First Amla Experience and Henna Question!

[caitriona80]

So a few days ago I used amla on my hair for the first time, and I loved it! I mixed up about half a packet with hot water, let it sit for about 10 minutes and then slapped it on my hair. Let it sit for a few minutes while I hopped in the shower and washed the rest of my body, then scrubbed my scalp with the amla on it, rinsed, and followed with a

Comments

[indomitability]

You need an acid to release the dye in the henna. Lemon=acidic. :-)

Duh!

[caitriona80]

Ha, I totally didn't know this!! Thanks! =)

[dulcedelecher]

Totally off-topic, but I must compliment you on your avatar. I love those comics so much that I actually printed some out and made them the background on my bulletin board.

Acid to crack open the shell

[sagacities]

I only use a teaspoon with my tap water to mix my henna. I also don't let it wait for "dye release," I apply the henna straight away and go to bed.

Some people have no problem using filtered water with NO acid, which is fine. Some people also use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice. I actually prefer this because my henna doesn't come out as light as when I use lemon juice.

However, I have an entire bottle of lemon juice I don't want to waste, so there we are. HAHAHA

I'm glad to read about your amla experience. I have noticed my that a lot of my crazy curl is gone since using henna, which is probably partially caused by my hair being in much better condition than it was. But I'd like to get at least some of my waves back, if nothing else. I'll try the amla. Thanks! :)

Re: Acid to crack open the shell

[caitriona80]

I used to do henna a lot when I was younger, and I never waited for the dye release either. I think I might give it a try mixing it with lemon juice (or vinegar) and letting it sit overnight before applying it to my hair. Just out of curiosity, hehe. My hair is dark, so what's the worst that can happen, right? =P

Re: Acid to crack open the shell

[dulcedelecher]

The worst that can happen is that you'll get an awful orange, like I did last weekend. It looked like a school bus was parked on my head. I had brown hair and believed the myth that henna cannot lighten hair- maybe henna can't, but orange juice and a splash of ACV sure did ! I've heard chamomile tea is better if you don't want light oranges or dried out hair, but haven't tested that theory because I'm allergic to chamomile.

Re: Acid to crack open the shell

[caitriona80]

Hmm, I guess the lemon juice or acv could lead to lightening. Well, I'll experiment and then let you gues know here! =)
Thanks for the warning though!!

Re: Acid to crack open the shell

[wingsfromashes]

I had thought that a page on the hennaforhair.com site explained why acid is used, but I didn't find it with a quick look, so maybe not.

The thing about amla and curling is intriguing. I'll have to look into this. Thanks for letting us know!

By the way, there is a hennaforhair community on LJ too if you have more specific questions or anything. :)

If you ever go to India

[anonymous]

Try the Meera (http://www.cavinkare.com/meerapowder.html) hair powder sold there. It contains amla and other natural ingredients and makes my hair extremely shiny!