Gray Hair With Henna

Gray Hair With Henna
by Roger james

Henna doesn't cover gray: It's written on the product box, and it's part of hair-coloring culture. But times have changed. And it's no longer a choice between going gray or using commercial hair dye.

There are two ways to cover gray with henna.

1. Henna kits that are made specifically for gray hair.

2. Using pure, powdered henna in a whole new way.

Henna Kits for Gray

Most henna kits for gray are 2-step processes. Your hair is first coated with a natural, non-toxic preparatory mixture. This helps the gray hair become more receptive to the henna.

There are also pre-mixed cream hennas on the market which will cover gray. Most, however, take 2 or 3 applications before the gray is covered completely. Some products, like Surya Henna Cream, are easier, 1-step processes which claim to cover gray on the first application.

Henna, as you probably know, coats the hair. It doesn't open or rough up the hair shaft like most commercial dyes do. And because gray hair tends to be coarser and slicker than pigmented hair, henna has a tendency to slip off the gray. That's why henna is categorized as a semi-permanent hair color. Even the best henna application washes out a little with each shampoo. And that's why most boxes of 1-step, powdered henna will warn against using it on gray hair.

Pure Powdered Henna

Most henna users are already familiar with this green powder. It comes in a plastic bag (some buy in bulk), and it's made from leaves of the Lawsonia tree. To create different colors, other natural ingredients are added, like walnut or clove.

If you're gray and you want to use pure henna, you can. It's a long process, but it worked for me and I'll never go back to anything else. Light Mountain Henna is good as are many other brands.

Before Beginning

Do a strand test. If you have your hair cut, save a curl to use for the strand test. Otherwise, cut a small bit of hair from underneath or in the back so the cut doesn't show. Hold the hair swatch together with a rubber band, and go through the entire coloring process with this strand. This is important because it's the only way to calculate the leave-in time. Unlike commercial hair dyes, henna varies wildly in how long you'll want to leave it on to achieve your desired color. Timing for coloring gray hair can be from 2 to 6 hours.

Another reason for the strand test: to make sure that the final color is what you want. Henna on gray hair will come out lighter than henna on pigmented hair. Henna on blond hair is unpredictable. The strand test will let you know.

A note on purchasing henna. Read the ingredients carefully before you buy. Make sure there is nothing in the list you don't understand. Any hair color containing PPD (p-Phenylenediamine, sometimes labeled as Paradiaminobenzene, Para-aminoaniline, p-aminoaniline, Paradiaminobenzene or PPDA) is off-limits for health and safety reasons. However, most hennas you find in a reputable health food store will be pure and safe. Hennas purchased over the Internet usually list their ingredients, and I encourage you to read them.

Ready, Set, Go

* The first step is to apply a line of emollient on your forehead. This will prevent the henna from staining your face. * Next, mix a brown-based powdered henna in a non-metallic bowl, with just-boiled water. Add a couple of pre-beaten eggs if you like, to help keep the mixture sticky. Slowly add more hot water until the mixture is a smooth, thick paste. * Apply to dry, clean hair, free of styling products, conditioners, spray, or moisturizers. This is a key. * Apply to roots first, as you would with commercial hair dye, but use more product - at least a golf-ball sized dollop of paste each time you part your hair and apply it. Every hair strand must be completely coated with the henna. Use the plastic gloves that are included in the package, and apply with your hands to get the most coverage. Continue to part your hair in 1/4-inch rows, rubbing the henna into the hair, until all the gray is covered. * Yes, the henna will stain the scalp - but it's non-toxic, and will wash off the scalp itself (not the hair) in a shampoo or two. * After the gray is covered with the paste, apply the remaining henna to the rest of your hair if desired. * Cover your head with a plastic cap, and cover the cap with a towel. * Once an hour (or less, if you have a short leave-in time), take off the towel and plastic cap and spritz the henna pack lightly with water. Put the cap back on and manually (but gently) rub the hair to coax the moisture all the way through to the scalp and to make sure each hair strand stays covered with henna. Reapply the towel. * You may want to bake the color in even more, by using a heating cap or hooded hair dryer for 10 minutes each hour. * When the time is up, rinse the henna from your hair in warm (not hot) water. Your hair may be very tangled: that's normal for now. So be gentle - don't rub or tug. Apply a small amount of mild conditioner, like Jason's or Aveda Color Conserve, and rinse it out after about 30 seconds. Do not use shampoo at this point.

