growing out henna gracefully (dye, lighten, cut, color)

[steiconi]

I've been using henna for years, and am ready to lose the red, and have more color options (I'd love blue!).
Of course, you can't really remove henna, have to let it grow out and cut it off. I'm ready.

I hate the look of gray roots. For the last several years, I've been able to do a side part and show no gray, but I guess the gray is spreading all over my head now.

so...can I dye the roots with something other than henna, so I have more color options?

someday, I plan to go natural gray, but that will probably take a while.

Suggestions welcome!

[ContraPagan]

There are people who have removed henna successfully. Google a forum called the Long hair Community - I know they have a few threads on that topic on that site.

[steiconi]

Originally Posted by ContraPagan

There are people who have removed henna successfully. Google a forum called the Long hair Community - I know they have a few threads on that topic on that site.

thanks, but a search of their site turned up no reference to henna.

[ContraPagan]

Originally Posted by steiconi

thanks, but a search of their site turned up no reference to henna.

Oh really??? You didn't look hard enough.

Here is the link for the forum.

Recipes, Henna, and Herbal Haircare


And here is the link for the henna removal thread.

Successful henna removal. Yes, you are reading this correctly.

I lurk over there quite a bit even though I am not a member.

[steiconi]

thanks! I used the search engine on the site, and it turned up no references to henna. I guess it's not a good searcher!

I tried one removal technique today; rubbing alcohol and mineral oil. Didn't make much of a change. I used peroxide a while ago, that lightened it a bit.

I think I'll just start dyeing the roots with commercial dye. I've been using pure henna/cassia, without metals, so it should work OK. Then when it grows out more, I can cut off the henna and choose a new color.

[steiconi]

I tried a couple different methods of removing henna:
--hydrogen peroxide and sunlight/heat
--rubbing alcohol followed by oil
each took out a little bit of color, but nowhere near all of it.

So I chopped off most of my hair a couple of weeks ago. It's now about 2-3" long on top and sides, longer in the back. It's cute and light and fluffy. Hardly anybody has noticed.

My gray roots are about 1" long, but don't show as much with the shorter hair.

I got some purple hair color, haven't had a chance to use it yet. And I ordered green, turquoise, and violet online.

[Jeaniee]

Originally Posted by steiconi

I've been using henna for years, and am ready to lose the red, and have more color options (I'd love blue!).
Of course, you can't really remove henna, have to let it grow out and cut it off. I'm ready.

I hate the look of gray roots. For the last several years, I've been able to do a side part and show no gray, but I guess the gray is spreading all over my head now.

so...can I dye the roots with something other than henna, so I have more color options?

someday, I plan to go natural gray, but that will probably take a while.

Suggestions welcome!

try naturtint. even if you have to sell on Craigslist or ebay to be able to afford it

it works better, hands down, than henna

Create a paypal acct, buy and re-sell items on CL to pay for the cost of naturtint.

Just my suggestion

[Snootylooter]

I loved using henna and used it for years over mostly grey hair. It is a bear to remove, however! You almost have to let it grow out - and since my hair has always been super super short it wasn't a problem for me. I did experience some success with a Dawn soap cap in fading it a bit. Just mix Dawn dish soap with your shampoo, lather, then let it set for 30 mins. Rinse and condition.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Snootylooter

I loved using henna and used it for years over mostly grey hair. It is a bear to remove, however! You almost have to let it grow out - and since my hair has always been super super short it wasn't a problem for me. I did experience some success with a Dawn soap cap in fading it a bit. Just mix Dawn dish soap with your shampoo, lather, then let it set for 30 mins. Rinse and condition.

Yes, henna is pretty much non-removable. I dyed my hair with henna some years ago (over lightened and gray hair) and it turned a horrible shade of bozo orange. It was nice and glossy, but the color was ridiculous and really looked bad with my coloring. Nothing would remove it, so I just let it grow out and cut it.

And just for additional info, NO dye is totally removable back to one's natural color. Even those "semi-permanent" ones have some peroxide which leave one's hair shade permanently altered. Something to keep in mind. Believe me, I have done it and I know. I now let my long hair grow out all natural with it's mix of colors (lots of silver!) and could not be happier.

OP, your haircut sounds cute - post a pic!

[steiconi]

The purple coloring I found at Walmart says it's for Brunettes, and doesn't bleach the hair. I went to use it, and it has all these warnings INSIDE THE BOX that it will stain clothing and pillowcases when wet. Like, forever, not just when fresh.

I think I'll take it back.