Hi All!

I have been natural for a little over a year now (transitioned for a year) and will be using henna for the first time. I am currently protective styling until my bangs grow out (had to cut due to heat damage). My plan is to henna in between protective styling. Here is what I'm working with:

Type: 4a/4b hair
Color: dark brown (no dyes)
Length: CBL/APL (longer in the back)

I would like to reap the following benefits from using henna:

1. Conditioning
2. Thickening
3. Loosening of Curl Pattern (if applicable)

Having said all of that, I'd like to know if there are any tips/ suggestions for first time "henna-ers"??? If so, please share!

Thanks SO much in advance!


~Naturalosity

Hello My dear, I believe we have a henna for beginners already, just scroll through the henna thread i'm sure you'll find it. We just try not to start new topics about the exact same question.

There are Lots of tips on this thread, so have your pick!

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No makeup - No relaxer - Just as I am!
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Thank you for your reply, Been Natural.

However, I was hoping to get some advice regarding my situation --particularly because I will be protective styling in between henna sessions (every 4-6 weeks). Because I have read that henna can by very drying, I'd like to get some feedback from you "henna-pros".

Make sure to deep condition afterwards.

Keep your mix simple. Green tea, distilled water and henna, for example is my mix. I will sometimes add wild berry zinger cause I like the smell of it.

You don't need to leave it on for more the a few hours. The longest I've left it on was about 3 to 4 hours. I know it wasn't more than 4, cause I don't have the patience. If you don't use silicones on a regular basis I'd make an exception for henna days. The silicone deep condition makes any leftover henna slip right out.

You should get the conditioning, some thickening. The thickening is not always apparent at first. I noticed it more after a few henna sessions. The curl loosening, I got a few loose, almost straight strands but it was random not like a relaxer or texlax. And thank goodness they sprang back after an amla treatment.

Hope this helps. Like the other poster said there are a lot of henna newbie thread that have way more information and probably answers your question with more information. Check'em out. Henna drying is the most asked question.

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Texture: Coily, zigzags, kinky and one little bit wavy.
Store bought Staples: Honey, I'm strong, HE TotallyTwisted Gel.
Homemade Staples: Mixed butter, butter and oil pomades, handmade hair creams and lotions.
Style preference: Low manipulation, tuck and roll, loose buns and twists.
Ayurvedic: Henna, amla, zizzy, tulsi, brahmi, shikaikai, etc.

Best to also use a protein free conditioner after you wash out all the henna.

Sent from my HTC Status using CurlyNikki App

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Got it, thanks!

Thanks, everyone for your input!!! Sorry this post is so late (life actually gets in the way at times )

Since my last post, I have completed my first henna treatment! As a result of the henna, my hair now has an auburn tint (in sunlight only) and is also softer. Because, I have been protective style (crochet braids), I haven't had a chance to notice whether or not any thickening has occurred. However, I did notice a few straight strands immediately after my first henna treatment just as Madeaj mentioned.

Question: is this normal? OR is this a sign of damaged weak hair???

Also, can anyone recommend a protein-free deep conditioner?

Thanks in advance, all!