Nik,
So I finally got my hands on some real henna from
mehandi.com, and I was looking around online to see how/what you were supposed to mix your henna with. I noticed that on most sites, it says to mix with lemon or lime juice and honey, but you only mix with green tea. Is there something in green tea that you think works better in henna? Or is that just how you do it because it was how you were taught?Hi,
Green tea is slightly acidic (which is adequate for dye release) and actually imparts a bit of moisture. ACV (what I used to use), lemon juice, and other acids are way too harsh for my dry strands. Green or chamomile tea work just as well. I routinely mix green tea and honey into my BAQ Henna. This is the brand I use: http://www.mehandi.com/shop/personalstash/
Later,
Nik
I just ordered some samples of the Jamila!! I’m so excited… I’ll be waiting for a while since I’ve got the kinky twists in, but I’m excited nonetheless! (and no shipping fee for the samples!) 🙂
I have a bone to pick about henna, I love what it suppose to do for the hair, however I notice it makes my hair stands thin, and I have not used it in like 6 months and now people are not saying that my hair strands look thin and they can see my wavy/curly hair back. anyone else have this problem.
Has Nikki posted pics of henna use before and after for hair texture 4a-4b? She recommended henna or a clay but I’m not sure b/c I haven’t seen pics of the benefits of henna on 4a-4b-anyone can help?
Does anyone have pictures of a before and after henna use on hair type 4a-4b? When I let go of my 2strands the hair is wavy and kinky and its as if I have 2 hair textures, as if I still have a relaxer-although I’ve been natural for 2.5 years.
I am so loving this blog. Thanks to CurlyNikki for the advice and inspiration. I did my big chop back on St. Patty’s Day of this year and am anxious to experiment with Henna for the summer. It also helps that one of the most popular brands has my name – Jamila! How cool is that! So needless to say, come henna time, I’ll be purchasing some of my own name-brand (corny) but checking out this blog for the how -to and how not-to!
BTW – you are simply gorgeous and my hair icon, Nikki!
I think Im going to try the honey and green tea next time! The lemon juice is way to drying for me.
Thanks nikki!
Love this henna info… keep it coming!
Hi Nik,
I live in the Triad and will be visiting the Triangle next week. Can you tell me where I can find (in the Triangle area) a store that may have Amla/Henna? Thank you for all your information.
I don’t know why, but I could not find the Jamila Personal Stash when I was navigating the site (even when you sent it to me, it opened to the home page). I am so disappointed I didn’t order the Jamila. It costs the same as the BAQ for African hair, which is what I got. I have saved this link and will just order it the next time – provided I like the results and they are signficant enough to warrant the continued use of henna.
Thanks,
Diamond
Great info.!
CN, do you do a cold/cool rinse before applying your henna? I was wondering with the cooler water causing the cuticle to close. Would that pose a problem with allowing the henna dye to adhere to the hair shaft or does this even matter?..