Re: henna first timer: in need of advice

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Posted by Debra on January 18, 2005 at 06:12:13:

In reply to: henna first timer: in need of advice posted by Denise on January 18, 2005 at 00:33:07:

: really worried about coming out with a color that will clash with my
: complexion, I'm about medium brown complexion with VERY dark brown
: hair. I was hoping for a subtle reddish/medium brown color--any
: suggestions?? Also, while hanging out on hollywood blvd. ran into a
: small indian gift store and purchased a box of Afshan Mendi Henna
: Powder--has anyone out there used this brand before? Thanks for your
: patience!!
:
: Denise

With very dark brown hair, the henna will be probably only look red in
the sun. I suggest getting 100% body art henna unless someone knows
about Afshan, from a reputable seller like Catherine on this site.
Using henna with unknown additives could limit your options if decide
you don't like it. Catherine ships lightning fast.

If you can afford it I would suggest ordering enough henna for two
applications and also some indigo as insurance. (You can freeze what
you don't use right away).

The first henna for me on medium brown hair with blond highlights was
a beautiful color but way too red orange/warm for my skin. After
waiting for the oxidation to darken it a bit and an emergency order of
indigo to arrive, I hennaed again with 60% henna and 40% indigo and
that cooled down the red and darkened my highlight to something that
better matched my skin. Now I just add 10% indigo every other time to
keep the henna red a cooler color and experiment with other additives.

Do a few stand or hairbrush tests before you do your whole head to get
an idea what it will look like. You can't quite picture what it will
look like over your entire head but at least you will be in the ball
park and can make adjustments. Check out the mixes sections to see
what others have done, but one photograph can't show all the light
variations that effect the color of hennaed hair.

Also note henna does not make you hair lighter, so the best you can
hope for is a subtle reddish/dark brown hair. Leave it on as long as
possible or use heat the first time to cover the gray well.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out if you decide to try it.

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: : : really worried about coming out with a color that will clash with my : : complexion, I'm about medium brown complexion with VERY dark brown : : hair. I was hoping for a subtle reddish/medium brown color--any : : suggestions?? Also, while hanging out on hollywood blvd. ran into a : : small indian gift store and purchased a box of Afshan Mendi Henna : : Powder--has anyone out there used this brand before? Thanks for your : : patience!! : : : : Denise : : With very dark brown hair, the henna will be probably only look red in : the sun. I suggest getting 100% body art henna unless someone knows : about Afshan, from a reputable seller like Catherine on this site. : Using henna with unknown additives could limit your options if decide : you don't like it. Catherine ships lightning fast. : : If you can afford it I would suggest ordering enough henna for two : applications and also some indigo as insurance. (You can freeze what : you don't use right away). : : The first henna for me on medium brown hair with blond highlights was : a beautiful color but way too red orange/warm for my skin. After : waiting for the oxidation to darken it a bit and an emergency order of : indigo to arrive, I hennaed again with 60% henna and 40% indigo and : that cooled down the red and darkened my highlight to something that : better matched my skin. Now I just add 10% indigo every other time to : keep the henna red a cooler color and experiment with other additives. : : Do a few stand or hairbrush tests before you do your whole head to get : an idea what it will look like. You can't quite picture what it will : look like over your entire head but at least you will be in the ball : park and can make adjustments. Check out the mixes sections to see : what others have done, but one photograph can't show all the light : variations that effect the color of hennaed hair. : : Also note henna does not make you hair lighter, so the best you can : hope for is a subtle reddish/dark brown hair. Leave it on as long as : possible or use heat the first time to cover the gray well. : : Good luck and let us know how it turns out if you decide to try it.
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