13 Year LHC Anniversary!

[Nightshade]

I had so much fun with this a few years ago, and actually remembered my anniversary this year, so let's do it again!


THE AM(A)A Portion:
To make this more than another "oh, pretty!" thread, let's do an Ask Me (Almost) Anything ^_^ You don't have to stick to hair-related topics, but nothing about things that are against LHC rules to ask me about.

Onto the hair bit!
This was my hair back in 2005. I came to LHC from Henna4Hair and had just transitioned from chemical dyes to henna. My hair had been tailbone-length in my late teens, but it really went to hell in college because of me dying it so much. I had black streaks in it (which I miss to this day), but it had crumbled and snapped up to APL. It mended a bit on the henna forums and I'd grown out a fair bit of henna-only length, so by the time I came here, this was my first LHC photo:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WrgWNNXVDB0/VO80nXflX6I/AAAAAAAALx0/zZQBef0zCJM/s264/Goal%2520Hair%25201.jpg

A lot of my early LHC posts (for years) were about growing out the immense amounts of dye damage I had. It was a grueling, slow process. I was trimming 1/4 inch a month, so I gained 1/4 inch a month in length and steadily weeded out the damage.

Here's some of my early progress pictures. When I say the going was slow, I wasn't kidding:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gu6CUnH22dI/VO802pOd7WI/AAAAAAAALyI/V84oPd3Lwrg/s733/Progress.jpg


I also had color issues. My new-penny copper red dye had sponged up into my hair so much it was dark burgundy, and when I first started henna it wasn't common knowledge that multiple applications darkened (which is part of why I say it so often on the fourms). My hair was healthier, but the color wasn't what I wanted, it was much too cool for my skin. I swapped out from 100% henna to a 35% henna 65% cassia and other herbs blend (a ratio I use to this day) and to roots-only applications. Which was great. For the roots. But I had a big color disparity.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HOJd5OyNLKg/VO80NRa_OKI/AAAAAAAALxk/t8UanTGY7os/s647/ColorDifference2.jpg'



But I wasn't sure I wanted to bleach my hair to make the ends match more, so I just dealt with it. In 2007 I got to my goal length of tailbone, and in 2009 FINALLY trimmed out the last of my horrible, damaged ends.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WXVvUOZ1DCo/UtVKOtiSsLI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/IZmYWxcFvlI/s512/5-30-09.jpg

And had pretty (if not not a little darker than I wanted) hair for my wedding:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ffhHVefBW6I/UCJ5Rm0y95I/AAAAAAAADBQ/MxsVxwzH_yA/s512/Wedding-Hair.jpg

I even fixed the color. By using Sun-In I lightened up the length so it matched my roots, and for the first time in years I LOVED my hair.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1AH81I0M_KQ/T_1_p2TzgGI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/vTKo5t7D4ZU/s512/Bun%2520Progress%25202009.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wrNkKOgUpSE/VO80qAmjMSI/AAAAAAAALyA/j7NDvR87l8Q/s731/Color%2520Evolve.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-X-B1DySSdio/UtVKgHRLftI/AAAAAAAAGKY/C_E_K5XiVyI/s512/Length%25205-16-09%25202.jpg


And then I switched from birth control pills to an IUD and had the most massive, horrible shed. I lost a third of my hair, easily:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5UQyAO-5Blw/T_s-Ag1OSuI/AAAAAAAAC3c/4d78NRop6OU/s512/Hair-Hand-1.jpg


Which mean I, having JUST finished growing out ALL OF MY HAIR from damage, I had to do it again. (Continued next post)

[Nightshade]

Three years ago I FINALLY grew and cut out the last of my stupid shed. I love my color, I love my waves and I bounce around somewhere between fingertip and tailbone with no intent of really going longer.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zbQprfIRb8w/VAoBgpUDPYI/AAAAAAAAJWA/G3TD0Gio-iw/s576/Progress.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YhnfdBgzoyw/VhTB8ynANYI/AAAAAAAAQGU/J2DIMZqpjrk/s512-Ic42/Layer%252520Cut%2525201.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sc2pARmUloA/UYu5wibQGvI/AAAAAAAAEeM/niA84hnq_M4/s512/Pinny-2-Small.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yo4U_2CxFv4/U_UKWC5-QtI/AAAAAAAAJCM/pbmZxkAKLVE/s512/Green-Moondrop-Stick.jpg

[gingerninja]

I have a question, did you find after all the years of trimming that the thickness travelled down as I am considering microtrimming my own hair for a thicker hemline. P.s your colour looks fantastic ��.

[lapushka]

Nightshade, congrats on 13 years! Such great progress throughout the years.



I have a question, did you find after all the years of trimming that the thickness travelled down as I am considering microtrimming my own hair for a thicker hemline. P.s your colour looks fantastic ��.

Whether or not thickness will travel down depends on the person. One can't "predict" that for another. I know people who have been "at it" for years and haven't had thickness travel down that much at all. OTOH there are plenty more that I know of who have thickness travel down with added length - so you'll have to wait it out!

[Groovy Granny]

Congrats ~ what interesting and pretty progress pics :applause

[Begemot]

I don't have a question, just here to admire your hair :D congrats for the 13 years of TLHC! :blossom::blossom:

[Nightshade]

I have a question, did you find after all the years of trimming that the thickness travelled down as I am considering microtrimming my own hair for a thicker hemline. P.s your colour looks fantastic ��.

It did, but only to a certain degree. I have quite a bit of natural taper, so what you see there at the end pictures is about as good as it gets for me!



Nightshade, congrats on 13 years! Such great progress throughout the years.


Congrats ~ what interesting and pretty progress pics :applause


I don't have a question, just here to admire your hair :D congrats for the 13 years of TLHC! :blossom::blossom:


Aww thank you guys so much :grouphug:

[BerrySara]

Your hair is so lovely and the progress pictures really show the patience it requires. You have my dream hair color!

[Simpscone]

What a collection of photographs! Your hair is beautiful, congratulations on 13 years that’s amazing!

[C_Bookworm]

Your hair is beautiful! I love the fairytale vibe that you've maintained the entire journey :blossom:

[embee]

Beautiful, Nightshade!

My question: How are the cats? I never see pics of them any more,, are they ok?

