Hair Mix Recipes:
Please remember that these colours are an estimate.
These are natural dye products so an exact shade cannot be guaranteed.
Experimentation is the key.
Strand tests are highly recommended for both a colour check and allergy check (though allergies to these natural products are very rare)
If you use pure henna the following colours will take effect:
Blonde - Vivid Red
Dark Blonde - Vibrant Red
Red - Vibrant Red
Medium Brown - Auburn
Dark Brown - Dark Auburn
Black - Black with Red shimmer
Grey - Coppery Red
If you use 1/2 indigo and 1/2 henna, the following colours will take effect:
Blonde - Medium Brown
Dark Blonde - Medium Brown
Red - Medium Brown
Medium Brown - Medium Brown
Dark Brown - Warm Brown
Black - Warm Black
Grey - Dark Brown with Reddish Highlights
Mixing Amla with Henna will soften the red dye.
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Nuts about soapnuts...
Fab little nuts that you can use to wash your clothes.
The shell of soap nuts contains a natural detergent called ‘saponin’ which is released when it comes in contact with water and creates mild suds. The hard inner nuts can neither be eaten or used for washing and soap nuts are sometimes sold as halved shells with the seed removed. Our soap nuts are sold whole as the friction they produce helps clean the clothes better.
How to use:
Just put 5-6 soap nuts in a small net bag (or knotted sock, I use an old stocking foot!), place in the washing machine drum along with the load, and wash as usual (40 degrees ideally).
My washing comes out smelling fresh, clean and soft so there is no need to add a conditioner. If you want fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil in the softener drawer. They work well with colours and delicate fabrics such as wool and silk but not recommended for whites. As they contain no bleach, the whites tend to become grey after a few washes. They aren't quite strong enough for my son's rugby clothes but then nothing is :-)
I have been using them for normal washes without any problems.
One lot of soap nuts will do 4-6 consecutive loads. Stop using them when they become dark and soft and lose their shine.
Available to buy from LoveHennaHair
Helen
xxx
The shell of soap nuts contains a natural detergent called ‘saponin’ which is released when it comes in contact with water and creates mild suds. The hard inner nuts can neither be eaten or used for washing and soap nuts are sometimes sold as halved shells with the seed removed. Our soap nuts are sold whole as the friction they produce helps clean the clothes better.
How to use:
Just put 5-6 soap nuts in a small net bag (or knotted sock, I use an old stocking foot!), place in the washing machine drum along with the load, and wash as usual (40 degrees ideally).
My washing comes out smelling fresh, clean and soft so there is no need to add a conditioner. If you want fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil in the softener drawer. They work well with colours and delicate fabrics such as wool and silk but not recommended for whites. As they contain no bleach, the whites tend to become grey after a few washes. They aren't quite strong enough for my son's rugby clothes but then nothing is :-)
I have been using them for normal washes without any problems.
One lot of soap nuts will do 4-6 consecutive loads. Stop using them when they become dark and soft and lose their shine.
Available to buy from LoveHennaHair
Helen
xxx
Friday 27 August 2010
Amla ~ The next superfood?
I grew up in India surrounded by Amla trees and loved eating the astringent sour juicy fruit plucked from the tree. I knew the fruit was used in ayurvedic tonics but did not realise it had so many wonderful properties or I would have treated it with more reverence!
Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is the fruit of a deciduous tree found mainly in India. It is small and greenish-yellow with vertical stripes and resembles gooseberry (hence the name). When I started researching it, I was amazed to discover that to list all of its reputed benefits would take forever but here is the condensed version.
Amla is believed to have cell rejuvenating properties and is used extensively in India for glossy healthy hair and to prevent dandruff. A paste made from dried and powdered amla is commonly applied to maintain healthy hair. It makes a wonderful hair tonic for people suffering from hair loss as it is supposed to strengthen the roots. It also helps combat thinning and premature greying, presumably by making the hair shaft stronger. Mixing amla with henna and indigo not only provides all the above benefits but also tones down the red shade of henna to dye the hair brunette.
I was surprised to learn that amla can also be used as a deep-cleanser for hair and body. Apparently, using amla regularly to wash dull, limp and oily hair makes it thick, bouncy and lustrous. It is also an excellent exfoliating, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial astringent scrub for your face,without the alcohol or chemicals found in commercial products. Its high levels of vitamin C break up the top layer of dead skin cells, and bits of amla seed gently exfoliate the skin. Mix a spoonful of amla powder and enough warm water to make a yogurt like paste and let it rest for 15 minutes. Scrub your face with the paste, and wash it off after a minute.Skin feels firm and tight.