For more details and product recommendations, check out My Makeup Mirror

How to Keep Your Henna from Fading

Wait at least 2 days before your first shampoo. After that, if you can shampoo every other day instead of every day, that will preserve your new color better. Be sure to use a color-safe shampoo. Some brands to try are Pureology, Aveda, Jason, Arbonne, and Aquage, among many others.

Note: I would not recommend too many styling products. So many of them strip color. But if you have a leave-in conditioner that you know won't take the henna out with it at your next shampoo, go ahead and use it to untangle your hair and protect it from styling heat.

Your new hair color should be gorgeous, shiny, and healthy. Because the henna coats the hair, it makes the hair look thicker. And best of all, you've colored your gray without harming yourself or the environment.


About the Author

Read About Hair Loss Also Read About Hair Color And Beautiful Hair

THE BEST HAIR PRODUCTS: AQUAGE

THE BEST HAIR PRODUCTS: AQUAGE
by HAIRPRODUCTS

Thoughts of water and nature bring up the name of Aquage. The Aquage Hair Care System lives up to it's name by bringing the benefits of the finest botanicals to your hair.

Aquage is packed with the goodness of the sea. Select blends of seaweed, kelp, and beneficial algae provide your hair with a feast of nutrients designed to strengthen and protect, moisturize and nourish your delicate hair.

After you shampoo, use a cream rinse such as Aquage Healing Conditioner. This conditioner is made to go deep into each of the hair shafts to deliver sea botanicals that help smooth the hair cuticles, while increasing moisture retention and leaving your hair stronger than ever.

Aquage Color Protecting Seal-In Treatment locks in your color, while it's ultra-violet B absorbers helps protect your hair from the effects of the sun. This leave-in formula protects without leaving a heavy residue, so hair's color can shine all day.

Aquage Transforming Paste is terrific for achieving that look in short layered cuts.A little on your finger tips and pull sections of hair from the roots outward and pat into place.

Hold your style in place with Aquage Freezing Spray. this spray locks in moisture while locking out humidity, so your hair won't frizz. This is great if you live somewhere with very high humidity.

Does your hair deserve the very best nourishment the sea has to offer? Do you want the shine and manageability that only the purist botanicals can provide you? Then give Aquage a try.

About the Author

CLICK HERE FOR SUPER DEALS

Facts on Natural Men's Skin Care Products

Facts on Natural Men's Skin Care Products
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Georgina_R._Clay]Georgina R. Clay

Natural Men's skin care is just as important as women skin care, you need to have a daily skin care routine that will improve the overall health of your skin and recover your natural radiance and smooth look.

However there is a problem with the common skin care products that are in the market, some of the contain chemicals and compounds that are not safe for the skin or your body. Cosmetics are highly unregulated because they are not taken orally, however its a facts that topical creams penetrate to the bloodstream.

For example there are organic compounds like oxybenxone and benzophenone which are used as sunscreens that cause cancer in animals and humans, but manufacturers keep using them.

Either if you are a men or women you should not use skin care creams that contain carcinogens, chemicals and synthetic ingredients like alcohol, parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, etc.

Mens skin care products should be safe enough to eat, but if you try to eat any of the current creams on the market you will have huge health problems.

Fragrances for example are not healthy for your skin they contain alcohols and that drys up your skin causing wrinkles, irritation, itching and allergic problems.

One problem for men is that shaving causes skin dryness, so you need to use a good moisturizer after shaving or a skin care cream that contains moisture.

Witch Hazel extract its known for its ability to soothe nicks and scrapes, has anti oxidant and anti bacterial properties.

Another important natural extract is Coenzyme Q10 which is highly effective anti oxidant that helps to keep your skin moisture and is a potent anti oxidant that prevent free radical damage from toxins.