[milosmomma]

What amazing progress and truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing :)

[-Fern]

Happy anniversary, Nightshade! :D

Hmm... What's your favorite Ficcare mod that you've done?

[Lizabeth94]

Your hair looks amazing!

[Ligeia Noire]

Nightshade your hair is very Elvish, I just want to thank you for the Panacea Hair salve. That is it.

[Corvana]

Wow, 13 years! Your hair is looking gorgeous.

:hmm: A question...

Of all the things you've made over the years, craft-wise but your henna blends included as I consider that a craft in itself, what's your favorite?

[Tinyponies]

Thank you for sharing all of this, and congratulations on your anniversary. :)

Your hair looks beautiful and your pictures are both inspiring and helpful.

My question is, what hem shape have you trimmed in the last picture with your hair down? I haven’t yet self trimmed, but will be at either this summer or winter solstice. Yours is the shape I would like to learn how to do.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures and the story of your hair journey, it was so interesting to read. I don't have a question so much as a request. It would be so lovely to see more photos of your hair on LHC, both loose and in the Buns thread :)

Your hair is so pretty, and indeed, elvish!

[Hailwidis]

Congratulations on the hairversary, those pictures are lovely!

Do you have any advice for people whose hair tapers a lot? What do you do to help your ends along as much as possible?

[Nightshade]

Beautiful, Nightshade!

My question: How are the cats? I never see pics of them any more,, are they ok?

They're doing great! Generally my new place to spam cat pictures is on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mlynnherold/), but here's a few gifs of Zerah since my new phone makes them XD

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cJrF6P8oOTul5yNuOQhd5-ke8oL0JxFsQBQISDv789PPhJWZ85tuYMXPcs0IbVkDZNLecAve Q6sIq1AuAUw36kQJdg4qUjC2K6GCde_203lW89nc4yXFzP6don tui7shypZ0qjLmRUrUharKmbcKy2DhVc0GLTLgJqAkot0fiNhJ WtUC8ojM5H6MTB1wSlWkr_J-atQkIc9Trqhyrda0NWK1Qwh6AFhiutc3QAGkzqt3r6taEorQtY 2n0DpdxUNfixg8uReK23gAq7NRKpwlhTfG4jfJLJo7edM24ij7 lGa_vch8YTDba9S5Nr9lmxjdrFpGmb8CNIb75_JWLYRrZM285K mUIUhRCy1whPrlUGCTqKmL1PImco7m71euGC8iFjqHZJnDWeTM DGgfB_V-rl1b4IAL6Vf2I8Xayc6i7htiKCd8GTwlD7IOc4hdSvvzIG0zMO FBFaPUa8FBxYmimXS7p7k25LK9Bpy8ZL13N-NGcL7h5LcWqVbX1BV108WKqeQXMwHHlR7jsZUnnbTG0wyReHPA OZIbsN9bVcK5BZrpHA231OoXJ643oxJE-fI61z_VutlTZUWJM52hqaptBSMFjjmUDfoDoDw1tKFSAFePyg9 KXDwm6BUTI36_dYhwpZMgF84jWH-6e3hZbWQLneU17xBQHc1pT9JodJySYtrz-ql7jKREM03tAw=w230-h306-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6uO3weY1Df_4py3HfApoxcZ-VPLmsJRzgnnytbG3nOW2mNYrJI3E64DvMZptA7NZQQi04m781N 4isafQwt4Amtx2SF04AahDz4jeX24OuDT279tRDldZG7I6LyPc 5yfJlvZQcNk_KGjYT1OkwtEKnHP_lRY2VlyE2IPiyxLVX1CtSL QpbkIv5Fy3VyH4m6w1a6CsvhCun5TtfH-3q6v_t6UTW15TnT9gkETPK70GNaRv2zecqtdpgSeRfMm0IESDX v-Oy2Qe1ypbkbuu46WRYMb3b2cu0LJtncw3lghXzcXw0QpFGL8bW LU9scfVIEs894qdMYUGuQiirEvXqA9oKkX4_p0WqhGb9Ry5Zbu 2KFV7yS5UtvEipqRcpqJNrtV4iX2uqyQi-rAwz5fPaObv5JC_3x5fwVEwix32-vpPbZHx5F4hE3lMR_RYZXoe80cz6N4HbIzWQtr_BTTcwBYc2CT DQ7dtOF5kxIhUU2TFOiL3a523II_LxqKXIkFsP3Op8tExKxga5 Mj0IA0jHzr4SS5D9VwU5POTuj6kM2Si9NBaw-7Sa7CMgMaL5QjdwbXvY6dqkwsixkXVjiz_y5KKUmh12xIBnt4R X92Jb2PoLhq1IjYA2twRmBoy1F6nMklxR9Iy5SqkU4sqO6v3aU MZwebugZo_H0hu=w512-h384-no



Happy anniversary, Nightshade! :D Hmm... What's your favorite Ficcare mod that you've done?

Aw, thank you! I think it'd have to be either my sparkly Primavara (good god did that take forever):
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/H1AV75_9hVwjUUDhJuW8hMHWrk0T5MnrGGo2G7YCbz8Gb8Aw_i SWXbc_pLZBAn8h585tYClFlG_dXXJowfXI1CjvfCPrWl0fyB_f 3lS2mgglDl06rlNE9PBllsQ4DUMUrcgfbpfDE2Atx8eARbG3bH aWaDihlwUjpzRyTTH_KVirCID5-9VrRWIolG4vMfoA65aoz_g0ePCKp6VILFfZm-7l-UL8QKGkosZUW6LZiZJyV-0bXygllfrnbGb4Ena5XDFVgOzKqS1h-WczxtGhxpaJw-n15SGUFpAy_-7NeiYDczmqunzjn6GZMYl8T2xgJkspVUDVZeK7sfXGV7eoNd0b rqrn19Dr-MZxYeXuo3rCqT4WSXwHpJ5BNVzFnpZqgMizsLA443dsRaI9OOA MuiV7EdB-vkutf8AoOiYCK7S1-KGTWLSkOp8Tr2HfYusRG5am94RsZ58LOnc6DyiJk4OTuwKeR2e KKWHgipeiVu_5HMoVmWZfY7sLruUUTNFelVkJA7v18qYmvMqFR-veCaQPrTE--B__OeDDcyjLKIHRRqNtIr84J0e03qvuKHMs6aQVLzzTmO00tF2 Wnwyvzmqe-jveJTICLb9wRsukVXFN1e5U7S7BffxHGZVNxh1UQOXI-qYQ_bh7brlL92eaP4yECw4no8Oo=w962-h722-no

Or the painted Arwen Butterfly Crown one:

https://i.etsystatic.com/5165009/r/il/a7e8bc/722815564/il_fullxfull.722815564_1zt6.jpg




Wow, 13 years! Your hair is looking gorgeous. :hmm: A question... Of all the things you've made over the years, craft-wise but your henna blends included as I consider that a craft in itself, what's your favorite?


