Tips:
- Use your fingers- Opt for finger detangling before and after the application process. Applying and rinsing is stressful enough on your strands, so be gentle, and use your fingers instead of a comb or denman to detangle, to prevent unnecessary shedding.
- Use a moisturizing Deep Treatment after rinsing the henna. Avoid products with excessive amounts of protein. For DT ideas, see Products I'm Using Now.
- When applying the henna, smoosh it through with your gloved hands. Don't try to rake it through. Manipulate the hair as little as possible.
- Clean up immediately after the application process to prevent orange streaks on your counter top!
- Remember, henna isn't for everyone. Please research thoroughly before embarking on any experimentation. Check out www.hennaforhair.com and this article. It is permanent, and can be drying if the proper precautions aren't taken.
- Henna doesn't lighten the hair. I've received this question several times over the past few weeks. If your hair is black, henna will add shine and an auburn glow in the sun...that's it. It can't lift dark hair. If your hair is medium-light brown, you'll get auburn results.
63 comments:
Great tutorial Nikki! You're the one that got me into henna in the first place. Best thing I ever did for my hair.
Great tut!
Do you wait for the dye release before applying to your hair as they suggest on henna for hair website?
Thanks Maria!
Maggiee, I can't speak for other brands, but Jamila Henna starts to release dye after about 30 minutes, which is the length of time it takes me to get in the shower and condition and detangle. By the time i get out, the paste stains my fingers. Another reason I don't wait, is because the dye will continue to release while its in my head for 13 or so hours. It works better for me this way.
Can you explain the "smooshing" a little better. How exactly do you smoosh? lol
I usually apply my henna from root to tips kinda like I am applying a relaxer so I can make sure it gets all over. Should I be doing this differently?
where do you get jamila henna in the box because I went to hennaforhair to get some but they only listed, punjabi prime, yemen and a few others. I didnt see any jamila though? I ended up with punjabi prime but Id like to try the jamila next time so which one do I get? Also, how do you get it so thick coated like that? When I put it in my hair it was really more so they same way lot of conditioner looks. Thin and shiny even though if I squeezed it, it would smoosh. Is it because you keep the mix thick?
Is henna supposed to make your hair thicker? Because my hair is already thick and I don't want anything to make it any thicker?
lol, I literally grab a glob of henna and squish it through the length of my hair. I try not to pull on the hair, or rake it through. I just squish, or smoosh :D
Sophia, there are 3 posts in the Henna category. Check out the 2nd one...the one I wrote yesterday. I have a link to the Jamila henna on the mehandi site. Her site is very difficult to navigate! And yes, Catherine of hennaforhair advises to keep the henna paste thick, like cake batter. Your mix sounds like a 'gloss'...minus the conditioner. Thicken it up a bit, and you should get better results.
Nik, yes. It most certainly will make your hair thicker, so proceed with caution ;) This the very reason I decided to try henna...for the thickness!
FANTASTIC! I'm new to using cassia and I'm hoping to do my third application over next weekend. Your video help a great deal with regard to the amount and consistency to prepare.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video for us Nikki, it's very much appreciated!
J x
i know you probably mentioned this somewhere, but i have to ask. My hair is naturally pretty dark but can look light brown in different lighting.... is it possible for me to achieve auburn result (think asheley simposn's hair color) with henna in certain lighting?
Great pictorial! Hmm...just realised I do not smoosh on quite so much henna mix. In your pictorial your hair is completely covered with henna so it looks like a kind of cap but when I apply you can still see my hair. I wonder if this has an efect on results? I currently use 100g of jamilla henna (my hair is neck length stretched), should I be using more??
I did find henna somewhat drying (my own hair tends to be very dry already) but with a DT (AOHSR) after it is soft and moisturized.
A whole bottle of conditioner! Girl, you must make a lot of money.
Wow..that was a great tutorial. I have some henna somewhere, will have to try this :)
Oh thank you so much. I going to order Jamila and use it once I take my braids out :)
Thanks for the wonderful tut!!!
