The Gift of Henna

My henna treatment went so well that I am going to share my updated henna recipe. The outcome was glossy, conditioned,  highlighted natural hair. By the time I rinsed my hair, it was soft and tangle free.

This is what I used:
1 pkg of Red Raj Henna
2 Tbsp of Sukesh Ayurveda
2 tsp of Lemon Juice
2-3 eggs
1 can of Coconut Milk
1 tsp of Avocado oil (mix after dye release)

Mix the henna and Sukesh powder together then add the lemon juice, eggs, and coconut milk.

Let the mixture sit in a cool, dry place until the dye releases. You will notice that the henna color will change from green to brown.

After dye releases stir in the avocado oil or the oil of your choice.

Section the hair into 4 sections. Two in the front and two in the back. Begin applying the henna from root to tip. If you are touching up your hair, apply it only to the root.

Place a plastic bag or cap over your head and let the henna sit for about 4-6 hrs.

Rinse the henna out with warm water then use a moisturizing conditioner. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes then rinse. Deep condition your hair according to your hair's needs. Usually I deep condition my hair for 30 min.

I lost few strands of hair. There was hardly any hair shed. While rinsing my hair felt like silk. When it dried I was amazed by the moisture and softness. Try it and see if you like it!!!

*I purchased the henna and Sukesh Ayurveda from Hennasooq.com.

My Henna Journey- Part 3: The 2nd Time Around

I have become a henna lover and it is growing with each application. There is something about henna that keeps pulling me in like that lover you just can't manage to say no to. But, not in a crazy eyed, hypnotic, weirdo kind of way. It's more of a healthy addiction, if there is such a thing. It's hard to explain, except to say that the more you do it, the more you love it.

I have been reading everything that I can find about henna: how to mix it properly, what to use, the benefits, and the drawbacks. My interest in henna has grown by leaps and bounds as I not only read about it, but experience it firsthand. After this second application, I have had some more epiphanies about this wonderful natural product. And aren't you just anxious to hear more about it? Well, I'm glad you asked! So, here it goes!

#1. Henna isn't just a treatment; it's a lifestyle. Henna heads will tell you that our haircare centers around proper treatment and henna is at the center. Because henna offers optimal strength and conditioning, everything that you do before and after you henna increases your hair's health. From detangling your hair properly to using a proper deep conditioner, EVERYTHING contributes to the best or henna experience. I'm so grateful to all of the ladies on the CurlyNikki Forum that offer the BEST henna advice EVER!

#2. Henna mixes aren't one size fits all. Just because someone else loves lemon juice in their mix, don't expect it to work the same for you. Why? Because what you put in your henna mix must be tailored specifically for your hair's needs. Typically lemon juice is drying for most Afro textured hair, but if you have oily hair and/or scalp then it may not negatively affect you. Keep in mind that the straight haired henna heads can get away with really acidic juices in their mix, because of the natural oils that they have that flow more easily down the hair strand. Those of us with drier hair textures prefer green tea, hibiscus tea, aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar or (my favorite) coconut milk. It takes practice to figure out what will work best. Some people add oils to their mix and other people keep their mix simple. You have to play around with your mix to get the perfect combination.

#3. The perfect henna mix looks like a paste or pudding not a soup. I learned this the hard way, because my first mix was like a pea soup instead of a paste consistency. It was a messy situation. I didn't share this with you in the article, so I am gonna confess something. I got a few splotches will trying to apply the henna mix the first time. It was like a liquid and so it splashed a little. It wasn't terrible, but this time when I did a paste mixture there were no splotches. Also, the color doesn't deposit as well when you use a thin mixture. The thicker paste sticks to the hair strands and deposits better color.

My 2nd henna-- 06/13/2013

#4. Get good quality henna, because some of the cheap stuff will leave you with crispy, shedding hair. Thank God I didn't experience this myself. I learned vicariously through lurking blogs and forums that the worst henna experiences came from people purchasing el cheapo henna from some place that had poor quality products. Companies like Henna Sooq have organic certified products and top quality henna. You don't have to worry about picking twigs, sticks, and other drags out of your hair. It is packaged well and when you open the package you will know that it is a fresh quality.

#5. Allow the color to release before you apply the henna mix to your hair. I like how the henna will "tell" you that it is ready. When I first mix it I see a green color, but once the dye releases it turns to the color of mud. It is awesome. Oh, and I learned that you can freeze the left over henna. When you de-thaw and use the henna, the dye releases quicker than freshly made henna. Isn't that awesome?

