What’s Happening With Henna Part Deux
What’s Happening With Henna Part Deux!
Ok Ladies and Gents…I’ve officially tried the henna, and the verdict is (by unanimous decision of course) I LOVE IT! Though I don’t have a vivid reddish color (which I wasn’t expecting anyways b/c my natural color is so dark), I have a deeeeeeeep auburn tone with a few highlights that are caught in the sun. You won’t really be able to tell in the pics, hence I didn’t post them. However, in another couple of weeks, I’ll be doing a quick henna gloss with the rest of my leftover henna, which may help to bring the color out more (and pics will be posted then).
Ok here goes…
- I used Curly Nikki’s (curlynikki.com) tutorial which was BOMB, not to mention she’s a super credible source, working directly with mehandi.com…thanks doll!
- Green tea was my mild acidic to release the henna color molecule.
- Let the mix sit overnight for at least 12 hours to ensure max color release.
- Mixed some honey in right before application, then applied henna paste to damp hair, working from nape to front (it had a bit of a cooling effect but it was to a therapeutic point and actually a bit refreshing)
- After letting it sit for 10-12 hours, I rinsed in the tub, which was also refreshing; and it came out almost instantly. Punjabi Prime crop henna from mehandi.com is Heaven sent!
- Upon rinsing my hair, it felt stronger, and I had virtually no breakage. I co-washed with my Vo5 just to add moisture and make sure that my henna was out.
- I Deep Conditioned with Aussie Moist (mixed with EVOO) and boy did my hair feel excellent.
I had a quick mishap: attempted to blow dry my hair for the purpose of pics/possibly straightening -BIG MISTAKE! My hair wrestled with me for a minute. Needless to say, my hair won the battle and I tossed the blow dryer to the left! I ended up bantu-knotting my hair and letting it air dry, much to my hair’s approval.
Overall, my henna experience was phenomenal, as I will be using it again in the near future. I would recommend henna to those considering a natural tint of color or those in need of a strengthening treatment. Just remember the tips and facts I brought to you in the first post about henna. Until Next Time Everyone – Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
What’s Happening With Henna?
What’s Happening With Henna?
Some of you may ask, “What’s henna?” Others have heard of henna, but are wondering, “What does henna have to do with this blog?” A few of us actually know its relevance to our hair, but are thinking, “I have been curious what my hair will look like after trying henna…” Hopefully all of your questions will be addressed momentarily!
Henna has been utilized in the Middle Eastern community for years in body art and temporary tattoos. Most of us had an idea of this just from walking through an amusement park or going to a local festival; henna tattooing is almost as popular as those funny caricature drawings nowadays. Middle Eastern women have found its usefulness in coloring the hair, just as much as they have with its staining the skin.
Henna is a powder created from the leaves of its plant. It naturally dyes the hair. In its natural form, henna will combine its reddish-orange pigmentation with your hair’s natural shade when used as a colorant. However, many have altered the red-orange color by mixing in different herbs to achieve a variation of shades. I have been fascinated with henna since the moment I heard of its effects on the hair. Henna has been found to leave one’s strands feeling conditioned, thick, and silky. Not only is it a dye, but henna is thought to be a strengthening treatment to most. It is imperative that you use the 100% natural henna that is absent of all additives and metallics, in order to reap the total benefits of the powder, and to prevent damage to your natural waves and curls.
Henna may be used on all hair types, (yes even those 4a/4b curls – my hair type), relaxed, texlaxed, or natural tresses. Body art quality (BAQ) henna is the most potent of its type, and the safest to use on the hair. After applying henna to the hair, you must be sure to do a moisturizing deep conditioner on the hair in order to replenish any moisture that may have been extracted during the process.
I plan on doing a henna application on my hair in the next couple of weeks, and I am too excited! In order to see my results, you must read my future blog post and check out the bhp forum for pics! Stay tuned faithful readers! In the meantime, you can check out this wonderful site hennaforhair.com or look at the henna threads on the bhp forum. Until next time all…happy hair growing!!!
Keeping Your Colored Hair Healthy
Keeping Your Colored Hair Healthy
If you are like most ladies, you desire a little change or shall I say, spicing up of your look from time to time. Many women want this new desired transformation to take place without a drastic hair cut or some form of plastic surgery. Some women opt to color due to the fact that Mother Nature has graced them with her presence and given her the gift of silvery streaks throughout. Whatever the reason, the option to color or streak our hair as women usually prevails. Coloring your hair can be a huge step, especially if you are using permanent color which of course contains harsh and potentially damaging chemicals. If you choose to color your hair there are certain steps that you must take to ensure success and to avoid damage.
The ingredients found in hair dyes are extremely potent and restrictive to your hair’s future. When you actually take a moment and consider the fact that two things must occur for your hair’s color to be altered, it should make things clearer. Those two steps involve oxidizing and lightening. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes and ammonia lightens the hair. These two ingredients work together to arrive at the finished product of dyed hair. Of course, the length of time that you allow the product to stay on, will determine how light or dark your color will be. This can be the differing factor in whether you just go a shade or two lighter than your natural hair color, or become bleach blonde. An important piece of advice, take heed to the product’s instructions. Severe damage can take place if you leave the product on beyond the suggested time.
When you hair is dyed, it is being stripped of its natural oils and moisture. The first critical step before even coloring is to deep condition your hair a few weeks in advance prior to the procedure. The stronger and better conditioned your hair is pre-coloring, the less likely you will experience damage. However, the deep conditioning treatments don’t stop there, you need to incorporate into your regimen a deep conditioning treatment at least once weekly after you have dyed.
Maintaining healthy colored hair also means keeping your hair and scalp clean. Weekly washings are recommended. Use quality shampoos and be sure to follow up with a quality conditioner for your penetrating treatment. Once again, this will replace moisture loss from washing, as washing also strips your hair of oils. Cowashing, or washing with conditioner, is also a great technique for replacing moisture for color treated hair. Just be sure to establish a good regimen for your hair and stick to it.
Things that may have been acceptable in your pre-dye days, may no longer be acceptable now that your hair is in a weakened state due to harsh chemicals. Skipping a deep conditioning treatment could mean major hair loss. Trimmings must be maintained regularly as your ends dictate. Remember split ends travel and will only create a snowball effect leading to disaster and more breakage. It is recommended to see a professional stylist for trimming. If you opt to trim your own hair, invest in a quality pair of shears.
Finally, avoid overlapping chemicals. If your hair is chemically relaxed/processed, avoid dying for at least 6 weeks to avert over processing.
Keep your overall self healthy and hydrated. Your hair is a tell tale sign of whether or not you’re in good health. Drink 64 ounces of water a day and your hair will thank you for it. Eat a diet high in fiber and exercise regularly. Your color treated hair will benefit from a healthy lifestyle. You can rock a beautiful head of hair with color as long as you take every necessary precaution to keep it that way.