When taken in dietary form, it strengthens teeth and bones and increases the red blood cell count. It has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties useful in the treatment of constipation and piles. It is also an anti-oxidant helping to boost the functioning of the immune system thereby preventing a wide range of diseases. It has antibacterial properties helping to prevent infections and healing ulcers.
It is used therapeutically as a cardio tonic, aphrodisiac, and antipyretic medicine and in the treatment of gastritis and heartburn. Some research studies have shown that amla is good for diabetics, as, apart from very high levels of Vitamin C, it also provides other essential minerals which help maintain proper functioning of the metabolic activities of the body. It has minerals such as chromium, zinc and copper. Amla also helps to prevent respiratory disorders such as common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections. It can aid body building by increasing the total protein level due to positive nitrogen balance, giving an anabolic effect. To top it all, amla is also known to have anti aging properties. Wow!
Available from LoveHennaHair
Jyoti
Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is the fruit of a deciduous tree found mainly in India. It is small and greenish-yellow with vertical stripes and resembles gooseberry (hence the name). When I started researching it, I was amazed to discover that to list all of its reputed benefits would take forever but here is the condensed version.
Amla is believed to have cell rejuvenating properties and is used extensively in India for glossy healthy hair and to prevent dandruff. A paste made from dried and powdered amla is commonly applied to maintain healthy hair. It makes a wonderful hair tonic for people suffering from hair loss as it is supposed to strengthen the roots. It also helps combat thinning and premature greying, presumably by making the hair shaft stronger. Mixing amla with henna and indigo not only provides all the above benefits but also tones down the red shade of henna to dye the hair brunette.
I was surprised to learn that amla can also be used as a deep-cleanser for hair and body. Apparently, using amla regularly to wash dull, limp and oily hair makes it thick, bouncy and lustrous. It is also an excellent exfoliating, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial astringent scrub for your face,without the alcohol or chemicals found in commercial products. Its high levels of vitamin C break up the top layer of dead skin cells, and bits of amla seed gently exfoliate the skin. Mix a spoonful of amla powder and enough warm water to make a yogurt like paste and let it rest for 15 minutes. Scrub your face with the paste, and wash it off after a minute.Skin feels firm and tight.
When taken in dietary form, it strengthens teeth and bones and increases the red blood cell count. It has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties useful in the treatment of constipation and piles. It is also an anti-oxidant helping to boost the functioning of the immune system thereby preventing a wide range of diseases. It has antibacterial properties helping to prevent infections and healing ulcers.
It is used therapeutically as a cardio tonic, aphrodisiac, and antipyretic medicine and in the treatment of gastritis and heartburn. Some research studies have shown that amla is good for diabetics, as, apart from very high levels of Vitamin C, it also provides other essential minerals which help maintain proper functioning of the metabolic activities of the body. It has minerals such as chromium, zinc and copper. Amla also helps to prevent respiratory disorders such as common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections. It can aid body building by increasing the total protein level due to positive nitrogen balance, giving an anabolic effect. To top it all, amla is also known to have anti aging properties. Wow!
Available from LoveHennaHair
Jyoti
Henna/cassia mix ~ latest pics
Love the vibrancy and healthy shine that my hair has. Still haven't had it cut, so close to a year now without even a trim.
Helen
xxx
Saturday 21 August 2010
Reetha Powder/ Soap Nuts- nature's all purpose cleanser
REETHA, the Soap nut tree, grows abundantly in India. Its fruit has been used for cleaning hair, body and clothes since ancient times. Soap nuts are 100% natural and contain no chemical additives, making them a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin. They work like soap because their shell contains a substance called "saponin" which is released when it comes in contact with warm water. The inner seed is hard and black and contains no saponin.
Reetha or soap nuts can be used whole or in powdered form in many ways:
1)Use whole or cracked soap nuts to wash clothes in the washing machine instead of detergent and fabric conditioner. Most soap nuts are sold after the shell has been cracked and the seed discarded. I find using whole soap nuts (including seeds) more effective in the washing machine as the friction created by the whole seed probably goes some way towards cleaning the clothes and they can be reused 5-6 times before being composted. There is no need for fabric conditioner as garments are fresh smelling, clean and remarkably soft but essential oils can be added to the conditioner drawer. They are hugely economical and also eco-friendly as there are no chemicals going down the drain. With adapted plumbing, this grey water could be used in the garden or such.
2)When the soap nuts become dark and soggy( usually after 5-6 washes), you've extracted most of the saponin so stop using them in the washing machine. You could still soak them (excluding seeds) in a bit of water, whizz them in the blender, strain and use as 'liquid soap’ for the hand basin.
