Making improvements to the henna process

It's henna time once again. Here I sit, letting a combination of red and mahogany henna seep into my hair for the next 75 minutes. I'm happy to report that I finally had to increase the amount from 2 oz. to 3 oz. because my hair is growing so quickly!

This "journey" is turning into quite the learning process. I have discovered a couple of helpful things the past two times I've used henna. First, it's wise to boil a little more water than what you think you will need. The last two times, I've made the mixture according to the directions but it has been too thick. That happened again today, so I boiled and added the extra water (about 1/3 cup extra) and it made a huge difference. Henna is ridiculously hard to apply if it's too thick. If you live in the South, go outside, dig up some red clay and try to massage it through your hair. The consistency is about the same as too-thick henna.

Second, boil even more water (maybe 2/3 cup) and place it in a separate bowl, then place the bowl with the henna mixture in the hot-water bowl. It will help keep the dye warm/hot while you are applying it. Henna is much easier to apply if it stays warm! Be advised... The henna will be VERY hot for the first two or three minutes, so be careful. (And of course, always wear gloves when working with any kind of dye.)

And one of these days, I'll remember to save a little henna to apply to my eyebrows, as an experiment. Hey, at least it's all-natural and organic. It sure beats using that medication (can't think of the name) that makes eyebrows/eyelashes/something-on-your-face grow longer and thicker. I've heard that one of the side effects of that so-called medication is possible death. Um, no thanks... I know my eyebrows are thin, but hey, maybe the henna would match them to my hair AND make them a little thicker (henna does texturize hair, after all). If only I could remember to try that... I remembered it this time -- right as I was rinsing out the bowl. Oh well.