LUSH henna - why has it took me so long to find this fabulous stuff?

[IDoAllMyOwnStunts]

God it's amazing. Been using box dyes for ages to cover the greys in my brown hair. My hair was in terrible condition, dry, thinning, breaking off etc.
Tried the reddy brown Lush henna, it's a gorgeous colour, plus has left it really glossy, hasn't been this shiny all over since I was in my 20s.
Did it about 4 weeks ago and the colour and shine is still as good as when I first did it. Will never use a box dye again.
Promise I don't work for them, just needed to share the love!

I was in Lush today and chatted to the sales assistant about henna on the back of this thread! I really want to try it now but it does sound like a messy business. Sales assistant recommended getting someone to help me but that's not going to happen!

Do you melt it in the microwave or in a bain marie?

You pour boiling water over it and stir whilst resting the bowl over a pan of boiling water to keep the mixture hot.

I have solved the mess problem by mixing it all up and taking mixture, cling film and shower cap into the dry shower cubicle. I strip off and cover my hair with the mixture whilst stood there naked. Wrap hair up. Then I rinse myself and the shower down.

Then leave on hair for 4 hours or so.

The mess is then contained to the shower which easily rinses away. Suppose you could do it while sat in an empty bath which would contain the mess too.

I do something similar but in the bath. I jump in naked, cover my hair with henna, cling film, beanie hat, rinse myself and then clean the bathroom.

Ido and chanie can you see what you're doing without a mirror??

I've had a block of the brun Lush henna in my bathroom for months, waiting for me to find the time to do it. You've prompted me to give it a go this weekend.

Ive used all kinds of henna over the years and Lush is the best - worth paying a little extra for.

Signora can you take before and after pics?

I use suraya henna which cuts down on some of the hassle. It is prepared into a gel you just apply to wet hair. No grating and mixing etc.

But still need to leave it on for 4 hours to get all the greys covered.

Wish I'd never heard of ppd and all the nasties in hair dye really! But I have so I use henna all the time now.

PotOfYogurt I will when I get round to it! Was bemoaning the lack of time to get it done to staff at Lush the other day (we stock up every month) and they've kindly offered to do it for me (as a one off). Might give it a go next Monday or Tuesday when it's quiet - if I can get a babysitter! Barely get a moment to myself to shave my pits these days, let alone dye my hair.

I used to do mine with the Caca Brun, best mate with Caca Rouge. We would set aside a Sunday, and spend the day with our heads wrapped in cling film.

We grated it for easier application/mixing with water - my shoulder length hair would use 3 blocks (so half a big block), her long, super-thick, hair would use all six.

I really loved the super-shiny feeling it gave my hair. It is messy but it's worth it and the splatter means you have to clean the bathroom afterwards

When I henna my hair, I leave it on overnight. A bit uncomfy and probably means I don't sleep as well as I could but it makes sure it definitely works.

Is it something that you have to keep doing once you've started? Does it jst grow out, or does it fade?

I use a semi permanent to cover my greys, but the colour fades over a few weeks to a wishy washy brown. Would the henna keep it shiny for longer?

Henna grows out as it actually bonds to your hair.

If you use henna what shampoo/conditioner do you use? A lot of products say not to be used after henna.

it does fade too - it certainly fades off my grey bits a lot quicker than off the darker strands.

I've never even considered what shampoo/conditioner to use after using henna - just normal shampoo. I've never noticed any warnings not to use a product on hennaed hair.

Years ago I used to help a friend with very long thick wavy hair henna her hair - she had kilos of the stuff on and I would lie her down an incline in the back garden and hose it off :)

One of the advantages of the LUSH henna is it is thicker and more of a consistency - not so drippy & grainy as the powdered stuff.

Dancergirl- I've never worried about meticulously using a mirror for the back. I just sort of slop it on top of my head, rub it all over and wrap it up. It seems very forgiving that way. You don't get the same block look of colour that you do with box dyes. It's very natural looking. And I do it stood naked in the shower to contain the mess.

I'm going to freestyle it next time by mixing Caca BRUN (chocolatey brown) and Caca MARRON (reddy brown) shades, ooh get me!

Ha! I've been using LUSH henna (I mix caca burn and rouge about 2/3 to 1/3) for the last 3 years and cannot see myself stopping any time soon. My hairdresser is a bit , but never mind her!

I love the texture it gives my hair.

I don't apply it very carefully, just make sure my parting is well covered as that is where my white streak originates from and sort of bung on the rest as best I can. Minimal mess. Leaving it on for 1 hr does the trick but I often leave it on for a few hours. Washing it all out is more messy than sticking it on IMO...

Ah rubbish, I use brun and marron - not brave enough for the proper red!

Ooh you're an adventurous freestyler already!. I have both colours wrapped in their paper LUSH bags in the corner of my bedroom, they keep waving at me. I love the smell of those lush blocks, have a deep inhale when I go past. Not cow patty at all like I remember old Henna.

I will do before and after photos next time and post if I'm brave enough.

I mix those 2 colours also. I agree hairdressers tend to be re henna.

I beat mine with the electric cake mixer to get it lovely and creamy.

I must remember to try adding some coffee next time. Ideally that would be this weekend.

I used to use it before I had loads of grey and had more time/willpower to go through the faff.
Have dark hair, added a few shots of coffee and some vatika (or any coconut) oil because it made the application a lot easier.

This thread has inspired me, need to start covering my first greys :-(

And to who asked about shampoo - I've not heard about using a special type, I use Tresemme for coloured hair whch I really like. Probably like any coloured hair best not to use something too harsh that's going to strip the colour.

Glad to see so many of you inspired . Get thees to Lush and slop it on, you won't regret it, the colour and shine is amazing, completely changes the texture of your hair.

My hairdresser can't believe how it's improved my hair and thinks its great but she is a bit of an old hippy herself.

Right that's it I'm buying some tomorrow.