3)DIY soap nut liquid is very easy to make and has multiple uses for a truly natural way of living. This liquid can be used as shampoo, face and body wash, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid as it is suitable for every kind of cleaning. A mixture of soap nut liquid and vinegar (ratio of 2:3) makes a great window cleaner. This recipe will make approximately 1.25 litres of Soap nut liquid.
Instructions:
Take approximately 1 litre of water in a saucepan and add about 50g (handful) of new soap nuts (excluding seeds). Cover and boil, then simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water to make a liquid cleanser. Let the infusion steep overnight and strain into an appropriate container.
You could experiment by changing the soap nut shell to water ratio to alter the concentration depending on its use and adding essential oil if appropriate. A longer cooking time will make the liquid more concentrated.
4)Reetha powder mixed to a paste with water is an effective hair shampoo. As there are no chemical foaming agents added, it does not lather but cleans thoroughly and hair feels thicker and shinier. It is reputed to reduce dandruff and prevent hair loss. The longer you use the powder to wash your hair, the less you will need to use as the residual chemicals are removed.
5)The same paste can also be used as a face and body wash. The skin is left soft, smooth and resistant to infections and insect bites. The powder also has a deodorizing effect and is meant to reduce psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.
Some interesting facts: In India, Reetha is cherished not just for its mild, anti-parasitic detergent effect but also for its anti-venom properties. It is commonly believed among paddy growers that the presence of this tree repels venomous snakes, not all snakes, as non-venomous snakes are essential to protect the crop from rats. In case of snake bite, sipping the juice of Reetha fruits and applying it inside the eyes is meant to help expel the venom. Reetha has formic acid which is an irritant so it is mixed with cow's ghee before using in the eyes. In case of scorpion bite, the patient is fed Reetha juice mixed with jaggery (sugarcane extract) to combat its extreme bitterness. Another documented use of Reetha is to smoke it instead of tobacco for a few weeks in order to reduce the craving for tobacco. A very small quantity is used by goldsmiths for washing gold and silver ornament.
Available from LoveHennaHair
Jyoti
Reetha or soap nuts can be used whole or in powdered form in many ways:
1)Use whole or cracked soap nuts to wash clothes in the washing machine instead of detergent and fabric conditioner. Most soap nuts are sold after the shell has been cracked and the seed discarded. I find using whole soap nuts (including seeds) more effective in the washing machine as the friction created by the whole seed probably goes some way towards cleaning the clothes and they can be reused 5-6 times before being composted. There is no need for fabric conditioner as garments are fresh smelling, clean and remarkably soft but essential oils can be added to the conditioner drawer. They are hugely economical and also eco-friendly as there are no chemicals going down the drain. With adapted plumbing, this grey water could be used in the garden or such.
2)When the soap nuts become dark and soggy( usually after 5-6 washes), you've extracted most of the saponin so stop using them in the washing machine. You could still soak them (excluding seeds) in a bit of water, whizz them in the blender, strain and use as 'liquid soap’ for the hand basin.
3)DIY soap nut liquid is very easy to make and has multiple uses for a truly natural way of living. This liquid can be used as shampoo, face and body wash, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, car wash, liquid soap, pet shampoo, washing up liquid as it is suitable for every kind of cleaning. A mixture of soap nut liquid and vinegar (ratio of 2:3) makes a great window cleaner. This recipe will make approximately 1.25 litres of Soap nut liquid.
Instructions:
Take approximately 1 litre of water in a saucepan and add about 50g (handful) of new soap nuts (excluding seeds). Cover and boil, then simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The boiling process extracts the saponin from the nut shells and combines with the water to make a liquid cleanser. Let the infusion steep overnight and strain into an appropriate container.
You could experiment by changing the soap nut shell to water ratio to alter the concentration depending on its use and adding essential oil if appropriate. A longer cooking time will make the liquid more concentrated.
4)Reetha powder mixed to a paste with water is an effective hair shampoo. As there are no chemical foaming agents added, it does not lather but cleans thoroughly and hair feels thicker and shinier. It is reputed to reduce dandruff and prevent hair loss. The longer you use the powder to wash your hair, the less you will need to use as the residual chemicals are removed.
5)The same paste can also be used as a face and body wash. The skin is left soft, smooth and resistant to infections and insect bites. The powder also has a deodorizing effect and is meant to reduce psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.
