So I have been talking about Henna-ing for the LONGEST time and I am
finally getting the chance to do it! I have heard so many positive things about it
in the natural hair community especially on
Curly Nikki and other reputable blogs.
What I will be using:
➦ LUSH Cosmetics Caca Noir Henna
(Persian Henna, Cocoa Butter, & Indigo)
➦ 100% Clover Honey
➦ Gloves
➦ Hair Clips
➦ Hair Color Application Bottle
➦ Plastic Cap
➦ Deep Conditioner
➦ LOTS OF TIME!
Part I : Mixing your Henna
Since I am using the LUSH Cosmetics Henna Bar, I do not really have a lot of prep to do.
The bar is already mixed, all I have to do is break it down and melt it.
Since my hair is not long I only use 2 blocks (And I still ended up with too much)
I used a cheese grater and shaved down the 2 blocks of henna. This ultimately made it
easier to mix, but you don't have to shave it down if you don't feel like it. I also should have
worn gloves, but it did not stain my hands as I grated it.
Next I added about 2-3 tablespoons of honey to my shaved henna
(which by the way smelled like green tea) & added my boiling water, I know
when using the powder they say use something acidic such as tea, coffee, or lemon juice
but I just used water as the directions instructed. Then mix until you get a thick, runny paste.
I am not sure if you can tell the consistency, but I tried it with the flash to give you
an idea of the thickness. I would compare it to pancake batter.
But the color was a deep hunter green.
Honestly, when I first mixed it, the smell was reminiscent of mary jane,
But maybe thats just me...
Part II: Application
Once it was mixed while it was still warm I poured it into my color application bottle
It was an 8oz bottle and as I said before It was a lot of product. It all didn't even fit.
Now while that is still warm and cooling off....
Time to section your hair off. I did about 8 different sections just so my hair wouldn't get in my way.
Remember this is a dye, even though it is natural, so you want to be dressed in
clothing that you do not mind messing up...
...I chose an old t-shirt of my ex-boyfriends that I needed to get rid of anyway ;-)
Now just apply.
I chose to take each section down and apply like you would do regular color.
Make sure you get roots to end covered.
Once I had finished each section I just distributed whatever was left throughout my hair.
Kind of just smushing it through, like I was finger combing in conditioner.
I noticed that the henna was already curling my hair.
It was thick and pasty and the smell was very strong.
But I then put on my plastic cap. Then went around the opening with saran wrap
to cover up any hair that wasn't in the cap. And now I can prepare for bed.
I also put my satin scarf over the cap, its just a habit to go to bed with it on :-)
Now its time to let your hair absorb the henna...
Goodnight
Part III: De-Henna-ing
So I woke up this morning and unwrapped my head.
I noticed that my hair appeared darker,
but hey that could have been because of the thick dark paste in my hair.
I proceeded to get in the shower to wash out the henna...
Please Note: Unless you absolutely love scrubbing your shower,
use the bathtub method. I have a shower head with a hose so I could clean the "mold like" splatter that was all over the curtain liner and shower walls.
When youtubing a lot of people described washing out the henna as painstaking.
I actually found it quite easy. Since I do have a detachable shower head I guess i could get it out with a higher pressure, who knows. I got the henna out with about 3 conditioner washes (I did not use shampoo).
Now I know I have to describe henna as a male.
It was not a dick, but there were many balls!
Henna balls were everywhere in my hair.
I got most of it out as I combed through while conditioning,
but there was still residue when I decided to deep condition.
Most people said that they came out with the deep conditioner so I didn't sweat it.
Part IV: Deeeeeep Conditioning
I am using Silk Elements: Mixed Silk Nourishing Deep Conditioner
'Natural Curls for Natural Girls'
(Love the motto)
I love the way it makes my hair feel.
Hopefully it will add to the effects of the Henna.
After about an hour and a half I wash the deep conditioner out of my hair
This time I successfully got all of the henna-balls out of my hair :)
The Noticed Effects of Henna-ing
It has been two days since I have henna-ed and I have noticed its many effects on my hair.
I have noticed:
➦ My hair is noticeably darker therefore it looks very SHINY :)
➦ My hair seems much thicker than before
➦ My hair is incredibly soft
➦ I did not notice much change in my curls, but they do seem more elongated
Overall I am liking the effects of the henna
and I am very curious to see if anything else changes with time.
I do plan to try to henna every 4-6 weeks to see if there are more dramatic effects
This is my finished result after a chunky braid out:
I am not sure if you can tell but my hair is much darker
& There is definitely more of a shine to it
But there is no mistaking that it looks much more fuller
Have you ever henna'd?? Are you considering??
Comment Below ^_^