#6. You may want to give henna a try if you have a scalp condition. I have a condition called seborrhea dermatitis. It is usually under control, but when the weather changes or if I experience stress, it may flare up. After applying henna the first time, my scalp became different. Although I still experienced flare ups, it wasn't as intense as my previous episodes. During this second application my scalp had a nice, slight tingle. After rinsing out the henna my scalp felt clean not stripped. I felt as though my scalp had undergone a special treatment. If for no other benefit, I love henna because it helps my scalp condition.

Readers, are you considering joining the henna nation? Do you have questions about the process? Or are you an expert henna head? Share your thoughts and/or questions. 

My Journey to Becoming a Henna Head- Part 2 Henna Head In Full Effect

I was so intrigued by henna that I had to use the Red Raj henna from Henna Sooq this weekend.  Initially, I was very chicken and a little apprehensive about the process. I read several blogs and visited Henna Sooq's website several times to make sure that I wasn't doing anything that would result in my hair in my hands. The most confusing part was that almost every natural had their own henna mix. A henna mix is a mixture of henna and then other powders, oils, or liquids to activate and/or enhance the conditioning properties of the henna. Some henna heads use orange juice, lemon juice, or green tea. Still others use coconut milk, aloe vera juice, or apple cider vinegar. Then, there are all of the myriad of different types of Aryuvedic and organic powders that can be added to the henna mix. After reading so much that my head began to hurt, so I just sat down and decided what exactly would I add to my mix?

What Did I Use in My Henna Mix?

Liquid #1 : Raspberry Tea-- It was chosen because the first ingredient in raspberry tea is hibiscus. Hibiscus flowers actually enhance the red tones of the henna. I figured that this was a good choice as I wanted the color to be visible on the first time.

Liquid #2: Aloe Vera Juice-- My hair loves aloe vera juice and I also knows it is a gentle liquid. I added it in there to just give an extra moisture boost.

Powder: Aloe Vera Powder (Conditioning/Softening Agent)-- I chose aloe vera powder, because it is known to aid in conditioning the hair and imparting moisture. There are a whole host of benefits from aloe vera including ridding the hair of dandruff and other scalp conditions.

Oil: Coconut/Jamaican Black Castor Oil-- My hair loves this oil and so, I figured why not? But, please note that oils are not be added prior to the dye release. In fact, it's best to add oils AFTER the dye has been released. For the Red Raj henna that I used the dye release time was approximately 3-4 hours. Therefore, I added the oil right before I applied the henna.

Detangling the Hair Before the Henna

It is VERY important that your hair is not matted and/or tangled. Why? Because having matted and tangled hair will make it especially difficult when you are trying to rinse out the henna. I finger detangled and used a little grape seed oil working my fingers carefully down each section and untangling any sections that were mixed together. The detangling process took me about 20-30 minutes. I took my time and made sure that I did not rip out any strands.

How did I apply the Henna Mix?

Prior to applying the henna mix I had to wait until the dye release. As I stated previously, the dye release time for Red Raj henna is 3-4 hours. I mixed together the ingredients and then I put the plastic top on the bowl and set it in the refrigerator for 3 hours. It was a dark green color when I first put it in the refrigerator. However, after the dye release it turned mud brown.

Before applying the henna mix you must section your hair. I used butterfly clips and made about 6 sections-- 3 on each side of my head. I figured it would be much easier if I made the sections small enough that I could work with them.

Wear gloves and make sure you have on old clothes and cover your work space with towels and/or newspaper. The splotches I made with the mixture were minimal, but I was able to clean up afterwards with no remaining henna stains.

Apply the henna as you would deep conditioner and be sure to get each section. I took my time slathering on the henna. I smoothed each section and then clipped it back up until the whole head was complete.

Once the whole head is done cover with a plastic cap or wrap with Saran Wrap. I used the Saran Wrap method because I didn't have any plastic caps. I made sure I wrapped it tight. I wiped any spilled henna, because I didn't want to have orange dye on my skin! Finally, I put my Turbie towel on top and laid a towel on my pillow. I went to bed and slept with the henna in my hair overnight.

The Big Reveal--Fluffy Gets Color

I am quite pleased with the results. My hair aka Fluffy looks and feels good. She has lots of volume and she is holding a twist out VERY well. Also, she feels soft yet strong. The henna did elongate my curls slightly but it also created better definition. #Winning!!!!

After the henna you can see the red highlights where my gray hair used to be.

