Any henna hair dyers out there?

[zozzle]

I have mid brown, very slightly coppery medium-thick shoulder length wavy hair. I would like to henna it to an Auburn colour (not too red and not too dark, pretty natural looking ideally).

Any recommendations as to which colour pure henna I should go for and where to get it?

Thanks!

I can't advise on colour but I know Lush sell it.

I have memories of my aunt dying her hair with henna back in the early 80s. Her fabulous chestnut tresses turned a desperate shade of carrot! Please be careful!

Used to do this as a student. Body shop have good henna, I used to mainly get it from there. From what I recall it doesnt come out too strong, but gives a nice colour when the sun/light hits your hair. For a stronger colour we used to sleep in it, but you might not want to do that straight away. But DO make sure everything in the bathroom is well covered as it really spread and looks like you have murdered someone afterwards!

i use the red one from lush, my hair is natuuraallyy red, results on profile.

I use the Lush one, my hair is thick, wavy and dull fairly dark brown. Lush do red, marron (brownish red), brown and black, I use half and half of the brown and marron, gives me a lovely chestnut glow but is fairly subtle on me, not many people comment and I can't see it grow out. I would maybe try the marron at first. Do a strand test too. There is a knack to it, I grate it with a cheese grater (it comes as a block, need 2 squares worth for my hair). Put vaseline round your hairline and ears, I don't use gloves but probably should, I coat round my nails with vaseline. You need to clip up your hair and do it in layers, I then cover with a shower hat and towelling turban to let it develop. Wipe off any that gets on your skin straight away, use old towels. Another thing is when you wash it off, rinse and rinse till all the grittiness goes before you shampoo, takes me about 10 mins.

google henna for hair -- it is a US site but has all the information you need regarding dyeing your hair with henna. There is a forum where people discuss their recipes and results. The results vary so proceed with caution. I love henna but have very dark hair so it shows up in the sun. I buy mine from hennaboy in the UK.

I am a regular bright red head. I used to be quite red as a child but it started to fade to brown after 20 (just when you start appreciating it). Tints of Nature is a good brand. The lush one can be a bit of faff, good colour but tints of nature is quite a straight forward application - go for something a bit lighter than what you'd think otherwise I find they can look a bit dark on my pale self.

The caca rouge lush henna renders you very red.. the caca marron is deeper brownish red.. gorgeous colour! I used it for years, and it leaves your hair is wonderful condition.

However it is THE most disgusting messy thing to apply and smells pretty vile too. It leaves the bathroom looking like a cow with the runs has exploded!!! You defo need vaseline round your ears and hairline and it takes a while to apply. I used to get DH to do it!! Washing it out takes forever too!

I used to leave it on (head wrapped in clingfilm!) for a few hours. Sadly it doesn't cover the amount of grey I have now otherwise I'd still be using it :(

I've just started using the Lush henna. As others have said, it is very messy, but the colour is good and it covers grey (although you might not need it to do that!!).

I think it is one of those things that will get easier to use over time - when I used it I didn't keep it hot enough and let it get too dry. Won't be making that mistake again

I agree it gets easier each time you do it. I haven't got many greys yet, but it does make the few I have got a bright reddish blonde, I don't think I will be doing it when I have more than about 10% grey.

Agatha - the showercap / towelling turban combi is very easy and perfect for keeping it moist. Much easier than clingfilm.

Thanks - the showercap is an inspired idea! Last time I used a couple of carrier bags and a towel over the top - very classy

Thanks guys - went into Lush and they've given me a sample to try. Will give it a go when my semi-permanent has disappeared. Cheers again!