I highly recommend trying it!
1a: I've heard of Rajathani, Jamila, Prabda, and Kimia henna. Are these the four most cultivated and easily available henna powders?
I would have to say that Rajasthani and Jamila are very popular. I don't believe they are the most cultivated but I am not 100% positive. Right now on the market Yemeni and Moroccan are very popular but harder to get reliable and trustworthy suppliers.
1. I have heard there are henna powders for hair and for skin, which are best for someone who wants to dye their hair?
Both are good. The important thing is to ask your supplier what there level of body art quality they carry and how fresh are the crops of henna for hair or body art. The main difference should only be the sift of the henna powders. In my opinion though, I feel that henna for hair is fine for dyeing your hair as long as it is the freshest crop for best color.
2. Our mutual friend Nightshade from LHC and I have done strand testing on some combinations of henna and other herbs. Of the herbs for red hair which do you consider the best?
I would have to say hibiscus works very well along with henna. I find that henna is the best herb for red hair when used alone.
2b. Continuing on that vein, which are the best for more brown shades?
For more brown shades, I would definetely say the addition of amla powder and indigo to your henna blend.
2c. Can you explain briefly the difference between Cassia Obovata and Henna?
Both are natural plants and each are very similar in what it does for hair. You will get all he benefits of henna using cassia obovata but it won't color your hair red tones. With henna you will be dyeing your hair reddish tones.
3. As a vegan (and having many vegan/vegetarian readers) the absence of animal testing and animal ingredients are important. Its true that the best Henna Mixtures are simple and contain no animal ingredients?
Yes they absolutely contain no animal ingredients.
3a. I've read about Black Henna (PPD) being dangerous what is it?
PPD is a chemical that is added to henna and in which we then call Black Henna. It stains the skin black and PPD is usually found in hair dyes, and is not safe for skin application.
5. You say on your website about Henna kits for pregnancy and henna for weddings, why do you make kits for those events?
I believe that lavender essential oil is the safest to use on pregnant women and children. It is mild and has the rarest chance of skin reaction. I prefer to be as safe as possible. For weddings I like to use it becaue the scent is so relaxing. I make those kits available to the public so they can be safe when using henna on themselves.
6. You warn against black henna or PPD. What do you reccomend if people want to dye their hair black or brown naturally?
I would recommend that they use henna powder and indigo in a one-step process or two-step process.
7. Besides Hair and Skin dye, how else have you heard henna being used?
It has been known that henna has been used to dye nails, to cure ringworm, cool burns, get rid of dandruff, and to get rid of nail fungus.
8. Other than being an artist who personally uses henna, what other reason did you have to open up Hena Sooq and start selling henna?
I have always loved henna and its uses. I am a stay at home mom, and I have always been interested in doing something that I enjoy for myself. Henna opened the door up to this possibility for me. Never have I found a more satisfying business. I especially lvoe the educational aspect of it. Teaching and helping others be more conscience of natural herbs, beautification, and care really inspires me.
9. Besides Henna I see you sell AMLA oil (Indian gooseberry oil) and Ghassoul Clay. What are these and how are they used?
Amla hair oil is used as a moisturizer for the hair either placed in your henna paste or use afterwards to oil your hair.
Ghassoul clay is from morocco and has been used by the women for centuries especially in the hammam (public bath, like a moroccan spa). It comes from the mineral-rich Atlas Mountains of Morocco and is used on hair and especially for the face and body as a scrub and cleanser. It leaves your skin feeling extremely soft.
10. Why do some store bought rajathani henna powders say to mix them in a metal bowl, and others to use plastic? Does it change the henna color?
In my personal experience, neither changes the color of the henna better then the other. I don't like to recommend using plastic bowls, because the paste gets absorbed into the bowl and stain it, and this residue will be left for everytime you use it for henna.
11. Anything else henna related to say?
What I can say about henna, is that it brings people together, especially in our most precious and intimate moments. It's an experience in itself, and an endless learning experience.
To buy henna people can shop www.hennasooq.com !