Do you do anything to prevent the henna from staining your ears?
Have you ever tried the cassia (neutral henna)?
I'm transitioning - Any thoughts on what henna does to relaxed hair?
I have officially ordered my Jamila Henna. I'm so excited I can't for it to arrive.
OMG,i've never heard of henna, my hair is natural, not chem altered, however I did color it about six months ago, would like it to grow quicker and thicken up. Should I try this product?
Ann
I've henna-ed a couple of times but was not impressed. Maybe it was b/c I used a brand I picked up from my local Indian grocery store. I'm going to order a couple of boxes of the Jamila brand and see if that makes a difference.
Hey Nikki,
I noticed your jamila henna box had that super sift on the bottom. Does it have to say that? I ordered my jemila henna from www.mehndiskinart.com and it doesnt have that label at the bottom. Do you think this type is safe to use. Have you heard any reviews about this websites henna?
~Jazz
Jazz, when you open the box, is it in a silver/foil package or clear/celophane package? IF the packaging is silver, you're in the clear. I've ordered from mehndiskinart too, but I can't remember if it had the date on the bottom. The important part is the packaging. If its foil-y, you're good :D
@ anonymous, my skin is not light enough for me to be concerned about it staining.The only thing that gets stained are my palms (during the rinse process). Although the henna is all over my hair line, ears and chest, I never have a problem. People with fair complexions may have to be careful.
No it is in a clear package. So i guess i shouldn't use it huh? :( When you ordered from meh.. did it come in a silver or clear package?
You can use it...it won't hurt your hair, but it may be a waste of your time and effort. I've used the celophane packaged Jamila before and its just a lower grade...its a little grittier and the dye content is not as high. It won't hurt your hair though...you just won't reap all the benefits. Mehndiskinart has both the celophane and the foil packaged, but the foil packaged will always be the higher priced. They might call theirs "bridal art quality'. Let me know if this helps!
alright so im trying to download skype right now so i can ask you more about the smooshing however it just finished its installing and its now 103 pm est.:( so i guess ill just have to ask you here, do you go layer by layer of your hair? i was going layer by layer and rubbing it in from my scalp to ends, but now im thinking after reading what you wrote i should just be slappin it on there? well im gonna mix some up right now and see how it goes, this time im not gonna wait 10+ hrs for dye release, im gonna try your method but i dont have as long as you leave it on, so im gonna try sitting under a dryer instead. thanks for all your help :)
OK! Thank you so much for the informtaion. Thank god you had that little info in your tutorial or else i wouldnt of known this. I most def. want all the benefits! I just order jemila henna from hennaforhair for now on. Thanx Nik!
~Jazz
Nikki, are you still buying from Catherine these days?
I just tried you henna recipe and I love it! the color, the feel, everything really. It may be too soon to tell but I think it helped with my breakage problem too ^_^ . I plan on doing another one in the next few days and ordering a lot more jamila for Catherine... I only need one box per session so its not that expensive.... Oh and the SO is not happy... he says it looks like I put poo in my hair lol, but he'll get over it
Thanks Nikki!
I did a henna tonight. I didn't buy the Jamila brand. I plan to get that tomorrow at my local Indian store. I went there to get the "henna" I used tonight. I didn't get the Jamila henna because I wasn't sure it was the right one, but I should have because I'm sure the one I got wasn't 100% henna as it said the color was dark brown. So, I did some research on Ayur henna last night because it's the one I bought and found out that it is made with Henna, Amla and Shikakai and other herbs. I'm not sure of the results yet because I'm leaving it on overnight. However, I will be using just henna from now on and the Jamila brand. I hope I get good results and stronger hair!
okay so i'm thinking about doing henna after i take my braids out do you think this would be okay cause my hair is not a fan of protein but i think i need some kind of hair strengthener and was thinking this would be a great opportunity.
