Henna isn't as difficult to make and apply as one would think. After doing tons of research and watching
video tutorials I managed to make my henna to a nice smooth paste
resembling chocolate icing. I actually make more of a mess making a cake
then I did making my very first batch of henna.
First, I boiled
the water and then poured it back into my big measuring cup with the tea
bags already waiting. I allowed it to seep for about ten minutes. Then,
I poured 2 boxes of henna into a mixing bowl. After the tea was ready, I
added it to the henna, mixing one cup at a time. You want to make sure
to mix it well, just like with cake batter. You don’t want any lumps of
dry henna. Finally, I added the honey.
Afterwards, I spooned the
henna into a Ziploc bag, smoothed it down to about an inch for when I
throw it into the freezer. That way it’ll fee like a bar that I can
break up.
PART II
After
I took all my braids out I decided to co-wash my hair and go ahead with
the henna. Why not give it a try now? So instead of a full strength
henna I went with the henna gloss instead for the sake of time. I added a
cup of conditioner, another teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of
coconut oil. For some reason I forgot I was whipping up henna and not
making chocolate cake. Was it supposed to be a dark brown? No worries,
cause I plopped it on my head any way with my lil bro and sis standing
by shaking their heads in confusion. They don’t seem to understand
smoothing mud on my hair is all the rage.
So
after about two hours I rinsed and rinsed my hair again with conditioner
until all the brown stuff was out. I then deep conditioned (CURL JUNKIE
CURL REHAB MOISTURIZING HAIR TREATMENT) and threw my hair in twists
using some of my deep conditioner as a leave-in, jojoba oil as a
sealant, and aloe vera gel for hold. I can’t wait for my shea moisture
hair milk and my tub of shea butter to arrive in the mail. Did I mention
I live in the boonies? I practically have to have most of my hair goods
air lifted.
Anyways, the results of the henna
treatment are so-so as far as I can tell. I’m not going to judge my
first application too harshly. I didn’t leave it in as long as I could
have and it was just a gloss instead of the full-on henna extravaganza.
My hair was super soft afterwards though and this morning,
maybe because of the three products in my hair was a little oily, but
my hands didn’t slip and punch me in the face so I’m alright.
Using Coconut in the recipe:
I’m trying a new recipe using coconut
milk and olive oil on dry hair. This ought to cut the whole process in
half. Normally I wash my hair, defrost my henna from the freezer, etc.,
etc. Also, the first recipe I used called for green tea in the mixture.
I’ve been doing my research and found that coconut milk has the added
benefit of not drying your hair out. You can still deep condition your
hair afterwards, but you don’t need to keep it on your hair for hours on
end.
I found that the rinse process was simple and easy and I continue to
see a slight change in my hair color. My hair feels thicker, not that it
needed any help, but with thicker hair hopefully it's also much
stronger.
