Logona Herbal Hair Colours Q & A

PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT DO I DO?

I take one box of Brown Umber and a box of Black. I use in a plastic bowel, the entire brown umber (I have longer hair), and up to a half a box of black. I have boiled some tea (some people use coffee) in a pot in the meantime. I mix the appropriate amount of water from that tea mixture into the powder. I stir it and let it cool slightly. Its best used when hot. I apply it all over like a hair dye, making sure I don’t miss areas. I put a cap on my head that comes in the kit. Then I put a hot wet towel on my head and sit under a dryer for about 20 minutes. I want to keep my hair wet and hot in the meantime. After that, I get off from under the dryer and let my hair cool down normally. About 20 to 30 minutes more for me. After that, I rinse my hair off. I wait for the next day to shampoo. This works for me. I don’t get red hair. It looks natural. For those who have grey, do this same routine but do it more often say, twice a month. You can take it just to the roots or all over. Sometimes I’ll use the Chestnut Brown instead of Umber. That’s a warm look that I like as well. I hope this helps!!!!

WHERE DOES HENNA COME FROM?

Three species of the Lawsonia plant are used as henna: Inermis, Alba and Spinoza; we know these three as red henna, neutral henna and black henna, based on the characteristic colour that each plant produces. These ornamental shrubs, six feet in height, are indigenous to Arabia, Persia, India, Egypt and Australia. They are also cultivated throughout North Africa, Pakistan and China. The deepest shades of red henna have traditionally come from Persia; however, premium grades in other shades often come from other countries. A wide range of henna colors is necessary to create natural colors in deep, true shades. The henna plant produces a small, fragrant flower which varies in color from white to red. However, when being used commercially, henna is harvested before the plant blooms. The leaves are gathered, the veins are removed and the remaining material is pulverized into a very fine greenish-colored powder. The main constituents of the henna plant are fats, resin, mannitol, volatile oil, fixed oil, lawsone (a natural pigment) and hennatannic acid (a natural protein).

HOW DOES HENNA WORK?

Henna coats each hair shaft with a natural, semi-permanent protein called hennatannic acid. Heat causes the hennatannic acid to cling to the proteins found in the hair (or nails and skin, if desired). Because henna coats and seals the hair shaft, it helps protect the hair from damaging effects of sun, salt, chlorine, wind and pollution in the environment. It can help minimize split ends and acts as ‘hair insurance’ if you spend a lot of time in the sun, surf or wind. In addition to protecting the hair shaft, henna will tighten the hair cuticle and create a more solid surface which reflects light; the result is gleaming, lustrous hair. Rather than producing dramatic colour changes, henna enhances and deepens existing colour. The darker your natural colour, the less drastic the change will be in your natural colour. Because the colour from henna is transparent or ‘see through,’ henna cannot lighten dark hair; it will however, add highlights to dark hair and can darken the colour of lighter hair. To determine which shade of henna is best for you based on your original colour and the desired result, consult our easy-to-use color charts.

HOW LONG DOES AN APPLICATION OF HENNA LAST?

Most people find that one application lasts from six to 12 weeks, although henna can last up to six months for some people. One advantage of henna over chemical dyes is that it gradually fades with repeated washings; as your hair grows out, there will be no obvious, telltale roots. That is one of my biggest reasons for choosing it. I’m so busy.

CAN I USE HENNA TO LIGHTEN MY HAIR?

Henna DOES NOT lighten hair.

CAN I USE HENNA BEFORE OR AFTER A PERM?

Yes, but you must do a strand test first, since hair which has been chemically treated will NOT react to henna in the same way as non-treated hair. Permed hair may be more porous, and thus absorb more henna than non-permed hair; the chemicals used in the perm may also react with the henna in unexpected ways. In addition, henna may loosen the curl of your perm, or the perm may remove some of the color of the henna. (If the later happens, the henna can be reapplied after a few washings.) Therefore, to be on the safe side, give your perm a few days to “set” before applying a henna treatment to your hair.

CAN I USE HENNA OVER A CHEMICAL TINT?

In most cases, this is no problem. Make sure to do a strand test before using the henna, to prevent an unforeseen or undesirable reaction occurring.