This one probably won't come as much of a surprise, but Fire Genasi :) It's the one I use, and especially using a blend of multiple types of senna to get a TON of chrysophanic acid in there (which is why it's so much more of a golden and natural-looking red than just a henna gloss).

I'd say the other thing I'm super-proud of is the more recent henna experiment (https://nightbloominggarden.com/2018/09/6-types-of-henna-controlled-testing-on-human-hair/) I did that, contrary to claims that this henna is more red or this henna is more orange or this henna is more brown... when I used them on the same hair, under the same conditions, the color was indistinguishable from one another.



Thank you for sharing all of this, and congratulations on your anniversary. :) Your hair looks beautiful and your pictures are both inspiring and helpful. My question is, what hem shape have you trimmed in the last picture with your hair down? I haven’t yet self trimmed, but will be at either this summer or winter solstice. Yours is the shape I would like to learn how to do.

It's actually a steep U shape, but I have long layers in the front (starting at my jaw and going down to about BSL that give it the overall impression of a V shape with the ends knocked off into a U :)




Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures and the story of your hair journey, it was so interesting to read. I don't have a question so much as a request. It would be so lovely to see more photos of your hair on LHC, both loose and in the Buns thread :) Your hair is so pretty, and indeed, elvish!

Elvish is the best compliment ever ^_^ I'll have to make more of an effort to post pictures I guess? I've just been here so long I guess I figured everyone knew what my hair looked like and wouldn't find it too compelling anymore XD



Congratulations on the hairversary, those pictures are lovely! Do you have any advice for people whose hair tapers a lot? What do you do to help your ends along as much as possible?

I think there were three parts to this, for me:
1) do the obvious stuff to keep your ends as thick as possible: wear it up, baby the ends, microtrim, etc.

2) Learn how to style around them. I find, for example, my braids depressing as hell. They taper SO MUCH. So I don't wear them out of the house. I do a lot of bun curls to make the ends fill out more. I invented the equlibrium bun (http://forums.thebeautybottle.com/archive/index.php/t-1605.html) exactly for tapered hair because otherwise I can't get a nice, even cinna-type-bun.

3) Metaphorically (and physically) cut your losses. After I grew out my shed I decided to see how long I could go. I made it to fingertip without any layers or anything before my taper was just killing my enjoyment of my hair. I got to fingertip, but I wasn't enjoying fingertip because my ends were so see-through. So I cut back to tailbone where, while my taper is still pretty severe, it looks nicer to me.

I'm not saying everyone has to cut off their fine ends (there are many lovely sets here), but am more pointing out that there was a psychological line for me where I stopped enjoying my hair past it because of the taper. Once I scaled back to the other side of that line, I found I enjoy my hair more, and I haven't tried to go longer again since.

[TatsuOni]

Congratulations! :cheer:

[eresh]

Nightshade!! great to see you here again :flower:
You hair looks really good, I love the colour it is now.
And also your cats, YAY!
I have clicked Follow on your instagram :-)
I saw there that you also did the TatsuOni braided romantic bun, fabulous!!

[Totohoy]

I can't believe how much your hair looks like mine! The curl pattern (stick straight roots!), the medium hairs, the thickness and the intense taper. The only difference is that mine is a very dark brown.

Makes me hopeful that I might finally stop stalling at waist...!

[EdG]

Happy anniversary, Nightshade! :happydance:
Ed

[Zesty]

Congrats! Beautiful pictures. That advice on taper is really good. I know I've had to learn to style around mine as well. Like I've fallen in love with doing a fishtail coronet braid because I can pancake the bottom half much easier, so that I get to do a coronet braid without it looking quite so lopsided... Thanks for sharing. :flower:

And, since you know lots about henna... Is it a thing to only henna your ends/dip dye? Would such a thing even show up in dark hair? :hmm: I idly wonder every once in a while, I doubt I'd ever color but if I *did* I would be looking into that. And your red makes henna look so appealing haha!

[Dendra]

Love your hair Nightshade and so cool to see how you persevered for 13 years, including two lots of growing out from scratch!
As someone with a lot of dye damage it puts my journey, which I'm only halfway through at 2 years, into perspective.

All in all thank you for posting, it was a real treat to read, and congratulations on your anniversary.

My question is what are your favourite hair toys to use, and has this changed over time?

[lunalocks]

So Lovely! Thank you for sharing the last 15 years with us. Also, thank you for posting (some years ago) about where to find your apron (Rough Linen). I now have one and love it!

[Nightshade]

You all are so sweet :) This thread makes me so happy and reminds me I should post to do more than just answer henna questions :lol:


Congrats! Beautiful pictures. That advice on taper is really good. I know I've had to learn to style around mine as well. Like I've fallen in love with doing a fishtail coronet braid because I can pancake the bottom half much easier, so that I get to do a coronet braid without it looking quite so lopsided... Thanks for sharing. :flower:

And, since you know lots about henna... Is it a thing to only henna your ends/dip dye? Would such a thing even show up in dark hair? :hmm: I idly wonder every once in a while, I doubt I'd ever color but if I *did* I would be looking into that. And your red makes henna look so appealing haha!