Some interesting facts: In India, Reetha is cherished not just for its mild, anti-parasitic detergent effect but also for its anti-venom properties. It is commonly believed among paddy growers that the presence of this tree repels venomous snakes, not all snakes, as non-venomous snakes are essential to protect the crop from rats. In case of snake bite, sipping the juice of Reetha fruits and applying it inside the eyes is meant to help expel the venom. Reetha has formic acid which is an irritant so it is mixed with cow's ghee before using in the eyes. In case of scorpion bite, the patient is fed Reetha juice mixed with jaggery (sugarcane extract) to combat its extreme bitterness. Another documented use of Reetha is to smoke it instead of tobacco for a few weeks in order to reduce the craving for tobacco. A very small quantity is used by goldsmiths for washing gold and silver ornament.
Available from LoveHennaHair
Jyoti
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Shikakai
Until a few years back, when shops were not packed with fancy haircare products, most Indian homes were filled with the fragrance of a black concoction every morning. This was when reetha (soapnut), soaked overnight, was blended with shikakai powder to make a 100% natural shampoo and body wash.
Reetha and Shikakai contain all the required goodness for healthy lustrous hair. Shikakai, which means ‘fruit for hair’, is a gentle herb, native to southern India. It is extremely mild and doesn't strip hair of natural oils making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps. It is probably nature's original pH balanced shampoo which removes dirt and keeps hair free of fungal infections by detoxifying the blood in the scalp and preventing premature greying of hair. It is a natural conditioner since it also detangles hair. Shikakai contains 100 times more vitamin C than grapefruit as well as abundant antioxidants such as vitamins A, D, E and K that promote healthy hair growth.
I have just returned from a trip to India and used this trip to brush up on my knowledge of the traditional natural recipes used by folks back home. One of the most popular homemade reetha-shikakai hairpacks is to mix two parts of reetha with one part of shikakai, adding half-a-cup of fenugreek (methi) seeds into this mixture. If possible, add dried hibiscus leaves too. Make a powder or grind the paste of fresh leaves. Wash and rinse hair thoroughly with this paste.
Jyoti
Reetha and Shikakai contain all the required goodness for healthy lustrous hair. Shikakai, which means ‘fruit for hair’, is a gentle herb, native to southern India. It is extremely mild and doesn't strip hair of natural oils making it ideal for those with sensitive scalps. It is probably nature's original pH balanced shampoo which removes dirt and keeps hair free of fungal infections by detoxifying the blood in the scalp and preventing premature greying of hair. It is a natural conditioner since it also detangles hair. Shikakai contains 100 times more vitamin C than grapefruit as well as abundant antioxidants such as vitamins A, D, E and K that promote healthy hair growth.
I have just returned from a trip to India and used this trip to brush up on my knowledge of the traditional natural recipes used by folks back home. One of the most popular homemade reetha-shikakai hairpacks is to mix two parts of reetha with one part of shikakai, adding half-a-cup of fenugreek (methi) seeds into this mixture. If possible, add dried hibiscus leaves too. Make a powder or grind the paste of fresh leaves. Wash and rinse hair thoroughly with this paste.
Jyoti
Thursday 6 May 2010
Before and After Henna: Vickie
My friend Vickie has tried henna and is loving the results.
Here's a pic of her hair before henna (with a few grey strands):
and here is her softer, NO Grey hair:
Vickie is loving the condition of her newly-treated hair. She says it feel and looks softer and seems to be in better condition than before henna treatment.
xxx
Here's a pic of her hair before henna (with a few grey strands):
and here is her softer, NO Grey hair:
Vickie is loving the condition of her newly-treated hair. She says it feel and looks softer and seems to be in better condition than before henna treatment.
xxx
Monday 5 April 2010
Latest hair colour pic
I used 100g of pure henna and left on for just under 2 hours.
The final effect...
This is about 4 hours after I finished rinsing the henna out. It will settle down over the next few days and become deeper and richer.
I still haven't had it cut since September and it is starting to look slightly tatty on the very ends. But definitely not as bad as you would expect for 8 months growth.
The final effect...
This is about 4 hours after I finished rinsing the henna out. It will settle down over the next few days and become deeper and richer.
I still haven't had it cut since September and it is starting to look slightly tatty on the very ends. But definitely not as bad as you would expect for 8 months growth.
Friday 12 February 2010
Helen's Hair
In February ~ about 3 weeks after an application of Red Hair Mix. Left on my hair for about 2 hours.
I think it's looking really healthy. Haven't had my hair cut since September 2009, I think it was, and I have very few dead ends.
xxx
I think it's looking really healthy. Haven't had my hair cut since September 2009, I think it was, and I have very few dead ends.
xxx
Monday 4 January 2010
Nominated!
Helen has been nominated for an award through The Mumpreneur Conference ~ Best Green Business!
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