It Ain't Easy Being Green: The Trials & Tribulations of Being a Henna Head

While arm deep in green goo the other day, I had an epiphany about how being a henna head isn't all flowers and balloons.  On more than one occasion I've missed my head and slapped henna onto my shirt or on my bathroom floor. I'm so glad that I wear the oldest clothes I can find, because nine times out of ten part of my henna will miss my head and go flying somewhere else. Did I mention that I hennaed my elbow the other day? I literally ended up with henna on my elbow and I didn't see it until I was wrapping my hair up. If I mislead you into thinking that henna didn't have a downside, then I'm sorry. It's like being in a relationship. You see all the goody, goodiness in the beginning and then, the real person steps out. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate henna at all. There are just some things about henna that I have found to be challenging or even annoying.

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.

Freshly hennaed hair
Red Raj Henna
HennaSooq.com

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!

Moroccan Henna-- How Good Is It REALLY?-Product Review

I'm still learning about the different types of henna and frankly, I'm figuring out which hennas work for me. So far, I've done more reading than hennaing, because I'm not as adventurous as some people. I prefer to do a lot of research before jumping from henna to henna. After lurking hair forums and reading different henna blogs, I decided to deviate from Red Raj and try Moroccan henna.

Here's my disclaimer: Please note that I acquired the Moroccan henna for free. Henna Sooq gave me complimentary Moroccan henna, because there were issues with my order. I am very thankful to Khadijah, the owner for being so professional and generous. Nevertheless, despite the generous gift I am going to share my honest experience and opinion about this henna.

What makes Moroccan henna different? It has a pretty short dye release time compared to others-- 2 1/2 hrs. It makes a very smooth and creamy paste. When I mixed the henna I was quite surprised that the henna paste was so silky. Finally, Moroccan henna does not hold up well when frozen. Unlike other hennas, freezing Moroccan henna interferes with its dyeing ability.

What did I use to mix my Moroccan henna? I dumped about 100 mg of Moroccan henna into a bowl. I took a spoon and crushed any small lumps I saw. Then, I dumped in about 50 mg of Aloe Vera powder. I mixed them dry and made sure that the powders blended. I heated 13 oz of coconut milk on the stove until medium hot. Then, I poured the coconut milk over a hair tea. I let the hair tea steep in the coconut milk for about 30 minutes. Next, I removed the musslin bag (which contained the hair tea) and poured the coconut milk/hair tea mixture into the henna mixture. I slowly did this and mixed the henna with the coconut milk slowly. I added milk into the henna mixture stopping mixing, pouring, and mixing until I got a smooth paste similar to pudding.

Complimentary Carrot Shampoo Bar & Moroccan Henna from
HennaSooq.com

How do I allow the dye to release in the henna? After mixing all the ingredients I covered the bowl with the top and left it to sit on the counter for about 2 1/2 hrs.

How did I apply the Moroccan henna? I donned my free plastic gloves from Henna Sooq. I parted my hair into 4 sections (2 sections in the front and 2 in the back). I applied the paste on each section covering the hair. When I was done I used Saran Wrap and wrapped my hair tightly. I added my Turbie towel over it to create heat using my body heat. I left the henna on for about 6 hrs.

Did I add oils to my henna mix? No, I chose not to add oils to my henna mix this time, because I lightly oiled my scalp with organic coconut oil. If I was going to add oils then I would do it AFTER dye release. Doing so prior to dye release would result in some interference with the color deposit.

How did I rinse my hair? I bent over the tub and rinsed my hair thoroughly turning my head from side to side. The henna ran dark at first in the water. As the henna rinsed off thoroughly, I noticed that the water was lighter. As soon as the water ran clear, I added my shampoo bar. I rubbed Chagrin Valley Shampoo bar in a circular motion on my crown creating a nice foam. I gently massaged my crown, then rinsed my hair thoroughly. Next, I added NaturelleGrow Coconut Cleansing Cream Conditioner into sections of my hair. I left it in my hair for about 3 minutes and then, I rinsed it out. Finally, I applied the Naturelle Grow Herbal Blends deep conditioner. I wrapped my hair up with plastic and left it in my hair for 20 minutes. After rinsing out the deep conditioner I was truly tired and just put leave-in conditioner in my hair, did some loose twists, and went to bed.

How does my hair feel? My hair is incredibly soft and conditioned. My curls feel very smooth and there is no issues with dryness. I knew that using coconut milk would give me the moisture to combat dryness issues that are normally associated with henna. I couldn't stop touching my hair. The curls are slightly looser, but it doesn't concern me. My hair is weird in the sense that it loosens and then tightly curls back up. My curls are springy and shiny. The back which has a tighter curl pattern feels a little like softened wool. I need to stop touching my hair.

My curls after using the Moroccan henna.

How do I feel about Moroccan henna? After my hair dried I was quite disappointed. The effect was very blah and the color did not pop the way it does with Red Raj. My gray hairs were like a dark orange, which I did not like. I did see some darkening in two days, but it was just bland. Red Raj is like my true love. I feel like I was cheating on it with Moroccan henna.

What is the bottom line? I'm glad that I did order a box of Red Raj henna, because I will be doing another henna next week with Red Raj. I need a pop of color and I need it now!!!  Also, the Moroccan henna did not color all of my gray. I have one gray hair in the very front that is still gray after using Moroccan henna. Unbelievable!!! I don't want to overdo it, but I want my hair to be in tip top shape. My color has to compliment my skin tones. Moroccan has orange hues and that definitely does not go well with my red undertones in my skin.

My opinion is that Moroccan henna is best suited for people who aren't looking for a strong red or those who want to use it as a base to use indigo for a brown color. It offers great conditioning and strengthening benefits. I loved how creamy the henna mixture was and it went on my hair smoothly. However, dear Moroccan henna is just not my cup of tea!!!

For more information on Moroccan heanna or to check out other henna powders visit Henna Sooq

To order Naturelle Grow conditioners visit NaturelleGrow

Dear Readers, are you a henna head? Which henna(s) do you love to use? What are your favorite liquids for mixing? 

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.