1. How long have you used henna? How often do you use it? If you no longer use it, why not?
I first used henna about 5 years ago, I did three applications and was a redhead for about 6 moths.
I hennaed again this autumn, and have done three applications, the last of which was on Dec 23.
When I henna, I redo it when the roots become too obvious, so aproximately every 1,5 months.
2. When did you first try it, and what was that experience like?
My first attempt was with clear henna, and not particularily memorable. I've always been a bit of a kitchen witch, and it takes more than a bit of pungent green gloop to shock me.
3. What brand(s) do you like? What brands would you NOT recommend? Where did you get them?
So far I've liked Urtekram best (you can see the Chestnut shade in action in my sig), but any henna I get my hands will undergo significant changes before it touches my hair, so all results will be slightly skewed. I would not recommend the Body Shop version because it is overpriced, the Oriental Henna version because it contains metalic salts that really shouldn't be there, or Black henna because of the PPD risks.
4. What process do you use to henna your hair?
I tend to mix it up with spices, eos and anything acidic that I have lying around the house (provded that it isn't used to unblock drains).
I strain some henna into an old ice cream container, add boiling water, red wine/lemon juice/coffee or similar, and thicken with fragrant spices (yes, I buy cinammon by the kilgram). The Reverendbunny site has a list of things you can use. I also add some eos to suit my mood, and some vegetable oil for conditioning.
I let it sit in an airtight container for about 12 hours (I usually prepare this on a weekend morning), and rub it into my hair to make a most delightful beehive when I'm ready to go to sleep that night. I wrap this concoction up in several layers of saran wrap, cover it with an old towel, and protect my pillow with plastic bags and old towels.
The next morning I wash it out, and usually curse myself for not having strained the henna twice. It takes me about 15 minutes and lots of cheap conditioner to get it out, but the results are definitely worth the bother.
5. Do you find henna beneficial or damaging to your hair health overall?
Neither. But definitely less damaging than chemical dyes.
6. What is your favorite thing about henna? What is your LEAST favorite thing?
Pros: the shine, the spicy perfume that lingers for days (but only if you used spices in the mix, so this is not an attribute to henna itself), the fact that two months after the procedure people still ask me if I've just dyed my hair.
Cons: the fact that henna will not lighten hair, and the intensity of the red colour next to my rather pale face. Also the unpredictability (you might end up with interesting shades of green or purple) and the irrevesrsibility (you are advised to not use chemical dyes after using henna).
7. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? (just kidding-- thought this was a Miss America pageant for a moment... hee hee)
A tree? Me? I could never stand still for long enough!
8. What else should someone know if they have never used henna but are considering their first henna experience?
Henna is for life. Don't do it if you're likely to change your mind about the colour within less than a year.
Phew, that's long... sounds like you're serious about this. Bon courage
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Meri