Rinsing Out Henna 

After sleeping in the henna for about 6 hours I went to my bathroom and hung my head over the tub rinsing, rinsing, and rinsing! I used just plain water with no product at first. I just rinsed each side of my head until I saw the water run clear. This took a little while and to be honest, it didn't feel like it took long. I just stuck my head under the running water and turned slowly from side to side and rinsed. Then, I paid close attention to the front, back, and sides again to ensure that no henna residue remained.

Next, I applied Naturelle Grow Coconut Water Cleansing conditioner. This is a new product for me and I will be doing a full review very soon. I left the conditioner in for about 3 minutes then rinsed it out. Then, I applied TRESemme Naturals Nourishing conditioner and rinsed it out again. Finally, I applied the Naturelle Grow Chamomile Burdock Root conditioner. I left it in my hair and put a plastic bag over it to seal in the moisture for about 15 minutes. I rinsed it out and applied my leave-in, Shea Moisture Yucca and Baobab Hair Milk. I decided to twist my hairs in preparation for a twist out. I used a small amount of the Naturelle Grow Moisturizer to each section for extra moisture.

My Final Verdict

Well, it's only been a day but so far so good. I will continue to update my blog as I share my revelations. This henna journey is exciting and it has revitalized my natural hair journey. My scalp feels clean, but not stripped. This is very important as I have been fighting seborrhea dermatitis for some time. I won't give a final verdict just yet, but for now henna seems to be pretty darned good. 

I'm a henna head!!

My Supplies

• Red Raj Henna
• Aloe Vera Powder
• Raspberry Tea
• Aloe Vera Juice
• Tropic Isle Coconut/Jamaican Black Castor Oil
• Plastic Gloves
• Naturelle Grow Coconut Water Cleansing Conditioner
• TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner
• Naturelle Grow Chamomile Burdock Root Deep Conditioner
• Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Hair Milk
• Naturelle Grow Moisturizer

For more information about Red Raj, Aloe Vera Powder, or other henna products please visit 

Henna Sooq.

To purchase Naturelle Grow products please visit NaturelleGrow on Etsy.

My Journey to Becoming a Henna Head: Getting Started (Part 1)

I've decided to take the plunge. No, I'm not getting married. I'm going to become a henna head! A what? You might ask? I've been told by many that I'm way too young looking to have an 18 year old son. Yes, I said an 18 year old son. Well, I'm glad that mom and dad blessed me with good, youthful genes BUT my hair is being taken over. By what you might ask? I'm having grey hairs pop up all over the place like popcorn. It's as though everyday a new grey hair pops up, mostly around my hair line. Now anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not afraid of grey, but this is ridiculous. I'm not ready to have an entire head full of grey hair. Although I dyed my hair a while ago when I was in college, since my scalp condition I have opted to not go down the road since it would cause more irritation. However, with henna I'm able to use it and there are so many benefits that go beyond hair dye.

What are some of the benefits of henna? 

• Natural red color and/or highlights
• Shiny hair
• Stronger hair
• Rids hair of dandruff

Red Raj  Henna & Aloe Vera Powder
Hennasooq.com

Where do I order henna? I received my lovely package from Henna Sooq. I've had great service and information from this natural company based in Elkeridge, Maryland. This is very convenient, because I live in Maryland, so this is an extra plus for me. The service was fast and the package is neat. Here's a pic of the goodies that arrived.

How did I decide on which henna to order? I want a pop of red highlights, but I wasn't sure which henna to order. I saw on the Henna Sooq website that there was a chat function to connect with a representative. I hit the button and up popped a rep, so friendly and resourceful. I shared with the rep that I want the color to really be bold. She told me that the Jamila henna has warmer color, whereas the red raj is cooler colors.

How did I know how much to order? The amount you order should be based on how long your hair is and how often you plan to henna. Since I have armpit length natural hair, the rep suggested that I get 150 grams of henna.

What will I use to mix with my henna? As you can see from the pic I will use aloe vera powder with my mixture. Basically, I've learned that I should mix the henna and then, mix the aloe vera powder in a separate bowl with water. I'm not using the whole pack of powder only a couple tablespoons. I'll use one box of henna on my first application. Also, I plan to make raspberry tea and add a little grape seed oil to the mix for extra moisture. I won't add the oil to the mix until right before I apply it to my hair. The red raj henna mixture will need to sit for at least 3 hours for the dye release. Different hennas have different dye release times.

For more information on henna or to order please visit www.hennasooq.com

Stay tuned for my journey to henna head adventures! Next up! Applying henna: what to do and why. I will be applying my henna the later part of this week, so check back to see what happens. 

Henna Shampoo Bar: HIT or MISS?