Hi there I wanted to know if you experienced any breakage before you started henna treatments,and if you did, whether the henna improved the breakage. I realize henna is not a protein.
it's weird i have a blog and my name is curleemeex. however, curlynikki definitely has more of a ring to it haha.
Nikki, your hair is gorgeous :)Reminds me so much of my sisters hair. Hopefully soon my hair will get that healthy. With the help of your site i believe i can :)
my hair is really pretty when wet but when it dries in its natural state(no twists/braids) it drys frizzy and rough. what can i do to keep my hair bouncy and alive once dry?
I bought 100g of the jamila and 100g of the cassia. is it okay to mix them together? or should i use the cassia first and then the next week use the jamila? what do you suggest?
Hello , I was thinking (again) about henna and your beautiful hair. I haven't tried it yet..waiting for my "stash" to get here lol. but when some ladies and yourself experience dryness due to the process of henna as you perfectly expalin...I was thinking instead of adding honey to the mixture...what about melted shea butter to the mixture instead of honey? What do you think? Maybe I'm thinking tooo much...I'm really excited about the henna process!
the song on your henna vid ..what is the name and who is it by...I like
Slightly weird henna question - anyone else with funny colored pee post-henna? Anyone? Anyone? Just me? OK.
I don't wanna give it up because I've been having GREAT results (Curlynikki, following some of your suggestions and advice has TRANSFORMED my hair, but that's another post:) ). But green pee is weirding me out....
***ATTENTION ALL HENNA HEADS!***
Right now @ blackcatredcat.com which is a sister site owned and operated by mehandi.com (where our lovely CurlyNikki gets her henna) a 100g box of henna is only $3!!!
ONLY $3 FOR A 100G BOX OF JAMILA HENNA!!!
I just bought 7 boxes and only paid $29 INCLUDING SHIPPING!!!
GO GET SOME CURLIES!
Wow! I use henna already, but after seeing this tutorial If I didn't I would have started. Great tutorial and beautiful hair. God Bless.
Hey Nikki!
I have a twa. Do you think I should wait for my hair to grow a lil bit more before I try this out?
What does it mean that henna is permanent? I know that must be a silly question, but I don't understand?
I really enjoyed your tutorial. I was just curious, is there a reason why you don't use an acid like lemon or orange juice in your mix?
acids like lemon or orange juice, and even ACV dry out the hair. I opt for milder acids.
Curly Nikki,
Did you answer the question about the song that is playing in the Henna video? I like it too!
Also do you wash your hair with shampoo before the Henna treatment or do you cowash
I just used Henna today for the first time and thought the green pee may have been a result of it.....so Traci, you're not the only one....lol Hopefully it'll wear off quickly.
Nikki, I absolutely love your hair and your blog... keep on inspiring!
Mary...I'm not Nikki but the song is Kanye West's "Robocop" from his last album (808s and Heartbreak)
Has anyone else ordered their Henna from the blackcatredcat site?
I tried my first henna treatment yesterday and although i didnt see much change in color, I immediately noticed that i didnt have anymore breakage. Even when I went through it today with my fingers, not even one strand came out. My main reason for doing the treatment was for the conditioning benefits as I have only been 100% since april and I have been trying to figure out an all natural regimen. After much research Ive discovered Karens Body Beautiful and Henna. With these products I might be able to get a ponytail again by the end of the summer. Thank you for your tips and tutorials. You truly were a help.
Would it be bad for me to use the Mixed Chicks deep conditioner after I hennaed my hair? Ive used the Weekly Deep by Jessicurl I think I like it but I have way way too much hair for that stuff. I find that I only get 2 uses per bottle which on conditioner I have to order thats a big at no! I can get at least 4 out of the Mixed Chicks.Good thing I only wash my hair twice a month if that- its been in big twist that ive been pinning up in bun.
I’m looking to gain thicker, fluffier hair. My hair is fluffy but does not have as much volume or thickness (to my liking). Are there any before and after pics that I may view or any suggestions other than henna?