Skin care products for men can be very effective but you should read the labels and look out only for products that contain natural extracts, vitamins and anti oxidants. Avoid chemicals and synthetic substances that dry up yours skin. [http://www.best-skin-care-line.com]Click Here to Discover the Breakthrough Natural Anti Aging Creams that are changing lives. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin visit the [http://best-skin-care-line.com/]Best Anti Aging Creams to discover the shocking truth that now one else wants to expose.

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A Review of Estee Lauder Cosmetics

A Review of Estee Lauder Cosmetics
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton]Morgan Hamilton

You have to take care of your appearance because you only have one. That is unless you're some sort of shape-shifter or something. My point is that it's totally up to you to take care of the way you look because no one is going to do it for you. This is why you need a great skin care regime.

Have you given Estee Lauder cosmetics a shot? If you haven’t, then I encourage you to check out this company that has been in the business for decades. Estee Lauder cosmetics really have it all from skin care lines, to make-up, to regal perfumes. Simply hop online and take a peek, if you want to see what I mean.

Do you know anything about Estee Lauder cosmetics? You've probably in the shopping centers and department stores that Estee Lauder cosmetics are a huge business. This company offers a strong competition for any of the other big boys in the skin care market. Estee Lauder cosmetics keeps Lancome, Channel, Clarins, Shisedo and other skin care companies on there toes.

You might be curious why this particular cosmetic line does so well. You see this company offer ideal skin care regimes and wonderful selection of make-up and fragrances. Estee Lauder cosmetics will surely have what you're looking for regardless of your skin type. If you want more information about this skin care company, then you may consult an Estee Lauder girl in your local department store.

You may be surprised to find out that Clinique and Lab Series for men are also part of the Estee Lauder cosmetics phenomenon. Do you already have a gentle cleanser, revitalizing toner, and nourishing moisturizer to help you take care of your skin? If you don’t, then you should know that there is so much out there to pick and choose from.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning [http://www.brightbeautytips.com/beauty-tips/beauty-tips/bring-out-your-beauty-with-estee-lauder-cosmetics.html]Estee Lauder Cosmetics. Visit our site for more helpful information about [http://www.brightbeautytips.com]Anti-age Cosmetics and other similar topics.

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Makeup Cosmetics - 3 Steps To a Beautiful Complexion

Makeup Cosmetics - 3 Steps To a Beautiful Complexion
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Allison_Saunders]Allison Saunders

Many popular products and familiar brands of makeup cosmetics are available for women including MAC Cosmetics Makeup, and Mineral Makeup Cosmetics. Women like to feel confident about the way they look, and many count on some type of cosmetics to achieve the enhanced look they want.

Make up cosmetics are just one way they do this. With the many types of makeup cosmetics on the market it is hard to know which products are best for you, below are few things you need to know about makeup. If you are looking for makeup cosmetics that won't be harmful to your skin, then you should look at mineral cosmetics makeup. They contain no allergens and won't irritate your skin.

Women with sensitive skin have discovered that they must be selective in choosing their facial products. Permanent cosmetic makeup may not be practical for them. Some traditional products irritate skin, causing embarrassing red blotches and skin blemishes. These women are becoming passionate about the new line of mineral makeup cosmetics. Originally introduced for women with sensitive skin, mineral makeup products contain ingredients that are safe for all skin types, and look great on all skin tones.

If you are tired of applying makeup cosmetics every day, permanent cosmetic makeup will be the best way to go. You will wake up in the morning with makeup and shower with makeup, but obviously the price differs from ordinary make up cosmetics. Mineral makeup cosmetics are probably the safest route to follow, because ordinary makeup cosmetics contain allergens.

Women like product names when it comes to makeup cosmetics. These are sold everywhere and you will find every kind of product you will need. MAC makeup cosmetics and MAC cosmetics makeup are available in loose powders that can rejuvenate your skin. They use the product once and it does wonders for their skin. Ordinary makeup cosmetics can do the same thing – with or without a product name. You can look the same without all the fancy brand names.

The only advice that I can give is that most makeup cosmetics do something to your skin, and although you do not see it early in life, you will eventually. Try to avoid using it too often, because they contain allergens that can irritate and harm your skin. Makeup has been used for ages and while rouge used to be the signature of the lower social classes we have now created a mass market for women.