You totally can! And since the ends on dark hair tend to be naturally lighter just through natural wear and tear, it'd show up best there anyway. I even have instructions for it in my henna book. I pulled the page for you (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fgzgB2G29j6-hhtXpntBKQvYa8yWD8taNyWHG3Ai1mvoYSV0tGBoNpvU8xzTlC 1oucQ_VBWhl4Z78VGSIwhxRaYOvjeCG5YUD5O6Wvc6BVrUwERI 6C-EdErSEoMqcmOTP_jBFanhkOvIXL1KLNr_s1Jmc6j_WUQPttz8n TJEoJ9T8mqdL351UxUi4izMz9VcDd_QTZg1YmDRNfwGWOn9ftR vUfWdiE9zxgbAroQy8RGYAwds07Zeh5TQK9POhK7HN9GO__Z_2 IYZo9ULTF6az8KdwijvGfJM36_6y-B2de9JUHRaJpQaussDyyZwWyzbe0Jy5-86lxbAkEcm-rpAvLhIc4DbOufGlnmrTx1qQmngyhpaIZewfj0i8yytV0doBPP KPbBUio3B67mQBcIFrzR6qX-qxteJ3DOAgKzfOpbf-onGE1DU8bFc1CkpyKgje_x04EPFKFnBPnS-40v8G8IFkYBS1UPqo4Skj5s36jP_DvvPcllAY8sFOxbym73yIg VDdj0pwnZNYi-X0ec6hbIxSQqT84lGXK3EL73JM3Hhj5AcFNVfgvJIVg2_zA8gw ZGjo8Q5ru2eFG7XUNeTYkbkl1IdO6C2LB_gbFEECJ2Ha-lq2TkDwl-jZnkQu8x47nKnTVLNh27SurMER5_FMiQgwusaXq7e=w700-h894-no) (all pictures within used with written permission).




Love your hair Nightshade and so cool to see how you persevered for 13 years, including two lots of growing out from scratch!
As someone with a lot of dye damage it puts my journey, which I'm only halfway through at 2 years, into perspective.

All in all thank you for posting, it was a real treat to read, and congratulations on your anniversary.

My question is what are your favourite hair toys to use, and has this changed over time?

I am immensely boring in this regard. Large Ficcares, pairs of sticks, and forks with a head curve. That's been pretty constant for as long as my hair has been long enough to do updos. I do a lazy wrap bun with either sticks, a Ficcare or a fork every single day. If I'm feeling crazy I do my twisty updo thing, like so:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JZ9ejTX_5O5LqHVf2bTbYdnoh_KksJfq2WcyBJhQEpXOdTgmX8 xO_obvH7IjHhHc4t_XqDHBvjz25U_ClEvmMiZZJ4Pjn8PnEK2I IHPcmgCoJxEnrRj5AKH67rP2r0MeIt-ydnpP0EC5XSoThjgyfSsJg96zRWnw2TTKX7Omf6TA76lGKd6Ro 3kTDlCiRTiF49HObpMv-Ej31_Gj-TzTWt_z8c3OKowOiTDnMPW59rlf3sX5K88KVeE1KzevtNkWKkr w5_sn0rf3ogDmmHBTkDZGjJ17mb6JBrZ-o2ybOXPquSbit0BzW_hf--trvgdUfQd0c5BkmXX_nlTMaGiwzl7LN5o_UqYo3YtenfuNgcuS coIwTlEeMe11pN6oJVZaD2fec-w7CfpR4uv6Lq4oREH12y964ow8pl5Szlz4sNnWTPogRWmBISXn sjOxdbKw0dlSIclJidJNTnD0nSZVnUD6AqgCyjzYYHZghN4mnm TWqj_w1-Pc00ydkfpWLVfjL8uVMkbNCmnjYKo6bfZCeakOaqX0OpEiR34B BFGuOutPQRAnac4_myyRMoU3zTK6hHxAtth12BtDpgG2L-1ZU0ft2XeJ6TG6aiST7SrmXV-OnqqPIbFtICwPJcrybUo9Kb2BE7hj9GMkAU3sDYY7t__4_7x-2W_GsAxKoHyu3wy6iFSzju4SiF81pYRxJ1ih5km6WZACCEqegM Ux-64Vzz_yoQ=w800-h619-no




So Lovely! Thank you for sharing the last 15 years with us. Also, thank you for posting (some years ago) about where to find your apron (Rough Linen). I now have one and love it!

Ohhh I am so glad you love that pinafore! Mine is so filthy with henna it's hilarious XD

[Zesty]

Thank you for the answer and for linking that page! :)

[sweetvalley00]

I've just recently stumbled upon LHC and with all of the new information at my disposal, I'm really happy to see something like this! It feels like I'm a million miles away from my dream hair goal but something about seeing and reading others' stories makes me believe my hair can be like that one day, too.

Just a post to say thank you for sharing!

[MusicalSpoons]

Wow Nightshade, congratulations!! I really like your idea for the thread too (though I have no questions right now). You really have had a hair journey and I'm so pleased it's all paid off for you, and that your experiences are so helpful and encouraging for others travelling similar paths :cheer:

[Elizabeth E]

Your hair is absolutely gorgeous, I have no words... :thudpile:
Thank you for posting about your journey, I am sure it is an inspiration to all.

[Nightshade]

You are all so sweet :inlove:

I post much less than I used to, so I think I just assumed everyone knew my story and what my hair looked like and... that's rather proving not to be the case :lol:

[CindyOfTheOaks]

What a hair journey !
Congratulations on your beautiful hair and your 13 years !

[littlestarface]

Any videos of the equilibrium bun?

[Nightshade]

What a hair journey !
Congratulations on your beautiful hair and your 13 years !

Thank you so much! :)


Any videos of the equilibrium bun?

Aye, Hyptnotica did one :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eKpcYRIr4o

[Longlegs]

Was it hard to Henna all that hair.?I used Henna for a few years but my hair was shoulder length. I know some people find the weight of henna gives them headaches, you must have had alot of it on your head.

[littlestarface]

Thank you so much! :)



Aye, Hyptnotica did one :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eKpcYRIr4o

Thanks! I'm gonna try it cuz I have thin ends and will appreciate a bun that hides them.

[elfynity]

Hi Nightshade! your post took me on such a journey! I am amazed how much thicker your bun became over the years! My goal length is also tailbone, and to maintain there, and I have the same approach to micro-trim the whole way to get there, so to see you actually explain your whole success journey and with pictures and dates was such a treat for me!

[spitfire511]

Yay Nightshade! Congrats on 13 years! (And your hair is thud worthy, as ever) I missed before that you had a massive IUD shed! I have had more issues after IUD that I EVER could have thought (shed, weight gain, whole nine).

