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manxcat -> RE: Red Hair Dye (9/1/2009 4:58:26 PM)
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Red dye is one of the most difficult to achieve and keep, without being poisonous - remember when red dye #5 was banned from food?
Henna is not only not harmful - it is a plant and has been used for thousands of years - it is not difficult either. You do have to keep it on for about half an hour minimum, to an hour and a half, depending on your starting color, but schedule it around your computer time. For the best results, put a plastic bag over your head and then a towel to keep the heat in, and shorten your time. It will last from 4-6 weeks depending on how often you shampoo. I found that using Loreal's red hair shampoo and conditioner help maintain the shade, long enough to have to do the roots before the color fades, unlike dyes which commonly last about 3-6 shampoos before starting to fade.
Mix the henna into a slightly loose paste, kinda like hummus, and let sit for about 2 hours to reduce the smell of it. Make sure all the particles are moistened and use either a glass or stainless bowl to prevent staining. As with all dyes, put Vaseline around your hairline, and on your ears to prevent staining as well.
Apply as you would any hair dye - to the roots and then massage it into the hair and scalp - don't forget the bottom back especially if you put your hair up.
Wrap head in a plastic bag then add a towel. You can also use a hair dryer or blow dryer for quicker, more intense results. It will probably take several times to get the exact color you want, but you can add things in to change the color. Strawberries, blueberries, coffee, are some that i have used with interesting results.
Hennalucent makes several shades of red, for about 7-9$ depending on your area, for a single application, and some Sally's will carry it, but you can get the pure leaves (ground up) at http://www.frontiercoop.com/products.php?ct=hchhaz&cn=Henna+Leaf%2C++Red
a 1# bag is 18.50 plus shipping, and will last through quite a few uses.
You can paint it on your eyebrows with a brush, and it also works on pubic hair so you can really be a *true redhead*[:D] And yes MercnBeth, yes those traits DO materialize shortly after turning red[:o]
Thing is, like my grandmother always said *Hoffahrt mus sich tzwicken lassen* If you are gonna be vain, you gotta bear the pain. Literal translation. Acutally, Vanity must allow itself to be pinched.
One thing - you have to wash your hair 3 times to get all the henna out, and I usually use a dark towel, just in case.[:)]
Oh and they ALWAY stop producing the products that work best, because you need them less frequently. Well that is my theory anyway.
Good Luck.
manxy
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