There are many ways to use makeup cosmetics to enhance your appearance. The methods you choose to apply makeup cosmetics is up to you; however knowing what is out there for your use will help make the decision easier. Less is more has been the new way to apply makeup, though we still see heavy eye shadow and dark lipstick most women have gone with a more subtle approach.

Makeup may make us feel beautiful, but it is still how we view ourselves on the inside that counts. Makeup cosmetics products will be the best the market can offer if you are serious about your skin.

Allison Saunders has created one of the most popular makeup and beauty resources on the web. Discover her secrets to transform the way you look and feel in her Amazing FREE Hollywood Makeup Secrets Videos Here: [http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com ]Makeup Secrets Revealed

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Natural Cosmetics Review

Natural Cosmetics Review
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Krofft]Catherine Krofft

In this time and of technological boom, where every product and service offering has been enhanced technological enhancement, cosmetics has not been left too far behind. With consumers desire to enhance their looks cosmetics companies keep coming up with variety of product offerings to keep that consumer desire satiated. But at the end of the day, who is suffering? Of course the customers. Why, you ask? The answer is not so difficult as you might think.

How many of us when buying cosmetics look at the label for the ingredients list? How many of us ever think twice about what chemicals are used to make the cosmetic we buy? How many of us ever think that the very cosmetic products we buy might actually harm our skins? Not many! There is a concoction of chemicals being used in these so called "beauty products" that actually act against the very reason for which we use them.

And the solution to this dilemma is even easier than we think. Natural cosmetics products! Yes, they are a reality. As the name suggests, these are 100% natural products that come without any harmful chemicals or ingredients. The result is a natural skin that doesn't get injured of any harmful chemicals. Beauty is not just about applying cosmetics. It is more about using the right cosmetics and natural cosmetics fit the bill and justifiably so.

There is a whole list of chemicals or ingredients you should ensure are not present in the cosmetic products you buy such as anionic surfactants used in about 90% of foaming personal care products; cationic surfactants, commonly used in hair conditioning products; ethoxylated surfactants, lanolin, nitrosating agents, toluene, etc.

These are only a small number of chemicals from 100s of a list of harmful chemicals. So buy natural cosmetics and be safe!

Katherine Krofft

Natural Cosmetics http://cosmeticsoogle.com

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All About Male Skin Care You Didn't Know

All About Male Skin Care You Didn't Know
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jane_Clay_R.]Jane Clay R.

Have you ever wonder how male models have skin care? or what are the best alpha male skin care products? Well it is not that difficult to know, in fact there are just a few secrets used by top male celebrities to keep their skin smooth and looking young even at their 40s and even 50s.

Having a young a fresh looking skin requires to have a daily skin care routine, use the right creams and take care of your body naturally.

However you should know that mens skin have some subtle differences with womens skin and so you should use just creams that are for men. Mens tends to sweet more and therefore their skin gets oily and with larger pores.

Also the mens skin usually get dryer easier because shaving dehydrates your skin. To keep your skin hydrated you need to take a lot of water, if you exercise you need to take more water, you should also use a moisturizer after shaving.

Now, is very important to take care of your body internally in order to have a strong immune system that will prevent inflammation and have strong anti oxidants. Inflammation is known to be one of the primary causes of aging.

Also you should understand that smoking, alcohol and junk food will harm your skin produce billions of free radicals and cause wrinkles, face lines and skin damage.

On the other hand you need to also protect your skin from external factors like pollution, chemicals, air toxins, diseases, UV rays of the sun and many other factors that harm the skin.

It doesent matter if you are a white male, black male or African American male, you need skin care cremes to help you prevent free radical damage, reduce wrinkles and keep your skin smooth and radiant.

Natural male skin care cremes are the best option if you want to really improve your facial look. Dont use artificial cremes that contain only chemicals or other strange synthetic ingredients, it has been proven that those substances will only hurt your skin, cause dryness and even more wrinkles. [http://www.best-skin-care-line.com]Click Here to Discover the Breakthrough Natural Anti Aging Creams that are changing lifes. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin visit the [http://best-skin-care-line.com/]Best Anti Aging Creams to discover the shocking truth that now one else wants to expose.

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