Here's your AMA - you're stranded on a desert island and you can only have 1 product with you - what is it? (and yes - your own concoctions count!)

[Nightshade]

Hi Nightshade! your post took me on such a journey! I am amazed how much thicker your bun became over the years! My goal length is also tailbone, and to maintain there, and I have the same approach to micro-trim the whole way to get there, so to see you actually explain your whole success journey and with pictures and dates was such a treat for me!

Aye my bun is deceptively thick for how thin my ends are :) And I'm glad my story gives you more fortitude in your plan!




Yay Nightshade! Congrats on 13 years! (And your hair is thud worthy, as ever) I missed before that you had a massive IUD shed! I have had more issues after IUD that I EVER could have thought (shed, weight gain, whole nine).

Here's your AMA - you're stranded on a desert island and you can only have 1 product with you - what is it? (and yes - your own concoctions count!)

Thankfully for me, the shed was the only thing that went sideways with my IUD, and once that recovered I was golden. I'm also in that small, lucky percentage that doesn't get my period on it, even the super-low dose Skyla, so I'll be on the IUD train for a long time.

Oh goodness one product??? I nearly said Selkie because I use that for like... everything. Detangler, hair mister, body mister :lol: and then I remembered I'd be brunette by the time rescue came :eek:

So I guess I'd have to say Fire Genasi because even if nobody sees me, I can't give up my red hair XD

[Gem]

You're one of the few people I think of when I think of LHC-ers from wayyy back. I just ordered some stuff from you two or three weeks ago and said to myself several times, "I can't believe I've never ordered from Nightshade before!" And now I find that I missed another thing: We have the same hair type!
I was going to ask how well Ficcares work for you because I've been considering one, but I see you already talked about that.

[Nightshade]

You're one of the few people I think of when I think of LHC-ers from wayyy back. I just ordered some stuff from you two or three weeks ago and said to myself several times, "I can't believe I've never ordered from Nightshade before!" And now I find that I missed another thing: We have the same hair type!
I was going to ask how well Ficcares work for you because I've been considering one, but I see you already talked about that.

I actually wouldn't mind talking about Ficcares in more detail. XD They took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out how to use them. Because of my off-kilter buns because of the taper, especially when it was shorter, they could pull because it'd open the Ficcare at the hinge end, but close on the other end, so there wasn't enough tension. The only buns I can use a Ficcare with are equlibrium, gibraltar, and a lazy wrap bun. Those three and then that romantic floofy twist thing I do are about the limits of my Ficcare styles :)

Said floofy twist thing with my modded Jade on Silver Border:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xXqBHMgnqNfMEdD25f88hEnQ8aAgulMIk8ZhmDk53ZTG1oE6oA uQtLD8iQX5xpQZUMrbcOU9t0YxPOOsrr3A76XjE2UJt22HYrFM 2KIVfh2s3r_XuGB-Snj-rXMEsc6yRODP93sb____CdFd91b8fG6fA2bxAPtrdxxuf6eiZZ H2WD13HkYPxuCYpcq3IJ5Cp3IgS_cuEmvkdtBRkjBD2Z7O1XDi 1FyUIAbP5WbbwuCukqthXPGiWZR3VNVHD2w1OUPquLKItHV8F-g_Jz1hKpDe8lu-jOJ9naMKCJ93B8cYfV0rT9ANpYb1q9ehVi53s59paNKs3Fs0vN zmD2736UIq7gUgJk44vUEIC-EbLUJOjOZVSukh208k13SvO45LmzqtsSMJhfDs6nzzhUF2WxAk f89064dKh6VM6QTgobuHIMyffz3CBMUKMeoNW09v5m1tKyTK66 kr_4pZZM4tKggOaiDMHCLnknCmHe_rT6id1Lcp9twmDntpB-7HMj0O1JAiAKZqNfqE8B5lGpQxOY98GsxK4NBK10dP8Yvyw4xq uchFdxXdM3Rk6B8FNG9Knjt29yRLfI5UxgbuVCZyLza3VnyRbo e-TadfOmI_ZOBy69lg7IytRioGs5JtQLfGgmakkKl6VKsv43LSIm aF8vHEp7kWH-m1M2JDyqhZJq7S6pHRwCi_mFoAo7jO4U0hw8bfYW2rU1v4uW5v XwhHu4l0sg=w486-h918-no

[Gem]

That floofy twist is pretty!
Oh good, I live in LWBs (I too have a significant taper from a monster shed caused by birth control). A Ficcare may have to happen finally.

[Glitch]

Congratulations on all your progress and success! Thank you for sharing with an extensive amount of detail - loved reading it all. I’m also really glad you didn’t give up, despite some setbacks. I know what it’s like to restart, and am super proud you went through with it when you realized you weren’t happy with where you were. I love your hair. Best of luck to you in the future!

[BrightEyes]

Your hair is simply stunning!!! I loved reading your journey :)

[Nightshade]

That floofy twist is pretty!
Oh good, I live in LWBs (I too have a significant taper from a monster shed caused by birth control). A Ficcare may have to happen finally.

I think so, too :)



Congratulations on all your progress and success! Thank you for sharing with an extensive amount of detail - loved reading it all. I’m also really glad you didn’t give up, despite some setbacks. I know what it’s like to restart, and am super proud you went through with it when you realized you weren’t happy with where you were. I love your hair. Best of luck to you in the future!


Your hair is simply stunning!!! I loved reading your journey :)

Awww thank you so much! <3 <3 <3

[SimplySmile]

Wow, Your hair is beautiful!!!

What a lovely collection of your growth photos. I am definitely going to take more photos this time growing so I can one day be able to look back on this many.

[Nightshade]

Wow, Your hair is beautiful!!!

What a lovely collection of your growth photos. I am definitely going to take more photos this time growing so I can one day be able to look back on this many.

I wish I'd taken more :) Sometimes I notice people don't want to take pictures of their hair because it's not where they want it to be yet, but having those progress pics is fantastic years later looking back.

[Patience32]

Congrats on your anniversary, your hair is beautiful. What an amazing journey and so inspiring for those of us just starting out! Thanks so much for sharing!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a newbie just starting out that feels discouraged being so far from their hair goals?

