It is estimated that 65 percent of women who die their hair do so at home. (1) Many at home colouring kits have a high concentration of chemicals, which can put your curls at risk. (1)

 

Using Henna means choosing a risk free alternative to chemical dyes because Henna...is a plant. 

 

Unlike most synthetic  dies; 100% Body Art Quality [BAQ] Henna does not damage hair, it can be safely incorporated into any hair care regimen, plus it can be done as often as you desire! (2)

 

I love 100% BAQ Moroccan henna powder because: (7)

•   It has a quick dye release
•   Blends well with indigo to create brown to black tones
•   Good choice for those not wanting intense red tones
•   Yields orange-red tones on it's own
•   Easily washes out of hair
•   Strengthens
•   Conditions hair
•   Loosens curl pattern
•   Thicker hair
•   Protects your hair from the elements
•   Reduces split ends
•   Gets rid of dandruff
•   Kills lice 

Moroccan crops harvested after the early spring rains are usually the best of the year. (7)

 

Henna Gloss Recipe 
For those who want all the benefits of Henna without the colour

 

50g. 100% BAQ Moroccan Henna

1 tbsp.  Certified Organic Honey

½ cup Aubrey Organics conditioner

1/8 cup Green tea

Gloves

[Double this recipe if you have longer hair]

 

1. Pre-poo with Coconut oil overnight (see below).
2. Mix the henna and green tea together to create a thick paste.
3. Add the honey, then the conditioner, and mix well.
4. After you have cleansed and rinsed your hair, with gloved hands, apply Henna in sections to wet hair. Being sure to coat hair from the roots to ends.
5. Cover hair with a shower cap, plastic wrap or old towel to maintain heat.(3)
6. For best results leave in overnight, or for 4-5 hours.
7. When timing is completed, rinse out thoroughly with tons of conditioner & warm water, do this repeatedly until the henna is all washed out.
   Henna can be drying; washing it out with conditioner several times helps to tackle this problem.
   
   

 

[caption id="attachment_1362" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Fold & Tuck - Natural Hairstyle[/caption]

 

 

 

Researchers have found that using polar oils such as coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment can protect hair fibers against hygral fatigue. (2) Hair is a highly complex biomaterial composed of layers of differing materials, ranging from varying types of keratin structures to pigment molecules to fatty acids. When it is saturated with water and swells and then subsequently dries via natural or thermal means, it undergoes what is known as differential drying and differential deformation (because each separate type of molecule within the overall structure dries and deforms at differing rates). This leads to moisture-induced stress on the hair, which can lead to delamination (cuticle layer stripping off), breakage, fiber fatigue, and rupture (split ends). This whole phenomenon is referred to as hygral fatigue. So, anything that reduces hygral fatigue is great for the health of your hair in the long term. (4)

 

 

 

**(If using Henna on Grey or White Hair see directions below)** Pour 50g Henna into a glass or plastic bowl. Gradually add boiling coffee or tea to the Henna powder.  Add 1 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix thoroughly to a creamy soup-like consistency, (More liquid can be added if mixture is too thick). (3) Substitute Coffee or Tea for Water to add these effects: Coffee helps to tone down red tones, deepens brown-red tones, & cover grey. Use brewed, black coffee or espresso (not instant or decaffeinated). After coffee or espresso is brewed, bring to a boil. Mix as directed above.

 

Remember the water, tea or coffee should be brought to a boil. The amount you use is up to you. More can be added if the mixture thickens. Apply Henna while warm, not hot. The electric Thermo Heat Cap can improve colour and conditioning.(3)

 

Apple Cider Vinegar – To help all colors hold on grey hair, add 1-2 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar to Henna mixture. (3)

 

Dry or Damaged Hair – Add 1 Egg, or 1-2 tbsp. of Olive Oil, or 1-2 tbsp of Plain Yogurt to the Henna mixture. These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes. Choose any 1 of the 3 options above for similar results. (3) Chlorine - To help the colour last longer; avoid swimming and showering in chlorinated water. (3)

 

 

 

To get fabulous black hair using Henna+Indigo (another plant based hair colourant) click here: https://shakaranaturaltips.com/products-page/natural_hair_care/indigo-hair-dye

To read more on Cassia (Neutral Henna) Click here

Where to buy BAQ Moroccan Henna: Here 

 

 

Hope this helps and please feel free to share your experiences below!

References: 

1. Massey Lorraine, Bender, Michele. Curly Girl The Handbook. NY: Workman, 2010.
2. Davis-Sivasothy, Audrey. The Science of Black Hair. Texas: Saja, 2011
3. N.P. How To Color and Condition With Rainbow Henna.Raindance Cosmetics. N.D. Web. 18 June. 2012.
4. McKay, Tonya. Mineral Oil Versus Coconut Oil: Which is better? Naturally Curly, 2010. Web. 18 June. 2012
5. Cartwright-Jones, Catherine. Indigo As Hair Dye. Henna for hair. N.D. Web. 19 June. 2012.
6. Cartwright-Jones, Catherine. Finding Good Henna. Henna for hair.  N.D. Web. 19 June. 2012.
7. N.P. Fresh Moroccan Henna Powder. Henna Sooq. N.D. Web. 18 of June. 2012.