Nikki B.
Yay i am doing my second henna today.....My 1st experencie left my hair dry..because i didn't follow with a deep conditioner treament
I recently did a henna treatment a week ago and so far I like the results. I have been doing a twist and curl using Silk Elements protein enriched mousse with shea butter on the ends. This has been the healthiest ,most moisturized and shiniest my hair has looked and felt since being natural. You did mention not to use protein with the henna and I have read other blogs/fotkis that caution against protein in the hair. Why is that? Am I setting myself up for hair damage down the road by using the alcohol free protein mousse?
I bought Karishma Henna from an Indian Grocery Store in Milwaukee, WI. It's green and it comes in a clear bag. I really like it. Has anyone else tried this brand?
I never wanted to try henna because of the reddish tint. bt the benefit of shinier, stronger hair might be worth it. I went natural over one year ago and am planning to showcase my mane for the upcoming year. Please visit my blog http://valhasit.blogspot.com/
Thanks
Hey, I've heard alot about henna and really want to use it BUT my hair is still relaxed! Should i still use the henna even though my hair is relaxed? will it damage my hair?
Hello
I just read you blog today i need H ELP
going thru menpause hair very very thin
nerves caused it to come out in top (bald) fro stratching i bought jamila in clear wrap my hair is drier than a broom Please HE LP
Ellen r
Wasted my money. I bought the clear package also. Thank God I didn't use it yet.
I bought the clear package also, used it and recognized a difference in my curl pattern (it loosened a bit), my hair was thicker, and shiner but I saw minimal color change. I'm using the foil package this weekend to see what results! So excited!! Thanks Nikki
I used the black and my hair looks great, but HOW DO I WASH all of the henna out? It's like I'm snowing black flakes...
BTW, I added your site to my blog roll after discovering you through Savvy Brown!
I just need to know if I can continue my weekly routine of egg and mayonaise and apple cider vinegar rinse after Henna?
Thanks!
I just used henna for the first time tonight and I am so pleased! I mixed henna, green tea & rhassoul clay and left it on for 40minutes. I'm more interested in the conditioning & strengthening properties. My hair was smooth and laid down so slick! wow! I have curls and all! I'm keeping this as a monthly treatment! wow...it's incredible. The real test will be when I do a braid out. :o) Thanks Nikki!
I am going natural but I still have some perm on the ends. I want to know if I can use henna?
Hi Nikki,
I'm loving what I see on your site and am seriously thinking of trying Henna.
I've been natural for nearly three years now, and my hair looks a lot like your 'before' pics of fall 2006.
The only thing is that I have a LOT of white hair (runs in the family!) and have been getting it professionally dyed a deep chocolate-brown colour with red highlights. The hairdresser uses very nice, not too damaging chemical dye (not the boxed stuff that is full of strong smelly chemicals.. this one hardly smells at all). Still, I am sure the chemicals are stopping my hair from being its best.
I LOVE your results and hope to achieve similar ones BUT how can I henna my hair and maintain a chocolate brown colour that totally covers my whites? Any advice?
Thanks a million!
Y
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for the tut. Prior to knowing about henna's benefits on hair and it's dye affect I used a permanent color agent. I read that to go over it (months later) it is best to use body art grade Henna which doesn't contain metalics. Would your process work the same way for the body art grade?
Hi Nikki,
I like the tutorial. However, I'm newly natural having just done the BC on the 4th of July 2010!!! what is the reason for the honey and green tea? Is this the process for all henna coloring? I love your site btw!
Hi,
Thanks for the video. I need help big time though. I live in West Africa & I have access to the Natural Henna leaves, but I can't seem to find a tutorial online about how to use the natural henna plant. If anyone knows how to do a henna treatment with fresh henna leaves, do share with me. I still plan to experiment though, will probably blog about it.
Nikki,
What do you do to keep your hair from changing to the reddish color?
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