I CURRENTLY USE A CHEMICAL COLOUR TREATMENT. CAN I SWITCH TO HENNA RIGHT AWAY?

Yes! There are many reasons to avoid using the harsh chemicals found in many chemical colour treatments. Logona is a natural alternatives to harsh commercial dyes. The sooner you use it, the sooner you’ll notice the natural difference! However, we suggest waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks after you colour treat your hair.

MY HAIR IS DRY; WILL HENNA WORK ON MY HAIR?

Yes. Not all henna’s are alike, so Logona not only colours hair, its conditioning properties help bring body, life and vibrancy back to dry or damaged hair. Henna permeates the hair shaft to strengthen and enrich your hair, giving hair a distinctive, natural radiance not found with chemical-based hair colours.

HOW CAN I BE SURE HENNA WILL GIVE ME THE COLOUR I WANT?

We always recommend that you do a strand test before using henna. Although Logona Colours are gentle, natural products, they respond differently to different hair types. The good news is that most people have no trouble using it to colour and condition their hair. But a strand test will tell you for sure.

DOES HENNA WORK ON GREY HAIR?

In the past, this question has been difficult to answer, due to the different protein structure in grey hair. Often it requires a two step process. As with anything, make sure you do a strand test before applying the colour to your hair.

If you have over 10% grey, the strand test is a must. The following formulas work best:

• Brown Umber + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar
• Chestnut Brown + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar
• Natural Brown + Ceylon or Black Tea + apple cider vinegar

Of course, you can add up to a half box of Black along with your mixture.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY HAIR?

It can be applied on wet or dry hair, but it is important that the hair be clean. If you wish shampoo with Colour Plus, first, then towel hair dry. Apply a plant cream or oil around the hairline (some may use traditional vaseline if they do not want it natural), ears, and neck to avoid staining your skin.

HOW DO YOU APPLY IT?

1. Wear plastic or rubber gloves (which come in kit) to avoid staining your hands
2. Section hair. Sections should be about 2cm or 1 inch thick
3. Begin at the scalp and paint on the henna with a brush from roots to the ends
4. Continue until all the hair is thickly coated with the Henna mixture
5. Place a cotton or tissue band around the hairline. Cover the hair with a plastic bag (one comes with the kit) or plastic wrap

HOW LONG DO WE LEAVE IT ON?

For best results, use a dryer, heat lamp, or Thermo Heat Cap. Leave on as follows:

• Black, Red, Mahogany, Walnut Red, Brown Umber and Chestnut Brown – with heat 45 minutes; without heat 60-75 minutes
• Golden Blonde, Sahara and Natural Brown – with heat 30 minutes; without heat 45-60 minutes

When timing is completed, rinse thoroughly with hot water, then rinse with cool water. Follow with your favourite herbal shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and style.

DOES HENNA COME IN MORE SHADES THAN RED?

Yes. There are three major henna plants, as well as different plant parts, each yielding a different colour. Although red is the most well known shade of henna, there is also a neutral and a black henna. Blending these three shades of henna in the right proportions creates a wide range of colour variations, allowing us to offer an extensive line of natural henna colours; vivid red, rich auburn, chestnut, mahogany, gradations of brown and deep black.

HOW MUCH DOES HENNA COST COMPARED TO CHEMICALLY BASED HAIR COLOR PRODUCTS?

Henna is the most economical way to colour your hair. Per treatment, henna is substantially less expensive than any of the chemical treatments; henna applications also tend to last longer, so you need to purchase a new kit less often. Most people find that using henna will reduce their annual hair colouring costs by as much as two-thirds.

DOES THE LOGONA KIT CONTAIN EVERYTHING NEEDED TO COLOR MY HAIR?

Just about! They provide you with henna, step-by-step instructions, gloves to mix the henna and a ‘henna hat’ to wear during the heat treatment process. You will need to supply a few common items: water, a wooden spoon, a mixing bowl (not metal), natural petroleum free cream such as Simmons Paw Paw Salve and a hair dryer or other heat source.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A SAMPLE OF MY HAIR?

I’d suggest visiting your salon for a fresh trim. Collect them from her and use them for your test strand. Logona offers a few colors in sample form. If you use them, follow the instructions on the label. If one is not available in the colour or brand you require, take 2 tbls from the package, add some water to make it into a mud, then let the hair soak in it for up to an hour. Rinse and see what you have.

