Not all henna powder is prepared the same way. Henna is a plant product, and therefore degrades over time. Choosing a good henna powder is essential to get a good result.
Steps
Step 1. Get the freshest powder possible
Check the date of manufacture, and if it is not kept cold it is best to use henna within a few months. Most henna stays on the shelves for long periods. When stored in a cold place, such as a freezer, and protected from light, henna can retain its properties for years. Many online retailers who are also henna artists store their henna in cold storage; ask, before buying.
Step 2. Evaluate the color
While all types of henna leave a reddish-brown tint, in some regions it is produced with subtle differences. African henna is often more fibrous, and this feature helps you draw fine lines. Henna from Morocco and Yemen are known for their viscosity. Many people say African henna is warm red, Persian henna is deep red, and Indian henna is brick red. Usually these slight color variations are not even noticeable. Often the color variations depend on the chemistry of the body and not on the type of henna used.
Step 3. Learn to recognize high quality henna
High-quality henna is bright green in color and sieved several times. Cheaper henna needs to be sieved more and this can be understood by comparing it to better sieved henna or by the fact that it can clog the applicator.
Step 4. Beware of henna that is too bright green
In nature, henna is light green, and fades to brown when it loses its properties. Companies use green dye to make it look fresher.
Step 5. Look around
Although India exports more henna, this is often not the best. Some of the best henna comes from Pakistan and Morocco, and in some countries there are really amazing henna, like in Oman, but they don't export them. If you're traveling, or have a globetrotting friend, get some henna to take home.
Advice
- Look for freshness and the right color.
- Buy henna online from retailers who are also henna artists; these use their own henna and can guarantee you the quality.
- Try different types to find the one you like best.
- Fibrous henna needs less sugar or honey, while uniform henna should have more.
- Also on the hair, you should use henna made for the drawings on the body. Hair henna contains less dye, and you may end up with more orange than red hair.
Warnings
- True henna is always red / reddish-brown. Blond or colorless henna is usually cassia or rhubarb root, while black henna is usually indigo or henna with the addition of para-phenylenediamine (PPD).
- Never buy "black" henna, or anything with added ingredients. Black henna often contains PPD, which is a dangerous chemical that can cause severe allergic reactions.
- Do not buy henna that is too bright green, the dye will not be harmful to your skin, but you cannot identify its quality.
