HENNA QUESTIONS

WHERE DOES HENNA COME FROM?


Three species of the Lawsonia plant are used as henna: Inermis, Alba and Spinoza; we know these three as red henna, neutral henna and black henna, based on the characteristic color that each plant produces.

These ornamental shrubs, six feet in height, are indigenous to Arabia, Persia, India, Egypt and Australia.

They are also cultivated throughout North Africa, Pakistan and China. The deepest shades of red henna have traditionally come from Persia; however, premium grades in other shades often come from other countries. A wide range of henna colors is necessary to create natural colors in deep, true shades.

The henna plant produces a small, fragrant flower which varies in color from white to red. However, when being used commercially, henna is harvested before the plant blooms.

The leaves are gathered, the veins are removed and the remaining material is pulverized into a very fine greenish-colored powder.

The main constituents of the henna plant are fats, resin, mannitol, volatile oil, fixed oil, lawsone (a natural pigment) and hennatannic acid (a natural protein).





HOW DOES HENNA WORK?
Henna coats each hair shaft with a natural, semi-permanent protein called hennatannic acid. Heat causes the hennatannic acid to cling to the proteins found in the hair (or nails and skin, if desired). Because henna coats and seals the hair shaft, it helps protect the hair from damaging effects of sun, salt, chlorine, wind and pollution in the environment.

It can help minimize split ends and acts as 'hair insurance' if you spend a lot of time in the sun, surf or wind.

In addition to protecting the hair shaft, henna will tighten the hair cuticle and create a more solid surface which reflects light; the result is gleaming, lustrous hair. Rather than producing dramatic color changes, henna enhances and deepens existing color.

The darker your natural color, the less drastic the change will be in your natural color.

Because the color from henna is transparent or 'see through,' henna cannot lighten dark hair; it will however, add highlights to dark hair and can darken the color of lighter hair.

To determine which shade of henna is best for you based on your original color and the desired result, consultation is important

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HOW LONG DOES AN APPLICATION OF HENNA LAST?


Most people find that one application lasts from six to 12 weeks, although henna can last up to six months for some people. One advantage of henna over chemical dyes is that it gradually fades with repeated washings; as your hair grows out, there will be no obvious, telltale roots. That is one of my biggest reasons for choosing it. I'm so busy.





CAN I USE HENNA TO LIGHTEN MY HAIR?
Henna DOES NOT lighten hair. If you don't want to color-treat your hair, you can use Logona Neutral Henna Neutral to condition and enhance your hair's natural highlights without adding color.


CAN I USE HENNA BEFORE OR AFTER A PERM?
Yes, but you must do a strand test first, since hair which has been chemically treated will NOT react to henna in the same way as non-treated hair. Permed hair may be more porous, and thus absorb more henna than non-permed hair; the chemicals used in the perm may also react with the henna in unexpected ways. In addition, henna may loosen the curl of your perm, or the perm may remove some of the color of the henna. (If the later happens, the henna can be reapplied after a few washings.) Therefore, to be on the safe side, give your perm a few days to "set" before applying a henna treatment to your hair.





HOW CAN I BE SURE HENNA WILL GIVE ME THE COLOR I WANT?


We always recommend that you do a strand test before using henna. Although henna Colors are gentle, natural products, they respond differently to different hair types. The good news is that most people have no trouble using it to color and condition their hair. But a strand test will tell you for sure.


DOES HENNA WORK ON GRAY HAIR?


In the past, this question has been difficult to answer, due to the different protein structure in gray hair. Often it requires a two step process. As with anything, make sure you do a strand test before applying the color to your hair.

If you have over 10% grey, the strand test is a must.


HOW LONG DO WE LEAVE IT ON?

For best results, use a dryer, heat lamp, or Thermo Heat Cap.
depend of the strand test but betwin 1 and 3 hours


IS IT SAFE FOR WOMEN EXPECTING?This is not a dye, but we do not want to put ourselves in the position of a physician. So please check with your medical doctor first.

WHY DO I HAVE A GREEN CAST ON MY HAIR?
A green cast usually mea
ns that there has been an interaction with chemicals or metals.





IS HENNA ONLY FOR REDHEADS?
The answer here is definitely no. Henna can be used by people of virtually any hair color, although it does not lighten dark hair. By choosing the right shade of henna, you can provide natural highlights, deepen an existing shade, change your hair shade or just provide the natural conditioning action of a henna treatment. Even those with gray hair can enjoy the coloring and conditioning benefits of henna.


SPECIAL RECIPES AND HINTS

Coffee - To help tone down red tones, deepen brown-red tones, or cover grey, substitute coffee for water. Use brewed, black coffee (not instant or decaffeinated). After coffee is brewed, bring to a boil. Mix as directed.
Teas - Ceylon or Black China Tea will add gold highlights to Natural Brown Henna. Red Zinger Tea enriches red tones in Mahogany, Walnut Brown, and Henna Red. Chamomile Tea brightens and adds highlights to Neutral, Golden Blonde or Sahara Henna. Let tea steep for 20 - 30 minutes. Bring to a boil. Substitute tea for water. Mix as directed.
Apple Cider Vinegar - To help color hold on grey hair, add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to henna mixture.
Lemon Juice - To lighten blonde shades, add 2 tbsp lemon juice to henna mixture.
To Deepen Red Shades - Mix a darker shade into the color mixture. You can mix many color combinations.
Dry Hair - Add 1 egg, 2 - 4 tbsp olive oil, or 2 - 4 tbsp plain yogurt to henna mixture.

These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A SAMPLE OF MY HAIR?
I'd suggest visiting your salon for a fresh trim. Collect them from her and use them for your test strand. Logona offers a few colors in sample form. If you use them, follow the instructions on the label. If one is not available in the color or brand you require, take 2 tbls from the package, add some water to make it into a mud, then let the hair soak in it for up to an hour. Rinse and see what you have.