Henna hair colouring

Caterina

Hi all

Many years ago I used to apply henna to my hair to colour it (when I did not need it!). Then once I started getting grey I used all the chemicals under the sun but now I want to stop doing that.

I used to mix henna with water to a muddy consistency and applied to my hair, wrapped a plastic bag around my head and went to sleep on it. But in my memory it made an almighty mess, which did not matter (to me) at the time, but would matter much more now! I used to stain everything in sight, including my skin all around my face and ears.

Was I doing it wrong? What can I do to make the process a bit less messy? Any ideas warmly welcomed. Thank you!

Caterina

belfastgirl23

There was a useful thread on henna before
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1104145&highlight=henna
might be worth a look.

for what it's worth I find that it is still pretty messy. I def wouldn't try to sleep in it! And even for a week or so after application I use an old pillowcase since it still comes off when I'm in bed. I think the staining issues are more to do with using it when you sleep, I tend to just keep a very tight eye out for drips and dribbles - if you wipe as soon as they appear they don't stain.

So to sum up after the ramble, I'd suggest if you want to try it again use it when you're awake and able to mop up problems as they occur. I usually do it on a day when I have a lot of housework planned.

Penny_Watcher

Caterina wrote: »

I used to mix henna with water to a muddy consistency and applied to my hair, wrapped a plastic bag around my head and went to sleep on it. But in my memory it made an almighty mess, which did not matter (to me) at the time, but would matter much more now! I used to stain everything in sight, including my skin all around my face and ears.

Gosh that brought back memories. Henna mixed with warm water looks too much like a cow pat for my liking .

Henna is messy, but it's far more natural than chemical dyes. If you don't want to stain your hairline/ears etc apply a good layer of Vaseline to the areas you want to protect before applying the gloop.

Also bear in mind that the grey/white hairs will absorb lots of lovely orangey colour, giving you some spectacular highlights.

Caterina

Penny_Watcher wrote: »

Also bear in mind that the grey/white hairs will absorb lots of lovely orangey colour, giving you some spectacular highlights.

YAY! That's the effect I am looking for! Once done, I might just put on a photo of the results!

Thanks

Caterina

the_devil_made_me_do_it

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1104145&highlight=lush+caca

I find the LUSH henna is ace. Yes it's messy, but the results are perfect. Check out that link, a bit of a disscussion going on regarding henna.

stingylolo

Depending on the colour you don't need to leave it overnight. I use auburn and a couple of hours are enough. When I was going brown, I used to wait until it dries up a bit and then take off the bag apparently it works better. Do read the instructions and tips on your box.
Usually I would put it on and do my housework or watch tv, then wash it off.
Instead of using a bag, I use a scarf, I find that it catches the drips more easily. But I still do regularly check that there are no leaks.
I use gloves to apply the henna. I wash off any spills of paste on the ears neck and forehead as soon as I am done with applying. The shorter they stay on the easier it is to take it off. When I rinse my hair I do two or three shampoos and I scrub all those areas. It's rare when I end up with nasty stains. Vaseline as mentioned above is a good tip too.

Penny_Watcher

Caterina wrote: »

YAY! That's the effect I am looking for! Once done, I might just put on a photo of the results!

Thanks

Caterina

A West Indian friend of my Mum's used henna on her black hair when she had about 5% grey. It looked fabulous!

I used to henna my hair when I was in my late teens and twenties. One time I wondered if I used turmeric instead of henna would I get a blonder result. All that happened was I dyed my scalp dayglo yellow :eek:. I had a bright yellow parting for weeks. That is not a good look.

Caterina

Ok folks, I took the plunge and am now sitting here with a hennaed head of hair covered in clingfilm, wrapped in an old towel and covered with an old woolen hat.

My daughter said that I look like the aliens in Mars Attack:



In a couple of hours I am going to my knitting group in this state, wonder what they will say - but they are used to me being a bit weird so no problem there!

Soon as I find a digital camera I shall post a pic of the results (minus Mars Attack garb!).

Caterina

belfastgirl23

Good luck, I'll look forward to seeing it!

Caterina

RESULT! I have well and truly been tangoed, and it looks fab! All the grey and the highlights are bright orange and the brown is dark red, why did I waste £££s at the hairdressers for years when I can get this sort of results for £1.20 worth of henna?

My DD took a "before" photo of me as a Mars Attack Alien and an "after" with the full results on her phone and will put them on the computer as soon as she has a minute, and I shall try and upload them here!

I am really satisfied with the results. I am so happy!

Caterina

Caterina

Before:



After:



The laugh is on me!

Caterina