Can I try a test strand first?
Yes. Mix about 1 tsp Henna with 1Tbsp boiling water. Apply to 1" section of hair (enough to wrap around a finger). Wrap in plastic wrap. Leave on for required time (see Timing) Rinse off, shampoo and dry.
Can Henna by used on grey hair?
If you have over 10% grey, we suggest doing a "test strand" first. The following formulas work best:
Medium Brown Henna + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar
Dark Brown Henna + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar
Light Brown Henna + Ceylon or Black China Tea + apple cider vinegar
I do not recommend adding olive oil, yogurt or egg to henna when trying to cover gray hair. It seems to interfer with the henna's ability to stick to the gray.
Can I Henna after a perm?
Yes. After perming, wait 2 weeks or 5 shampoos before applying Henna. This will allow the hair to be free of any chemical residue.
Can I Perm after Henna?
Henna coats the hair shaft and , in some cases, prevents the chemical in the perm lotion from penetrating. Prior to a perm, remove Henna (see following question).
What is the best way to remove Henna?
To help remove Henna from the hair shaft, apply warm mineral oil to the hair. Leave on 20-25 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Shampoo out. This procedure is good prior to using a perm or chemical tint/color. It may not remove all of the color, but enough will be removed to perm, color or highlight your hair.
Is Henna safe to use over a chemical tint?
Yes. If the hair is in excellent condition Henna can be used over a chemical tint. However, this is not its purpose. Henna should never be used over bleached or white hair. White hair turns bright orange when henna is applied (no matter which shade of henna you choose).
Can hair be lightened after using Henna?
No. The henna color will remain on the hair even if high lift blonde tints or bleaches are used. (see removing henna).
Will Henna lighten hair?
No. Henna does not contain any lightening chemicals. Blonde Henna brings out yellow and light brown highlights. Marigold Blonde brings out gold and yellow highlights. Both add shine and body to grey hair.
How often can I use Henna?
Neutral Henna can be done every 4 weeks. All other shades can be used every 4 to 6 weeks.
Preparation
May be applied over wet or dry hair, but it is important that the hair be clean. You may apply cream or Vaseline around the hairline, ears and neck to avoid staining your skin.
Directions
Pour the 4 oz. of Henna into a glass or plastic bowl. Gradually add boiling water. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix thoroughly to a creamy (but grainy) consistency. (More liquid can be added if mixture is too thick, it isn't an exact science). For the neutral henna, you may use 2 oz. in an application, then you will get two uses out of each container. The amount of water (coffee, tea, juice) you use is a matter of personal preference and does not affect the dying ability of the henna. Some people like henna runny and some people like it thick.
Timing
Black, Red, Sherry, Mahogany, Burgundy, Dark Brown, Medium Brown and Copper ---with heat 45 minutes---without heat 60 to 75 minutes.
Strawberry Blonde, Blonde, Marigold Blonde, Light Brown and Neutral--with heat 30 minutes---without heat 45-60 minutes.
When timing is complete, rinse thoroughly with hot water, then cool water.
Special Recipes and Hints
Coffee
To help tone down red tones, deepen brown-red tones, or cover grey, substitute coffee for water. Used brewed, black coffee (not instant or decaffeinated). After coffee is brewed, bring to a boil. Mix as directed.
Teas
Ceylon or Black China Tea will add gold highlights to Light Brown Henna. Red Zinger Tea enriches red tones in Burgundy, Sherry, Mahogany and Red Henna. Chamomile Tea brightens and adds highlights to Neutral, Blonde or Marigold Blonde Henna. Let tea steep for 20-30 minutes. Bring to a boil. Substitute tea for water. Mix as directed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
To help color hold on grey hair, add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to Henna mixture.
Cinnamon
To brighten and highlight red tones, add 2 tbsp cinnamon.
Lemon Juice
To lighten blonde shades, add 2 tbsp (or more) lemon juice to Henna mixture.
To Deepen Red Shades
Red, Sherry, Mahogany or Burgundy can be deepened by mixing a darker shade. For example, 3 oz Mahogany + 1 oz Dark Brown = Dark Auburn.
Dry Hair
Add 1 egg, 2-4 tbsp olive oil, or 2-4 tbsp plain yogurt to Henna mixture. These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes.
As always. if you have any questions, please email me. I check my mail periodically during the day to help you with any henna questions you may have.
Cynthia
Henna by Cynthia
