How Should Henna be Used?
Hi friends!
In this article, we will explore using henna…if you want to know the basics of henna, click here to see our earlier post.
How should Henna be used?
Henna is not a “turn key” product, it must be prepped/ primed before use.
Here are some of our general guidelines for preparing and applying henna.
Safety
1. Henna stains! Wear gloves! We suggest two pairs for extra dye protection for your hands.
2. Henna stains! Wear old garments when using. For extra protection, cut three holes in a garbage bag (head and two arms) and put this on.
3. Henna stains! Cover the surface you will be using with old newspapers/magazines.
4. To avoid dyeing your face, neck, ears etc. it might be a great idea to “seal and protect” these areas. Add a sealing butter or petrolatum (petroleum jelly) to these areas close to the hair line.
5. Mix your henna in a glass, plastic or ceramic bowl and use plastic or wooden utensils. In fact, any container you don’t mind staining can work except for metal bowls. There is a potential for the henna goop to react with the metal so as an extra precaution, just steer clear of metal bowls or utensils when preparing your henna.
Mixing (Finally!)
Read all the instructions first before proceeding!
1. The amount of henna you use is dependent on the length of your hair. Keep this in mind when going through these procedures.
2. Mix henna in a container with an acidic liquid such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. (You can also use teas such as black tea or green tea.) This mixture must be acidic in order for the henna dye to be released/activated.
3. Don’t add all your liquid one time, pour and mix until you get your desired consistency… Your desired consistency for best application should be that of a paste. You don’t want your henna to drip when applied to the hair.
4. Keep your mixture covered as it develops because exposure to air can make the mixture less potent.
5. Henna treatments can sometimes be drying for some hair textures. To combat this, add moisturising ingredients to the mix. Some of these include, Aloe vera, honey, oils (coconut, olive, sweet almond etc.) and conditioner. You can also add essential oils for their benefits and to mask the scent (ginger is good for this). Henna does have a grassy/earthy scent.
6. Leave your mixture for a couple hours to develop. You will notice a colour change in the top layer of the dye when it is ready.
7. Glove up and Suit up!…It’s time to apply the henna! First protect your skin around the hair (forehead, cheeks, ears, neck) with petrolatum to avoid staining. Part your hair in small manageable sections and apply to the entire length of your hair with either your hands or a hair dye brush. Remember to lay it on thick!
8. Cover you hair with a plastic cap or saran wrap. You can also wrap your covered hair in a towel. Try to keep in as much heat as possible.
9. Wait… you need to keep the henna dye on your hair for no less than an hour. The length of time you keep this on for depends on the intensity of the colour you want in your hair. Four hours should be good enough to do the job but if you do keep it on longer (i.e. fall asleep with the mixture on) you will be fine.
10. Wash and deep condition and you’re done!
Coming up: a how to picture tutorial of using henna by Pam (before the locs).