HOW MUCH POWDER AND LIQUID DO I USE WITH HENNA?

You’ll want to follow the directions as it states, but the end result should not be to thick and lumpy, but not to runny either. It should be a smooth creamy yet gritty feel. As it dries, it will get harder to work with, so apply it as hot as you can and work it in fast, but precise to get all the coverage.

WHY DID I NOT SEE A COLOUR CHANGE?

You need to choose a colour that is darker than your own. You may also have not left it on long enough. Make sure to do the strand test prior to covering your hair.

IS IT SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN?

This is not a dye, so generally yes it is safe. But please check with your healthcare professional first.

WHY DO I HAVE A GREEN CAST ON MY HAIR?

A green cast usually means that there has been an interaction with chemicals or metals. It could also mean that you used the Logona Black alone. We instruct that it is to be used in combination with another colour because it can do that. You will need to apply another henna over it to subdue it.

MY HAIR TURNED OUT TO RED, BRASSY OR DARK. WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP THAT?

If you had applied heat, it can cause the red tones to appear. Avoid doing this the next time. If you did the strand test as we suggested, you should not be a flaming redhead right now! You can also add a black tea bag or coffee to the water to darken it or hinder the brassy tones. Remember not to brew your tea or coffee in a metal pan. Some suggest avoiding instant coffee as well, or making the coffee the night before. When it comes to brown or mahogany shades, try using 3 tbs of lemon or vinegar in the water to bring out the golden tones or copper highlights. To darken the look, just reapply the colour again.

IS HENNA ONLY FOR RED HEADS?

The answer here is definitely no. Henna can be used by people of virtually any hair colour, although it does not lighten dark hair. By choosing the right shade of henna, you can provide natural highlights, deepen an existing shade, change your hair shade or just provide the natural conditioning action of a henna treatment. Even those with grey hair can enjoy the colouring and conditioning benefits of henna.

DO I NEED TO HAVE HENNA APPLIED BY A SALON PROFESSIONAL, OR CAN I DO IT MYSELF?

Henna can be applied at home or by a beauty care professional. The comprehensive, start-to-finish instructions and complete application kits make it easy for anyone to apply henna safely and effectively at home, with professional-quality results. However, if you prefer to have your henna applied by a professional, give them a call and bring it with you on your next appointment.

SPECIAL RECIPES AND HINTS

• Coffee – To help tone down red tones, deepen brown-red tones, or cover grey. Use brewed, black coffee (not instant or decaffeinated). After coffee is brewed, bring to a boil. Mix as directed.
• Teas – Ceylon or Black Tea will add gold highlights to Natural Brown Henna. Red Tea enriches red tones in Mahogany, Walnut Brown, and Henna Red. Chamomile Tea brightens and adds highlights to Neutral, Golden Blonde or Sahara Henna. Let tea steep for 20 – 30 minutes. Bring to a boil. Mix as directed.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – To help colour hold on grey hair, add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to henna mixture.
• Lemon Juice – To lighten blonde shades, add 2 tbsp lemon juice to henna mixture.
• To Deepen Red Shades – Mix a darker shade into the colour mixture. You can mix many colour combinations.
• Dry Hair – Add 1 egg, 2 – 4 tbsp olive oil, or 2 – 4 tbsp plain yogurt to henna mixture. These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes.

HOW TO YOU USE THE COLOUR CREAM PRODUCTS?

I would follow the suggestions from Logona on using them. First, it is important to use the Colour Plus – the pre formulation to prepare your hair. It helps to clear away the left overs of past colours whether synthetic or not. It is a clay mixture. You use about half a tube on shoulder length hair. Keep it on the hair, combing it thru from root to ends for 10 to 30 minutes. Then rinse out well.

Next, for shoulder length hair, use between a tube to a tube and a half (box will say two). Massage thru hair doing sections at a time, covering from roots to ends. Put the cap on and go relax for a half an hour to two hours. I’d suggest at least an hour. Rinse well.

Follow with the Colour Conditioner for prolonging the results. Apply enough to cover all the hair from roots to ends and let sit for at least 10 minutes or more. Rinse will with water.

Any other questions please call or email us.