Review (4/5): Good henna
I've been using Henna for about two years now to deep condition my hair and to cover the grays that are peeking out at my temple and above my ears. I have found that as long as you get a brand that is completely pure henna, and intended for use on hair, the uality does not vary greatly, and the results are similar. Because of that, I suggest you shop based on price, unless you have other reasons for your choice like "organic", cruelty free, or environmentally friendly. Yes, this particular product was "triple sifted" which means the consistency was finer than, other brands I have used, but because the henna is going to be mixed into a thick paste I could not really sense a great advantage to this over others I have used.
Please note, I do NOT know anything about the henna for tattoos. This is purely based on my experience with hair Henna.
A couple of notes: I do a uick dye release by mixing the henna with very warm tap water and then placing in the sun in a metal bowl covered with cling wrap in the summer, and in a oven on "proofing" in the winter. (You can also place the henna in an over that contains a pan of just boiled water. I find this gives nearly complete dye release in about 1 - 2 hours. I have done this many many times and have not noticed ay real difference in the color, or the uality compared when I used to do the overnight dye release.
My hair is down my back, about midway. For this length, I find 100 g to be too little, and 200 g to be too much. This is different than most packages recommendations that say 200 g would be appropriate for hair below the shoulders. My hair is very thick, and I apply the henna in such a way that I saturate the entire length of my hair and 200 grams is still way too much.
Yes, this will stain your skin so wear gloves. However, I stopped worrying about my hairline and ears as I found that the henna stain faded quickly and could be removed with a good toner and the facial exfoliator I use as part of my skin care regimen anyway. The mud is VERY VERY thick, and will clog your drain if you are not careful. I rinse my hair out in the utility sink in my basement, or outside at the hose before coming inside to wash in the shower.
The color you will get depends on your natural color, and even your tone of gray. I'm a redhead with deep auburn hair, so the henna simply adds deep highlights. My gray goes very bright, deep red, but fades to close to my natural color after about a week. Henna will change color over time, tending to deepen and darken, so be prepared for your hair color to change over time, which may be good if your hair comes out too bright, but may be disappointing if you like your initial color only to find this darken to something different over time.
Henna is an amazing hair conditioner, and I have zero split ends, and have thick, healthy hair that is and strong even as I approach my 52 birthday. However, henna is really not for everyone, Henna can make a VERY dramatic color change, going bright orange on light hair, so make sure you test this first before covering your entire head. Unlike store package dyes, you will not be able to predict what color will appear the first time you try. Luckily, however, unlike commercial hair dyes, henna does not require bleach, does not damage or strip your hair, and does not weaken your hair over time like commercial dyes. In short, I absolutely love henna, and you might too.