I didn't like!

[Nightshade]

That's exactly how I got my burgundy! When I started henna, I didn't realize it got deeper with repeated applications, and I did my whole head every 2 weeks for about 6 months!

Same here. This was my hair with nothing but henna applications:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jS0uyyaoxb0/UP73rAntmoI/AAAAAAAAD8c/NL0g-42n8j0/s512/Tailbone.jpg

That was probably 4-5 whole head applications. Let's hear it for Sun-In and dropping the henna content of my blend to only 35%!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OuyEJLzcnCA/VEfCcBUQNqI/AAAAAAAAKPA/oh8cx09hfBM/s512/10-21-2014-2.jpg

Here's the difference in the sun. You can see the 35% blend at the top vs full strength at the bottom (this is before I used Sun-In to even out the color:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FJ2KXdTsdyw/UP73YNGbMWI/AAAAAAAAD8I/eRJzFzav68w/s512/Henna%252520Sun.jpg


So yes, just henna will still darken up, and will be less orange in the sun (but I'm going for orange so it going that dark was pretty much the worst thing ever for me XD )

[Auni]

Nightshade, your hair is so lovely, and the color you've worked so hard to achieve looks brilliant on you! It never ceases to amaze me the different varieties of shades you can get out of henna mixes!:blossom:

[Neoma]

Your hair is gorgeous, Nightshade! And to second Auni, you have worked so hard to achieve the right color.

[Waterlilly21]

Thank you Auni and Nightshade. I found an apothecary not too far where they carry hibiscus so I'll try that next. Both of you have gorgeous colour! It's good to know its possible to achieve that burgundy tone without it too, in case I don't have hibiscus on hand or available to me.

[Nightshade]

Aw, thanks ladies :) I actually loved the color, just not on me. I looked like I was a zombie with jaundice. So I'm not coming here to say copper is better (I actually creep on this thread because I love the pictures of the deeper henna colors)! Just to say that yeah, repeated applications of henna will darken up nicely over time.

[Waterlilly21]

Do you think it would be possible to use dried hibiscus flower if I ground it up or blended it myself? That shop I wrote in my last post told me they only had the dried flower rather than the powder.

[Neoma]

Do you think it would be possible to use dried hibiscus flower if I ground it up or blended it myself? That shop I wrote in my last post told me they only had the dried flower rather than the powder.
Absolutely. You could also make a very strong tea from the whole flowers instead. I used to do that with my Indian herb cleansing mixes.

[Nightshade]

I don't think so. I mean, you CAN, but getting the amount and sift you'll want is going to be very very challenging. You'd be better off ordering it online if possible.

[hennalonghair]

Do you think it would be possible to use dried hibiscus flower if I ground it up or blended it myself? That shop I wrote in my last post told me they only had the dried flower rather than the powder.

Absolutely! That's what I use. I purchase dried hibiscus flowers from the health food store, put it through my coffee grinder and add it to my henna mix.

Your hair does look awesome Nightshade and there's no need to tread gently in our thread. We are honoured to have you amongst us:applause

[Wiggy Stardust]

Hey Nightshade, would you say you're cool toned or warm toned in skin? You mentioned the past henna being unflattering. I'm kinda wanting to go the deep henna route, but I think I'm smitten more with the colour than how it would look on me. I'm like a very yellowy pale colour myself, think fair Greek or East Asian. I've been a ginger-ish colour and I think it made me look kinda muddy and tan, but I feel like deep reds might bring out darkness under my eyes.

[Nightshade]

Hey Nightshade, would you say you're cool toned or warm toned in skin? You mentioned the past henna being unflattering. I'm kinda wanting to go the deep henna route, but I think I'm smitten more with the colour than how it would look on me. I'm like a very yellowy pale colour myself, think fair Greek or East Asian. I've been a ginger-ish colour and I think it made me look kinda muddy and tan, but I feel like deep reds might bring out darkness under my eyes.

Well, I wear Meow Siamese (neutral), and without my hair dyed I'm a Summer (so cooled toned), but with henna I'm an Autumn (warm). I do think I tend to have pretty neutral skin because I bridged that gap so easily, but maybe it's just because I'm so damn pale :P

[Waterlilly21]

Absolutely! That's what I use. I purchase dried hibiscus flowers from the health food store, put it through my coffee grinder and add it to my henna mix.

Your hair does look awesome Nightshade and there's no need to tread gently in our thread. We are honoured to have you amongst us:applause

Okay I bought dried hibiscus flowers today so I'll give it a whirl in my magic bullet before adding it to my henna next time I apply it. Thanks you, I feel more confident in my purchase now

[hennalonghair]

Okay I bought dried hibiscus flowers today so I'll give it a whirl in my magic bullet before adding it to my henna next time I apply it. Thanks you, I feel more confident in my purchase now

Good stuff. I think you'll really like this. :thumbsup:

[glitterdeva]

Ok, this is my new hibiscus + henna mix, love, love, love it :) what do you guys think?

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff362/lotusdeva/image_zpsd9bigoti.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff362/lotusdeva/image_zpsxhppzlhy.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff362/lotusdeva/image_zpszk1wq80y.jpg

[Waterlilly21]

Ok, this is my new hibiscus + henna mix, love, love, love it :) what do you guys think?

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff362/lotusdeva/image_zpsd9bigoti.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff362/lotusdeva/image_zpsxhppzlhy.jpg

http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff362/lotusdeva/image_zpszk1wq80y.jpg

Beautiful hair, what is your hair colour underneath?

[glitterdeva]

Beautiful hair, what is your hair colour underneath?

I am a light brunette. I had salon burgundy b4 going with henna

[hennalonghair]

That looks great glitterdiva! Nicely done. :sun:

[texangrrl]

glitterdeva, the color is beautiful on you! :flower:

[texangrrl]

Ok, so I hennaed last night with the Yemeni henna mixed with hibiscus. I added too much water, so it was much thinner than normal. Because of this, I decided against sleeping in it (which was my plan). After about 3 hours, the drips were driving me crazy (I was trying to leave it in for about 4 hours), so I hopped in the shower and rinsed it out. Let me tell ya - Yemeni henna is very gritty!!! It was like rinsing out sand! But I eventually got it all out and went to bed. The color pay off for 3 hours is amazing!!! I'm hoping it doesn't change too much over the next couple days. My hair still looks like it's going to be a warm cherry cola, which is great!! For those who haven't been in this thread long, I've been a little worried that my hair will get too cool for my skin. I'm light complected, but I have a warm skin tone. My hair color before henna was virgin medium brown with warm undertones. I'm thinking that maybe the warm undertones I have in my natural hair color is keeping it from turning cool. I'm totally in love with the cherry cola color!!! And even though I only left the henna in my hair for 3 hours, my coworkers noticed this morning that I did my hair because they said it looked redder. :happydance:

[Neoma]

Ok, so I hennaed last night with the Yemeni henna mixed with hibiscus. I added too much water, so it was much thinner than normal. Because of this, I decided against sleeping in it (which was my plan). After about 3 hours, the drips were driving me crazy (I was trying to leave it in for about 4 hours), so I hopped in the shower and rinsed it out. Let me tell ya - Yemeni henna is very gritty!!! It was like rinsing out sand! But I eventually got it all out and went to bed. The color pay off for 3 hours is amazing!!! I'm hoping it doesn't change too much over the next couple days. My hair still looks like it's going to be a warm cherry cola, which is great!! For those who haven't been in this thread long, I've been a little worried that my hair will get too cool for my skin. I'm light complected, but I have a warm skin tone. My hair color before henna was virgin medium brown with warm undertones. I'm thinking that maybe the warm undertones I have in my natural hair color is keeping it from turning cool. I'm totally in love with the cherry cola color!!! And even though I only left the henna in my hair for 3 hours, my coworkers noticed this morning that I did my hair because they said it looked redder. :happydance:
That's great news, texangrrl! :cheer:

Pics please. :popcorn:

[hennalonghair]

Ok, so I hennaed last night with the Yemeni henna mixed with hibiscus. I added too much water, so it was much thinner than normal. Because of this, I decided against sleeping in it (which was my plan). After about 3 hours, the drips were driving me crazy (I was trying to leave it in for about 4 hours), so I hopped in the shower and rinsed it out. Let me tell ya - Yemeni henna is very gritty!!! It was like rinsing out sand! But I eventually got it all out and went to bed. The color pay off for 3 hours is amazing!!! I'm hoping it doesn't change too much over the next couple days. My hair still looks like it's going to be a warm cherry cola, which is great!! For those who haven't been in this thread long, I've been a little worried that my hair will get too cool for my skin. I'm light complected, but I have a warm skin tone. My hair color before henna was virgin medium brown with warm undertones. I'm thinking that maybe the warm undertones I have in my natural hair color is keeping it from turning cool. I'm totally in love with the cherry cola color!!! And even though I only left the henna in my hair for 3 hours, my coworkers noticed this morning that I did my hair because they said it looked redder. :happydance:


That's great news, texangrrl! :cheer:

Pics please. :popcorn: Yep! Pics please or it never actually happened. :popcorn:
Awesome news Texangrrl. From the pictures and conversation I had with Nightshade I knew this was gonna be a WINNER henna strain. That's exactky the type of henna I'm happy to have. If it has better staining capabilities then it saves time and money along with frustration. I would have tried it on Monday but didn't have it until later so already hennaed my hair and wasn't ready for another treatment but in a week or two I will check it out.
I'm ALL for shortening the henna treatment time down, saving money on the henna and having gorgeous cherry cola coloured hair. Three hours sounds good to me. :applause
YAYYY for finding just the right ticket for cherry cola / burgundy hair. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

[texangrrl]

Ok, lets see if pictures work today. Also, I'm not the greatest at taking a selfie of my head and please excuse the exploding bun. If this works, I'll edit this post and add more.

Nope... didn't work. Ugh. I'll get them added later. I have to leave work today at noon because I have to get to Illinois to sign the lease on my new place and I have a ton of stuff to do before I leave!! I'd rather be on LHC though...

[hennalonghair]

Moving is no excuse! :popcorn:

:lol:

I'm gonna do my hair with and present it with pics, recipe and the supplier of our new stash.
I've gotta admit it's smells really really fresh and potent. It's by far the freshesh henna I've ever seen.Cant wait to actually try it.

[Nightshade]

I'm gonna do my hair with and present it with pics, recipe and the supplier of our new stash.
I've gotta admit it's smells really really fresh and potent. It's by far the freshesh henna I've ever seen.Cant wait to actually try it.


Same here. I agree, the sift isn't flawless, but given that it's coming from a very small, very poor community, I'm sure they're doing the best they can :) The dye content is just surreal and it's so, so fresh that I feel that more than makes up for it.

[texangrrl]

Moving is no excuse! :popcorn:

:lol:

I'm gonna do my hair with and present it with pics, recipe and the supplier of our new stash.
I've gotta admit it's smells really really fresh and potent. It's by far the freshesh henna I've ever seen.Cant wait to actually try it.

I really believe you're going to like it!! It's by far my favorite henna I've yet to use.


Same here. I agree, the sift isn't flawless, but given that it's coming from a very small, very poor community, I'm sure they're doing the best they can :) The dye content is just surreal and it's so, so fresh that I feel that more than makes up for it.

The color in my hair is amazing! I'll have pics up later on this afternoon. The smell of it was amazing too!! And the grittiness when rinsing it out certainly isn't enough to keep me from using it again. It's all part of the process and I love that we're helping that community AND getting an amazing henna - win, win!!

[unicornlady]

hennalonghair, it's impossible to give up when everyone is so lovingkind and encouraging. :blossom:

I dyed my virgin hair hairball last night so I have the start now. :) I did all the same as my first dyeing. I'll wash and repeat the dyeing every few days to see what I get and how long it takes me to get a RED instead of ORANGE. Next time I might also be adding some cloves. I've read on Mehandi site that it does nothing to the color but some people who want cooler tones and red instead of orange swear by it. Opinions? :confused:

I froze some henna alone in ice cube tray after the dye release started to have for a few more apps (much appreciated tip).

Now that color is desaturated into subtle chestnut and I can chill with it, I might even want to maintain it for now... for conditioning benefits. I dont regret now that I dyed, I cant know unless I try it. I'll see now how the hairball behaves. I wouldnt want to get too dark - I am Morticia Adams kind of pale. I've concluded based on people's experiences that holding henna on for too long tends to make it go darker (black cherry) which is a nice color but not what I'm ideally after. I'm after a cool red, and I would like it lighter. Ideally I would not like to go darker than this if possible (I'm naturally medium brown) - colors towards black would not look flattering:

http://haircolorideaspictures.com/large/151/Black-Cherry-Hair-Color-Pictures-4.jpg

For this reason I was also eyeing deep red and burgundy henna from The henna guys (maybe I mixed it up with henna color lab or it's all the same). It's mentioned in the beginning of this thread. Hennalonghair I think I've read somewhere that you ordered it, were you happy with it? What I like about it is that it seems it could give cooler red without making it too dark. Experiences of others seem to say that with weaker henna you would have to go quite dark until you get purplish red, or am I wrong? Does a weaker dye repeatedly applied, give the same (or a darker?) result compared to a stronger henna with less applications? Maybe getting another henna is the answer? Although for now I'll test with what I have.

[Nightshade]

Honestly, if that's the sort of color you're after and you don't want to go too dark, you might want to check out the Manic Panic over henna thread :) They use it to tone henna to the colors you can't otherwise get, and the dyes are totally safe and non-damaging.

The first picture you have is hair that's bleached and richly dyed (I suspect), and the second is going to be more radiant in color because it's in the sun. I can almost guarantee that in the second picture, assuming that is henna, it'll go much darker and more brown the second she steps out of direct sunlight.

[unicornlady]

Thanks Nightshade (for clarity's sake, I've removed the first pic on second thought, it looked way too artificially dyed so I decided the second was a better representative). :)

I've looked into these semipermanent colors earlier and I know they dont damage but it's too interactive/demanding to maintain just for color's sake. I'd give it up pretty soon especially when I factor in that they are probably not cheap. Henna really stays on and it also conditions (it would really help me with frizz).

I'm okay with darker and brown as long as it's not extreme and blackish. If it would look alike this girl's hair in the sun I'd be very pleased. Cant wait to finish the strand testing to see how many apps it takes to get burgundy. I wonder if it will be too dark.

[Nightshade]

Good call :) I think the second is very attainable, though! Just make sure you tote your strand test around to various types of lighting and check it out. Fluorescent indoor lighting, like I have at work, is the least flattering light for hennaed hair, I feel. Sunlight and indirect, and even incandescent light is pretty nice, though :)

[hennalonghair]

I really believe you're going to like it!! It's by far my favorite henna I've yet to use!

Yes of course I already like it . That's why I ordered it and recommended it to you guys. :lol:

hennalonghair, it's impossible to give up when everyone is so lovingkind and encouraging. :blossom:

I dyed my virgin hair hairball last night so I have the start now. :) I did all the same as my first dyeing. I'll wash and repeat the dyeing every few days to see what I get and how long it takes me to get a RED instead of ORANGE. Next time I might also be adding some cloves. I've read on Mehandi site that it does nothing to the color but some people who want cooler tones and red instead of orange swear by it. Opinions? :confused:

I froze some henna alone in ice cube tray after the dye release started to have for a few more apps (much appreciated tip).

Now that color is desaturated into subtle chestnut and I can chill with it, I might even want to maintain it for now... for conditioning benefits. I dont regret now that I dyed, I cant know unless I try it. I'll see now how the hairball behaves. I wouldnt want to get too dark - I am Morticia Adams kind of pale. I've concluded based on people's experiences that holding henna on for too long tends to make it go darker (black cherry) which is a nice color but not what I'm ideally after. I'm after a cool red, and I would like it lighter. Ideally I would not like to go darker than this if possible (I'm naturally medium brown) - colors towards black would not look flattering:

http://haircolorideaspictures.com/large/151/Black-Cherry-Hair-Color-Pictures-4.jpg

For this reason I was also eyeing deep red and burgundy henna from The henna guys (maybe I mixed it up with henna color lab or it's all the same). It's mentioned in the beginning of this thread. Hennalonghair I think I've read somewhere that you ordered it, were you happy with it? What I like about it is that it seems it could give cooler red without making it too dark. Experiences of others seem to say that with weaker henna you would have to go quite dark until you get purplish red, or am I wrong? Does a weaker dye repeatedly applied, give the same (or a darker?) result compared to a stronger henna with less applications? Maybe getting another henna is the answer? Although for now I'll test with what I have.
No you won't go anywhere near black. All you will need to do is add some hibicus to some potent red henna and just do glosses to get the colour you want or just do roots and gloss once in a while. My hair is definitely darker but cherry cola red IS darker on the colour wheel than orange red. It does take a bit of getting used to because it isn't a natural colour. Some of us, myself included wasn't sure if it suited my complexion but it does. It suites it more than it does the orange.

And yes if you have a stronger staining henna then you don't need to use as much or leave it on for as long to get the colour you desire. The fact that your hair absorbs colour easily is a good thing. I personally think you are going to have an easier time getting the colour you want than you think.
And NO I no longer recommend henna from the henna guys. Yes the colour is very easy to achieve using their products BUT BUT BUT...... It has definitely been tampered with. It isn't green like henna should be and doesn't even smell like henna. It actually smells like cigarette butts. I think they have added some type of chemical to it like they do in freeze dried coffee. They added indigo to their burgundy without either changing the label or informing their customers. To me that's a huge no no. You can't change a henna and add stuff with no mention of it. It's a bad business practice and makes all their business questionable in my humble opinion.
Your best bet is to get some Yemeni henna from Nightshade. It's a stronger red stain than red raj and has quick dye release. You could get away with using it after 3 hours of making it and then leave it on for another 3 hours. Of course if you freeze it even less time. I'm all about making it as quick and mess free as possible.
With her henna and the dehydrated hibiscus ground in your Magic bullet you're good to go.