[Nightshade]

Congrats on your anniversary, your hair is beautiful. What an amazing journey and so inspiring for those of us just starting out! Thanks so much for sharing!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a newbie just starting out that feels discouraged being so far from their hair goals?

Oh thank you so much for the kind words :inlove:

Hmmm... I think I would encourage someone to find a safe way of experimentation. I know I, at least, felt this overwhelming need to *DO* something to my hair when it was in such a state and shorter than I wanted.

Give yourself permission to experiment with routines or herbs or different styles. The itch isn't going to go away, but you can at least find ways to keep your hands busy in the meantime.

Also find something else to do. Someone smart around here once said "Long hair is what happens when you're doing something else" and they're right!. I've been writing books for years and just launched my author site and other stuff. Where my hair was when I started this is nothing like where it is now :lol:

[Maelyssa]

Bah so this is my second go round...my first post got lost in the web...lol.

This one will be sans the fluff but I do want to say hapoy long hair anniversary dear! Your hair is still looking amazing!

On to the questions...

You've maintained amazing skin for a while. What's your current product line up and routine. Would love to know if you use sunscreen for your facr and which kind. Aside from the basic dairy care how about makeup...use it often and what do you use?

Similar question for hair...what's your product line up and routine for basic care these days? How often do you trim and is it any certain tume of year?

Sleep styles for hair. What are they and how do you secure them?

Wash days or henna days...when it's wet what do you do...let it air dry or bun out wet...again what do you hold it up with?

And totally not hair or beauty related...you had posted a great winter pic in the snow on IG. Next year I must MUST invest in something much better than I own...you said the coat was incredibly warm...what's the brand if you don't mind?

And lastly...still clothing related...care to share some of your professional work style? Lots is changing for me right now. Ive got button downs and pencil skirts out the whazoo...I know you pull yourself together pretty well on the job...any spring summer outfit and shoe ideas you use as your go to...some foundational stuff that can be mixed and matched with other things?

Thanks so much lady! This was a ton. Lol

[SwanFeathers]

Awkward Question- have you experienced any additional sheds since the major one? And have you stayed with what caused it?

[Kat-Rinnè Naido]

Thank you for sharing and congratulations on 13 years here at LHC.

Your hair is stunningly breath taking. I'm impressed at how you have managed to maintain it throughout the years with henna. I have been contemplating using henna over the last few years. But my yellow skin tone might clash with the orange. I love the way you manage to get your colour to an almost natural shade. I however would prefer a more brown tone. What advice can you offer for a first time user?

Thank you for your contribution over the years. You are an inspiration.

[Ylva]

Sorry if this has been asked already. I have read the entire thread but that was a while ago already and can't recall if it became a topic... Anyway.

Did your shed occur only after the insertion of the IUD or did you continue to have thinner hair for the entire duration of the IUD? I mean, of course it was still in the process of growing back, but did it grow back normally while you had the IUD? Have you had it changed into a new one and if yes, did you experience any hair changes because of that?

I've had an IUD for the past 4 years now (swapped once in that time) and I wish I could recall how my hair was before it was initially installed, but what can I do, I was the master of hair neglect back then. :doh: Can't make sense of any photos, either.

[Nightshade]

Bah so this is my second go round...my first post got lost in the web...lol.

This one will be sans the fluff but I do want to say hapoy long hair anniversary dear! Your hair is still looking amazing!

On to the questions...

You've maintained amazing skin for a while. What's your current product line up and routine. Would love to know if you use sunscreen for your facr and which kind. Aside from the basic dairy care how about makeup...use it often and what do you use?

Similar question for hair...what's your product line up and routine for basic care these days? How often do you trim and is it any certain tume of year?

Sleep styles for hair. What are they and how do you secure them?

Wash days or henna days...when it's wet what do you do...let it air dry or bun out wet...again what do you hold it up with?

And totally not hair or beauty related...you had posted a great winter pic in the snow on IG. Next year I must MUST invest in something much better than I own...you said the coat was incredibly warm...what's the brand if you don't mind?

And lastly...still clothing related...care to share some of your professional work style? Lots is changing for me right now. Ive got button downs and pencil skirts out the whazoo...I know you pull yourself together pretty well on the job...any spring summer outfit and shoe ideas you use as your go to...some foundational stuff that can be mixed and matched with other things?

Thanks so much lady! This was a ton. Lol


Awww I hate it when things get eaten, but I'm glad you took the time to repost! :inlove: These are also great questions!

You've maintained amazing skin for a while. What's your current product line up and routine. Would love to know if you use sunscreen for your facr and which kind. Aside from the basic dairy care how about makeup...use it often and what do you use?

My routine is pretty simple (much to the horror of some of my more skincare attentive friends). I don't wash my face every day unless I'm doing something like bagging henna and it's dirty. Otherwise I wash it when I shower, which is ~3 days a week.

In the shower I use Acure Brightening Facial Scrub (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4OD24/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) (which I also use on my shoulders and upper arms and chest when they're breaking out), and then I follow up with this cleansing gel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z4OD24/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1).

After I get out of the shower I use a mix of this pore serum (https://www.amazon.com/Andalou-Naturals-Pure-Serum-Willow/dp/B00EZL8804/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Andalou+Naturals+Willow+Bark+P ure+Acne+Pore+Serum&qid=1555687703&s=hpc&sr=1-3-catcorr) and add a few drops of a facial oil I've been making which is a blend of sea buckthorn oil, hyaluronic acid, sandalwood nut oil (https://www.edenbotanicals.com/sandalwood-nut-co2.html) (for the ximenynic acid) and some essential oils.

I do wear some sort of sun screen daily! I use Meow Cosmetics mineral makeup daily, which does offer some degree of barrier sunscreen (keeping in mind I work indoors all day). If I know I'm going to be outside for more than a few minutes I use The Perfect Sunscreen by Constant Skincare (https://consonantskincare.com/products/the-perfect-sunscreen).


Similar question for hair...what's your product line up and routine for basic care these days? How often do you trim and is it any certain tume of year?

Hahhaa if I'm lazy with my skin I'm worse for my hair. I shampoo and condition with Max Green Alchemy's Scalp Rescue products (https://www.maxgreenalchemy.com/Hair_c_27.html), add some Freya's Salve to my ends when I get out of the shower, and mist with Selkie Herbal Detangler on non-shower days to dampen my hair before putting it up. I touch up my roots with Fire Genasi (with Selkie added as part of the liquid portion) about once a month.

