Why Use Henna? What Are the Benefits Besides Color?

I'm reinventing the wheel. I post in a thread then see it would be better posed some place else. Forgive me as I get acclimated. So much information to take in...

But what's the deal with henna. I know it is a natural coloring agent and healthier.

1. But are there other benefits to the hair?
   
2. Or do curlies use it only for coloring purposes.
   
3. Does it rinse out each time you wash...
   
4. Does it function like a chemical rinse does for those with perms?
   

If you dont mind Tisha, id like to add on to your question
5. your hair type- or a description of it.

1. strengthening, conditioning, thickening, smoothing, and reduction in shrinkage and frizz. I have shinier, darker, heavier hair thanks to henna. The strengthening properties help me to retain length better, and thus my hair has grown out greatly.

2. I love my henna red. It glows in the sun and in certain indoor lighting. Very subtle and natural.

3. Yep, as long as you use a fine sift, BAQ brand such as Jamila

4. I'm unfamiliar with chemical rinses, but I can assure you that there is nothing chemical about henna. It's a plant that has been dried out, and ground up. The color and the side effects (loosening, thickening) are subtle, and reversible.

5. My hair is wavy, fine, and frizzy. I have about 90% S waves, and 10% corkscrews.

hth!
nik

*CurlyNikki* wrote:1. strengthening, conditioning, thickening, smoothing, and reduction in shrinkage and frizz. I have shinier, darker, heavier hair thanks to henna. The strengthening properties help me to retain length better, and thus my hair has grown out greatly.

2. I love my henna red. It glows in the sun and in certain indoor lighting. Very subtle and natural.

3. Yep, as long as you use a fine sift, BAQ brand such as Jamila

4. I'm unfamiliar with chemical rinses, but I can assure you that there is nothing chemical about henna. It's a plant that has been dried out, and ground up. The color and the side effects (loosening, thickening) are subtle, and reversible.

5. My hair is wavy, fine, and frizzy. I have about 90% S waves, and 10% corkscrews.

hth!
nik

Nikki,

Im going to try a henna treatment soon! Where do your order your henna from??? Im very anxious to try it, but at the same time Im sorta lost [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] . Does the kit come with everything I will need?

Natura83

Mehandi

or

Butters-n-Bars

Jamila 2009

*CurlyNikki* wrote:Mehandi

or

Butters-n-Bars

Jamila 2009

Got it! I think Im about to go ahead and order it now!

I bought it because I read that it could loosen the curls slightly...i've only used it 2x but my hair is def thicker and stronger (the individual strands)

i went overboard and ordered 10 boxes of jamila from mehandi (they had it on sale, $50 for 10 boxes! lol) so i think i have my henna fix for the next 6months-1year [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

So I did my first henna this weekend and let me tell you my hair was super soft, did not frizz today - after being down all day and the most important feature for me - EXCELLENT GRAY COVERAGE!

Ican't wait to do my next application.

For me-Thicker,healthy,stronger hair with body.(A soft color) [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]





Happy Hair Growing! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Tisha wrote:I'm reinventing the wheel. I post in a thread then see it would be better posed some place else. Forgive me as I get acclimated. So much information to take in...

But what's the deal with henna. I know it is a natural coloring agent and healthier.

1. But are there other benefits to the hair?
   
2. Or do curlies use it only for coloring purposes.
   
3. Does it rinse out each time you wash...
   
4. Does it function like a chemical rinse does for those with perms?
   

1 It makes my individual hair stands softer and silkier. I have a TWA so for now, it seems longer some than without the henna.
2 No I don't use it for coloring purposes although the red tint is wonderful. My original hair color is dark brown with some golden streaks; not blonde mind you just lighter brown. The first time I hennaed the red color was so striking my kids were so shocked. but, Mommy what did you do to your hair LOL now that I have hennaed at least two other times it's a beautiful color with just hints of red in the light of the sun.
3 When i wash I don't see any color coming out No.
4 I don't know
5 very dense fine and medium textured resistant to chemical treatments
I got some nappy, kinky hair ya'll And proud of it!

I actually have another question to add.

1) Do you mix all henna the same way and does the box or package tell you how to get it ready for your hair? I don't want to recieve a package and not know what to do with the powder. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Thanks Nikki, helped much.

Tomorrow night is henna night!!! I think my 11 year old is more excited than me.

@labon10

woot woot! Have fun

*CurlyNikki* wrote:http://www.curlynikki.com/2008/12/henna-pictorial.html

@ Nikki

In your pictorial, you say to be careful with products with a lot of protein in them. I am interested in trying Henna but I've been doing the Cherry Lola Treatment with pretty good results. I'm curious as to why I need to avoid protein with Henna; and if the CLT is not suggested in combination with Henna, how long do I need to wait before applying Henna?

Thanks!

I have treated my hair 3 times this year with henna and it makes my hair so shinny, manageable and it feels great!! I really recommend Menhandi.com excellent products!!!

Wow I would love to try henna but I have a couple of questions to add:
1- how much would I have to buy (grams). My hair is a little past my shoulders.

2- How many hours do you have to leave it in? Do you have to sleep in it?

TIA

Hello Tia! If I were you I would get 2 packs and you should check out Mehandi.com and she has detailed instructions, for African American hair. Also I would recommend that you do this over the weekend, because you have to let the henna sit over night and you only need it on your hair for 2 hours! Wrapped in plastic wrap with olive oil.

koilsbynature wrote:Hello Tia! If I were you I would get 2 packs and you should check out Mehandi.com and she has detailed instructions, for African American hair. Also I would recommend that you do this over the weekend, because you have to let the henna sit over night and you only need it on your hair for 2 hours! Wrapped in plastic wrap with olive oil.

Thanks for the info! I will check out the site.
So if I leave it on for 2 hours will I get the same effect as if I left it on overnight?

Thanks again!

Well, I bought my henna and I'm ready and waiting for it to arrive! Yay!

@msqueenie -- Exciting! You will love it!

I have a question...I'm new to the forum, new to natural hair. I'm still transitioning. I'm 6 months post relaxer and plan to BC after my high school reunion in 3 weeks. I love my natural hair color. It is medium brown in blond streaks (everyone swears I color my hair but it's all me). I'm rather interested in Henna treatments once I BC but I'm fearful that I'll lose my natural color. Is there a way to Henna without adding the red tint?

Hi!!! You will see once you do the BC and let your natural hair grow that is actually darker than your processed hair! I always thought I had this ugly sand brown hair, but when I cut perm out and let my natural hair grow, it was almost jet black....I was shocked and amazed! When I henna my hair I put on an indigo rinse after the henna treatment and you can get it in a bundle (www.mehandi.com) but if you don't want your hair a certain color.....don't let the henna stay on as long!

Henna is also suppose to be good at killing lice and ringworm, I've haven't had either(knock on wood) so I don't know personally and it's suppose to be go against dandruff but I don't really pay attention to if I have dandruff or not...
For me personally I have gained my manageability and healthier looking hair. My hair is crazy so I appreciate the help, MY hair is 3b in front, 3c in the middle and 1 in the back and it varies every time I wash it and it's different in each side of my head; the left side falls flat after two or three days while the right side is still curly... genetics was not my friend...