Thanks Nightshade (for clarity's sake, I've removed the first pic on second thought, it looked way too artificially dyed so I decided the second was a better representative). :)

I've looked into these semipermanent colors earlier and I know they dont damage but it's too interactive/demanding to maintain just for color's sake. I'd give it up pretty soon especially when I factor in that they are probably not cheap. Henna really stays on and it also conditions (it would really help me with frizz).

I'm okay with darker and brown as long as it's not extreme and blackish. If it would look alike this girl's hair in the sun I'd be very pleased. Cant wait to finish the strand testing to see how many apps it takes to get burgundy. I wonder if it will be too dark.
You can get pretty darn close to that colour with using henna and hibiscus and it absolutely DOES stay. In fact it's not easy to wash out once you have it.

[Neoma]

The past couple of times I hennaed, I used Jamila. While the color is pretty, I believe that the color is warmer in natural light than it was when I was using Raj Red. Indoors, it was brown then and it's brown now.

I'm waiting to see Nightblooming's Yemeni strand tests. Then I plan to either buy Yemini or Raj Red.

On another note, the gloss that I did last time didn't deposit enough color on my roots. I think that the henna was too diluted. The next time I henna, I'm going to go back to my usual full-strength henna/hibiscus recipe.

[pixietail]

So I've got henna/hibiscus (henbiscus?) in my my hair right now. Unfortuately, I couldn't get a hibiscus powder, and my grinder is out of comission, so I had to grind it up by hand as best as I could. It's a really coarse grind. Hopefully leaving it in over night will help make up for that. There were a little over 2 tsp to 100 grams of henna. I don't know if it actually turn burgandy, but it would be nice not to have my grays glowing orange for once. I can't wait to wake up and see how it looks tomorrow!

[Neoma]

So I've got henna/hibiscus (henbiscus?) in my my hair right now. Unfortuately, I couldn't get a hibiscus powder, and my grinder is out of comission, so I had to grind it up by hand as best as I could. It's a really coarse grind. Hopefully leaving it in over night will help make up for that. There were a little over 2 tsp to 100 grams of henna. I don't know if it actually turn burgandy, but it would be nice not to have my grays glowing orange for once. I can't wait to wake up and see how it looks tomorrow!
pixietail, I don't think that 2 tsp of hibiscus are going to dampen the orange much. I use heaping tablespoons in my blend.

Please don't be disappointed if this is the case. You can always add more hibiscus to your next mix if this doesn't give you the color that you want.

[hennalonghair]

The past couple of times I hennaed, I used Jamila. While the color is pretty, I believe that the color is warmer in natural light than it was when I was using Raj Red. Indoors, it was brown then and it's brown now.

I'm waiting to see Nightblooming's Yemeni strand tests. Then I plan to either buy Yemini or Raj Red.

On another note, the gloss that I did last time didn't deposit enough color on my roots. I think that the henna was too diluted. The next time I henna, I'm going to go back to my usual full-strength henna/hibiscus recipe.
I've had the same experience with Nupur Godrej henna. While its a darker henna it's also got 9 other herbs added and while I really like the added herbs it does dilute my henna and I was getting Orange flashes here and there in my hairline. The last couple of times I used straight henna with more hibiscus, beetroot powder , ACV and it stained much better. I've given up trying to colour my roots with the same gloss that use on the rest of my hair on occasion. It just doesn't work.
I think red raj and Nightshades strains would be ideal to get a rich cherry cola colour without the need to keep reapplying.
It's especially important for those needing to cover grays because we don't wanna be doing it a second or third time. That's just overkill. I mean I love the Zen like henna experience and all but not if I've gotta do it over to get the colour I want. You know?


So I've got henna/hibiscus (henbiscus?) in my my hair right now. Unfortuately, I couldn't get a hibiscus powder, and my grinder is out of comission, so I had to grind it up by hand as best as I could. It's a really coarse grind. Hopefully leaving it in over night will help make up for that. There were a little over 2 tsp to 100 grams of henna. I don't know if it actually turn burgandy, but it would be nice not to have my grays glowing orange for once. I can't wait to wake up and see how it looks tomorrow!
Ummm. Two tsps. of hibiscus to 100 grams of henna????
Wow! How do I say this gently and kindly?
Tea teaspoons mixed with 100 grams of henna isn't going to give you much colour change to be able to shift it from Orange red to blue red. You need closer to 40 grams or 50 grams of hibiscus to 100 grams of good quality henna. Closer to a 1:1 ratio.
Even 25% would turn the colour enough to notice it but I doubt 2 tsps is gonna cut it.
The good news is that you will have a good base coat for when you do a stronger henniscus next time around.

[pixietail]

Thanks for the feedback! That's dissapointing, but it was getting tiring gridning up the hibiscus by hand. I'l try again after I replace my spice grinder. In the meanwhile, even if it's not cherry red, maybe it will kill the orange just a bit.

[hennalonghair]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes, I wasn't sure how much good it was going to do, but it was getting tiring gridning up the hibiscus by hand. I'l try again after I replace my spice grinder.
I can relate perfectly well. I used to have a vitamix blender with a dry container for making powders etc., and it broke. I tried the grinding it up by hand method also :nono:
Not a good thing at all. Do you have a coffee grinder or magic bullet mixer?

[Autumnberry]

Okay, so I tried to reply to another post about being unhappy with orange and have lost that original message, but here my response anyway:

One thing I've noticed about photos is that, if a flash is used, my hair looks much more burgundy than without a flash. But it's not even that simple to say that bright light makes it look burgundy and low light makes it look more orangy. On the same day, I took pictures outside in low light and it looks quite deep auburn and burgundy, while in hazy sunlight without a flash, it looked quite orange. I have even had people look at me strangely and tell me that my hair color keeps changing as I walk around. I accept all these colors of henna, but I still ask myself, "what color is it?" as if I can define it. It is constantly changing, lol! With not too many layers of henna on medium brown hair, I can enjoy some cherry highlights in certain lights without turning my hair too dark/purplish.

[pixietail]

I can relate perfectly well. I used to have a vitamix blender with a dry container for making powders etc., and it broke. I tried the grinding it up by hand method also :nono:
Not a good thing at all. Do you have a coffee grinder or magic bullet mixer?

I did have a magic bullet, but that's the one that's out of commission. We're picking up a replacement soon, I hope.

Color update! The gray roots are pretty much orange, as expected. But further down the length, where it's already darker from repeated hennaing, there's a distinctly cooler red. It's not a huge difference, but given how little hibiscus there was that's still encouraging. Next Friday, if we can pick up replacement blades, I'm going to try again with a more reasonable amount of hibiscus. My greys are really resistant, so here's hoping that the colors take. I think the fact that I had just hennaed the roots this weeks should help.

[poli]

I redid my roots today and I'm super happy with the result. I used some frozen leftover henna, grind hibiscus flower and some amla to add the volume. It started oxidizing right after I washed it out. No orange except a little bits at my temples, covered by bangs anyway.

[unicornlady]

About to dye the hairball again! Experiment time!

So it's henniscus (i love that name! :) ), and I'm about to add some pureed blackberries (I reduced them simmering to a very dense sauce in order not to water the mix down).
I put a little ACV and salt too (very little salt). I think I'll switch to distilled water too when I spend what I have frozen...
As the hairball is big enough I'll split it in two and color the other part without blackberries to see the difference...

@poli: great color on your avatar!

[unicornlady]

Something weird is going on.
The color on my hairball (where I replicated what I did with henna) is more aggressive and more orange than the real hair, where it toned down. I know it's been a few days difference but still after I washed my hair 48hrs later, it calmed down, but the hairball didnt. Also the dye was coming out of my hair when I shampooed, but not from the hairball. I've also conditioned the hairball no matter how silly it might sound, I did to it all the same as I did to my hair to make it as close as possible in hydration, cleanness etc and now when it's been 48hrs I shampooed. It looks a bit different than my hair looked after 48 hours. I'm thinking about freezing the mix and waiting more before recoloring, but I'm super impatient though lol.

[Neoma]

I've had the same experience with Nupur Godrej henna. While its a darker henna it's also got 9 other herbs added and while I really like the added herbs it does dilute my henna and I was getting Orange flashes here and there in my hairline. The last couple of times I used straight henna with more hibiscus, beetroot powder , ACV and it stained much better. I've given up trying to colour my roots with the same gloss that use on the rest of my hair on occasion. It just doesn't work.
I think red raj and Nightshades strains would be ideal to get a rich cherry cola colour without the need to keep reapplying.
It's especially important for those needing to cover grays because we don't wanna be doing it a second or third time. That's just overkill. I mean I love the Zen like henna experience and all but not if I've gotta do it over to get the colour I want. You know?

I absolutely agree. I love hennaing, but I don't want to have to redo it to get the results I want. :flower:


I did have a magic bullet, but that's the one that's out of commission. We're picking up a replacement soon, I hope.

Color update! The gray roots are pretty much orange, as expected. But further down the length, where it's already darker from repeated hennaing, there's a distinctly cooler red. It's not a huge difference, but given how little hibiscus there was that's still encouraging. Next Friday, if we can pick up replacement blades, I'm going to try again with a more reasonable amount of hibiscus. My greys are really resistant, so here's hoping that the colors take. I think the fact that I had just hennaed the roots this weeks should help.
That's good news! :cheer:

[Neoma]

Nightshade was kind enough to send me pics of her Yemeni henna in action. She sent me a bunch, but these were the two that were most important to me.

Four-hour dye release -- Raj Red (left), Yemeni (top), Jamila (right)
http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/write2judie/Henna-Mud-1-hour_zpsx5tlk9xc.jpg

White mohair strand test -- four-hour application time, rinsed, oxidized for 36 hours:
http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/write2judie/Henna%20Rinsed%2048_zpsbcd1xigl.jpg

Nightshade, please correct me if I misstated anything.

To me, the Yemeni looks a tad bit darker and a shade cooler than the Raj Red.

I ordered 500 grams.

[unicornlady]

Speaking of dye release, I never got dye release with hibiscus and ACV. Normally I had release in 20 minutes. I know that hibiscus extends release time but it's been over 2 days now. I have no idea what happened.

[Neoma]

Speaking of dye release, I never got dye release with hibiscus and ACV. Normally I had release in 20 minutes. I know that hibiscus extends release time but it's been over 2 days now. I have no idea what happened.

I have been using henna and hibiscus for many months and never noticed that the hibiscus delayed dye release. :shrug:

Maybe you got a bad batch of henna?

[unicornlady]

It's not bad, even from the same bag mixed without hibiscus releases in 20 mins and gives nice stain. Have no idea? I'll throw this away and in the future only mix after I have gotten the release.

[hennalonghair]

I've never noticed that hibiscus interfers with dye release.
It seems that Yemeni is the coolest darkest red .
I thought the dye release was extremely impressive which is why I purchased half a kilo.
Psst! The stuff is all bagged and stored away :rollin:

[hennalonghair]

I really like the picture reference.
I'd like to redo the beginning page so will probably scoop this picture if it's ok with you Neoma and Nightshade.
After experimenting with various henna it would be good to have some basic recipes for peopke to start with that they can then tweak to their own preferences. That way new members don't have to read through 136 pages to find the main info they need.
What do you guys think?
I won't be doing it until after I do my next root touch up which should be in about another week.
Any recipes would be appreciated. I can include helpful info by editing my first few posts.

[Nightshade]

Works for me :) And that's all correct, Neoma. I thought this one was interesting, too, check out the dye release from the side:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ShjJLDWBwQM/VVnr3ckCKVI/AAAAAAAANRU/b8r1qB57Ius/s1000/Henna-Mud-2-hour-2.jpg

I've never had henna that flat-out turned ORANGE before. :lol:

ETA: My apologies for my terrible handwriting!

[Auni]

Those comparisons are pretty darn impressive! I think putting the recipes on the starting page is a terrific idea Hennalonghair! I'm putting in an order with nightshade!:blossom:

[Neoma]

I've never noticed that hibiscus interfers with dye release.
It seems that Yemeni is the coolest darkest red .
I thought the dye release was extremely impressive which is why I purchased half a kilo.
Psst! The stuff is all bagged and stored away :rollin:Pssst, hennalonghair! One doesn't advertise the fact that they've bought a kilo! :rollin:


I really like the picture reference.
I'd like to redo the beginning page so will probably scoop this picture if it's ok with you Neoma and Nightshade.
After experimenting with various henna it would be good to have some basic recipes for peopke to start with that they can then tweak to their own preferences. That way new members don't have to read through 136 pages to find the main info they need.
What do you guys think?
I won't be doing it until after I do my next root touch up which should be in about another week.
Any recipes would be appreciated. I can include helpful info by editing my first few posts.
It's fine with me, hennalonghair. I published these pics with permission from Nightshade. (I should have mentioned that before.)

I think that's an excellent idea. :flower: I think it would be great to show how the same hennas look when mixed with different amounts of hibiscus. I think that's where you're going. That could become quite an experiment. Maybe the committed henna/hibiscus users on this thread could contribute pics of their dye-release blends to the cause. I certainly can.

[Auni]

I think that's an excellent idea. :flower: I think it would be great to show how the same hennas look when mixed with different amounts of hibiscus. I think that's where you're going. That could become quite an experiment. Maybe the committed henna/hibiscus users on this thread could contribute pics of their dye-release blends to the cause. I certainly can.
I will attempt to contribute next time I dye. I'm actually in the process of buying a henna hibiscus blend from nightshade - when her hibiscus comes in- so I will snap a dye release pic. I won't dye until about 2 weeks thou as I just did on Thursday.:blossom:
I've also been toying with the idea of snapping a post henna roots oxidation process from right after to 48hrs after to show the change in color. It would take a lot of roots showing thou and I'm not sure I want to rock 1/2 inch grey roots!:p

[Nightshade]

Pssst, hennalonghair! One doesn't advertise the fact that they've bought a kilo! :rollin:
.

Especially while in the grocery store. XD

[Neoma]

I will attempt to contribute next time I dye. I'm actually in the process of buying a henna hibiscus blend from nightshade - when her hibiscus comes in- so I will snap a dye release pic. I won't dye until about 2 weeks thou as I just did on Thursday.:blossom:
I've also been toying with the idea of snapping a post henna roots oxidation process from right after to 48hrs after to show the change in color. It would take a lot of roots showing thou and I'm not sure I want to rock 1/2 inch grey roots!:pThat would be great! And I like the idea of showing how the oxidation changes from orange to cherry cola. Rock those roots! :rockerdud


Especially while in the grocery store. XD
True dat!

[hennalonghair]

Works for me :) And that's all correct, Neoma. I thought this one was interesting, too, check out the dye release from the side:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ShjJLDWBwQM/VVnr3ckCKVI/AAAAAAAANRU/b8r1qB57Ius/s1000/Henna-Mud-2-hour-2.jpg

I've never had henna that flat-out turned ORANGE before. :lol:

ETA: My apologies for my terrible handwriting!
These are great pics to add in the opening page as well.



Those comparisons are pretty darn impressive! I think putting the recipes on the starting page is a terrific idea Hennalonghair! I'm putting in an order with nightshade!:blossom:
Good stuff :wethree: is turning into a henniscus pack: grouphug::cheer:


Pssst, hennalonghair! One doesn't advertise the fact that they've bought a kilo! :rollin:


It's fine with me, hennalonghair. I published these pics with permission from Nightshade. (I should have mentioned that before.)

I think that's an excellent idea. I think it would be great to show how the same hennas look when mixed with different amounts of hibiscus. I think that's where you're going. That could become quite an experiment. Maybe the committed henna/hibiscus users on this thread could contribute pics of their dye-release blends to the cause. I certainly can.
I wasn't advertising a kilo. It was half a kilo. Just sayin' :shrug:


I will attempt to contribute next time I dye. I'm actually in the process of buying a henna hibiscus blend from nightshade - when her hibiscus comes in- so I will snap a dye release pic. I won't dye until about 2 weeks thou as I just did on Thursday.
I've also been toying with the idea of snapping a post henna roots oxidation process from right after to 48hrs after to show the change in color. It would take a lot of roots showing thou and I'm not sure I want to rock 1/2 inch grey roots!:p
That would be good though because it shows just how well natural herbs work at covering grays.
People would truly be shocked at my natural hair colour. I'm over 50% gray on the outer covering of my hair. The hair mainly framing my face so it's very evident if I screw it up. If I do I get orange flares here and there but I don't any more. BUT I've also gotta add that when my roots come in they are stand out obvious too.
I didn't know Nightshade was selling henna AND hibiscus together. Cool!


Especially while in the grocery store. XD
NOT!


That would be great! And I like the idea of showing how the oxidation changes from orange to cherry cola. Rock those roots! :rockerdud



For sure.lol!

[Auni]

That would be good though because it shows just how well natural herbs work at covering grays.
People would truly be shocked at my natural hair colour. I'm over 50% gray on the outer covering of my hair. The hair mainly framing my face so it's very evident if I screw it up. If I do I get orange flares here and there but I don't any more. BUT I've also gotta add that when my roots come in they are stand out obvious too.
I didn't know Nightshade was selling henna AND hibiscus together. Cool!


Sounds like my grays, they started at my hairline over my left eye and have since taken the liberty of conquering neighboring dark brown regions! I'm not quite 50% gray, but I'm sure I'll be there within the next 5-10 years. You can definitely see them when they start growing out! My DH would love it if I let them be, " you'd look like storm from X-men", um no!
Nightshade has a custom blend option where you can pick what you want in a mix from a number of herbs, you just have to message her through her shop. I'll be getting a mix of henna, hibiscus, and nettle as soon as the hibiscus comes in. As well as a beautiful new hair stick, and I think I might throw in a sample of panacea for good measure:p! I'm super excited as this is the first time I'll be using straight hibiscus powder vs. hibiscus tea.:flower:

[hennalonghair]

Sounds like my grays, they started at my hairline over my left eye and have since taken the liberty of conquering neighboring dark brown regions! I'm not quite 50% gray, but I'm sure I'll be there within the next 5-10 years. You can definitely see them when they start growing out! My DH would love it if I let them be, " you'd look like storm from X-men", um no!
Nightshade has a custom blend option where you can pick what you want in a mix from a number of herbs, you just have to message her through her shop. I'll be getting a mix of henna, hibiscus, and nettle as soon as the hibiscus comes in. As well as a beautiful new hair stick, and I think I might throw in a sample of panacea for good measure:p! I'm super excited as this is the first time I'll be using straight hibiscus powder vs. hibiscus tea.:flower:
Oh well this is a perfect option for this colour. Oh you are gonna find such a difference covering your grays with a good strong henna and hibiscus . Your hair will look vibrant ! I really like nettle in hair products. It's a great herb for hair.
Good move. Then if it doesn't work, you can yell at her.
:rollin:
Just kidding. It will look awesome :lol:

[Neoma]

Oh well this is a perfect option for this colour. Oh you are gonna find such a difference covering your grays with a good strong henna and hibiscus . Your hair will look vibrant ! I really like nettle in hair products. It's a great herb for hair.


I agree, with hennalonghair, Auni. Those grays will be gorgeous and vibrant.

I appreciate the reminder about nettles. I used to use nettles a lot in my hair care. Maybe I should get some and add them to my henna blend.

[texangrrl]

Ok ladies, I've been super busy today but I wanted to link the pictures that I promised. The pictures in the horrible bun (I was lacking a proper fork/stick that day) are from Friday morning (henniscus done Thursday night). The pictures of my hair down were taken this morning, four full days after the henna treatment. I'm still very cherry with no burgundy - yay!!! Let me know what yall think!

PS - Excuse the crazy angles. I'm not the best at picture taking!

http://s1027.photobucket.com/user/kristinahollis81/library/Mobile%20Uploads?sort=3&page=1

[texangrrl]

Nightshade was kind enough to send me pics of her Yemeni henna in action. She sent me a bunch, but these were the two that were most important to me.

Four-hour dye release -- Raj Red (left), Yemeni (top), Jamila (right)
http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/write2judie/Henna-Mud-1-hour_zpsx5tlk9xc.jpg

White mohair strand test -- four-hour application time, rinsed, oxidized for 36 hours:
http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/write2judie/Henna%20Rinsed%2048_zpsbcd1xigl.jpg

Nightshade, please correct me if I misstated anything.

To me, the Yemeni looks a tad bit darker and a shade cooler than the Raj Red.

I ordered 500 grams.

I love these comparison pictures!! The Yemeni is amazing stuff and I don't see myself using anything but that in the future!

[Neoma]

Ok ladies, I've been super busy today but I wanted to link the pictures that I promised. The pictures in the horrible bun (I was lacking a proper fork/stick that day) are from Friday morning (henniscus done Thursday night). The pictures of my hair down were taken this morning, four full days after the henna treatment. I'm still very cherry with no burgundy - yay!!! Let me know what yall think!

PS - Excuse the crazy angles. I'm not the best at picture taking!

http://s1027.photobucket.com/user/kristinahollis81/library/Mobile%20Uploads?sort=3&page=1
texangrrl, your album is marked. I suggest selecting the little picture frame icon, then cutting and pasting the URL to your photo, then save. Then we will all be able to see your pic! :popcorn:

[texangrrl]

texangrrl, your album is marked. I suggest selecting the little picture frame icon, then cutting and pasting the URL to your photo, then save. Then we will all be able to see your pic! :popcorn:

This picture was Friday morning, the morning after I hennaed.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150515_095348_zpsa83ifqrr.jpg

[texangrrl]

YAY!!!!! Thank you SO, SO MUCH NEOMA!!!!!!!! I have been here almost a year and have NOT figured out how to post pics until you told me that!!! :grouphug:

Now...how do I resize it? :confused:

[texangrrl]

Ok, I apologize in advance for the big picture size, but here's a couple more pictures from today since the color has finally settled down. It's a delicious cherry color!! I love how the color shifts with the light. The last couple pictures shows how it appears darker at times.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103207_zpslxg75hpq.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103248_zpsc3al3lys.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103142_zpstfykfcgv.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103335_zpsdroupgeu.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103640_zpsxzuivp3q.jpg

[Auni]

:thud: SO PRETTY! you must have a lighter brown base? Alas, I must wait for more gray to appear...I guess that's something to look forward too!

[Auni]

Oh well this is a perfect option for this colour. Oh you are gonna find such a difference covering your grays with a good strong henna and hibiscus . Your hair will look vibrant ! I really like nettle in hair products. It's a great herb for hair.
Good move. Then if it doesn't work, you can yell at her.
:rollin:
Just kidding. It will look awesome :lol:
LOL! My gray is pretty red already, but it would be nice to tone down the orange even more.

I agree, with hennalonghair, Auni. Those grays will be gorgeous and vibrant.

I appreciate the reminder about nettles. I used to use nettles a lot in my hair care. Maybe I should get some and add them to my henna blend.

I shall let you both know how it goes! I've read a lot about nettle for hair so I figured, hey, why not?:shrug:

[unicornlady]

Wow texangrrl, that color you got there is so pretty!!! What's your natural color?

[texangrrl]

:thud: SO PRETTY! you must have a lighter brown base? Alas, I must wait for more gray to appear...I guess that's something to look forward too!

Thank you!! My starting virgin hair color was closer to a medium brown I think, but it had warm golden undertones. I'll link a picture (since I know how now!) of the original color. I think your grays will look fantastic as they come in! Now that I'm a henna head, I can't wait to start going gray, lol. I have a few silvers, but you have to search for them. I can't wait to hear about your results once you get your mix in from Nightshade! I'm thinking it's going to look lovely on you!!

Starting hair color for reference: http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/PSX_20140904_174208_zpsdswckxyo.jpg?1432068334916&1432068335422

[texangrrl]

Wow texangrrl, that color you got there is so pretty!!! What's your natural color?

Thank you!! :grouphug: I just posted my natural starting color for reference.

[Illryeth]

SOOOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL texangrrl!!!!!!

[Neoma]

YAY!!!!! Thank you SO, SO MUCH NEOMA!!!!!!!! I have been here almost a year and have NOT figured out how to post pics until you told me that!!! :grouphug:

Now...how do I resize it? :confused:Your color turned out gorgeous!

You're very welcome.

I recommend resizing your pics through a generic program such as Windows Live Photo Gallery that probably came with your computer. Go to Edit, then Resize. Then upload to your hosting service, such as Photobucket. Some of the hosting services also offer resizing tools.

[hennalonghair]

WOW Texan Grrrrrl! Now that's sporting the cherry cola look with flying colours.
I remember your starting colour and I've gotta say you totally ROCK the cherry cola henna head look. :happydance: :cheer:

[Nightshade]

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWW :thudpile:

[texangrrl]

Thanks for all the kind words!!! :love: :flower: :grouphug: I have to say that if it wasn't for hennalonghair starting this thread, I probably wouldn't have the cherry color that I so desired. I have never heard of using hibiscus powder before this thread was started and I was tempted with the idea of using a little bit of indigo in my mix to get a redder color. Had I done that, I probably would've been a darker, cooler red than the warm cherry cola color that I have now.

[hennalonghair]

Thanks for all the kind words!!! :love: :flower: :grouphug: I have to say that if it wasn't for hennalonghair starting this thread, I probably wouldn't have the cherry color that I so desired. I have never heard of using hibiscus powder before this thread was started and I was tempted with the idea of using a little bit of indigo in my mix to get a redder color. Had I done that, I probably would've been a darker, cooler red than the warm cherry cola color that I have now.
Awwww shucks :smooch:

[unicornlady]

I gotta recap this hibiscus thing. Is it a problem if I add hibiscus and other eventual ingredients after I had henna release? Or is it supposed to release in the mix to give the right results?

[texangrrl]

I gotta recap this hibiscus thing. Is it a problem if I add hibiscus and other eventual ingredients after I had henna release? Or is it supposed to release in the mix to give the right results?

I add them in before the dye release.

[Ambrielle]

Ok, I apologize in advance for the big picture size, but here's a couple more pictures from today since the color has finally settled down. It's a delicious cherry color!! I love how the color shifts with the light. The last couple pictures shows how it appears darker at times.

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103207_zpslxg75hpq.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103248_zpsc3al3lys.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103142_zpstfykfcgv.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103335_zpsdroupgeu.jpg

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y339/kristinahollis81/Mobile%20Uploads/20150519_103640_zpsxzuivp3q.jpg

Stunning colour! :flower:

[hennalonghair]

Well my roots are coming in so I'll be colouring this weekend, maybe today, if I have enough dried hibiscus. If not then I'll go out and get some. This time I'm going to document the entire thing with pictures and post it here AND on the front page. I'll ask permission first before editing just to make sure I'm not breaking any rules. :shrug:
I'm looking for volunteers from some of you ladies where we can show before and after photos using 'this' colour if at all possible. I Know I've got some plus I'm shamelessly using my virgin roots photo where you can see just how gray my hair is.
I think it speaks volumes for the staining ability of the henna if it can fully stain virgin gray roots on first application.
I've got pics of my hair using a variety of hennas so between getting my giftees gift packed and sent off I'll make sure to get this done also. And my nails are even done. :lol:

[flickm]

Well my roots are coming in so I'll be colouring this weekend, maybe today, if I have enough dried hibiscus. If not then I'll go out and get some. This time I'm going to document the entire thing with pictures and post it here AND on the front page. I'll ask permission first before editing just to make sure I'm not breaking any rules. :shrug:
I'm looking for volunteers from some of you ladies where we can show before and after photos using 'this' colour if at all possible. I Know I've got some plus I'm shamelessly using my virgin roots photo where you can see just how gray my hair is.
I think it speaks volumes for the staining ability of the henna if it can fully stain virgin gray roots on first application.
I've got pics of my hair using a variety of hennas so between getting my giftees gift packed and sent off I'll make sure to get this done also. And my nails are even done. :lol:

I'm going to do my friend's hair early next week, following your advice about hibiscus to cover her roots. I've done a three stage strand test on a sample that includes her white roots. I've used the hibiscus/rajisthani mix for the entire strand, but left it on for 4, 8 and 12 hours. The first two times, the dark brown dyed part hardly changed, and the roots were too light, but by 12 hours, the roots were a warm, mid chestnut and the dyed portion was a shade darker but the same colour as the roots. I'm going to use another section and see what happens with just henna over the dyed shaft, to see if it evens the transition between roots and dye. Then she can just do her roots in future and gradually cut the dye out - her hair grows very fast. Cat from Hennacat, where i got the henna and hibiscus here in England, has asked me for before and after pics, as she hadn't heard of that method, so I'll post some here as well.

[MyGameMyRules]

Hi everyone! So glad to finally come out of lurker mode :happydance:

I need help creating a hendigo mix to get a rich medium dark brow with cooler red tones. No plum, no copper orange, and not fire engine bright since I'd like to still see some brown. I'm brand new and can't post pics yet but I have natural medium brown hair that reflects golden and copper red in the sun. Can anyone help? Pretty please! Looking at all your beautiful cherry cola heads is making it hard to be patient, haha!
I have many saved but here is a good idea of the results I'm looking for. Hope the link works (fingers crossed) Thanks everyone!

http://www.modernsalon.com/features/hair-beauty/HOW-TO-Formula-and-Steps-for-Rich-Dimensional-Chocolate-Color-248052391.html

[Auni]

My mix is ready from Nightshade!!:happydance: It will be about a week or so until I do my roots, but I promise, I will take pics of the dye release, my gray roots before and after, and 48hrs after oxidation!

MyGameRules, most of us here don't use indigo to get our color. I tried it once a few years back but my hair didn't take to it. Sorry I'm of no help.

[Nightshade]

Hi everyone! So glad to finally come out of lurker mode :happydance:

I need help creating a hendigo mix to get a rich medium dark brow with cooler red tones. No plum, no copper orange, and not fire engine bright since I'd like to still see some brown. I'm brand new and can't post pics yet but I have natural medium brown hair that reflects golden and copper red in the sun. Can anyone help? Pretty please! Looking at all your beautiful cherry cola heads is making it hard to be patient, haha!
I have many saved but here is a good idea of the results I'm looking for. Hope the link works (fingers crossed) Thanks everyone!

http://www.modernsalon.com/features/hair-beauty/HOW-TO-Formula-and-Steps-for-Rich-Dimensional-Chocolate-Color-248052391.html

If no copper orange at all is a dealbreaker for you, I'd say stay away from henna. Sometimes, no matter what you do, henna goes orange in the sun because that's what color lawsone is. If you still want to risk it, I'd say go for lots and lots of strand testing. Even people that use indigo get some fading from it and then the henna goes orange making the upkeep cycle very laborious.

[hennalonghair]

I'm going to do my friend's hair early next week, following your advice about hibiscus to cover her roots. I've done a three stage strand test on a sample that includes her white roots. I've used the hibiscus/rajisthani mix for the entire strand, but left it on for 4, 8 and 12 hours. The first two times, the dark brown dyed part hardly changed, and the roots were too light, but by 12 hours, the roots were a warm, mid chestnut and the dyed portion was a shade darker but the same colour as the roots. I'm going to use another section and see what happens with just henna over the dyed shaft, to see if it evens the transition between roots and dye. Then she can just do her roots in future and gradually cut the dye out - her hair grows very fast. Cat from Hennacat, where i got the henna and hibiscus here in England, has asked me for before and after pics, as she hadn't heard of that method, so I'll post some here as well.
Yes she might have a problem at first with the difference between the dyed portion and the roots but it might start blending it over multiple treatments. Do you add any kind of terp to your mix? I really find this makes a world of diffetence to how well it sticks. I can add enough to do my roots in the overall mix then dilute it down with either coconut milk or conditioner to do my length.


Hi everyone! So glad to finally come out of lurker mode :happydance:

I need help creating a hendigo mix to get a rich medium dark brow with cooler red tones. No plum, no copper orange, and not fire engine bright since I'd like to still see some brown. I'm brand new and can't post pics yet but I have natural medium brown hair that reflects golden and copper red in the sun. Can anyone help? Pretty please! Looking at all your beautiful cherry cola heads is making it hard to be patient, haha!
I have many saved but here is a good idea of the results I'm looking for. Hope the link works (fingers crossed) Thanks everyone!

http://www.modernsalon.com/features/hair-beauty/HOW-TO-Formula-and-Steps-for-Rich-Dimensional-Chocolate-Color-248052391.html


If no copper orange at all is a dealbreaker for you, I'd say stay away from henna. Sometimes, no matter what you do, henna goes orange in the sun because that's what color lawsone is. If you still want to risk it, I'd say go for lots and lots of strand testing. Even people that use indigo get some fading from it and then the henna goes orange making the upkeep cycle very laborious.
I'm with Nightshade on this one. Henna and indigo are not ideal herbs for getting brown. While some can achieve brown it can become temperamental when using indigo and even then for many, including myself, it just washed out leaving me back to a not as nice henna red.
Then again there are people using henna and butus to get a rich brown so it can be done. Just not on everyone.

If you do want to try it then you mix your henna and wait for dye release according to the directions for the specific strain, then mix the amount of indigo you want to mix , ( separately) 20 minutes prior to using and after 20 minutes mix the two together and apply. The wait time is also according to your henna's instructions which could be anywhere from 1 to 8 hours.

[flickm]

Yes she might have a problem at first with the difference between the dyed portion and the roots but it might start blending it over multiple treatments. Do you add any kind of terp to your mix? I really find this makes a world of diffetence to how well it sticks. I can add enough to do my roots in the overall mix then dilute it down with either coconut milk or conditioner to do my length.


The difference between the roots and the rest is very slight and only noticable in sunlight, but i do think there's a case for her doing the roots again fairly soon, just to even things up a bit more. I think I'm going to break it into 4 hour stages and rinse in between, keeping an eye on how things are developing, which is how i did the strand test. The big problem is that there is such a demarkation between her white roots and the dyed portion of her hair. If we were just hennaing white hair, it would be a lot easier.

I just use hot water for my henna mixes. i did use lemon juice a couple of times, but it doesn't seem to have made a lot of differenec. the info on this is contradictory and confusing. I'm certainly open to suggestions on this, though.

I do very much appreciate your advice on covering grey. Isn't it wonderful that we can share tips and information across the world :)

[hennalonghair]

G
The difference between the roots and the rest is very slight and only noticable in sunlight, but i do think there's a case for her doing the roots again fairly soon, just to even things up a bit more. I think I'm going to break it into 4 hour stages and rinse in between, keeping an eye on how things are developing, which is how i did the strand test. The big problem is that there is such a demarkation between her white roots and the dyed portion of her hair. If we were just hennaing white hair, it would be a lot easier.

I just use hot water for my henna mixes. i did use lemon juice a couple of times, but it doesn't seem to have made a lot of differenec. the info on this is contradictory and confusing. I'm certainly open to suggestions on this, though.

I do very much appreciate your advice on covering grey. Isn't it wonderful that we can share tips and information across the world :)
Yes it is definitely awesome. Modern technology still fascinates me.
There 's a huge difference between my hair and my roots coming in.
The thing is if you have a colour that's dark enough to cover grays then it only makes sense that the new hair growth will be that much more apparent but that's the choice you have to make. She could go for rinses but you'd most likely get orange hair.
No Lemon juice. It's not necessary and very drying to the hair but if you have apple cider vinegar then add 2 tbsp. per 50 grams .Essential oils like: Tea tree , Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint can be used as terps. Just add about 5 drops per 50 grams to your mix . It's great especially for the roots You can then dilute it for the rest of your hair.
Henna usually sticks second time around a lot better. It has something to stick to then.

[flickm]

G
Yes it is definitely awesome. Modern technology still fascinates me.
There 's a huge difference between my hair and my roots coming in.
The thing is if you have a colour that's dark enough to cover grays then it only makes sense that the new hair growth will be that much more apparent but that's the choice you have to make. She could go for rinses but you'd most likely get orange hair.
No Lemon juice. It's not necessary and very drying to the hair but if you have apple cider vinegar then add 2 tbsp. per 50 grams .Essential oils like: Tea tree , Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint can be used as terps. Just add about 5 drops per 50 grams to your mix . It's great especially for the roots You can then dilute it for the rest of your hair.
Henna usually sticks second time around a lot better. It has something to stick to then.

Ah, well I use ACV for rinsing my hair after washing. Actually I've probably inadvertently used terps in that i put a few drops of vanilla or geranium essential oil in the mix.

Yes, henna certainly does build up. I'm as dark as i want to be with my own hair, which is a bit deeper than my avatar now, but still golden copper in the sun - redder now though. I'm so in love with my hair since i hennaed it. I'm even going to wear all or part of it up sometimes, which i haven't done since i was a teenager (more years ago than seems possible!!!). I'm on the lookout for interesting hair sticks, but the best ones are in America and the cost of import and shipping is prohibitive. i think I'm going to make my own with natural woods.

[pixietail]

So, on Wednesday I made up a 50/50 henniscus (never letting go of that word!) mix and popped it in the freezer. I'll apply and leave it in overnight tonight. Hopefully by the end of the weekend my grays won't be orange anymore!

Couple of questions though - I don't have any essential oils on hand except for oil of oregano. Would that work as a terp?

And, are you supposed to mix the henna and the hibiscus in at the same time? It occurred to me later that I don't know how long the dye release on the hibiscus is. If I mix, freeze, thaw, and apply them at the same time, will I still get a red color?

Also, does anyone else think that the addition of hibiscus powder makes the wet mix look rather like pureed liver?

[pixietail]

Double post. sorry.

[flickm]

So, on Wednesday I made up a 50/50 henniscus (never letting go of that word!) mix and popped it in the freezer. I'll apply and leave it in overnight tonight. Hopefully by the end of the weekend my grays won't be orange anymore!

Couple of questions though - I don't have any essential oils on hand except for oil of oregano. Would that work as a terp?

And, are you supposed to mix the henna and the hibiscus in at the same time? It occurred to me later that I don't know how long the dye release on the hibiscus is. If I mix, freeze, thaw, and apply them at the same time, will I still get a red color?

Also, does anyone else think that the addition of hibiscus powder makes the wet mix look rather like pureed liver?

Well, I'm no expert - I did this yesterday following hennalonghair's advice. I mixed 50/50 rajisthani henna and hibiscus with warm filtered water, then waited for the henna to dye release. I'm kind of assuming the hibiscus doesn't have a specific dye release like henna, or that it happens straight away, so I covered the bowl with cling film and tested from time to time till I got an orange stain on my hand. It's worked fine and the grey part of my friend's strand test is now a beautiful chestnut colour and the dyed blackish brown part has lightened to a very slightly deeper chestnut than her white roots.

Oh, yuck, pureed liver, and me a vegetarian :(

[Nightshade]

Terping for hair has never been proving really well. It works great for skin, but results on hair don't show as much, or any impact. Terping is using essetial oils that contains terpenes. Tea tree, cajeput, ravensara, geranium, lavender, cypress, neroli, pine, juniper, thyme and rosemary all have them. A quick Google says that the active component of oregano oil is called carvacrol, which is structured as a terpene. So it might work just fine for this purpose, but I don't have any experience with it.

[unicornlady]

MyGameMyRules, I got kinda the color you want just by using one "henniscus" application for 5 hours. The mix consisted of 100g BAQ henna and 100g of milled hibiscus, terped with about 10 drops of tea tree oil. I put hibiscus into hot (but not too hot) water separately for 10mins, then mixed into the henna that already released with warm water, then terped. But I'd say it's more chestnut than chocolate. It has the same subtle copper sheen as in the picture you posted and it's a similar brown, just slightly warmer. I dont like orange either but one layer of henna is realy subtle. I'd do a strand test in your place. Idk maybe you want to use amla, I've read it gives ashy tones, but idk how it will behave exactly without indigo. Look for the mixes with amla. Indigo mixes seem complicated to maintain because indigo washes out and it's super reactive with stuff and then gives ugly color.

P.S. my natural color is medium mousy brown

[MyGameMyRules]

Thanks unicornlady for the advice. I'll try looking for amla mixes that might work for me. I'll be picking up some tea tree oil then.

I've ordered 600g of Red Raj, 200g grams each of amla, cassia, indigo, and hibiscus powder all from Henna Sooq. Then just because I've LOVE this result picture, I bought 800g of Ancient Sunrise Purity from Mehandi. Like I said, I have so many pics I love and all differ just a bit but same ballpark overall I think. It's probably too good to be true for me to get results like those from just the Purity. It's stunning!

Here's what she got. And I wanna snatch it right off her head, heehee. Anyone with ideas or experience with Purity, please feel free to let me know. Thanks all!

http://i54.tinypic.com/qoeukh.jpg

[MyGameMyRules]

No, thank you auni for the response! It's appreciated. I am afraid to use indigo but figured it would end up being an unfortunate necessity so I don't go flaming red. I'm hoping I find a mix that won't need it.

[MyGameMyRules]

Nightshade I'm not against having no copper at all since I have it already in the sun. I'd just like to get a cooler red brown overall and a bit of copper is ok. Any ideas? I just replied to auni what I've got coming so far. What else should I get in addition to these? Here goes:

600g Red Raj
200g amla powder
200g cassia powder
200g hibiscus powder
200g indigo
All the above from Henna Sooq. And because it's drop dead gorgeous, and says she used Purity, from Mehandi I ordered
800g Ancient Sunrise Purity

http://i54.tinypic.com/qoeukh.jpg

[MyGameMyRules]

Thank you hennalonghair for the advice. It why I'm here. I need all the help I can get before I touch my head! I replied to nightshade but it was meant to thank both of you. I just forgot to add your name to it. Oops! I also included a link to a pic that says she used Ancient Sunrise Purity. I believe her starting color was much lighter than mine so I ordered the indigo just in case. I'm hoping to never use it because I agree, it's unpredictable and sometimes scary.

Buy, I did stock up on the Ancient Sunrise Purity in the off chance that it could be that easy. Yeah, I wish! Here's the pic.

http://i54.tinypic.com/qoeukh.jpg

[hennalonghair]

Vanilla and germanium aren't terpes at all but can still be used for added fragrance. Oil of oregano works exceptionally well BUT you only need a drop or two. It's extremely potent stuff and can be sonewhat drying .
I happen to find adding terpes , as in essential oils , makes a big difference , not only how well it stains but for how I long I need to leave the henna on for. It seems to cut the henna time in half for me.
Hibiscus should be mixed with the henna. Mix your henna and then add the hibiscus to your mix. You'll most likely need to add more liquid.
I've presently got henna sitting on my head now.

[hennalonghair]

Nightshade I'm not against having no copper at all since I have it already in the sun. I'd just like to get a cooler red brown overall and a bit of copper is ok. Any ideas? I just replied to auni what I've got coming so far. What else should I get in addition to these? Here goes:

600g Red Raj
200g amla powder
200g cassia powder
200g hibiscus powder
200g indigo
All the above from Henna Sooq. And because it's drop dead gorgeous, and says she used Purity, from Mehandi I ordered
800g Ancient Sunrise Purity

http://i54.tinypic.com/qoeukh.jpg
That looks like a nice list if you are looking for brownish red.
There's even a henndigo thread and the members in that would be better able to help you.
Not that I don't want to, it's just that they know more about getting that colour than most of us do.
We are cherry cola henna heads. :lol:

[Waterlilly21]

Waiting for dye release with my henniscus so I can apply it before bed. Looking forward to see my colour tomorrow!

[hennalonghair]

I just did my roots with Yemeni and hibiscus and I'm quite impressed. The colour from this henna is like henna on steroids. I will write up my recipe tomorrow but I used 1/4 cup of henna and 6 tbsps of hot water along with a few other things including honey, which I NEVER normally use. I forgot that I was documenting it all so wanted to have some consistency and I just blew that altogether. I remembered Texangurrrrrrl saying that it was gritty so I thought the honey would smooth it out some which it did. Anyway I covered it and waited for dye release. I took pictures and everyrhing except for my hair which I'll show after it oxidizes. That will give me time to do the write up. I only waited 3 hours for dye release and left it on from 60 to 90 minutes. It stained nicely. Next time I'll leave out the honey because it may have interfered with its adherence.

[emelnd]

Where did you find the yemeni henna, hennalonghair? Or did you have some stockpiled?

[hennalonghair]

Where did you find the yemeni henna, hennalonghair? Or did you have some stockpiled?

Nightshade!!:flower:

[hennalonghair]

This Yemeni henna is truly awesome. I had left it too late to start my henna treatment but didn't want to freeze it so did my hair anyway. Considering I only waited 3 hours for dye release and only left it on for 60 to 90 minutes, it still stained my roots a nice cherry cola colour. At first the roots were a bit orangey but just 2 hours after rinsing it out it was STILL colouring my hair. Go figure??? I'm VERY impressed. This is exactly the type of henna I wanted. Something quick and simple that's cost effective and gives great colour. I'll be happy to give this henna a GREAT REVIEW!
Oh You guys are in for a real treat.
I'd just add fair warning that if you used to leave your henna on for 8 hours you might want to cut that in half at least with this stuff or you might go too red. I mean IT STAINS!!!!!!

[flickm]

Vanilla and germanium aren't terpes at all but can still be used for added fragrance. Oil of oregano works exceptionally well BUT you only need a drop or two. It's extremely potent stuff and can be sonewhat drying .
I happen to find adding terpes , as in essential oils , makes a big difference , not only how well it stains but for how I long I need to leave the henna on for. It seems to cut the henna time in half for me.
Hibiscus should be mixed with the henna. Mix your henna and then add the hibiscus to your mix. You'll most likely need to add more liquid.
I've presently got henna sitting on my head now.

Why isn't geranium essential oil terps, hennalonghair? Just curious as i love it and tend to throw it into everything (including me)

[hennalonghair]

Why isn't geranium essential oil terps, hennalonghair? Just curious as i love it and tend to throw it into everything (including me)sorry. Geranium is a terpe. Vanilla isn't. I goofed. I've never even thought about germanium oil. That must smell quite lovely.

[flickm]

sorry. Geranium is a terpe. Vanilla isn't. I goofed. I've never even thought about germanium oil. That must smell quite lovely.

Terpe i meant (is that right). It's gorgeous and very uplifting :)

[hennalonghair]

Terpe i meant (is that right). It's gorgeous and very uplifting :)

Interesting! I just never would have thought of it. Your hair colour is just stunning by the way. How often do you henna and do you usually just do root touch ups?
May I ask how old you are? The colour really suites you.
Aren't you the one who grinds their own hibiscus flowers?

[hennalonghair]

Hahaha. You're the furry troll lady. :rollin:
Not that YOU are a furry troll. :lol:

[flickm]

Interesting! I just never would have thought of it. Your hair colour is just stunning by the way. How often do you henna and do you usually just do root touch ups?
May I ask how old you are? The colour really suites you.
Aren't you the one who grinds their own hibiscus flowers?

Gosh, thank you :) I only started hennaing about 8 weeks ago (I think). I've done three or four full head applications and a roots touch up. I intend doing just roots now as I'm at the colour i want and don't want to go any darker. Hibiscus flowers? Me? No, I'm not even sure the right variety would grow here outside of a greenhouse, though i did have a common mallow bush in the garden at one time, which must be related as the flowers look identical except for being paler pink.
As for age, the photo on the left was taken when i was in my late fifties - that was a while ago . . . I don't usually disclose my age online as I'm a writer and there is a prejudice against age in that profession (though my genes mean i look a LOT younger than i am - people often assume my 11 year old granddaughter is my daughter).

[flickm]

hahaha. You're the furry troll lady. :rollin:
Not that you are a furry troll. :lol:

lol . . . . . . .

[hennalonghair]

I know! Never ask a women her real age? Right?
Well you just got a LOT cooler to me.
I really hope I don't stick my foot in my mouth here cause I'm famous for it but I thought perhaps you might be a bit older than most here that are colouring their hair this colour. Which I find especially impressive because you're a natural blonde . Aren't you? :shrug: I know! I know! Another question I shouldn't ask.
I'm 55 and Neomas 56 so this is AWESOME! When I talk about dying grays you actually understand what I'm talking about . Lol!
And sorry Neoma for 'outing' you this way but I think it's very important for others to know just how well this stains.
Right????

As I'm proving myself to be a furry troll!!! :couch:

[flickm]

I know! Never ask a women her real age? Right?
Well you just got a LOT cooler to me.
I really hope I don't stick my foot in my mouth here cause I'm famous for it but I thought perhaps you might be a bit older than most here that are colouring their hair this colour. Which I find especially impressive because you're a natural blonde . Aren't you? :shrug: I know! I know! Another question I shouldn't ask.
I'm 55 and Neomas 56 so this is AWESOME! When I talk about dying grays you actually understand what I'm talking about . Lol!
And sorry Neoma for 'outing' you this way but I think it's very important for others to know just how well this stains.
Right????

As I'm proving myself to be a furry troll!!! :couch:

My hair went from fairish (with darker underneath) to really quite blonde as i aged - I think it faded like that because there's a lot of red in it naturally. Now it's very pale and has quite a bit of grey blended in, though it doesn't show as my hair is so pale anyway - though my henna has a LOT of highlights and lowlights naturally because my hair has always been a mix of shades and colours. I tried lots of ways of blending it in: sun-in; cassia; even dyes. In the end henna seemed the way to go. I think it comes out the colour it does because the base canvas is so light. Jamila was positively neon on me, but then started to brown down a bit. I tried mixing henna and cassia till i realised I didn't need to as my hair is very light anyway. Now i use Moroccan baq henna which, on me, give the truest coppery ginger, almost golden-copper blonde in sunlight and a lovely reddish ginger indoors in muted light.

I like trolls :) We once befriended a troll on a photography forum i used to be on - got him taking photos and participating in our photographic challenges. He wasn't furry though :taz:

I have such an active online presence that I honestly never ever think of what age people are. I look way younger than i am, so people take on board what age I say, then forget and go back to thinking I'm a lot younger. Lucky genes i guess, plus healthy, active lifestyle and a younger man (well, six years younger) :) Now i sound up myself!!!

BTW, are you up late or early? you must be at least 6 hours behind me timewise. Oh, and I LOVE your hair - length, colour, wave, thickness

[flickm]

I know! Never ask a women her real age? Right?
I thought perhaps you might be a bit older than most here that are colouring their hair this colour.

What gave me away? Appearance? The way i communicate?

[hennalonghair]

My hair went from fairish (with darker underneath) to really quite blonde as i aged - I think it faded like that because there's a lot of red in it naturally. Now it's very pale and has quite a bit of grey blended in, though it doesn't show as my hair is so pale anyway - though my henna has a LOT of highlights and lowlights naturally because my hair has always been a mix of shades and colours. I tried lots of ways of blending it in: sun-in; cassia; even dyes. In the end henna seemed the way to go. I think it comes out the colour it does because the base canvas is so light. Jamila was positively neon on me, but then started to brown down a bit. I tried mixing henna and cassia till i realised I didn't need to as my hair is very light anyway. Now i use Moroccan baq henna which, on me, give the truest coppery ginger, almost golden-copper blonde in sunlight and a lovely reddish ginger indoors in muted light.

I like trolls :) We once befriended a troll on a photography forum i used to be on - got him taking photos and participating in our photographic challenges. He wasn't furry though :taz:

I have such an active online presence that I honestly never ever think of what age people are. I look way younger than i am, so people take on board what age I say, then forget and go back to thinking I'm a lot younger. Lucky genes i guess, plus healthy, active lifestyle and a younger man (well, six years younger) :) Now i sound up myself!!!

BTW, are you up late or early? you must be at least 6 hours behind me timewise. Oh, and I LOVE your hair - length, colour, wave, thickness

Yes your starting colour is what makes your colour so vibrantly stunning. You've got a great canvas to paint on. The henna really stains nicely over gray, white, silver and blonde. It's almost like a ruby red almost. The I'm
I think most people have a variety of colour tones in their hair. My hairs canvas is very gray but underneath that there is possibly 5% if that. I've got quite a bit of darker hair underneath.
So you use Morrocan henna. I used to use that but you can't freeze it and it has such a quick demise time. It's dye release is only 1 to 2 hours but it is one of the darker shades for sure.
Ok so do you add hibiscus powder to get your colour or is that just the colour you ended up with from henna alone?
I'm also young looking for my age. I look about 45 or so and my man is 5 1/2 years younger. In some parts of the world we are known as Cougars.
Really?:shrug:

[hennalonghair]

What gave me away? Appearance? The way i communicate?

Haha! Not really. I just put 2 & 2 together is all. And it's now 6:45 here. I was up half the night. My hairs still wet and I don't sleep well with wet hair. Plus it went down to -2 late night. Burrrr!

[flickm]

Yes your starting colour is what makes your colour so vibrantly stunning. You've got a great canvas to paint on. The henna really stains nicely over gray, white, silver and blonde. It's almost like a ruby red almost. The I'm
I think most people have a variety of colour tones in their hair. My hairs canvas is very gray but underneath that there is possibly 5% if that. I've got quite a bit of darker hair underneath.
So you use Morrocan henna. I used to use that but you can't freeze it and it has such a quick demise time. It's dye release is only 1 to 2 hours but it is one of the darker shades for sure.
Ok so do you add hibiscus powder to get your colour or is that just the colour you ended up with from henna alone?
I'm also young looking for my age. I look about 45 or so and my man is 5 1/2 years younger. In some parts of the world we are known as Cougars.
Really?:shrug:

Oh, I haven't found the Moroccan any darker than Jamila - which i adored till it went browner on me. It's a pain you can't freeze the Moroccan, but since I'm only going to be doing roots now, it doesn't matter just mixing up a bit and using it that day.

I'm excited to see you've managed to get such a deep colour over grey hair, as that's what I need to do for my friend on Tuesday. We're going to make a day of it with lunch etc. I'm totally impetuous and impulsive with my own hair and never did a strand test - but for her I've been totally scientific. I'm really fascinated by the fact that the rajisthani henna/hibiscus has actually lightened the blackish dyed part of her hair. What seems to have worked is 8 hours mixture over the lot, then 4 hours with mixture on the roots and straight henna on the dyed portion - it's hard to tell the difference between the two sections now.

I'm not going to label myself a cougar for the sake of a man who is only six years younger and looks older than me LOL.

I'm intrigued that you use colour instead of the US color, but you say gray instead of grey. i remember a Canadian friend telling me the spelling was nearer to British than US. I wish someone would tell my copy of Word, which keeps defaulting to US spelling!

[hennalonghair]

Oh, I haven't found the Moroccan any darker than Jamila - which i adored till it went browner on me. It's a pain you can't freeze the Moroccan, but since I'm only going to be doing roots now, it doesn't matter just mixing up a bit and using it that day.

I'm excited to see you've managed to get such a deep colour over grey hair, as that's what I need to do for my friend on Tuesday. We're going to make a day of it with lunch etc. I'm totally impetuous and impulsive with my own hair and never did a strand test - but for her I've been totally scientific. I'm really fascinated by the fact that the rajisthani henna/hibiscus has actually lightened the blackish dyed part of her hair. What seems to have worked is 8 hours mixture over the lot, then 4 hours with mixture on the roots and straight henna on the dyed portion - it's hard to tell the difference between the two sections now.

I'm not going to label myself a cougar for the sake of a man who is only six years younger and looks older than me LOL.

I'm intrigued that you use colour instead of the US color, but you say gray instead of grey. i remember a Canadian friend telling me the spelling was nearer to British than US. I wish someone would tell my copy of Word, which keeps defaulting to US spelling!

Oh I found the Moroccan henna quite a bit darker than Jamilla. It's probably the most vibrant henna in Orange tones that I've used. And yes my hair was neon orange after a while which is why I prefer the bluish / purple/ reds.
You know I thought I was getting you mixed up with a woman that was diligently gathering information to do her friends hair, meanwhile it was you all along. I'm slow sometimes. :lol:

Yes while henna has its limits its sure can do some pretty amazing things and one of them is balancing out two toned hair.

I was totally kidding about the cougar thing. It was more sarcasm at the label that gets tossed around that I find humorous. My man looked older than me also but it's totally irrelevant to me anyway. I have had my fair share of people calling me out on it though. Just sayin'. :shrug:Age is just a number.

I'm from Canada so normally use British English whereas recently I've been throwing in other words such as gray because I thought when I was spelling it grey that I had it wrong. I was born in England though and came over when I was 5. A few months ago I had a thread about greying / graying hair and I wasn't sure any more about the correct spelling any more. :lol:

I do have a spell check but I don't use it. Maybe I should. Lol!

Anyway I'm tickled pink with my hair. I've got quite a few pics to show but I want to wait until it oxidizes some before I post them.

[flickm]

Oh I found the Moroccan henna quite a bit darker than Jamilla. It's probably the most vibrant henna in Orange tones that I've used. And yes my hair was neon orange after a while which is why I prefer the bluish / purple/ reds.
You know I thought I was getting you mixed up with a woman that was diligently gathering information to do her friends hair, meanwhile it was you all along. I'm slow sometimes. :lol:

Yes while henna has its limits its sure can do some pretty amazing things and one of them is balancing out two toned hair.

I was totally kidding about the cougar thing. It was more sarcasm at the label that gets tossed around that I find humorous. My man looked older than me also but it's totally irrelevant to me anyway. I have had my fair share of people calling me out on it though. Just sayin'. :shrug:Age is just a number.

I'm from Canada so normally use British English whereas recently I've been throwing in other words such as gray because I thought when I was spelling it grey that I had it wrong. I was born in England though and came over when I was 5. A few months ago I had a thread about greying / graying hair and I wasn't sure any more about the correct spelling any more. :lol:

I do have a spell check but I don't use it. Maybe I should. Lol!

Anyway I'm tickled pink with my hair. I've got quite a few pics to show but I want to wait until it oxidizes some before I post them.

Yes, it's me that was asking for info to do her friend's hair :) AND I'm the troll lady - what an image!!! And i realised you were kidding about the cougar thing. Grrrrrrowl . . . And i'm dying to see the pics of your hair. Yes, I see from your profile that you're from Cananda, but had no idea you were born here. Were your parents English?

[Neoma]

This Yemeni henna is truly awesome. I had left it too late to start my henna treatment but didn't want to freeze it so did my hair anyway. Considering I only waited 3 hours for dye release and only left it on for 60 to 90 minutes, it still stained my roots a nice cherry cola colour. At first the roots were a bit orangey but just 2 hours after rinsing it out it was STILL colouring my hair. Go figure??? I'm VERY impressed. This is exactly the type of henna I wanted. Something quick and simple that's cost effective and gives great colour. I'll be happy to give this henna a GREAT REVIEW!
Oh You guys are in for a real treat.
I'd just add fair warning that if you used to leave your henna on for 8 hours you might want to cut that in half at least with this stuff or you might go too red. I mean IT STAINS!!!!!!

This sounds really promising. And I have been in the mood to "up" the red, even to the point of considering adding Manic Panic. So more red would be good. I am in the mood for more dramatic hair!


I know! Never ask a women her real age? Right?
Well you just got a LOT cooler to me.
I really hope I don't stick my foot in my mouth here cause I'm famous for it but I thought perhaps you might be a bit older than most here that are colouring their hair this colour. Which I find especially impressive because you're a natural blonde . Aren't you? :shrug: I know! I know! Another question I shouldn't ask.
I'm 55 and Neomas 56 so this is AWESOME! When I talk about dying grays you actually understand what I'm talking about . Lol!
And sorry Neoma for 'outing' you this way but I think it's very important for others to know just how well this stains.
Right????
No problem on "outing" me since I post my age with my stats. :)

[hennalonghair]

Ok you guys I tried documenting as much as I could on a recipe and technique for achieving cherry cola red hair from yemeni henna and dried hibiscus flowers. I copied some pics just to see if it would work.
Since starting this thread we have had many people ask how to get cherry cola/ burgundy with natural herbs like henna and hibiscus without needing to read 150 pages.

Using natural herbs to colour hair has a lot of pros to it as well as cons.
A great thing is that colouring with herbs is much healthier for hair than chemical treatments. In fact they can leave your hair gleaming.

Colouring with henna is like using water colours to paint your hair. The darker the pigment the darker the colour but it also has to do with what colour you are starting off with. If you are blonde or grey then jamilla will turn out very orange unless you use many coats of it but then you have to do that many coats to maintain(do your roots ) which is something to consider before using henna. The pigment you already have in your hair will help determine your colour result.
Also although henna is not a protein , it acts like a protein, so if your hair hates protein using henna might be a problem. A way to combat this is to use a good protein free moisturizing lotion and then a pea sized amount of shea butter , coconut oil ( or other quality oil ( or a good leave in) after a henna treatment.
Also if you apply full strength henna your first few times to get the colour that you want then you might only wish to do your roots from then on orherwise you may end up with a darker colour than you intended. You can always go darker but reversing it is much more difficult.
Henna Glosses- you might want to choose to do a henna gloss. Some people use fresh henna paste after waiting for dye release while others just add some henna powder ( 1 to 2 tbsps. per 1/2 to 1 cup of conditioner or coconut milk. This way is faster, more economical, easier and lighter in colour.
You can use henna before or after a commercial box dye treatment as long as it is pure henna or BAQ (Body Art Quality) henna meaning that it has been grown with no pesticides. Pesticides leave metallic salts in the henna which often interferes with other substances which can cause unpredictable results in colour and texture.
Henna compounds are not considered pure henna and are also just as temperamental.
You are best knowing exactly what's in your henna, where it's from and what strain it is. This way you know how long to wait for dye release and how long to leave it on for.
Moroccan henna is 1 to 2 hours.
Red raj and yemeni is 3 to 4 hours.
Jamilla is 8 hours. etc.,
Knowing your strain is very important because some hennas can't be frozen. Moroccan henna is one of them. Freezing henna in ice cube trays gives you a way to store prepared henna as well as a way to measure it. Maybe you'll only need 2 ice cubes
to do either a gloss or root touch up.
Henna freezes well with other substances including oils and conditioners

Terpes?
Some people use essential oils to help bring out the henna stain. In my personal opinion these work great.
Some examples are : tea tree oil, Rosemary, lavender, peppermint , geranium,
I've also found these can be quite drying also so you might be best using on roots only or resistant areas.
However you choose to colour your hair it's good to take notes for future reference.

Cherry Cola/ Burgundy ????
To get these colours you need to start with a good solid henna that's already on the redder side and the best two are Red Raj and Yemeni. Both of these have dye release times between 3 to 4 hours and have a higher lawson content so stain well.
Mixing 50/50 or a 1:1 ratio of henna: hibiscus works great for creating and maintaining this colour.
Mix 50% henna with 50% hibiscus powder.
Note: you can use powdered henna from a supplier like henna sooq who also carries the henna.
Nightshade carries Yemeni henna by itself or mixed with hibiscus. OR you can purchase dehydrated hibiscus flowers and grind them in a coffee grinder, magic bullet or vitamix ( dry container)
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsxncva2ij.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6
I used some Yemeni and mixed it with hibiscus the other day and here are my results on silver roots. The picture is from 3 months ago when I had enough roots to really notice the colour difference but just wanted to show the roots as a way to show how well it stains. Please note: the colour of my hair here is off because it's under fluorescent lighting which is the worst for showing off hair.
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfe655959-1.jpg.html
I started with 1/4 cup of fresh Yemini henna powder.
Mix 6 tbsps. hot water, 5 to 7 drops terpe ( essential oil of choice)
1 tbsp. liquid honey or 1 tsp. Sugar ( optional- creates a smoother paste)
1 tbsp. ACV ( apple-cider vinegar )
( optional)
Mix well and cover with plastic for 10 minutes.
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpswdf2nnf9.jpg.html

Add the same amount of ground hibiscus - 3 to 4 tbsp. with enough warm water (2 tbsps. to 3 tbsps approx.) mix, cover and allow to sit in warm spot ( do not place in full sunlight)
Dried hibiscus flowers :
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmtloeebz.jpg.html

Ground hibiscus powder :
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps5qscgilf.jpg.html




Mixed together with added water( liquid)
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbcb4lcr4.jpg.html

Let sit for 3 to 4 hours. Apply to wet pre-washed Hair- cover with plastic and wait for 2 to 8 hours.
Henna needs to be moist in order for it to work therefore hair needs to be well covered. (No coverage will lead to dryness and possibly no staining ability )
Optional: cover with towel or turban for desired length. Henna decreases body temperature so some people feel slightly chilled) Once it's been on for recommended time then you need to rinse well. Sometimes dunked in a bath full of water as in mermaid bath is often highly recommended. At times henna can be a problem to rinse out.
Rinse! Rinse! Rinse! And rinse!
Add conditioner but refrain from washing with shampoo for 48 hours to allow for colour to oxidize. Don't forget your after moisture treatment with oil or leave in.
Let air dry . Using a hair drier will darken your hair colour result.
Good luck. If I left anything out or you have any questions then please just ask. I don't bite too hard:lol:

This is 12 hours later
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsoronnhhd.jpg.html

http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsx0w8chda.jpg.html

[unicornlady]

Your hair looks fantastic on that last picture hennalonghair. The mix of colors looks wonderful, especially with the cool purply shine in there!

I just prepared my henniscus and strand for overnight test, but forgot to terp. :facepalm:
I dont care... if I like the stain, I'll just go for it. Tired of waiting and failed strand tests.

[hennalonghair]

Yes, it's me that was asking for info to do her friend's hair :) . . And i'm dying to see the pics of your hair. Yes, I see from your profile that you're from Cananda, but had no idea you were born here. Were your parents English?

Lol! Yes my parents are STILL English! :lol:

[hennalonghair]

Your hair looks fantastic on that last picture hennalonghair. The mix of colors looks wonderful, especially with the cool purply shine in there!

I just prepared my henniscus and strand for overnight test, but forgot to terp. :facepalm:
I dont care... if I like the stain, I'll just go for it. Tired of waiting and failed strand tests.
Thanks Unicornlady. That's in full sunlight. Inside in afternoon light it looks more like my avatar.
Good luck. It's pretty easy really.

[Auni]

YAY! Hennalonghair, hair pics! Beautiful!:blossom:

[Neoma]

Excellent, very comprehensive overview, hennalonghair! :flowers:

Your hair looks amazing!!!!!!!!!! It looks like fairytale hair. "The beautiful princess had long locks the color of cherry cola..." And I love the contrast of the turquoise hair clip! :thud:

[hennalonghair]

YAY! Hennalonghair, hair pics! Beautiful!:blossom:Thank you Auni! :flowers:


Excellent, very comprehensive overview, hennalonghair! :flowers:

Your hair looks amazing!!!!!!!!!! It looks like fairytale hair. "The beautiful princess had long locks the color of cherry cola..." And I love the contrast of the turquoise hair clip! :thud:
The cherry cola hair princess! :crush:
Does this mean I can turn men into frogs? :magic:

Thank you Neoma. :flowers:

[Neoma]

The cherry cola hair princess! :crush:
Does this mean I can turn men into frogs? :magic:

Thank you Neoma. :flowers:I like it: cherry cola princesses!

Hmmmmmm... I think it means you can turn frogs into princes! :magic:

[hennalonghair]

I like it: cherry cola princesses!

Hmmmmmm... I think it means you can turn frogs into princes! :magic:
I like it too!
:hmm: maybe I should start collecting frogs! :rollin:

[Neoma]

I like it too!
:hmm: maybe I should start collecting frogs! :rollin:

I'm smiling so big my face hurts!
:D

[hennalonghair]

So are you seriously considering doing some manic panic?
Perhaps you might want to see how this Yemeni henna stains first. I only left mine on for an hour or so.
Not that I'm trying to talk you out of it.
What colour were you thinking of doing Neoma?

[flickm]

Lol! Yes my parents are STILL English! :lol:

Yes, of course, but i wondered if they had naturalised and now called themselves Canadian. BTW, did i miss your new hair after the Yemeni pics - or are people refering to earlier in the thread. Must stop being lazy and go and look. Am a bit knackered as we stayed up to watch the Eurovision Song Contest.

[flickm]

Lol! Yes my parents are STILL English! :lol:

Yes, of course, but i wondered if they had naturalised and now called themselves Canadian. BTW, did i miss your new hair after the Yemeni pics - or are people refering to earlier in the thread. Must stop being lazy and go and look. Am a bit knackered as we stayed up to watch the Eurovision Song Contest. Ah, ok it's on the previuous page - just about to read it.

Right, read it now. Very comprehensive, and your hair looks divine!!!!

[unicornlady]

Overnight strand test turned out dark orange brown. I blowdried some for instant oxydation too the color just slightly moved towards chocolate. No red at all. It seems I'm using wrong henna or this henna when frozen doesnt dye as strongly or it is that I forgot to terp. It gave little difference in color and saturation.
I suppose no hennaing until I order some rajahstani henna from somewhere. Have no means to buy online right now so that will wait. I dont think I'll be on forum for a while... I'm super frustrated. Have fun everyone and awesome work with this recap hennalonghair. It made the thread so much easier to navigate through.

[hennalonghair]

Overnight strand test turned out dark orange brown. I blowdried some for instant oxydation too the color just slightly moved towards chocolate. No red at all. It seems I'm using wrong henna or this henna when frozen doesnt dye as strongly or it is that I forgot to terp. It gave little difference in color and saturation.
I suppose no hennaing until I order some rajahstani henna from somewhere. Have no means to buy online right now so that will wait. I dont think I'll be on forum for a while... I'm super frustrated. Have fun everyone and awesome work with this recap hennalonghair. It made the thread so much easier to navigate through.
Thanks Unicornlady,
I know you said you are going to give the site a break for a while. That's understandable. It must be very frustrating trying over and over again only to get the same unwanted results.
May I ask you a few questions?
What strain of henna are you using?
What year was it grown and harvested?
When you made this henna and froze it how long did you wait for dye release?
How was this henna stored while waiting for dye release?
How was it stored it your freezer?
What type of liquid did you use?
If it was water is it town/ city water or well water?
What temperature was the water when you added it?
What things did you add to your henna before waiting for dye release?
Did you add anything after dye release?
Are your sample pieces wrapped up in plastic and where are you keeping then?
How long are you leaving the henna on your sample pieces?

I can't emphasize enough how important your strain of henna is and to know what strain it is.
All henna dyes some type of red from Orange Red to Purple Red and everywhere in between. The fact that you keep saying you get a brown stain with a touch of Orange makes me think of a couple of things.
One is that you could have morrocan henna which has very quick dye release but demises really quickly also.
A woman in our thread was using morrocan strain henna, was waiting 8 hours for dye release and leaving it on for another 8 hours with nothing but a slight brown stain. If it's past its prime staining power then it's not good any more.
Two is that it could be a very old strain and has no more potency to offer any kind of good colour.
Three is you may have gotten an inferior brand that is old AND has fillers in it.
Many people think they are being thrifty by purchasing the cheaper henna at the corner indian store but you aren't doing yourself any favours. You are best off buying the best henna available . You should know: what strain it is ~ when it was harvested ~ whether it's BAQ ~ what the best dye release time is ~ what the best time frame is for leaving it on.
If you start out with an inferior strain then you are already losing right from the get go. It's like planning to bake an orange chiffon cake and the recipe calls for fresh blood oranges. If you go to your fridge and dig out a dried out withered oranges then you can't expect the same results. While henna is in powder form it comes from a plant just like other herbs you use in your kitchen. Have you ever used cooking spices that are long past their expiry date? Using them can ruin an orherwise great meal. People should throw out expired herbs and spices but we seldom do and neither do the people selling these.
If you are wanting cherry cola or burgundy red then you are FAR BETTER starting off with a RED HENNA.
If you have the reddest henna on the market then shifting that colour over to a bluer red to MUCH easier than shifting it from an orange red.
And if the henna is FRESH then it has all those active enzymes and chemicals that are needed to combine with your freshly ground hibiscus. With using the freshest ingredients you are more likely to have the chemical reactions take place that should to bring about the colour you want. Some added ingredients can greatly help inprove this process like some EO's but aren't nevessary with good quality henna.

I think before you give up maybe you could consider starting fresh with the best recommended ingredients those being :
Red Raj & hibiscus powder from Henna Sooq
Yemeni & hibiscus from Nightshade
If you choose another just make sure it's fresh and leaning more towards to red side.
If you choose to grind your own , like I do , then get fresh dehydrated hibiscus flowers.
Always start with FRESH first!!!

And Unicornlady.... When you get some I will personally walk you through it. I KNOW you can do it:cheer:

[sleepingduty]

Hennalonghair,
Thank you so much for sharing your step by step directions and the considerations you need to know as far as hennaing hair! I have learned a lot from you, and you are a wealth of information! U R awesome:)

[hennalonghair]

Yes, of course, but i wondered if they had naturalised and now called themselves Canadian. BTW, did i miss your new hair after the Yemeni pics - or are people refering to earlier in the thread. Must stop being lazy and go and look. Am a bit knackered as we stayed up to watch the Eurovision Song Contest. Ah, ok it's on the previuous page - just about to read it.

Right, read it now. Very comprehensive, and your hair looks divine!!!!
The last I spoke to my parents they were just as British and uppity as they've ever been. Stiff upper lip and children should be seen and not heard.
I severed ties with them in 2008 and its probably the healthiest decision I ever made for myself.
I have NO REGRETS!!!

Thank you for the compliments.
I still haven't done a full out henna / hibiscus treatment to my hair .
There's a large area in the back that's alnost just henna orange.
Talk about procrastinating !

[hennalonghair]

Hennalonghair,
Thank you so much for sharing your step by step directions and the considerations you need to know as far as hennaing hair! I have learned a lot from you, and you are a wealth of information! U R awesome:)

Awwww shucks :smooch: thank you!!!!:sun:

[Ambrielle]

Ok you guys I tried documenting as much as I could on a recipe and technique for achieving cherry cola red hair from yemeni henna and dried hibiscus flowers. I copied some pics just to see if it would work.
Since starting this thread we have had many people ask how to get cherry cola/ burgundy with natural herbs like henna and hibiscus without needing to read 150 pages.

Using natural herbs to colour hair has a lot of pros to it as well as cons.
A great thing is that colouring with herbs is much healthier for hair than chemical treatments. In fact they can leave your hair gleaming.

Colouring with henna is like using water colours to paint your hair. The darker the pigment the darker the colour but it also has to do with what colour you are starting off with. If you are blonde or grey then jamilla will turn out very orange unless you use many coats of it but then you have to do that many coats to maintain(do your roots ) which is something to consider before using henna. The pigment you already have in your hair will help determine your colour result.
Also although henna is not a protein , it acts like a protein, so if your hair hates protein using henna might be a problem. A way to combat this is to use a good protein free moisturizing lotion and then a pea sized amount of shea butter , coconut oil ( or other quality oil ( or a good leave in) after a henna treatment.
Also if you apply full strength henna your first few times to get the colour that you want then you might only wish to do your roots from then on orherwise you may end up with a darker colour than you intended. You can always go darker but reversing it is much more difficult.
Henna Glosses- you might want to choose to do a henna gloss. Some people use fresh henna paste after waiting for dye release while others just add some henna powder ( 1 to 2 tbsps. per 1/2 to 1 cup of conditioner or coconut milk. This way is faster, more economical, easier and lighter in colour.
You can use henna before or after a commercial box dye treatment as long as it is pure henna or BAQ (Body Art Quality) henna meaning that it has been grown with no pesticides. Pesticides leave metallic salts in the henna which often interferes with other substances which can cause unpredictable results in colour and texture.
Henna compounds are not considered pure henna and are also just as temperamental.
You are best knowing exactly what's in your henna, where it's from and what strain it is. This way you know how long to wait for dye release and how long to leave it on for.
Moroccan henna is 1 to 2 hours.
Red raj and yemeni is 3 to 4 hours.
Jamilla is 8 hours. etc.,
Knowing your strain is very important because some hennas can't be frozen. Moroccan henna is one of them. Freezing henna in ice cube trays gives you a way to store prepared henna as well as a way to measure it. Maybe you'll only need 2 ice cubes
to do either a gloss or root touch up.
Henna freezes well with other substances including oils and conditioners

Terpes?
Some people use essential oils to help bring out the henna stain. In my personal opinion these work great.
Some examples are : tea tree oil, Rosemary, lavender, peppermint , geranium,
I've also found these can be quite drying also so you might be best using on roots only or resistant areas.
However you choose to colour your hair it's good to take notes for future reference.

Cherry Cola/ Burgundy ????
To get these colours you need to start with a good solid henna that's already on the redder side and the best two are Red Raj and Yemeni. Both of these have dye release times between 3 to 4 hours and have a higher lawson content so stain well.
Mixing 50/50 or a 1:1 ratio of henna: hibiscus works great for creating and maintaining this colour.
Mix 50% henna with 50% hibiscus powder.
Note: you can use powdered henna from a supplier like henna sooq who also carries the henna.
Nightshade carries Yemeni henna by itself or mixed with hibiscus. OR you can purchase dehydrated hibiscus flowers and grind them in a coffee grinder, magic bullet or vitamix ( dry container)
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsxncva2ij.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6
I used some Yemeni and mixed it with hibiscus the other day and here are my results on silver roots. The picture is from 3 months ago when I had enough roots to really notice the colour difference but just wanted to show the roots as a way to show how well it stains. Please note: the colour of my hair here is off because it's under fluorescent lighting which is the worst for showing off hair.
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfe655959-1.jpg.html
I started with 1/4 cup of fresh Yemini henna powder.
Mix 6 tbsps. hot water, 5 to 7 drops terpe ( essential oil of choice)
1 tbsp. liquid honey or 1 tsp. Sugar ( optional- creates a smoother paste)
1 tbsp. ACV ( apple-cider vinegar )
( optional)
Mix well and cover with plastic for 10 minutes.
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpswdf2nnf9.jpg.html

Add the same amount of ground hibiscus - 3 to 4 tbsp. with enough warm water (2 tbsps. to 3 tbsps approx.) mix, cover and allow to sit in warm spot ( do not place in full sunlight)
Dried hibiscus flowers :
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmtloeebz.jpg.html

Ground hibiscus powder :
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps5qscgilf.jpg.html




Mixed together with added water( liquid)
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbcb4lcr4.jpg.html

Let sit for 3 to 4 hours. Apply to wet pre-washed Hair- cover with plastic and wait for 2 to 8 hours.
Henna needs to be moist in order for it to work therefore hair needs to be well covered. (No coverage will lead to dryness and possibly no staining ability )
Optional: cover with towel or turban for desired length. Henna decreases body temperature so some people feel slightly chilled) Once it's been on for recommended time then you need to rinse well. Sometimes dunked in a bath full of water as in mermaid bath is often highly recommended. At times henna can be a problem to rinse out.
Rinse! Rinse! Rinse! And rinse!
Add conditioner but refrain from washing with shampoo for 48 hours to allow for colour to oxidize. Don't forget your after moisture treatment with oil or leave in.
Let air dry . Using a hair drier will darken your hair colour result.
Good luck. If I left anything out or you have any questions then please just ask. I don't bite too hard:lol:

This is 12 hours later
http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsoronnhhd.jpg.html

http://s50.photobucket.com/user/pollywoggle999/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsx0w8chda.jpg.html

I haven't been very active on this forum lately but i just wanted to say your hair looks FANTASTIC! What a an inspiration you are to all of us. :flower:

[flickm]

The last I spoke to my parents they were just as British and uppity as they've ever been. Stiff upper lip and children should be seen and not heard.
I severed ties with them in 2008 and its probably the healthiest decision I ever made for myself.
I have NO REGRETS!!!

Thank you for the compliments.
I still haven't done a full out henna / hibiscus treatment to my hair .
There's a large area in the back that's alnost just henna orange.
Talk about procrastinating !

My Relationship with my own parents wasn't good either, so I can relate. I've always been supportive to my daughter in contrast.

Your hair is fabulous.

[unicornlady]

Yes of course you can ask for details, hennalonghair. I warn everyone not to read because I'll really go into details,



If you are wanting cherry cola or burgundy red then you are FAR BETTER starting off with a RED HENNA.
If you have the reddest henna on the market then shifting that colour over to a bluer red to MUCH easier than shifting it from an orange red.

Fair argument. You convinced me.
I will probably order from hennacat when I do because I heard nice feedback about her, she has both Yemeni and Rajahstani henna and she's from Europe.

Why I tried so hard not to order from abroad:

It's costly to order anything from USA because shipment to here costs more than the henna.
Trading online is problematic in my country. Not to go into too much detail, foreign sites just accept American Express and a few other brands. So I'll have to open a bank account and get an acceptable "strain" of credit card just because of henna. I was trying not to do something like this unless I absolutely had to.


About the henna:

-I tried to find out what's the strain or the amount of pigment, the importer did not have the information. It is imported from India so I thought it shouldnt be Moroccan?

-Crop should be 2014. It's packaged in December 2014.

-I FIRST had it release, then froze it, then thawed it, then mixed with other ingredients, then applied.

-It says on the package to wait 3 hours for release, but it releases pigment already in about 20minutes to half an hour (starts forming dark orange liquid and it's darker on the top if I scratch it with a spoon, it also starts staining skin so it obviously works well).

-The henna was packaged in water-proof sealed plastic, and that bag was packaged into a light-proof and water-proof foil. It says on site 100% Lawsonia Inermis powder alone with nothing added and suitable for body art. I used it successfully for body art and had some fun tattooing my feet.

-I put henna into a separate drawer in my freezer and I froze it into cubes. It's just been frozen for a few days.

-I used very warm tap/city water for dye release, but nothing too hot. I got an excellent stain on virgin hair with the same henna and same water the last time. I used "henna primed" strand to see what will happen when I color the next time - no difference whatsoever and yet the henna I put on it lightly stained my fingers in just a few seconds of handling. I am bamboozled as to what went wrong! It gave great results with virgin hair I used all the same ingredients because I bought them in bulk so it's all the same batch. And after being frozen it wont stain hair well at all but yet it stains skin? I dont get it.

-I had bad experience twice that henna would NOT release for two days when I added things into it. Even though I kept it in very slightly warmed oven (summerlike temperature nothing more) for the a few hours after the release didnt come as expected, and then waited for two days and no release.

So I did as the first time I dyed - I added the stuff AFTER the release. This time I thawed henna, which was frozen right after release, and then I added very dense mix of powdered hibiscus and water (it sat in hot water for 10mins), I would have added tea tree oil also but I forgot so I went with henna hibiscus and water. This SAME henna with same hibiscus and same terp and same water worked well on my virgin hair.

-I wrapped the samples in plastic and kept them in my pocket to immitate scalp warmth and slept with them overnight. It made poor if any difference. Maybe I overpowered with hibiscus because I put a bit more hib then henna, IDK anymore what is wrong man this is so complicated like Rocket Science...

When I used henna to "prime" virgin samples prior to this, the color stayed much stronger than it was on my virgin hair. It did not wash out nor really tone down although I've been washing and conditioning the test strand repeatedly. So I used one "primed" sample and another that I collected later from my hennaed hair. They're kinda the same after the second layer of henna just the one that I "primed" on the head is slightly weaker in color.

I dont think I'll do strand tests anymore, it's really killing the joy for me in this, and they dont give the same color like my hair anyway. I totally see what people meant when they say strand tests and how they turn out has NOTHING to do with how it actually turns out on hair. It gave me nothing but frustration. Accidental reader, I dont recommend strand testing unless you have nerves of steel.

[Neoma]

So are you seriously considering doing some manic panic?
Perhaps you might want to see how this Yemeni henna stains first. I only left mine on for an hour or so.
Not that I'm trying to talk you out of it.
What colour were you thinking of doing Neoma?
I was toying with the idea, but I want to see how the Yemini stains first. And I am going to up the amount of hibiscus, too.

I hadn't gotten to the point of shopping for a MP color. :flower:

[hennalonghair]

Yes of course you can ask for details, hennalonghair. I warn everyone not to read because I'll really go into details,



Fair argument. You convinced me.
I will probably order from hennacat when I do because I heard nice feedback about her, she has both Yemeni and Rajahstani henna and she's from Europe.

Why I tried so hard not to order from abroad:

It's costly to order anything from USA because shipment to here costs more than the henna.
Trading online is problematic in my country. Not to go into too much detail, foreign sites just accept American Express and a few other brands. So I'll have to open a bank account and get an acceptable "strain" of credit card just because of henna. I was trying not to do something like this unless I absolutely had to.


About the henna:

-I tried to find out what's the strain or the amount of pigment, the importer did not have the information. It is imported from India so I thought it shouldnt be Moroccan?

-Crop should be 2014. It's packaged in December 2014.

-I FIRST had it release, then froze it, then thawed it, then mixed with other ingredients, then applied.

-It says on the package to wait 3 hours for release, but it releases pigment already in about 20minutes to half an hour (starts forming dark orange liquid and it's darker on the top if I scratch it with a spoon, it also starts staining skin so it obviously works well).

-The henna was packaged in water-proof sealed plastic, and that bag was packaged into a light-proof and water-proof foil. It says on site 100% Lawsonia Inermis powder alone with nothing added and suitable for body art. I used it successfully for body art and had some fun tattooing my feet.

-I put henna into a separate drawer in my freezer and I froze it into cubes. It's just been frozen for a few days.

-I used very warm tap/city water for dye release, but nothing too hot. I got an excellent stain on virgin hair with the same henna and same water the last time. I used "henna primed" strand to see what will happen when I color the next time - no difference whatsoever and yet the henna I put on it lightly stained my fingers in just a few seconds of handling. I am bamboozled as to what went wrong! It gave great results with virgin hair I used all the same ingredients because I bought them in bulk so it's all the same batch. And after being frozen it wont stain hair well at all but yet it stains skin? I dont get it.

-I had bad experience twice that henna would NOT release for two days when I added things into it. Even though I kept it in very slightly warmed oven (summerlike temperature nothing more) for the a few hours after the release didnt come as expected, and then waited for two days and no release.

So I did as the first time I dyed - I added the stuff AFTER the release. This time I thawed henna, which was frozen right after release, and then I added very dense mix of powdered hibiscus and water (it sat in hot water for 10mins), I would have added tea tree oil also but I forgot so I went with henna hibiscus and water. This SAME henna with same hibiscus and same terp and same water worked well on my virgin hair.

-I wrapped the samples in plastic and kept them in my pocket to immitate scalp warmth and slept with them overnight. It made poor if any difference. Maybe I overpowered with hibiscus because I put a bit more hib then henna, IDK anymore what is wrong man this is so complicated like Rocket Science...

When I used henna to "prime" virgin samples prior to this, the color stayed much stronger than it was on my virgin hair. It did not wash out nor really tone down although I've been washing and conditioning the test strand repeatedly. So I used one "primed" sample and another that I collected later from my hennaed hair. They're kinda the same after the second layer of henna just the one that I "primed" on the head is slightly weaker in color.

I dont think I'll do strand tests anymore, it's really killing the joy for me in this, and they dont give the same color like my hair anyway. I totally see what people meant when they say strand tests and how they turn out has NOTHING to do with how it actually turns out on hair. It gave me nothing but frustration. Accidental reader, I dont recommend strand testing unless you have nerves of steel.

:applause Well done! It seems like you did your research and everything' you are supposed to. The henna seems legit enough especially with how you explained it staining your fingers and feet. So you let it sit 3 hours for dye release. :hmm: I've heard of people using their crock pot to heat t. Maybe it got heated too quickly and list its potency.
The good news is you did get some good dye release.
You seem to have a good grasp on the in's and outs of henna use.
I actually can relate to the credit card dilima. A while ago I was the same way but I HAD to change that to get the things I wanted. I honestly think this WILL work for you. If strand testing is driving you crazy and not helping then by all means skip it.
I don't always strand test either.
If it's any consolation I think you make a great henna candidate.
You clearly persistent enough. Just try and keep in mind that there is a learning curve and we are all here to help you with those
if you have had more luck not adding anything to the henna while its sitting for dye release then do it that way.
Either way I look forward to reading your henna success story in the near future.:cheer:

[hennalonghair]

My Relationship with my own parents wasn't good either, so I can relate. I've always been supportive to my daughter in contrast.

Your hair is fabulous.yep! That's the only way to do it. Go opposite. I don't have any human children but I make the BEST Doggie mom ever. :heart:


I was toying with the idea, but I want to see how the Yemini stains first. And I am going to up the amount of hibiscus, too.

I hadn't gotten to the point of shopping for a MP color. :flower:That sounds like a good plan. I'm planning on doing an entire gloss. Neoma, I can't believe a few months back you and I wanted to grow in our natural colour:bigeyes:
What the heck were we thinking?
I'm really loving this colour. I have been purposefully leaving my hair light because my hair stains really well and I don't want to go too dark but I sure really like the colour around my face. It's much more attractive than the vibrant orange I had going on for a while. I used to see how bright orange it was by looking in the French door reflection. It was bozo orange for a while there. :lol: now it's a nice cherry cola but not too dark yet.
Those manic panic colours are really something though.
I have a bit of a girl crush on DreamSheeps hair colour. I'm not sure if she uses MP but her colour truly ROCKS:rockerdud:

[Neoma]

That sounds like a good plan. I'm planning on doing an entire gloss. Neoma, I can't believe a few months back you and I wanted to grow in our natural colour:bigeyes:
What the heck were we thinking?
I'm really loving this colour. I have been purposefully leaving my hair light because my hair stains really well and I don't want to go too dark but I sure really like the colour around my face. It's much more attractive than the vibrant orange I had going on for a while. I used to see how bright orange it was by looking in the French door reflection. It was bozo orange for a while there. :lol: now it's a nice cherry cola but not too dark yet.
Those manic panic colours are really something though.
I have a bit of a girl crush on DreamSheeps hair colour. I'm not sure if she uses MP but her colour truly ROCKS:rockerdud:
No, I can't believe I was ready to give this color up. I'm certain that I don't want to go orange again. I may want to go brown again at some point, though I'll probably have to do that with dye, since I don't want to mess with indigo.

For now, I want to be cherry cola red -- a more intense version of what I already have. Hopefully, the Yemeni henna and bumping up the hibiscus will get me there. :flower:

Oh, yeah... DreamSheep's hair is an awesome color.

[Sokudo Ningyou]

(Well, I've just noticed I haven't posted anything here in two years, and almost three before that. Going back to school really has rotted my attention span.)

Anyway, I wandered back in because I felt the need to play with my hair again. I haven't henna'd in a few years--long enough for waist length to grow all of the red out--and after I sugar waxed successfully, I got the urge to think about it again. Also, my hair care has changed enough that I also figured it wouldn't hurt to add the benefits back into it that henna seems to give me (less hair loss, mostly). Found this thread, which is exactly what I want for my colour, and decided to experiment.

I forgot to take pictures before I did anything, but basically, my natural colour is pretty dark brown with gold and red highlights. (Dad is blond, mom is even darker brown. I ended up somewhere in between.) And thin. Very thin follicles, but a lot of it. Indigo doesn't tend to stick, but henna does, only because my hair is so dark, it tends to be a subtle colour that really only shines in the sun for full effect. (Obviously, I have no interest in bleaching to get it brighter; I may not obsess over my hair, but I don't want to go bald.) So I figured this time around, I'd try Raj Red, since it seems to have the most intense red colour, instead of the Jamila I used to use.

I also tried something crazy: avocados instead of coconut milk. (The one time I tried the coconut milk, my hair went nuts. Hated it.) I figured, if the hibiscus is drying, and I need to use a lot of it, then I'd try countering it with something that would nourish my hair in return. So I used two ripe avocados to four ounces of whole hibiscus flowers, 100 grams of Raj, some dried rose petals, beetroot powder, lavender oil, blueberry tea, and a little AVC. It was a good plan, except the blender we have in the use wasn't up to the task. (It's a smoothie maker, and it couldn't handle ripe avocado. :doh:) So instead of a smooth avocado mix, I had slightly chunky guacamole; instead of a smooth grind of hibiscus and rose, I had mostly smooth with a core of chunks that didn't show until I emptied the container into the rest. Yeah. It was a bit awful, but I soldiered on anyway. I left it to dye release probably a little longer than I should have (about five hours) as I ran errands, and it didn't have a very strong stain. (I realized after the fact it may have also been the addition of ACV on top of the hibiscus.) Slopped it on anyway, and left it for about five hours, then rinsed out the chunks with the garden hose before finishing up in the shower with half a bottle of Herbal Essence. Not much colour went down the drain, but I did see a slight red tinge after the colour settled during the week.

Did my second application Friday night, with a few changes.

This time, I used three ripe avocado, and used a hand mixer to mix them into a paste. Got 4 ounces of ground hibiscus powder off Amazon, and mixed it into the avocado paste directly. Tossed the rose petals in with the blueberry tea this time to steep together, instead of trying to grind the petals; the tea was used to smooth out the mix as I incorporated the henna and a rough tablespoon of the beetroot powder. I got it to about the consistency of Greek yogurt and set it near my oil heater to release. This time, however, I stayed nearby and monitored it; it seemed to take about the same time, about five hours, before I figured it had released as much dye as it would. I slopped it on (and it went on a lot better without the stupid chunks), covered it with a heat-shrink cap, a plastic bag, and then a towel turban, and went to sleep. Yes, I slept in it. Only ended up being about six hours, though; I ended up waking up early, and couldn't get back to sleep, so I did the same as before: used the hose to get the majority out, and then showered, finishing up with my usual conditioner.

I definitely have a much more cherry red hue to my hair now, even in the light from my lamp. Can't complain at all.

[flickm]

Yes of course you can ask for details, hennalonghair. I warn everyone not to read because I'll really go into details,



Fair argument. You convinced me.
I will probably order from hennacat when I do because I heard nice feedback about her, she has both Yemeni and Rajahstani henna and she's from Europe.

Yeah, I think I might have recommended her to you (to someone anyway) in another thread. She was the cheapest I found and her henna is super fresh, plus she is a mehendi artist and hennas her own hair, so knows what she's at. She is also very kind. The henna comes in a lovely package, tissue paper, a ribbon, little paper mehendi designs, and, last time, a recipe for Shrewsbury biscuits. Once she gave me free 100gms of amla to try and once free cassia and indigo. I'll be doing my friend's hair on Tuesday, using hennalonghair's henna/hibiscus recipe (what a mine of information that woman is! And how kind). We will be making a day of it: lunch, wine and Shrewsbury biscuits from Hennacat's recipe.

I totally relate to the shipping and import costs from outside Europe. It means we miss out on things like red raj, which everyone raves about but that I haven't managed to find here - though suspect it may be a high lawsone content rajisthani henna, so may go under another name here.

I really hope you get the results you want.

As for going into details, I think people will appreciate that, especially people like me who are relatively new to this and still learning.

[unicornlady]

:applause Well done! It seems like you did your research and everything' you are supposed to. The henna seems legit enough especially with how you explained it staining your fingers and feet. So you let it sit 3 hours for dye release. :hmm: I've heard of people using their crock pot to heat t. Maybe it got heated too quickly and list its potency.
The good news is you did get some good dye release.
You seem to have a good grasp on the in's and outs of henna use.
I actually can relate to the credit card dilima. A while ago I was the same way but I HAD to change that to get the things I wanted. I honestly think this WILL work for you. If strand testing is driving you crazy and not helping then by all means skip it.
I don't always strand test either.
If it's any consolation I think you make a great henna candidate.
You clearly persistent enough. Just try and keep in mind that there is a learning curve and we are all here to help you with those
if you have had more luck not adding anything to the henna while its sitting for dye release then do it that way.
Either way I look forward to reading your henna success story in the near future.:cheer:

I did not wait for 3 hours, I used it soon after it released - and had good results with the first application. It might be that I caused demise with the oven, but really I'm not sure what happened. Btw just washed my hair - I still get some slight orange leak. I'd like a color that is more stable so I'm definitely ordering when I get a chance.

I'm not giving up the nice darker red, the other reason for that is because it looks SO good when being grown out (bottom half hair dark red). I know right, people normally want a uniform color, but I was always delighted to see hair growing out of dark red once it passes the first 4-5inches. If I get bored, I totally digg that option! Plus it looks so awesome with boho braids.

This morning I woke up with inflamed and painful bones behind ears - of overnight oiling. I think it would be good to warn people in your summary post not to use henna overnight if they believe they could catch cold. Wet head overnight definitely can cause it and I think this is what happened to me, although I wrapped with plastic bag and then used scarf. (This is yet another argument to buy high lawsone henna that is strongly red so it does not have to be left on the head overnight to get the desired stain.)

I'm cool now, I get mad quickly but I also chill down equally quickly. I think I'll make a good redhead :lol: I'm very happy to see where the thread is going, you and the girls are doing something really cool there.

[Neoma]

(Well, I've just noticed I haven't posted anything here in two years, and almost three before that. Going back to school really has rotted my attention span.)

Anyway, I wandered back in because I felt the need to play with my hair again. I haven't henna'd in a few years--long enough for waist length to grow all of the red out--and after I sugar waxed successfully, I got the urge to think about it again. Also, my hair care has changed enough that I also figured it wouldn't hurt to add the benefits back into it that henna seems to give me (less hair loss, mostly). Found this thread, which is exactly what I want for my colour, and decided to experiment.

I forgot to take pictures before I did anything, but basically, my natural colour is pretty dark brown with gold and red highlights. (Dad is blond, mom is even darker brown. I ended up somewhere in between.) And thin. Very thin follicles, but a lot of it. Indigo doesn't tend to stick, but henna does, only because my hair is so dark, it tends to be a subtle colour that really only shines in the sun for full effect. (Obviously, I have no interest in bleaching to get it brighter; I may not obsess over my hair, but I don't want to go bald.) So I figured this time around, I'd try Raj Red, since it seems to have the most intense red colour, instead of the Jamila I used to use.

I also tried something crazy: avocados instead of coconut milk. (The one time I tried the coconut milk, my hair went nuts. Hated it.) I figured, if the hibiscus is drying, and I need to use a lot of it, then I'd try countering it with something that would nourish my hair in return. So I used two ripe avocados to four ounces of whole hibiscus flowers, 100 grams of Raj, some dried rose petals, beetroot powder, lavender oil, blueberry tea, and a little AVC. It was a good plan, except the blender we have in the use wasn't up to the task. (It's a smoothie maker, and it couldn't handle ripe avocado. :doh:) So instead of a smooth avocado mix, I had slightly chunky guacamole; instead of a smooth grind of hibiscus and rose, I had mostly smooth with a core of chunks that didn't show until I emptied the container into the rest. Yeah. It was a bit awful, but I soldiered on anyway. I left it to dye release probably a little longer than I should have (about five hours) as I ran errands, and it didn't have a very strong stain. (I realized after the fact it may have also been the addition of ACV on top of the hibiscus.) Slopped it on anyway, and left it for about five hours, then rinsed out the chunks with the garden hose before finishing up in the shower with half a bottle of Herbal Essence. Not much colour went down the drain, but I did see a slight red tinge after the colour settled during the week.

Did my second application Friday night, with a few changes.

This time, I used three ripe avocado, and used a hand mixer to mix them into a paste. Got 4 ounces of ground hibiscus powder off Amazon, and mixed it into the avocado paste directly. Tossed the rose petals in with the blueberry tea this time to steep together, instead of trying to grind the petals; the tea was used to smooth out the mix as I incorporated the henna and a rough tablespoon of the beetroot powder. I got it to about the consistency of Greek yogurt and set it near my oil heater to release. This time, however, I stayed nearby and monitored it; it seemed to take about the same time, about five hours, before I figured it had released as much dye as it would. I slopped it on (and it went on a lot better without the stupid chunks), covered it with a heat-shrink cap, a plastic bag, and then a towel turban, and went to sleep. Yes, I slept in it. Only ended up being about six hours, though; I ended up waking up early, and couldn't get back to sleep, so I did the same as before: used the hose to get the majority out, and then showered, finishing up with my usual conditioner.

I definitely have a much more cherry red hue to my hair now, even in the light from my lamp. Can't complain at all.
Sokudo Ningyou, I'm glad that you ended up with cherry red.

I add coconut oil and coco butter to my mix to counteract the henna dryness, and it works beautifully. Maybe something to consider next time, since it's probably easier than avocados. :flower:

[unicornlady]

Yeah, I think I might have recommended her to you (to someone anyway) in another thread. She was the cheapest I found and her henna is super fresh, plus she is a mehendi artist and hennas her own hair, so knows what she's at. She is also very kind. The henna comes in a lovely package, tissue paper, a ribbon, little paper mehendi designs, and, last time, a recipe for Shrewsbury biscuits. Once she gave me free 100gms of amla to try and once free cassia and indigo. I'll be doing my friend's hair on Tuesday, using hennalonghair's henna/hibiscus recipe (what a mine of information that woman is! And how kind). We will be making a day of it: lunch, wine and Shrewsbury biscuits from Hennacat's recipe.

I totally relate to the shipping and import costs from outside Europe. It means we miss out on things like red raj, which everyone raves about but that I haven't managed to find here - though suspect it may be a high lawsone content rajisthani henna, so may go under another name here.

I really hope you get the results you want.

As for going into details, I think people will appreciate that, especially people like me who are relatively new to this and still learning.

Yes, I think I read your post on another thread, another member who wanted to order somewhere from Europe posted it... :)
Based on descriptions of the strains hennacat sells on her site, I think that's it or close to it (red raj). The description says for Rajahstani that it has plum tones (comments say "dark red" and "rich red") and for Yemeni there are two comments and people say it's deep red/purple...

[flickm]

Yes, I think I read your post on another thread, another member who wanted to order somewhere from Europe posted it... :)
Based on descriptions of the strains hennacat sells on her site, I think that's it or close to it (red raj). The description says for Rajahstani that it has plum tones (comments say "dark red" and "rich red") and for Yemeni there are two comments and people say it's deep red/purple...

Rajisthani is what i ordered for my friend's hair to go with the hibiscus, but i think red raj is a step up from that even. My friends wants the more burgundy colour, but we have a problem with her white roots - hence the hibiscus. anyway, good luck and fingers crossed . . . I'm sure you will get the result you want eventually :)

[hennalonghair]

I did not wait for 3 hours, I used it soon after it released - and had good results with the first application. It might be that I caused demise with the oven, but really I'm not sure what happened. Btw just washed my hair - I still get some slight orange leak. I'd like a color that is more stable so I'm definitely ordering when I get a chance.

I'm not giving up the nice darker red, the other reason for that is because it looks SO good when being grown out (bottom half hair dark red). I know right, people normally want a uniform color, but I was always delighted to see hair growing out of dark red once it passes the first 4-5inches. If I get bored, I totally digg that option! Plus it looks so awesome with boho braids.

This morning I woke up with inflamed and painful bones behind ears - of overnight oiling. I think it would be good to warn people in your summary post not to use henna overnight if they believe they could catch cold. Wet head overnight definitely can cause it and I think this is what happened to me, although I wrapped with plastic bag and then used scarf. (This is yet another argument to buy high lawsone henna that is strongly red so it does not have to be left on the head overnight to get the desired stain.)

I'm cool now, I get mad quickly but I also chill down equally quickly. I think I'll make a good redhead :lol: I'm very happy to see where the thread is going, you and the girls are doing something really cool there.

Hey Unicornlady,
When you get henna and it states what the dye release time is, that's the time that it releases the maximum dye. Although you notice dye release early does NOT mean it's ready. You can, will and should see your henna changing colour but this doesn't mean it's ready. Using henna before it's ready will definitely contribute to a weaker colour.

An OMBRE using henna is very attainable. I also like that look.

Henna does lower body temperature so you can very easily feel chilled. I am at the point of refusing to sleep with henna on my head. Now my routine consists of dye release within 3 hours and application set time of a max of 2 hours. For me it's extremely important to get the best stain in the shortest amount of time. Since I henna every 10 to 14 days I want something less messy, more convenient with great colour for a responsible price.
I don't ask for much.:shrug::lol:
Well Unicornlady, you made me realize something that really needs to be addressed and that's availability.
Most of the information about where to buy products is restricted to Canada and the United States. I totally ignored the fact that not everyone has access to the recommended places to purchase items so I'm going to do some more research and add this to my BIG EDIT that I'll be doing in the next week or two.
So thanks for bringing this to my attention. It's very important info that should be included.

[Seeshami]

the flash made it look kinda funny but oh well. The ombre as it is today
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/BrokenCagedBird/9b2abff0-4459-4425-a8f4-70389217e39b_zps1hul3krp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BrokenCagedBird/media/9b2abff0-4459-4425-a8f4-70389217e39b_zps1hul3krp.jpg.html)

[Ambrielle]

the flash made it look kinda funny but oh well. The ombre as it is today
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/BrokenCagedBird/9b2abff0-4459-4425-a8f4-70389217e39b_zps1hul3krp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BrokenCagedBird/media/9b2abff0-4459-4425-a8f4-70389217e39b_zps1hul3krp.jpg.html)

I had a crappy day but thanks to you and your glorious hair i smiled for the first time today. :heart: Simply gorgeous!

[Seeshami]

Here is a braid that shows the fade better

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/BrokenCagedBird/d79ab315-ee29-4050-b9b5-9bf0226c48e4_zpswgveyjl8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BrokenCagedBird/media/d79ab315-ee29-4050-b9b5-9bf0226c48e4_zpswgveyjl8.jpg.html)
Has another smile.

[Auni]

Seeshami, absolutely beautiful! I love it! Great example of of how henna compounds on itself too!:o

[Nightshade]

Hello ladies! I did some experiments last night and wanted to share.

