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WHEN TO START DYING YOUR LOCS? Can't answer that. I haven't started yet! I'd say that start dying them when your locs are atleast not unravelling and have started the locing process. |
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Examples of the aggressive chemicals that can end up causing lasting damage to hair are bleaches and caustic hair dyes; both will likely make the hair feel rough and look dull over time. A more healthy alternative when altering hair color is trying a vegetable hair tint, such as walnut shell or henna. Since they're mixed with boiling water, not chemicals, they do not change the structure of the hair. Natural tints also add oils that nourish hair. Using Vegetable Tints To avoid staining the skin when you use hair tints made from walnut-shell powder or henna, wear gloves and first apply petroleum jelly to your hairline and to your ears. Allergy test: 24 hours before coloring your hair, mix a small amount of the tint and test it on the inside of your elbow. If your skin is irritated the next day, the dye should not be used. If your hair has been recently permed or treated with chemical dyes, wait about three weeks before applying a natural tint. Hair treated with chemicals will react differently to natural tints than will untreated hair. Do not use henna if you have blond or gray hair - unless you want shocking red results! Application: To apply henna to brown hair, add boiling water to the tint in a non-metallic bowl; let it cool slightly and apply to damp, not wet, hair with a dye brush, available in beauty-supply stores. Pile hair on top of your head and cover with a plastic cap; then wrap a towel around it. This keeps the tint warm, allowing the color to better adhere to the hair strands. After one to two hours, thoroughly rinse your hair; then, shampoo and condition as needed. Henna adds strength and shine Henna not only gives hair a deep, bright red tint, but strengthens it, coating the hair and tightening the cuticle, the exterior layer of the hair shaft that protects the inner layers. The result is a rich, healthy shine. However, henna and other natural tints are only temporary; they last 6-8 months and gradually fade because they don't penetrate the hair shaft (as chemical colorants do). Although your hair must be re-colored more often with natural tints, what you sacrifice in "permanence" is gained in damage prevention. Natural lecithin for beautiful hair Enrich vegetable hair tints by adding an egg yoke, which contains lecithin, a hair-softening emollient. This adds protein, which helps to smooth the hair's cuticle and boost shine. Vegetable oils prevent split ends Before a treatment with henna or a walnut-shell tint, rub a bit of olive oil or jojoba oil into your palms and apply it to the ends of your hair to discourage split ends, especially if your hair tends to be dry. These oils also nourish the scalp and smooth out the cuticle of each individual hair, making it easier to comb. Highlights from Henna *Henna powder, any color (4 oz. for short hair, 6 oz. for medium-length hair or 8 oz. for long hair) *3 cups boiling water (or coffee, for use on gray or hard-to-color hair) *1 egg yolk *2 tsp. olive oil Choose the amount of henna powder recommended for your hair length. Pour enough of the boiling water (or coffee) over the powder to make a fairly thick paste. Stir it well. Let cool for 10 minutes, and then add the egg yolk and olive oil; stir to blend. Follow the application directions (above). Rinse your head directly under the tap, not in a shower. Rinsing henna out can be difficult, so take care to do so thoroughly. Reviving Brown Hair *Walnut-shell powder *3 cups boiling water *1 tbsp. olive or avocado oil *1 tsp. lemon juice Walnut shells give all shades of brown hair a warm, bright tint. Use the same amounts as directed above for various hair lengths. Walnut-shell powder is available in health-food stores, or you can grind small pieces of dried walnut shells in a coffee grinder. Make a paste as above and let it sit for 10 minutes; add the oil and lemon juice. Follow the applications directions (above). Rinse for Blond Hair *2 cups water *5 tbsp. chamomile flowers *2 tsp. fresh lemon juice Boil the water and add the chamomile flowers. Remove from heat and let it steep until cool. Add the lemon juice, and then strain. Wash and condition your hair as usual and apply the rinse evenly. Use often for a greater lightening effect. |
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To vary your henna hair color, stir some of these color enhancers into the henna paste mixture:
Allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg. If the smell of henna is not exactly to your liking, add a quarter of a teaspoon (about 1g)
allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the paste.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Add 3 tablespoons (45ml) vinegar or fresh lemon juice for golden or copper highlights.
This treatment also is beneficial for oily hair.
Egg yolk or whole egg. An egg yolk or a whole egg will help condition and add shine to the hair. Use the yolk for dry hair,
and the whole egg for oily hair.
Cloves. Cloves deepen and enhance the color of henna. Grind half teaspoon (3g) dry whole cloves to a powder and add to the
henna paste.
Cognac. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cognac and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil to effect a redder henna color.
Tea. To set the henna color, steep a full-bodied tea for 20 to 30 minutes. Substitute the tea liquid for the required water
in the paste. Black China or Ceylon tea adds golden highlights to brown hair.
Coffee. To tone down the reds and deepen the browns, use brewed - not instant - coffee as a substitute for the water in the
paste. Brew at least 1 cup (260ml), bring to a boil, and then let the coffee sit as long as possible (overnight is preferable)
before adding to the henna mixture.
Olive oil. The addition of 2 to 4 tablespoons (30-60ml) of olive oil conditions and moisturises hair. This is particularly
good for dry brittle hair
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