For trimming, it's more "ah hell, I have to look like slightly less of a feral elf" and then have my husband neaten up the ends once or twice a year. For example, I asked him to trim my hair before my author photo shoot, but it was probably a year or so since the last time I'd trimmed.


Sleep styles for hair. What are they and how do you secure them?

Wash days or henna days...when it's wet what do you do...let it air dry or bun out wet...again what do you hold it up with?

I either do a French or normal braid secured with one of those tiny, tiny black rubber bands (I have intense braid taper so the 'hair safe' ties don't work for me because the end of my braid is about as thick as my pinky finger), or, if it's wet, I wear a Gibraltar bun secured with these awesome Japanese three inch pins that I got in a swap.



And totally not hair or beauty related...you had posted a great winter pic in the snow on IG. Next year I must MUST invest in something much better than I own...you said the coat was incredibly warm...what's the brand if you don't mind?

I think this is the picture you mean (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/p/BtyPxhXFpWk/?utm_source%3Dig_share_sheet%26igshid%3Dgk3cb1m1kf c0&sa=D&source=hangouts&ust=1555774654847000&usg=AFQjCNFWwoHbMBjf9BX9d4MaHpTfYa3WSw)?

It's this coat, which I got second hand on Ebay:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/283284643959-0-0/s-l140/p.jpg

I'll check the brand when I get home (sorry for the tiny picture, I got it a few months ago and Ebay doesn't store the big images that long anymore, apparently)


And lastly...still clothing related...care to share some of your professional work style? Lots is changing for me right now. Ive got button downs and pencil skirts out the whazoo...I know you pull yourself together pretty well on the job...any spring summer outfit and shoe ideas you use as your go to...some foundational stuff that can be mixed and matched with other things?

Well... I guess how well I'd put myself together is a matter of opinion XD I work in a corporate office, but I get away with a lot because I've been branded as ~one of those creative types~. Therefore people are a bit more willing to let me get away with non-standard office wear that's still neat and professional enough.

For mix and match summer, though, these are my staples:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GlAedIN55346mKHkL6gHkKSTi4X02NWeI0kqkkftEfTysCtVYj IQfk_eQdU0AWIf3l6sKQxW9qv8jIMOFpq7alBwPM3vd42Rbnhp oODkf-kuEXE8muTG0KF3ko9TIU6NCbApwZ6i9CEcuy4Ls6YMtmMyCm_1 AfkpvmLkqWUyPUNLnBf9SB9XbOxZ-ASBNR-HsLznKacsvBoX7DG0mnkkuMI4HxdSAI6ikdE9o9gDO6BZYUJRg _z-4qiq63CgTHAT9OhwwwZnPEqSXoAgogprAw0epXbMdlevYZHZQ6 7PG8CsKKRc-BpkjLRICSVn3C7UOGSC6hF44RwAflT6UJwuZSLLUu0p5H3IrWb IY-3RrRaDpEJeRAVULECuyiJR7H3gSyf8EmzcbJZ5-mkj7APDnbXv4vQgLpvs1Huucq95WrkjmzzM9uEhckIeFX2dw-D1JJksWUwUdVMVhbmK1shgEvH0mP52KfeejZZLni_xNpFNoIv3 WrmEfjtgvRj6ly5E-8_3oO-Aw91ldWWA6wxptZPUYODlv6g-k9i1WasjLtb7WqeCRpNPQtDCBhMCRjfmz7MoZ2koHvIwuZfzjY ndnk6V8kr_5qcxM5gZejl13RO0QrkmVMpg0F0ZuhpmJNLl8QRc a0koNJSIW0NDC4ygNGsyb_BCaCI=w395-h350-no

Dr Martens heeled sandals, I have these in black and brown and wear them 95% of the time in the summer.


Tops like this one from Treehouse28 (https://www.etsy.com/listing/526510588) or this from ToonzShop (https://uk.toonzshop.com/jalee-top-teal-a28862-en.html) (I have a TON of clothes from here) often layered like dresses like this one (https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-sanctuary-tan-casual-dress/17130345), or my FAVORITE one that I damn near live in (https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-bcbg-paris-dark-green-casual-dress/8315390) from ThredUp (which is GREAT for basics cheaply), or skirts like this (https://www.thredup.com/product/women-polyester-elevenses-casual-skirt/7356993), or this (https://www.thredup.com/product/women-wool-mig-wear-brown-wool-skirt/8919822).




Awkward Question- have you experienced any additional sheds since the major one? And have you stayed with what caused it?

Not nearly on that level. The Big Shed was very clearly caused by my birth control swapping from BCP to my IUD (systemic to localized hormones) and while I tend to have an increased in shedding in early fall, consistent use of Hinoki Hair Growth Oil and Monistat after every shower has really reduced even that.



Thank you for sharing and congratulations on 13 years here at LHC.

Your hair is stunningly breath taking. I'm impressed at how you have managed to maintain it throughout the years with henna. I have been contemplating using henna over the last few years. But my yellow skin tone might clash with the orange. I love the way you manage to get your colour to an almost natural shade. I however would prefer a more brown tone. What advice can you offer for a first time user?

Thank you for your contribution over the years. You are an inspiration.

Aww, thank you! It's hard to tell in the pictures, but I do have yellow undertones to my skin (I'm just so pale that it's hard to see them half the time), and I found that out the hard way with henna. When I was using pure henna I ended up with a cool burgundy that made me look jaundiced. The Fire Genasi I use is diluted henna paired with senna and some other herbs, which is how I get the more natural ginger color. If you wanted to do something like that, but brown, I would suggest a combination of henna and senna and amla (to mute the orange a little) and then amla and indigo blended in after the henna bit has dye released.

I can dig into this in a lot more detail if you want, too, but I'd need to know what color you're starting with and what color you're aiming for! :)

[Pinni]

Congrats! Your hair is so beautiful!:crush:

[Nightshade]

Sorry if this has been asked already. I have read the entire thread but that was a while ago already and can't recall if it became a topic... Anyway.

