Stunning Results with Ancient Sunrise Zekhara Indigo

Natural Indigo over dark hair for a blue black color

All Natural Hair Color

Patty’s hair showcases the stunning results of using all-natural Ancient Sunrise Zekhara Indigo on dark graying hair. The Zekhara indigo hair dye creates a vibrant blue-black color that looks natural yet bold.

Hair Transformation using only Ancient Sunrise Zekhara Indigo hair dye

Patty’s original ash medium-dark brown hair with 30% gray has undergone a significant change over the past two years. With two full head applications and regular touch-ups using only indigo, her hair has transitioned into a deep, blue-black hue. The gray hairs are subtle variations in blue color creating dimension. This consistent use of indigo dye has not only covered her gray hair effectively but also created a unique and striking look.

Before and After Indigo Hair color

Patty has 3 inches of new hair growth before the indigo applcation

Patty’s hair after an Indigo application giving the hair a beautiful blue black color.

The Benefits of Using Indigo as a Safe Hair Color Option

Indigo has great conditioning properties, leaving hair soft and shiny which is beneficial for maintaining the health of graying hair. Ancient Sunrise Indigo is an all natural plant powder with no chemicals or adulterants making it a safe coloring option. Indigo’s quick application without the need for dye release time makes it a faster dyeing process. Its immediate use and shorter processing time of just two hours make it a time-efficient option for blue black color.

Important points when using Indigo hair color

Indigo is all natural and safe on all hair types
Indigo has no dye release time and should be used immediately
The processing time is TWO hours
Indigo is permanent and should not be bleached due to the color turning a peculiar green.
Add a teaspoon of salt to your paste to increase the color uptake especially on gray hair.
Usually you only need to touch up new hair growth, however a full head application once a year can improve hair health
Left over indigo paste can not be frozen or saved. The color demises after a few hours.
Bags of indigo powder need to stay above freezing temperatures to remain viable
Ancient Sunrise is all natural with no additives, no metallic salts and no PPD
All natural Ancient Sunrise for a Bright New Day!

Indigo mixed with Henna creates an array of colors

The top 3 henna kit colors used with indigo are Medium Brown, Dark Brown and Black. Find all Ancient Sunrise Henna kit colors on http://Mehandi.com. Our customer service team can help you with the perfect custom henna mix for you. https://www.mehandi.com/page/support

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An at Home Spa Day While Using Henna Hair Color

Incorporating an at-home spa day into my self-care routine has been a wonderful addition, especially when I’m applying henna to my hair. I’ve embraced a more natural lifestyle, focusing on a healthier diet, regular walks, and using all-natural face and body products like Ancient Sunrise henna hair color.

Self Care Helps Create My Positive Outlook

The Henna procedure does require a certain amount of time, which varies based on how long you keep the henna paste on your hair. However, this period can be utilized to indulge in a spa day at home. If you already follow self-care rituals, you are aware that the outcomes can serve as a source of inspiration to prioritize yourself further.

Around 18 months ago, I began engaging in the practice of reading positive affirmations and meditating. The outcome has been truly remarkable. I focus on the good more and gratitude is a daily practice that brings calm and happiness to my life. Numerous free applications are accessible to assist you in starting this journey. Consistency and trial and error are key in this process.

How To Have a Simple at Home Spa Day

With the hectic nature of life, finding moments to find inner peace has brought me some solace. I am gradually learning to decrease my pace and appreciate the positive aspects of life. Although it is only the first day of November, my holiday agenda is already filling up rapidly. However, I am pausing momentarily and making use of the time I have to dye my hair using Ancient Sunrise Henna. Rather than engaging in any holiday preparations, I am opting to unwind and relax.

Having a spa day at home is not only great for relaxation but also for saving money. Taking a nap is one of the most affordable self-care activities, and everyone can benefit from it. In addition to getting some rest, there are several inexpensive at-home spa treatments worth trying.

Enjoy a Warm Beverage and Foot Spa

Once I finish applying the henna and securing my hair, I prepare a favorite drink to savor. As an avid coffee and tea enthusiast, I find great pleasure in indulging, particularly during this chilly November season, which has brought us an early snowfall on November 1st!

Afterwards, I prepare a cozy foot soak in a bathtub, enhancing it with polished stones or marbles to give myself a soothing foot massage. Additionally, I warm up my preferred moisturizer, either Ancient Sunrise Mango or Cocoa butter, in the basin to apply it to my feet after the soak. For an extra touch of luxury, you can even add a few drops of the Mango or cocoa butter to the foot bath. It feels indulgent to sip on a favorite drink while immersing my feet. To personalize the foot bath further, you can include Epsom salts or essential oils.

Try an All Natural Amla Facial

I then use Ancient Sunrise amla powder to make a facial mask. Amla, a fruit acid, aids in dye releasing henna and can be used as a DIY home facial. Amla paste is great for exfoliating, as it has antioxidants and antibacterial properties. This is mild for all types of skin and is free from alcohol or chemicals, unlike store-bought face scrubs.

To make a simple homemade facial, mix a spoonful of amla powder with cool water. