Eew! The smell, the smell. Is it grass? Is it an herb? What is that?! Only an essential oil will knock the funk away of the great green goo known as henna. All I can say is DON'T even think of doing henna on a hungry stomach. It made me hungry but sick to my stomach at the same time. I had to pull out some lavender oil and put a couple drops in. That smell is like no other. Someone on a hair blog had the nerve to say that the smell is good and like herbs. Ah, no... Only people who sniff weird stuff would like the smell of henna.
What color will I get? Red, brown, something else? The unpredictable color can be unnerving. No two heads are alike, and so you can get red highlights and your friend can end up with auburn brown. The color that you want may come the first time, fourth time, or never without the right technique. It takes A LOT of work to try to get a particular color out of henna unless you add certain herbs or liquids. Hibiscus tea, paprika, rose water, and rosehips are known to add red highlights to hennaed hair. It can be added to henna to increase the red color. Not a fan of red? Amla powder can give a brown color. Want black or darkened hair? Try using indigo after you henna.
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By this time next year, I'll be able to wash the goo out. NEVER, ever ever henna hair when you have to do something later that day. I see my henna days as my spa treatment. I make sure to do henna on a day in which I don't plan on going anywhere. I mean, how will I explain my green goo on my hair? Can you imagine seeing a good looking guy and having plastic wrap goop on? Nope, that is NOT sexy!
The bottom line is... It ain't easy being green! Kermit the Frog had it right. Being green means you're different and some people just can't handle different. In the natural community some people hail henna as a natural cure for scalp conditions, provides great strength, and conditioning. Others see it as a hassle and still a few see it as an herbal relaxer. But for me, it has been a game changer. My hair is morphing into boundless curls of gorgeousness. And for that, being green just ain't so bad!!!
Dear Readers, what say you about henna? Share your thoughts!
Raven, I feel you on the henna treatment. I wear a wrap and put an old towel around my shoulder like a cape and clip it to stay on. I also put old towels on the floor and the countertop to catch any dripping henna. I also put oil on and behind my ears, also along my hairline, so that I can wipe away the henna without staining.
ReplyDeleteI love what henna has done for my hair. It has less shedding, tangles, split ends and it is stronger. I also love that my grays are colored without my hair breaking.
Henna Head for life!
Thanks for commenting, Juana! Yes, it is always a great idea to get the towels ready, because doing henna can be VERY messy. I agree with you. The benefits FAR outweigh all the hassles. I'd much rather retain A LOT of length then to lose massive hair balls through grueling detangling sessions. Or spend tons of money on products for detangling! Since using henna in May my hair has retained good length!
DeleteI share your thoughts. I enjoy the benefits, but it can be a bit tedious sometimes. I don't mind on days when I don't have plans, but you never know when something comes up and you need/want to go out. Lol!
ReplyDeleteHave you noticed curl loosening? You mentioned your hair "morphing".... What was your curl type before?
Yes, doing henna treatment takes patience, accuracy, and commitment. I am a type 4a/3c with some 4b in my crown area. The henna treatment causes some loosening initially after rinsing. Once my hair dries the curls tighten back up. However, during this last henna treatment that I did, I noticed that my curls became more defined. Most likely it was due to the amla powder in the sukesh ayurveda treatment that I added to my henna.
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