I had the idea kicking around my head that it might be better to use simmered and strained hibiscus for the liquid because then you're not diluting the henna (diluting henna makes it more orange). My test pots were:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2YK1atlogU/VWYQ7ep0opI/AAAAAAAANbg/XCfoNW2wCeo/s800/Powders.jpg
I forgot to put it on the label, but the henna indigo blend on the far right also was blended with water.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PxUH-KxAKWk/VWYQ8_WnGVI/AAAAAAAANb8/n3rDqPm3O3c/s800/2015-05-27%252520%2525285%252529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxdVh3olxss/VWYQ87L0SVI/AAAAAAAANb4/UFTJMeSY_mY/s800/2015-05-27%252520%2525284%252529.jpg

I simmered hibiscus in distilled water for 15 minutes then strained it and let it cool to 175F. The other pots were mixed with distilled water, also at 175F.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NArCN50NoHE/VWYUqUKqp2I/AAAAAAAANcI/6z_G9m9gvq8/s800/Mud.jpg

So initially the ones with hibiscus and henna appeared most dark, then the 100% henna + hibiscus liquid, and the henna/indigo/triphala/red herb blend was green.

After 4 hours of dye release, I put in the damp mohair locks, and left them to soak for 5 hours. What I got was not what I expected. This is right after rinsing, my apologies for the indoor lighting, it was the wee hours of the morning at this point.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gqRH7y3Bvm8/VWYQ74ffA7I/AAAAAAAANbs/NhLxcJuCj8w/s800/Right-after.jpg

I had thought the 50/50 + simmered hibiscus would be darker, but it was the most pale (but also the most pinky). The 50/50 + water was more orange, but a little pink at the tips.

Here they are after 12 hours of oxidization:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rjGEKaL1bbg/VWYQ7c_xVrI/AAAAAAAANbk/UgZZAnyNq-Q/s800/12-hours-2.jpg

You can see the more pinky nature of the 50/50 simmered in this one:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OycxhvDzexM/VWYQ7cJqaJI/AAAAAAAANbo/bAwawl7Tpt4/s800/12-hours.jpg

But it does seem that cutting the henna does yield a diluted stain. By comparison, here were the straight henna tests I did, same time and temp, same mohair, freshly rinsed:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-XZkgQeyQo/VVnr6c6jUtI/AAAAAAAANRI/XyrrZurfyW0/s800/Henna-Rinsed.jpg


And then oxidized:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DO2d5xMM5sY/VVnr6JzwWGI/AAAAAAAANRM/IZrgDO80iBU/s800/Henna-Rinsed-36.jpg

Thoughts? :) I'll post more pictures as oxidization continues ^_^

[Seeshami]

Seeshami, absolutely beautiful! I love it! Great example of of how henna compounds on itself too!:o

I like it. When i got to classic I had debated with his highness about cuttinf off the henna and he and I came to the conclusion, after being told by several people they wouldn't recognize me that henna chopping was not a viable route for my future hair.

[starfire]

Here is a braid that shows the fade better

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/BrokenCagedBird/d79ab315-ee29-4050-b9b5-9bf0226c48e4_zpswgveyjl8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BrokenCagedBird/media/d79ab315-ee29-4050-b9b5-9bf0226c48e4_zpswgveyjl8.jpg.html)
Has another smile.

That is just gorgeous. /drools

[Seeshami]

Thank you i like it

[Nightshade]

How do you get the gradient so even? It looks like when you dye silk and hang it up wet so it's darker on the bottom :inlove:

[Neoma]

Hello ladies! I did some experiments last night and wanted to share.

I had the idea kicking around my head that it might be better to use simmered and strained hibiscus for the liquid because then you're not diluting the henna (diluting henna makes it more orange). My test pots were:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2YK1atlogU/VWYQ7ep0opI/AAAAAAAANbg/XCfoNW2wCeo/s800/Powders.jpg
I forgot to put it on the label, but the henna indigo blend on the far right also was blended with water.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PxUH-KxAKWk/VWYQ8_WnGVI/AAAAAAAANb8/n3rDqPm3O3c/s800/2015-05-27%252520%2525285%252529.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxdVh3olxss/VWYQ87L0SVI/AAAAAAAANb4/UFTJMeSY_mY/s800/2015-05-27%252520%2525284%252529.jpg

I simmered hibiscus in distilled water for 15 minutes then strained it and let it cool to 175F. The other pots were mixed with distilled water, also at 175F.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NArCN50NoHE/VWYUqUKqp2I/AAAAAAAANcI/6z_G9m9gvq8/s800/Mud.jpg

So initially the ones with hibiscus and henna appeared most dark, then the 100% henna + hibiscus liquid, and the henna/indigo/triphala/red herb blend was green.

After 4 hours of dye release, I put in the damp mohair locks, and left them to soak for 5 hours. What I got was not what I expected. This is right after rinsing, my apologies for the indoor lighting, it was the wee hours of the morning at this point.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gqRH7y3Bvm8/VWYQ74ffA7I/AAAAAAAANbs/NhLxcJuCj8w/s800/Right-after.jpg

I had thought the 50/50 + simmered hibiscus would be darker, but it was the most pale (but also the most pinky). The 50/50 + water was more orange, but a little pink at the tips.

Here they are after 12 hours of oxidization:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rjGEKaL1bbg/VWYQ7c_xVrI/AAAAAAAANbk/UgZZAnyNq-Q/s800/12-hours-2.jpg

You can see the more pinky nature of the 50/50 simmered in this one:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OycxhvDzexM/VWYQ7cJqaJI/AAAAAAAANbo/bAwawl7Tpt4/s800/12-hours.jpg

But it does seem that cutting the henna does yield a diluted stain. By comparison, here were the straight henna tests I did, same time and temp, same mohair, freshly rinsed:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-XZkgQeyQo/VVnr6c6jUtI/AAAAAAAANRI/XyrrZurfyW0/s800/Henna-Rinsed.jpg


And then oxidized:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DO2d5xMM5sY/VVnr6JzwWGI/AAAAAAAANRM/IZrgDO80iBU/s800/Henna-Rinsed-36.jpg

Thoughts? :) I'll post more pictures as oxidization continues ^_^

Nightshade, this is a very interesting experiment. And I am surprised by the results.

I wonder how human hair color(s) and texture(s) would impact the results.

[Nightshade]

Aye, me too. Sadly finding hair that isn't hennaed in my house is a no-go XD I suppose I could raid DH's brush. I know human hair does react differently than mohair, but it's as good as I could do with controls, and I do think there's some valuable stuff there regardless :)

[Neoma]

Aye, me too. Sadly finding hair that isn't hennaed in my house is a no-go XD I suppose I could raid DH's brush. I know human hair does react differently than mohair, but it's as good as I could do with controls, and I do think there's some valuable stuff there regardless :)

Absolutely! And I wasn't suggesting that you try the experiment! I was just idly wondering about variables... :flowers:

P.S. I received my Yemeni today! :cheer:

Sadly, I probably won't get to henna until Saturday. :justy:

[hennalonghair]

Seeshami. Your hair is glorious. So so pretty. :inlove:

[hennalonghair]

Absolutely! And I wasn't suggesting that you try the experiment! I was just idly wondering about variables... :flowers:

P.S. I received my Yemeni today! :cheer:

Sadly, I probably won't get to henna until Saturday. :justy:
I think she 'should' try the experiment on HER hair.
We'd do it for her!! :shrug:

[Seeshami]

How do you get the gradient so even? It looks like when you dye silk and hang it up wet so it's darker on the bottom :inlove:

A similar way but instead of getting henna mess every where I keep it in a giant freezer bag. Every half hour or hour (read as when ever I think about it) I re squish it back up and through the hair. The ends have been hennaed a lot move then the middle as well. As my hair gets longer the more hair I shove in the ziploc.


Seeshami. Your hair is glorious. So so pretty. :inlove:

Thank you. I dunno if I will keep it henna starts around waist with the decided on going to knee adventure or if I will let it go back to being out of my desired proportion. We will just have to see. Now that I have performance tested the wrapped topsy tail I don't have to fight his highness with coin belt tangles and terminal could always end up being a thing.

[Nightshade]

Actually, that reminds me, I DO have locks of my hair :D I saved them from Sun-In testing and they're full length and root-oriented.

So, what should I try? :twisted:

[hennalonghair]

Actually, that reminds me, I DO have locks of my hair :D I saved them from Sun-In testing and they're full length and root-oriented.

So, what should I try? :twisted:
I was totally KIDDING!!! :lol: I don't expect you to use your own hair but it IS a good experiment.
I've got quite a lot of hair I could use. I loose so much per day I should do some experimenting. I've wondered the same thing. We are essentially diluting our henna.
Oddly enough I found more dye release using less hibiscus powder and a bit of beetroot.
I'll try testing when I get some time.

[Nightshade]

I don't mind :) Besides, my hennaed hair is lighter, so it might show results better!

[Neoma]

the flash made it look kinda funny but oh well. The ombre as it is today
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/BrokenCagedBird/9b2abff0-4459-4425-a8f4-70389217e39b_zps1hul3krp.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/BrokenCagedBird/media/9b2abff0-4459-4425-a8f4-70389217e39b_zps1hul3krp.jpg.html)Seeshami, your hair is stunning! :thud:


Actually, that reminds me, I DO have locks of my hair :D I saved them from Sun-In testing and they're full length and root-oriented.

So, what should I try? :twisted:

Whoohoo! :cheer: I would like to see 100% henna with simmered hibiscus and 50/50 with simmered hibiscus.

I am also thinking about how much the strain of henna affects the redness of the henna/hibiscus mix. When I was using Raj Red, five heaping tablespoons of hibiscus powder produced a very cherry stain. I never used 50/50. But the same ratio of Jamila henna:hibiscus caused my hair to lean more toward brown.

I'm really wondering whether I should go 50/50 with the Yemeni. I want a real cherry cola red. :shrug:

[Nightshade]

Can do :) I can do another ratio than 50/50 if you'd like. I just picked that for easy math ^_^

I suppose we'd need a control and a 100% henna, too, for basis of comparison. I THINK I have 4. Lemme check.

[hennalonghair]

What about 75% henna with 25% simmering hibiscus?

[hennalonghair]

So weird. Two minutes ago this post disappeared so I made another and then it reappeared.

[Neoma]

Can do :) I can do another ratio than 50/50 if you'd like. I just picked that for easy math ^_^

I suppose we'd need a control and a 100% henna, too, for basis of comparison. I THINK I have 4. Lemme check.Whoohoo! I love hair science!


What about 75% henna with 25% simmering hibiscus?
I like that idea.

[Nightshade]

Okay so 75% henna, 25% hibiscus + simmered hibiscus as the liquid?

[hennalonghair]

Okay so 75% henna, 25% hibiscus + simmered hibiscus as the liquid?

Yes! How about making the henna separately with marinating hibiscus simmering on the side. Mix together just before application?
I'd certainly be interested.

By the way, I found my hair much softer the last time I hennaed but I'm not sure if that was because of the henna strain OR the added honey.

[Nightshade]

I'm not sure I understand. So henna + water and then add the hibiscus just before? I don't want to do too many variables so we get clean testing.

[hennalonghair]

Well I was under the impression that you were going to make the hibiscus separately , simmering into a juice before adding to the henna. I just thought this way you wouldn't have the henna diluted 'before' dye release. I'm thinking it's best to add it afterwards but I couod do that experiment. In another week I have to so my roots again anyway.

[Nightshade]

Right right. :) So:

- control
- 75/25 + simmering
- 100% henna + simmering
- 100% henna with water

I think that'll cover our bases? :ponder:

[hennalonghair]

Right right. :) So:

- control
- 75/25 + simmering
- 100% henna + simmering
- 100% henna with water

I think that'll cover our bases? :ponder:
Sounds like a plan to me . :applause

[texangrrl]

Hello ladies!!! Sorry I've been MIA. My move was a little crazier than I expected but I'm now in Illinois and trying to unpack and organize.

I LOVE the experiment idea!!! I'm very surprised by the results of the mohair though. My hair was the typical henna orange red until I did the henna and hibiscus - then it was totally cherry cola. My initial attempt at henniscus was 4 tablespoons in 100 grams of henna and I didn't see a difference. So then I tried the 50/50 mix and it went cherry cola and has been that color ever since. I can't wait to see the results of this!!

[texangrrl]

Right right. :) So:

- control
- 75/25 + simmering
- 100% henna + simmering
- 100% henna with water

I think that'll cover our bases? :ponder:

I like it. :thumbsup:

[Auni]

Yes! How about making the henna separately with marinating hibiscus simmering on the side. Mix together just before application?
I'd certainly be interested.

By the way, I found my hair much softer the last time I hennaed but I'm not sure if that was because of the henna strain OR the added honey.


Right right. :) So:

- control
- 75/25 + simmering
- 100% henna + simmering
- 100% henna with water

I think that'll cover our bases? :ponder:

Ooooo, can't wait to see what happens! I love experiments! I got my mix on Tuesday, (thank you nightshade!;) ) We ended up doing 60% henna, 35% hibiscus, and 5% nettle; that's similar to the 75/25 mix+simmering, and I was going to mix with hibiscus tea, so I can totally relay the results on my grey. I'll henna next week!

[Neoma]

This morning, I mixed Yemeni henna and hibiscus 50:50 with hot water, coconut oil, cocoa butter and essential oils. I used a higher proportion of hibiscus because I wanted to bump up the cherry cola intensity. I let the mixture sit for four hours, then applied. I'm going to rinse it out around 5:00 -- approximately four hours after application.

The color of the henna blend was remarkable, but that may have had more to do with the amount of hibiscus than the henna strain. The mixture was very smooth.

I'm curious to see:

* How easy/difficult it is to wash out
* The color

[texangrrl]

This morning, I mixed Yemeni henna and hibiscus 50:50 with hot water, coconut oil, cocoa butter and essential oils. I used a higher proportion of hibiscus because I wanted to bump up the cherry cola intensity. I let the mixture sit for four hours, then applied. I'm going to rinse it out around 5:00 -- approximately four hours after application.

The color of the henna blend was remarkable, but that may have had more to do with the amount of hibiscus than the henna strain. The mixture was very smooth.

I'm curious to see:

* How easy/difficult it is to wash out
* The color

Can't wait to hear your results!! I already had a cherry cola color, so I think my hair color was just freshened more than anything, but it's still amazing henna. Rinsing it out was a different experience - it was very gritty. But it certainly wasn't gritty enough to keep me from loving it. I may try to do my roots this weekend with some frozen mix I have left over.

[Neoma]

Can't wait to hear your results!! I already had a cherry cola color, so I think my hair color was just freshened more than anything, but it's still amazing henna. Rinsing it out was a different experience - it was very gritty. But it certainly wasn't gritty enough to keep me from loving it. I may try to do my roots this weekend with some frozen mix I have left over.

I didn't find rinsing to be that difficult. I rinsed, then CO'ed twice with a ton of conditioner. I didn't notice any grit or debris.

My hair is almost dry. Of course, it hasn't oxidized, yet. I noticed that I don't have the telltale "I just hennaed" orange scalp, which is interesting.

The color is decidedly cherry cola. It's gorgeous. I hope it stays this color.

I'll try to get pics after it oxidizes. :flower:

[hennalonghair]

I didn't find rinsing to be that difficult. I rinsed, then CO'ed twice with a ton of conditioner. I didn't notice any grit or debris.

My hair is almost dry. Of course, it hasn't oxidized, yet. I noticed that I don't have the telltale "I just hennaed" orange scalp, which is interesting.

The color is decidedly cherry cola. It's gorgeous. I hope it stays this color.

I'll try to get pics after it oxidizes. :flower:
I can't wait to see the results Neoma
It's great henna. Mine was a bit gritty but I grind my own hibiscus and occasionally find the odd seed in my hair.
Did you find your hair softer than normal?

[Auni]

I didn't find rinsing to be that difficult. I rinsed, then CO'ed twice with a ton of conditioner. I didn't notice any grit or debris.

My hair is almost dry. Of course, it hasn't oxidized, yet. I noticed that I don't have the telltale "I just hennaed" orange scalp, which is interesting.

The color is decidedly cherry cola. It's gorgeous. I hope it stays this color.

I'll try to get pics after it oxidizes. :flower:

Oh I can't wait to see the pictures!

[hennalonghair]

Ok I'm starting to worry here.:hmm:
Neoma! Where art thou Neoma:shrug:

[Neoma]

I can't wait to see the results Neoma
It's great henna. Mine was a bit gritty but I grind my own hibiscus and occasionally find the odd seed in my hair.
Did you find your hair softer than normal?


Oh I can't wait to see the pictures!


Ok I'm starting to worry here.:hmm:
Neoma! Where art thou Neoma:shrug:

No worries, hennalonghair! :flower: I was actually out and about in the real world! I know! What a concept! :silly:

I don't know whether it was softer. It's hard to say, since I've been using a new shampoo and conditioner that leave my hair super soft.

I probably won't get to pics until next week, maybe next weekend. This weekend is really busy, and my hair hasn't oxidized yet anyway.

[hennalonghair]

No worries, hennalonghair! :flower: I was actually out and about in the real world! I know! What a concept! :silly:

I don't know whether it was softer. It's hard to say, since I've been using a new shampoo and conditioner that leave my hair super soft.

I probably won't get to pics until next week, maybe next weekend. This weekend is really busy, and my hair hasn't oxidized yet anyway.
W-H-U-T??? REAL WORLD?
Oh right! So now WE aren't real or what?:rant:

So how did you find it? Did it go on smooth enough? Do you think it colours as nicely as red raj?
Did you find you could cut the time of application?
Did you notice a colour difference?