Henna Thread, take two

**Shorty89** · January 27th, 2023, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by Nightshade

Henna isn't a protein, but it binds to the protein in your hair. Most people that encounter problems were using really protein-heavy products and they just weren't necessary with henna.

But in no way does henna lock out moisture. The plant wax coating of henna is both permeable and temporary.

Nightshade is right. I'm also protein-sensitive and I can't use protein products most of the time now. I find that a SMT (or other type of moisture treatment) a day or two after henna really helps. It also helps to rinse it out really thoroughly.

**Ada-banana** · January 28th, 2023, 02:20 PM

Oh thanks a lot for your answers. I already can't use protein because it makes my hair crunchy, so that will be no problem.

My hair doesn't 'take' henna, but I think grey hairs will be covered and that it all gets a red shine.

**EggLover** · February 2nd, 2023, 09:04 AM

Can frozen henna be used or is it always best to make a new batch?

**Nightshade** · February 2nd, 2023, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by EggLover

Can frozen henna be used or is it always best to make a new batch?

You can totally use frozen henna (I assume you're talking about the mud). It needs to be frozen while the dye is still viable, but then you can thaw it and warm it up and use it for another application.

**Bluecardigan** · February 5th, 2023, 04:00 AM

I have a question about using old henna, can it be bad for the hair or perhaps just don't work as good as if it was new/fresh?
I have a henna bar from Lush (caca rouge) that is almost two years old (I forgot I had it), it still look and smell good but I haven't dared use it because it's not fresh. What are your thoughts?

**shelomit** · February 5th, 2023, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Bluecardigan

I have a question about using old henna, can it be bad for the hair or perhaps just don't work as good as if it was new/fresh?
I have a henna bar from Lush (caca rouge) that is almost two years old (I forgot I had it), it still look and smell good but I haven't dared use it because it's not fresh. What are your thoughts?

You could always do a "spot test" on some sheds or an inconsequential patch of skin to check if the bar still has oomph. I don't have any experience with the Lush bars, but I'm certain I've used two-year-old dry henna without consequence in the past.

I've always presumed that the dyeing power would diminish with time, but for that very reason I've always striven to get fresh henna and use it before terribly long, therefore leaving me with precious little data re: older henna ( ;

**Nightshade** · February 5th, 2023, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by Bluecardigan

I have a question about using old henna, can it be bad for the hair or perhaps just don't work as good as if it was new/fresh?
I have a henna bar from Lush (caca rouge) that is almost two years old (I forgot I had it), it still look and smell good but I haven't dared use it because it's not fresh. What are your thoughts?

It won't ever be bad for hair so long as it's not like... gotten wet and gone moldy or something really strange--worst case the dye is going to be a little less potent. A Lush bar is a large portion of oils and butters, and I'd be more worried about those going rancid before henna, but if it's smells fine, it's likely perfectly safe.

I do imagine that the indigo in that bar is long dead, though.

**WednesdayAddams** · February 6th, 2023, 07:07 PM

Can I see natural level 6s wth henna? I am searching through the thread by would love to see anyone's updates & mixes. I am so tempted to henna...I am highlighted to around an 8 (?) But would be growing in a 6 (med. brown) at the roots, with maybe 5% grey. Thanks!

**Bluecardigan** · February 7th, 2023, 03:46 PM

Than you shelomit and Nightshade for your responses. And of course, strand testning-why didn't I think about that?

will use shed hair from my hairbrush.
And NightshadeLuckily the caca rouge bar doesn't have any indigo in it according to the inci)

**cookies** · February 9th, 2023, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by WednesdayAddams

Can I see natural level 6s wth henna? I am searching through the thread by would love to see anyone's updates & mixes. I am so tempted to henna...I am highlighted to around an 8 (?) But would be growing in a 6 (med. brown) at the roots, with maybe 5% grey. Thanks!

Look what I found! Henna on medium brown photo thread

Is there anyone around here who's been doing only full-length henna applications long term? I'm curious how dark it gets...