Friday, June 22, 2012

Henna Dye for Hair







It is estimated that 65 percent of women who dye die their hair do so at home. (1) Many at home colouring kits have a high concentration of chemicals, which can put your curls at risk. (1)

Using Henna means choosing a risk free alternative to chemical dyes because Henna...is a plant. 

Unlike most synthetic dye’s dies; 100% Body Art Quality [BAQ] Henna does not damage hair, it can be safely incorporated into any hair care regimen, plus it can be done as often as you desire! (2)

I love 100% BAQ Moroccan henna powder because: (7)

   It has a quick dye release
   Blends well with indigo to create brown to black tones
   Good choice for those not wanting intense red tones
   Yields orange-red tones on it's own
   Easily washes out of hair
   Strengthens
   Conditions hair
   Loosens curl pattern
   Thicker hair
   Protects your hair from the elements
   Reduces split ends
   Gets rid of dandruff
   Kills lice 

Moroccan crops harvested after the early spring rains are usually the best of the year. (7)

Henna Gloss Recipe 
For those who want all the benefits of Henna without the colour

½ cup Aubrey Organics conditioner
1/8 cup Green tea
Gloves
[Double this recipe if you have longer hair]


1.    Pre-poo with Coconut oil overnight (see below).
2.   Mix the henna and green tea together to create a thick paste.
3.   Add the honey, then the conditioner, and mix well.
4.   After you have cleansed and rinsed your hair, with gloved hands, apply Henna in sections to wet hair. Being sure to coat hair from the roots to ends.
5.    Cover hair with a shower cap, plastic wrap or old towel to maintain heat.(3)
6.   For best results leave in overnight, or for 4-5 hours.
7.   When timing is completed, rinse out thoroughly with tons of conditioner & warm water, do this repeatedly until the henna is all washed out.
Henna can be drying; washing it out with conditioner several times helps to tackle this problem.


Me styled by Hair by Glenna


Researchers have found that using polar oils such as coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment can protect hair fibers against hygral fatigue. (2)


Hair is a highly complex biomaterial composed of layers of differing materials, ranging from varying types of keratin structures to pigment molecules to fatty acids. When it is saturated with water and swells and then subsequently dries via natural or thermal means, it undergoes what is known as differential drying and differential deformation (because each separate type of molecule within the overall structure dries and deforms at differing rates). This leads to moisture-induced stress on the hair, which can lead to delamination (cuticle layer stripping off), breakage, fiber fatigue, and rupture (split ends). This whole phenomenon is referred to as hygral fatigue. So, anything that reduces hygral fatigue is great for the health of your hair in the long term. (4)


**(If using Henna on Grey or White Hair see directions below)**
Pour 50g Henna into a glass or plastic bowl.
Gradually add boiling coffee or tea to the Henna powder. 
Add 1 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix thoroughly to a creamy soup-like consistency,
(More liquid can be added if mixture is too thick).
 (3)
Substitute Coffee or Tea for Water to add these effects:
Coffee helps to tone down red tones, deepens brown-red tones, & cover grey.
Use brewed, black coffee or espresso (not instant or decaffeinated). After coffee or espresso is brewed, bring to a boil. Mix as directed above.

Remember the water, tea or coffee should be brought to a boil. The amount you use is up to you. More can be added if the mixture thickens. Apply Henna while warm, not hot.
The electric Thermo Heat Cap can improve colour and conditioning.(3) 

  • Apple Cider Vinegar – To help all colors hold on grey hair, add 1-2 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar to Henna mixture. (3)

  • Dry or Damaged Hair – Add 1 Egg, or 1-2 tbsp. of Olive Oil, or 1-2 tbsp of Plain Yogurt to the Henna mixture. These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes. Choose any 1 of the 3 options above for similar results. (3)
  • Chlorine - To help the colour last longer; avoid swimming and showering in chlorinated water. (3)




To get fabulous black hair using Henna+Indigo (another plant based hair colourant) click herehttp://www.mehandi.com/shop/hairindigo/black.pdf 

To read more on Cassia (Neutral Henna) Click here



Looking for a salon that offers Henna colouring as a service in Toronto? Visit Angela Beauty Parlor. 1608 Gerrard Street East, Toronto. 647 352 5301

Where to buy BAQ Moroccan Henna: Nharo! 

Hope this helps and please feel free to share your experiences below!



References: 


  1. Massey Lorraine, Bender, Michele. Curly Girl The Handbook. NY: Workman, 2010.
  2. Davis-Sivasothy, Audrey. The Science of Black Hair. Texas: Saja, 2011
  3. N.P. How To Color and Condition With Rainbow Henna. Raindance Cosmetics. N.D. Web. 18 June. 2012.
  4. McKay, Tonya. Mineral Oil Versus Coconut Oil: Which is better? Naturally Curly, 2010. Web. 18 June. 2012
  5. Cartwright-Jones, Catherine. Indigo As Hair Dye. Henna for hair. N.D. Web. 19 June. 2012.
  6. Cartwright-Jones, Catherine. Finding Good Henna. Henna for hair.  N.D. Web. 19 June. 2012.
  7. N.P. Fresh Moroccan Henna Powder. Henna Sooq. N.D. Web. 18 of June. 2012.










6 comments:

  1. Great article Shakara, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The internet has a wealth of knowledge, and navigating through all of it, while informative, can be a little daunting when you can't find what you're looking for. Hence, I have come to the expert to gain a better understanding of henna as a dye. I've been searching sites for 3 days now trying to learn about color recipes. I realize it will not lighten my hair on its own, so I won't be able to get a fiery red or deep auburn since my hair is very dark. But I'm unable to find any pictures of the end results of African American hair that is dark in color. All I've been able to find is the end results for light brown to blonde hair of white women. I'm desperate for a noticeable change in my hair color and a site that will show me how to achieve the most drastic change possible. Do you know any sites that show pictures of black women's hair that has been colored with henna? Seeking your advice... Thank you in advance because I am sure you are terribly busy. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good morning Aisha, it's always my pleasure to help out. Yes I am very busy and I apologize for the delay in replying, but I'll find time for you! always!! Here is a site I believe will help answer a lot of your questions, she is like a mentor to me. Pay special attention to the photographs and the change in colour [of her hair] that she experienced by using henna consistently. The colour you desire is within reach. You may simply have to do treatments more frequently. Also don't be afraid to tweak the recipe above. Reduce the amount of conditioner [or eliminate it in your mixture]; especially to release more of the Henna dye. But use it to wash out the henna. Let me know how you get on please; your feedback is much appreciated. Best wishes!! http://www.curlynikki.com/2008/10/im-henna-head.html

      Delete
  3. Thank you soooooo much! Your help is greatly appreciated! I will email you pictures as well as post my experience here. SOOOOO EXCITED! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome! Thanks for sharing your experiences and hair journey with us. We appreciate you!!!

      Delete