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Henna has been used in India and several other South Asian / Middle Eastern countries for centuries as part of hair care rituals. Apart from the red color it imparts to one's hair , it is also said to make hair shiny and healthy. I believe it hard to find the real Henna leaves here, so this is for those of you who were looking for it.


Though I have never tried Henna on my hair, I know many of you will be interested to learn that LUSH makes something called Henna Hair Dyes ($20.95). There are four types of henna hair dyes to choose from depending on the color you are looking for - everything from brown, red, chestnut to dark burgundy. This is a great option for those of you who are looking to go all natural with your hair routine.

Steps On How To Use It

1. Cut henna up into small pieces and put in a heatproof bowl.
2. Add hot water and let steep. Mix to a yogurt-like consistency.
3. Put on gloves and apply from back to front, coating hair thoroughly.
4. Cover in cling wrap for a more vibrant red. Leave on for one to six hours.
5. Rinse, shampoo, and condition hair.

Tips

Always do a strand test first. Use face cream (or Ultra Bland) around your hairline and ears to protect skin. Wrap hair in cling film for a redder color. For darker, richer colors, leave on longer (up to six hours).

Have you tried Henna on your hair ? I am really tempted to try but I've never colored my hair and have been waiting for it to turn gray, so I can start experimenting. Something about enjoying the natural color while it lasts...

Love,
Indian Girl

5 comments

The Mighty J said... @ October 1, 2009 at 1:09 AM

I have always wanted to try this but I am afraid to look like those old anties with red-henned hair LOL

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ October 1, 2009 at 1:11 AM

Hi Mighty J !

LOL ! I so know what you are talking about - the fiery orange hair. My cousins do a lot of experimenting with hair colors and with henna. They mix so many things along with ground henna leaves to get the perfect deep burgundy.

Unknown said... @ October 1, 2009 at 1:53 AM

i've tried Lush's and normal arabic henna...the latter is far better worth for your money. you gotta work @ chopping up the lush bricks and the end result isn't spectacular.

Anonymous said... @ October 1, 2009 at 6:23 PM

If you have the usual Indian hair, Lush will not turn it orangey like how you dread - that will happen ONLY if you have greys :-) You should try Lush Caca Brun or Caca Rouge. Grate them using a box grater - use the smaller sized-holes. Mix with warm water - not hot - to a thick yogurt consistency and put it on. Just leave it for 1 hour since you definitely do not want the colour. Then wash off with your normal shampoo. I find this give a really nice healthy hair look. You might be able to see a slight burgundy tinge in bright sunlight - normal light you won't see any difference. Just use it for the nice conditioning it gives. Sorry this turned out sooo long.

Radhika

ammura said... @ October 2, 2009 at 7:54 AM

As a girl with Middel Eastern heritage, henna has been staple in my life. My mom also used it all the time. Anyhow, I have not tried the Lush Brand, as I buy my henna, finely milled, from a Middle Eastern grocery store. The way my mom has always mixed it is to brew a liitle of very strong coffee or tea, add some olive oil for shine and moisturizing, add an egg, and some lavender essential oil. By using the coffee/tea, the red in the henna won't be brassy but a nice reddish/coppery hue in the sunlight. Once you have put it inot your hair, wrap your hair in some aluminum foil and then put your hair in a shower cap and leave it on for a minimum of 6 hours. The results are fantastic!

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