Nik,
Why do you henna overnight? what is the shortest time you have henna’ed and still gotten the same/similar results as an overnight henna?
I henna overnight out of convenience and laziness. According to the experts over at Hennaforhair, 4 hours is adequate time to reap the conditioning and coloring benefits. I’ve done several successful 4 hour treatments. I just couldn’t get with the mixing, applying, rinsing, DTing, and styling all in one day. Drove me nuts…and I was in and out of the shower like 5 times!
If you opt for the 4 hour treatment, you might want to let the mix sit for half a day prior to applying. I get away with mixing and immediately applying because I’m letting it sit in my hair upwards of 12 hours. Although some of the dye releases immediately, the rest of it releases while it’s on my head, overnight. So, if you opt for a 4 hour treatment, please mix it up earlier in the day to achieve optimal results, and consider sitting under a heating cap or bonnet for part of that time.
Later Gators,
Nik
Hi Nikki, I am transistioning and I've noticed that henna seems to love my relaxed hair but my mew growth (3 inches) has not transformed into soft shiny locks. Will this change over time? I've been using henna weekly for 3 months now.
Hey nikki newbie here im glad i found your blog. I wanted to know if you henna and just want the dark colour not so much red would it be best to apply the henna once mixed and leave it on for say 2 hours. As im not really up for the reddish colour. Then apply indigo after rinsing it off? i love your hair wow im African living in London, England and i never knew natural hair could be as lovely as yours im actually inspired i may just do this after i reach my relaxed hair full length cause it doesnt really grow well its getting better now, and its thin so hopefully the henna will help. How often do you do this treatment, im planning on once a month. Thanks
Hey Nik, is it possible to still get the conditioning properties of henna w/o dye release or with minimal dye release? I don’t add anything acidic to my mix, and I apply it to my hair immediately after mixing because I don’t really want noticeable color change (but as I understand it, there is some dye release when you leave it in your hair for a while). I usually leave my mix in my hair for about 4-6 hours, because I’m afraid if I leave it in longer, I’ll take the cap off and find red or orange hair. I’m just wondering if the conditioning effects are linked to the dye release, if that makes any sense.
TIA!!
Nikki, I would love to Henna overnight but I’m afraid of it dripping all over the place. Nikki…please tell me how you avoid a mess on your pillows when you henna overnight?
Hey CurlyNikki, my name is Tia…I wanted to know if it’s possible to purchase Trader Darwin’s Super Crusade Dietary Supplement online? I am a college student and it’s difficult to find a Trader Joe in my area. I tried looking online, but if you happen to know, I would really appreciate it.
this is good info to know. i think i’m going to go with the overnight idea, that way i don’t have to prep so far in advance.
Hi Nik,
I do a combination of both! I’ve been natural since the summer of ’05 but I never knew how to fully care for my hair. For the past 2.5 years I was in grad school/interning and my hair became less of a priority. I had it pressed every 2-3 weeks and even though it grew longer, it also grew thinner.
In July of 08 after I graduated with my Masters, I told myself I was going to learn to truly care for my hair! Since then I’ve had it twisted, but after doing extensive research, exploring natural hair blogs and seeing Yodit (Salon Revive, DC) I decided to do the BC for a 2nd time. It was the best decision I ever made!
My hair is fuller, longer and healthier and I only go to her for steam treatments and trims every 2 months. I’ve invested in Aubrey Organic and Kinky Curly Curling Custard, and I’m sooo happy I’ve learned to embrace my natural hair.
Thank you for your blog, because if I hadn’t discovered you, afrobella, natural hair forums on facebook etc. I would still be attempting the straight look.
I would love to use henna for my hair, and play with a bit more color and moisturizing techniques-)
Marie-Alice
I always mix my henna the day before to let the dye release, then leave it for at least 4 hours, sometimes as long as 8. I get really good color (maybe too good). I’m thinking of trying something else because I don’t want my hair to be more red but I don’t want it to be indigo black either.
Cool! Thanks for sharing this info..When I do decide to try Henna, I'm sure I will be opting for the 12 hour process too. I just can't dig jumping in & out the shower 5 times..Plus my mom would be like "what is going on?!?!?" LOL
Prettysunshyne
i didnt know that. My app i let the henna sit at room temp for 1 hour but i let it sit on my head for 6 hours. Wednesday I the mixed the henna the day before, and let it sit for 4 hours.
My gray was covered better the 2nd time.