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Chagrin Valley shampoo bars! When I saw that Ms. Ida (creator of CV Soap and Salve) decided to make Henna shampoo bars, I literally squealed with delight. Yep, I love her products that much! So, I scrolled down the page and I saw that the henna bars come in three assortments: chestnut, auburn, and strawberry. I figured that since I was curious about henna, then what better way then to try a shampoo bar. Through some research I learned that henna is a natural dye. I was intrigued by the concept of putting henna in a shampoo bar. I wondered if the shampoo bar would have the same effect as actual henna.

Since I could hardly wait to order these shampoo bars, I ordered them on the date they were available,Friday,
January 4,2013. The service is excellent and my order arrived on Wednesday, January 9th. I could smell the herbal scent of my order even before opening the package! The shampoo bars come in a small paper bag with a neat label on the front stating the name and ingredients. The ingredients are saponified oils of babassu, sunflower, coconut, castor, organic palm, water, organically grown henna; organic coconut milk, indigo; organic black walnut hulls; cloves; and rosemary oil extract.

I took the bar out and I noticed that it was about the same color and consistency as the Cafe Moreno bar but it was a little darker. I sniffed it and the herbal scent was very light. I began to cut a strip of the bar, so that I could efficiently save it. It is common knowledge that the best way to use a shampoo bar is to cut it and store the rest for later use.

1st Trial: Wednesday, January 9th
I prepooed/ deep conditioned with Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Grow & Strengthen Treatment Masque. While smoothing it down I detangled my hair and twisted it into about 6 loose twists. Then, I let it sit in my hair for about 30 min. Next, I hopped in the shower rinsing it thoroughly from my hair. After all traces of my prepoo were gone, I took the Henna shampoo bar and rubbed it clockwise on my crown of my head. Bubbles burst forth instantly and I massaged my scalp. Per the Chagrin Valley website advice, I left the Henna shampoo bar lather on my head for several minutes. Finally, I rinsed my hair then used the Butter conditioner bar. Rinsed and added my TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture conditioner (mixed with aloe vera juice, Jamaican Black Castor oil, and grapeseed oil).

Please note: I noticed that my hair felt VERY soft after rinsing out the Henna shampoo lather. With ingredients such as organic henna, hibiscus, and coconut milk, it is no wonder my hair felt like silk. Also, I noticed that my curls were drooping slightly. I began to wonder if it was the henna, because someone (I can't remember who) mentioned that it might loosened the curl pattern. Once my hair dried (a la white t-shirt turban style), I felt VERY soft hair.

2nd Trial: Sunday, January 13th
I decided to prepoo with TRESemme Luxurious Moisture mixed with Jamaican Black Castor oil and grapeseed oil. I detangled and put my hair into about 6 large twists. I let the mixture stay on my hair for about 30 minutes then I hopped into the shower to rinse it out. Next, I rubbed the henna chestnut shampoo bar clockwise on my head several times. My hair ended up with more lather on my head this time. I let the henna lather stay on my head for several (maybe about 10 minutes) then I rinsed it out. My hair felt clean but not squeaky clean like the first time. This time instead of using the butter conditioner bar and then the rinse out conditioner, I went straight to the rinse out conditioner. I used Yes to Blueberries Healthy Hair Repair conditioner. I was able to easily detangle and my hair felt very soft and moisturized. It seems as though my curls are slightly looser but they still apprar to look like little spirals the size of coffee stirrers.

My final verdict? I absolutely LOVE the new Chagrin Valley henna bar. Although it is too early to tell if it will highlight my hair, I can say that it works well to cleanse and soften my hair. Detangling was almost as easy as when I use my beloved Babassu Marshmallow shampoo bar by Chagrin Valley. Since using the bar, I have not had itchy scalp. That's a great bonus! The only other CV bar that helps me specifically ward off the itchies is the Cafe Moreno bar, so I'm definitely a new fan of this Henna Chestnut bar.

I plan to use the henna shampoo bar in my rotation. Currently, I rotate the use of the following shampoo bars: babassu marshmallow, neem & tea tree hair/body bar, cafe moreno, olive babassu, and butter conditioner bar. Shampoo bar rotations are based on the condition of my scalp and hair for that particular week. I plan to give a more detailed description of how to rotate shampoo bars in an upcoming post. Also, I purchased Chagrin Valley Rosemary Mint and Coconut Milk shampoo bars. I will post detailed reviews once I use them.

For more information or to order Chagrin Valley shampoo bars please visit http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/

Are you a shampoo bar user? If so, which shampoo bars do you enjoy? If not, then share which shampoos you use to highlight your natural color.