Do you know how to dye hair?

Does anyone know how to use henna hair dye?

• I bought henna hair dye powder from whole foods. It looks cool. They say all you have to do is mix hot water in it. Can someone explain it simply for me so I don't do it wrong "/

• Answer:

  Correction to Kim's statement, black henna is not good for you because it's not actual henna. Henna, lawsonia inermis, produces naturally and only a reddish-brown. Chemicals, such as para-phenylenediamine that's used in hair dye, are added to henna to make it black (but is just as harmful as chemical boxed dye). The only safe and natural way to achieve black or brown with henna is by mixing or using indigo with it. Seeing that you got it at a whole foods store, you should be using natural henna. You can mix hot water, however this isn't the best method because henna is hydrophobic and the heat will cause the hydrogen (what helps the dye to oxidize) to separate from the dye molecule, ultimately dulling the color and shortening the life of the color in your hair. Another method you can use is instead of water, use a slightly acidic liquid such as tea or lemon juice. Mix the henna with it until it's a paste like consistency and let it sit for about 12 hours before use. Once it cures, distribute the henna through your hair evenly, and let it sit for a period between 4-12 hours. Basically, the longer you leave henna in, the more dye will penetrate your hair. You can help the dye process by keeping your head warm and wrapping it in plastic wrap. I hope all this helps.