... but here is my contribution:
1) Have been using henna for 14+ years every two to three months with minor breaks, no plans to stop anytime soon.
2) Don't remember the very first time - but it was very likely a messy experience
3) I love love love Logona
I buy it in health food shops. I never tried any other brands, but didn't have much success with Indian grocery shop henna. Logona powder is extra fine and easy to mix, apply and rinse, and I love the intense colour results.
4) Detailed routine here:
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/thread?forumid=224266&messageid=1035383374&lp=1043879123
5) Henna makes my hair shiny, strong and full, and I have to wash less frequently after a treatment. It's also a powerful protein conditioner, which isn't great for me cause too much protein makes my hair brittle. I can hardly use any other protein treatments if I henna every two months.
I also find that applying the stuff puts quite a bit stress on the hair - it's all one big pile of goo, and there are always little spots that didn't get enough henna, and I have to dig a bit to get there - probably pulling hair that's wet and vulnerable. The weight also pulls at the roots, I shed a lot when I rinse afterwards and my scalp feels a bit like after taking down an updo that was too tight.
I don't think I'd bother using neutral henna as a conditioner, because for me the conditioning benefits don't outweigh the disadvantages and effort.
6) I love the colour, I don't like having to spend a whole afternoon on the process every time.
7)
g
8) Do a strand test!
Cheers,
Madeleine
--
Pixie/BS/waist (if it wants to grow that far)
1cFi, dark ash blonde hennaed fiery red
