Hair, in
fact!
The thin outer layer,or cuticle, of the hair has 5
to10 overlapping keratine scales arranged in a fashion
similar to fish scales. Under the cuticle layer lies the cortex.This
is a dense, tubular layer of keratin that provides strength and
holds the granules and melanin or pigment. Heredity
determines the color and diameter of our hair, and time and health
factors may alter the initial recipe. A well balanced diet and
exercise are necessary to maintaining healthy locks.The powdered
leaves of henna are applied as a thick paste to clean and dry or
towel-dried hair. If the henna is too watery, it will drip and stain
your face and neck. If it is too dry, however, it will form tiny
balls that fall everywhere, reserve extra warm water to add as the
paste dries.
For those with coarse, curly, or gray hair, a second
application or double process of henna may be necessary.
Use plain henna paste first; rinse the hair after five minutes. Then
reapply the henna (plus any add-ins you desire), wait at least an
hour, and rinse again.
Here's a handy gauge of the quantity
of henna you will need.
Henna powder (army green color): 2-3 ounces (60-90 g) for short,
fine hair; 3-5 ounces (90-150 g) for medium length hair; 5-8 ounces
(150-240 g) for long hair.
Boiled spring -or distilled water, cooled to a warm temperature.
In a bowl, mix the henna powder with enough warm water to form the
consistency of chocolate pudding.
To avoid tinting the skin around your hairline, clip back the hair
and apply cream or oil around the perimeter of your face; include
the tops of your ears and back of your neck. You can also place a
thin roll of cotton over this cream to soak up any extra henna
paste. If you drip henna on your skin, try washing with a bit of
shampoo or lemon juice as soon as possible.
Put an old T-shirt and disposable
rubber or plastic gloves. Place paper towels on the counter. Section
your hair into 1-inch (25mm) parts. Using a brush or your fingers,
apply henna paste to the roots of your hair. After all are covered,
work the henna paste down and hair shaft.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and top of it with an old scarf
and top with an old towel or scarf. Allow the henna to saturate your
hair from anywhere from 2 to 24 hours (depending on the intensity of
the color you want. Because henna is activated by heat, you can
shorten the process by using an electric hair dryer for at least 30
minutes at a comfortable setting. Or, try sitting in the sun for 30m
minutes!
After the allotted time, rinse the henna paste from your hair until
the water runs clear. If possible, do not
immediately use shampoo. Let the hair dry naturally.
Later in the same day, shampoo with an acidic pH shampoo. Towel-dry,
then massage a small amount of coconut oil into your hair. Cover
your hair with an old shower cap and leave the oil for at least one
hour, then rinse.
Caution
To apply henna on hair, you will need only the henna powder
and several simple-to-gather items that you probably already have
around the house. Avoid using metal bowls or utensils for mixing, as
they can react with the natural chemicals present in the henna.
Want color variation?
In order to vary your hair color you can stir some of these popular
color inhancers in to henna paste mixture: Allspice, cinnamon, or
nutmeg, Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, Egg yolk or whole egg,
Cloves, Cognac, Tea, Coffee and Olive Oil. For detail please click
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