Metallic salts?

[colormeindie]

hello!
Recently i had done 3 applications with a henna called Henne color Paris, which contained a metallic salt. however at the time i hadn't don't my research (silly me) and it began to dry out my hair and instead of turning it red, it just kept browning with each application.

A few days ago i purchased 3 new henna samples from Mehandi.com. Rajasthani monsoon, Purity, and Punjabi prime. i just did a strand test on the Rajasthani and PP, however no color has shown up. To make sure i did the proper dye release I did the plastic baggie and paper test and timed it. I don't THINK i missed anything.

could the metallic salts in the previous brand of henna be preventing my hair from "absorbing" the new henna? I'm so confused :( :confused:

[kwaniesiam]

The metallic salts should not be affecting the color you'd get from a body art quality henna. HOWEVER, do be VERY careful if you ever decide to use a chemical color. Metallic salts and chemical dyes do not play nice at all.

What is your henna mixture and how long did you leave it on the test strands for? Since henna binds to the keratin of your hair and does not absorb, there should be nothing preventing the uptake of color. Some people do have troubles getting henna to stick to their hair though.

[colormeindie]

i did a dye release for about 2 hours on the PP and the rajasthani monsoon.
i left on for 7 hours.

should i have left it on for more?

[kwaniesiam]

What was your mixture?

I get a great stain using Yemen Light, I allow it to sit for only about half an hour with hot chamomile tea and a splash of lemon juice. In my experience too much acid actually leads to dye demise and dryness of the hair. I then leave it on my hair for 3-4 hours, but my hair is fine, thin, and takes up color very easily. What is your hair type and what color are you aiming for? To test the dye release my preferred method is putting a small dab of it on my wrist, wait 30 seconds, and wipe it off. If you have an orange spot it's ready, but this method of testing doesn't work well on darker skin tones. I'm very pale.

There are thousands of variations when it comes to henna mixtures and outcomes though so experiment a bit more and see what works. Good luck and if you have any more questions there are plenty of experienced henna users here that should be along to help. Nightshade would be a good person to ask and check out her articles on natural methods of hair coloring.

[colormeindie]

I used about 1.5 grams per test and 1 tablespoon of Beet root juice.

and thanks for the help! :)

[kwaniesiam]

You're welcome!

I have no experience using beet root juice but I'd suggest trying plain warm water or tea with a splash of lemon or lime. Vinegar would work well too, but I prefer the lemon because vinegar is stinky ;)


Do you have pictures of your starting color and an example of what you'd like to achieve? That can also help us give you some more suggestions on how to achieve it.

[colormeindie]

i want a dark more cherry auburn. though its easier said than done i presume.
(the url is what i want, my avatar pic is what i have :/)

http://www.scene-hairstyles.com/images/67cx8ad.jpg

[colormeindie]

i ran another test with just water and lemon juice and it didnt change again.
im this close to just growing it out natural blonde :(

i have no clue what to do.

[whitestiletto]

I think you should let the henna dye-release in a hot place (like your car on a hot day) for 5-8 hrs, then apply it to your hair and wrap very well with saran wrap and a hat for at least 6 hrs.

What were you wrapping your strand tests with? I have found that if I let any part of my henna dry out while it's sitting on my head, that part won't dye.

[Ferine]

I don't ST, (yes, I know I'm bad), so this comes from application.

I ALWAYS mix my Henna with BOILING fluid, tea, water whatever, and wrap it TIGHT wih cling film.

I've never had an issue with the hair not taking the colour, and my hair DOES NOT take chemical dyes or bleaches(Sp?).

Good Luck

Ferine

[colormeindie]

well to take into account, i have water that turns my shower red, which means its loaded with iron. i've been doing hot oil treatments in attempts to make my hair more managable, and i use a sulfate free shampoo in the shower.

[blueygirls]

If i soak my henna in an iron kadai, does that mean i've put some metallic salts in it?

[Mesmerise]

I use Jamila henna. I mix it with warm water (sometimes with a bit of lemon juice, but today I did not) and let it dye release overnight, and then leave it on my hair for 4 hours. I've never had a problem with it not colouring my hair!