Did your shed occur only after the insertion of the IUD or did you continue to have thinner hair for the entire duration of the IUD? I mean, of course it was still in the process of growing back, but did it grow back normally while you had the IUD? Have you had it changed into a new one and if yes, did you experience any hair changes because of that?

I've had an IUD for the past 4 years now (swapped once in that time) and I wish I could recall how my hair was before it was initially installed, but what can I do, I was the master of hair neglect back then. :doh: Can't make sense of any photos, either.

Most accurately, it'd be that my shed occurred after I went off birth control pills. Because of the way bcp fakes your body into thinking it's pregnant, when you go off systemic (meaning the hormones are in high enough quantities in the pill that when you ingest them they affect your girly bits in the needed amounts) birth control your body (or my body in this case) went through a postpartum shed, similar to if I'd just had a baby.

The reason this happened is because an IUD is a localized source of hormones, meaning it releases a far, far lower amount and only in the area it needs to be released in. After the overall hormone level in my body dropped from the switch, I shed like mad.

After the fake postpartum shed, my hair grew back to its former thickness while on the IUF and has stayed that way :)

I have since changed IUDs (I started on Mirena and now have a Skyla) but did not have a shed when I did so.



Congrats! Your hair is so beautiful!:crush:

Thank you so very much! :inlove:

[Ylva]

Most accurately, it'd be that my shed occurred after I went off birth control pills. Because of the way bcp fakes your body into thinking it's pregnant, when you go off systemic (meaning the hormones are in high enough quantities in the pill that when you ingest them they affect your girly bits in the needed amounts) birth control your body (or my body in this case) went through a postpartum shed, similar to if I'd just had a baby.

The reason this happened is because an IUD is a localized source of hormones, meaning it releases a far, far lower amount and only in the area it needs to be released in. After the overall hormone level in my body dropped from the switch, I shed like mad.

After the fake postpartum shed, my hair grew back to its former thickness while on the IUF and has stayed that way :)

I have since changed IUDs (I started on Mirena and now have a Skyla) but did not have a shed when I did so.

Thank you for your answer and also congratulations on your anniversary, it seems I did not yet say that. :)

[Maelyssa]

Your answers are great and I use the Andalou Naturals renewing face lotion from that line I believe and its Holy Grail stuff.

Thanks for all your answers I'm loving the sandals. So let me ask..sleeping in a braid doesnt lead to damage on the ends? Somehow I went from buns up at night to falling apart frizzy mess come am which defeats the purpose...and my clips either end up snagging hairs or the pins Ive tried to use are a bit non cuddling friendly.

Glad for the sunscreen recommendation...im using a pretty high end one and rarely out for long but I seem to be burning super quick!

And YES that's the coat!

[RavennaNight]

Happy Hairyversary! Your posts have been always so helpful! :flower:

[Nightshade]

Thank you for your answer and also congratulations on your anniversary, it seems I did not yet say that. :)


Happy Hairyversary! Your posts have been always so helpful! :flower:

Thank you both so much! It's really weird sometimes to think about where I was in my life when I found LHC vs now!



Your answers are great and I use the Andalou Naturals renewing face lotion from that line I believe and its Holy Grail stuff.

Thanks for all your answers I'm loving the sandals. So let me ask..sleeping in a braid doesnt lead to damage on the ends? Somehow I went from buns up at night to falling apart frizzy mess come am which defeats the purpose...and my clips either end up snagging hairs or the pins Ive tried to use are a bit non cuddling friendly.

Glad for the sunscreen recommendation...im using a pretty high end one and rarely out for long but I seem to be burning super quick!

And YES that's the coat!

Their face lotion is amazing. I just ran out and then wanted to try my face oil blend, and that seems to work well enough and I get to make it smell however I want.

The thing with sleeping in a braid is that it might, more than a bun anyway, but I'm also no longer trying to gain length, so whatever minor damage I might get from that I'm going to take off at some point in the next year. I'd be much more concerned with it if I was going for extreme lengths.

Now that said, I don't notice any damage, no splits or anything, I'm just acknowledging it's more likely to happen than when my hair is bunned.

[pili]

Amazing! Thirteen years and still ticking on LHC!!!

Congratulations, and I can't wait to read your book. :)

[Alissalocks]

This is so encouraging for the long timers... it takes so much time to get "dream hair" and knowing it can take someone 13 years keeps it realistic. I'm on year 3, and only beginning to feel like I've settled in to long hair (almost tailbone).

I love the copper red, I wanted that color myself years ago but usually had darker results bc of my henna too. Cassia mixes don't do much for my old color tones. (Then I went black, so now it doesn't matter anyhow lol).

I just got my anniversary products in the mail, thank you for all you do :love: with your biz too!

[Kat-Rinnè Naido]

Nightshade Thank you for your reply and offer to assist me in getting the correct shade. I truly appreciate your kindness.

I'm starting with a dark brown and want to go just a tad light. However I am starting with my first few strands of grays.

[Nightshade]

Amazing! Thirteen years and still ticking on LHC!!!

Congratulations, and I can't wait to read your book. :)

Awww, thank you! I can't wait for ya'll to read my book too!!!




This is so encouraging for the long timers... it takes so much time to get "dream hair" and knowing it can take someone 13 years keeps it realistic. I'm on year 3, and only beginning to feel like I've settled in to long hair (almost tailbone).

I love the copper red, I wanted that color myself years ago but usually had darker results bc of my henna too. Cassia mixes don't do much for my old color tones. (Then I went black, so now it doesn't matter anyhow lol).

I just got my anniversary products in the mail, thank you for all you do :love: with your biz too!

You're so very welcome :inlove: It does take a long time, and realistically there are some set backs that will happen. :)




Nightshade Thank you for your reply and offer to assist me in getting the correct shade. I truly appreciate your kindness.

I'm starting with a dark brown and want to go just a tad light. However I am starting with my first few strands of grays.

Hmmm... well, henna can't make your hair lighter. Sometimes it can make your hair APPEAR lighter, though. If you wanted to consider lightening your hair up a little there are ways to do this. If you wanted to see if you can visually make your hair seem brighter, you could try senna or a very dilute henna blend with lots of senna and only a little henna (and some alma to mute the orange).

[Maelyssa]

Oh and the brand of that jacket plz? Almost forgot! :)