How long does mixed henna last? Can I do anything to save mixed henna for my next application?
Henna leftovers should be covered and stored in the freezer. Frozen henna can last upwards of 4-5 months, and when thawed, the dye is much stronger. I’ve read that you should put your leftover henna in a ziploc bag, spread it out real thin and let it freeze solid laying flat– you can actually just break off whatever you need, or even thaw the whole thing in half the time (compared to thawing out a hunk of it in a Tupperware container).
Can I use your henna recipe for cassia or is there a better recipe?
Since you’re not worried about dye release or uptake, you can unleash that inner mixtress, and go nuts! I’ve added oils (olive or coconut), honey, and even conditioner to my Cassia powder with great results! I use plain old filtered water to mix it. Cassia is a great alternative for you ladies that want to avoid the color and subtle curl loosening that comes with henna. Although the thickening effect is also lacking, Cassia imparts shine, strength, and conditioning that no conditioner can match! The effects are shorter lived though–1-2 weeks top (compared to henna’s 3 week effect).
I can’t find the post where you discussed this earlier but I was wanting to know what is the product you mix with henna if you don’t wan’t the red undertones. I have gray hair in the front portion of my hair and the last time I henna’d the gray portion was a bright red and the rest of my hair was a darker brownish/redish tone which didn’t look well together. I don’t want my hair to be black that’s why I haven’t bought the indigo. I just want it to be a darker red or dark brown where my gray is. I guess my question is what other product besides indigo can you mix with henna for your hair that will yield darker undertones? Thanks!
You can easily tone down the red and go for brown or black by mixing in other herbs such as amla and/or indigo. For examples of successful mixes check out these links:
The main difference between the two is that for black you do a two step–henna then indigo. For the brown, you will mix the indigo right into the henna. I would do a harvest (with shed hair) or patch test in an inconspicuous place in the back of your head to be sure that you can live with whatever color it yields. You’ll definitely have to play around with it for a while until you tap into the perfect combo! Also remember that henna treatments take 3-4 days to fully oxidize (or darken), so you won’t see your ‘final’ color result immediately.
Tune in for more henna tips tomorrow!
Later Gators,
Nik
I want to try Henna for the shine and red color. But I don't want the curl loosening. I don't want to darken the color that henna gives me. Any suggestions???
Thank you so much for answering my question regarding the toning down of undertones. You are the best!
Very interesting, and good tips. I plan to try henna before the year is out! 🙂