Cosmic Corner Savannah

You can get a range of colors and shades from the dye depending on your natural hair color and texture and the blending of indigo (for darker shades) or cassia (for lighter shades). Always sift your henna before use and try to purchase in bulk from reputable and local sources. Not sifting your henna can mean you might find little twigs and rocks in your shower… so it’s worth doing.

To obtain a natural brunette color, use an equal mixture of indigo and henna. Pure indigo gives you a nice blue-black color and pure henna is firey orange. Pull some hair out of your hairbrush and do some test samples of mixes to get the perfect color for you! Cassia powder does not dye the hair but will give you some amazing benefits.

DO THE THING

Alright! Now for the fun part… ready for my top secret specialty never-fail Henna Brew recipe?

Wing it. Yeah, that’s right- just stare into your spice cabinet and have fun… as long as you have…

-Something acidic. This can be tea, lemon juice, wine, or beer- just make sure it’s strong and it makes up the majority of your liquid. This is what gets the dye to release.

-Henna (and/or indigo and/or cassia) powder

And that’s it for the requirements! Now, here’s a list of my favorite additions

-Brew your tea with dried rosemary- it’s so good for your hair!

-Tea tree oil helps break up clumps in the mixture and acts as a preservative

-Clove oil smells great but please only use 2-3 drops, it’s strong!

-Hibiscus can give you a boost of red but it only lasts for about a week.

-I like to boil my tea with an anise star because I’m a STAR. It’s witchcraft.

-You could put honey or sugar in it to make it gloopier… might stay on your hair better

-Lavender in the tea!

-The bones of your enemies make perfect stir sticks

-Olive oil, coconut oil, or shea butter can all be added into the mix to soften your hair but it will definitely not give you quite as much dye release. If you just want a tint then go for it! Lush’s henna bars contain a lot of shea butter and therefore don’t give you an intense color but they do make your hair feel amazing. Personally, I’m cheap so I just make it from scratch.

Now, slowly add in your liquids and mix until it’s the consistency of yogurt. Once it’s nice and gloopy (there’s that damn word again), cover it tightly (plastic wrap will do but if you can get your hands on it use bees wrap!), set it in front of a window and let it stew for 12 hours while the dye releases. This is the hardest part… remembering to make your dye the night before.

Dye day!

Okay, get some gloves on to protect your precious fingers from Orangeness and dig in! You might want to save a little Brew to add in at this point- you want it fairly liquidy so you can easily spread it through your hair. Start at the roots and work your way out, covering your whole head with henna! Once you look like a swamp monster, wrap some plastic wrap and a towel around your head and binge watch The Handmaids Tale on Hulu for 2-4 hours (If you’re really into the show you can leave it in your hair for up to 8 hours before you GET SOME SUNLIGHT). The longer you leave it, the darker brown it will get. Sweet spot for me is usually 3 hours. Wash it all out with water and conditioner only DON’T SHAMPOO. Listen, I know you like to be clean, I do too, but please don’t shampoo this time. Just enjoy your hair being silky soft and healthy. You can shampoo tomorrow.

The color will be quite a few shades brighter for the first 3-4 days and then it will settle into the color it will be FOREVER. Yes, folks that’s right. Henna doesn’t fade. Not even a bit. The sun might lighten it like it will anything but under normal conditions your hair will never ever change color again until it grows out. Bless.

FAQ

Why does henna make hair healthier?

Unlike commercial chemical dyes, henna binds to each strand of hair and strengthens it naturally. You may even notice the difference in individual strand thickness! Henna (as well a indigo and cassia) can eliminate split ends, enhance shine, and add volume.

Can I use any henna?

Use the best quality, finest henna you can get your hands on. Never buy pre-mixed henna as it can contain dangerous terps and is often meant for body art only. Henna will naturally range from bright green to beigish-green and smells like freshly cut grass. The greener and more fragrant the henna, the fresher it will be!

Can you be allergic to henna?

Most people aren’t, but always do a patch test and make sure you don’t have a reaction. The biggest cause for concern is what you put into the henna to release the dyes. Be careful when using essential oils- they’re stronger than you’d think! and be smart with your other ingredients. There is no shortage of henna brew recipes on the internet to choose from! Some even involve hard candies, wine, and cayenne pepper! And… do me a favor. If you plan to use your henna to dye your Special Hairs… do not put cayenne pepper in it. Learn from my horrible, horrible mistakes.

Can you use chemical dyes over/under henna?

Ehhhhh I’m going to give this one a big fat “At your own risk”. I’ve personally done it a few times with no adverse effects but oh the horror stories I’ve read. Spot Test! Also, dyes do not work very well over henna because most of your hair strand is already full of henna so often the dye won’t even take.

Will henna stain my skin/tub?

Yes. Yes it will. If you’re really concerned lube up your skin around your hairline with hair conditioner and wash out your tub immediately (or just jump in the ocean to get the henna out- that always works!)

Will henna stain my-

YES

Stainless steel?

Wait no, you’re safe there. That’s the only thing it won’t stain.

How do you know all this? SOURCES??

I’ve been a henna-head since freshman year of highschool which was... oh god it was 8 years ago. I’ve dyed my hair every 2 months since then with this green gloop. You learn things. 

Alright, now go forth and be beautiful, Goddesses!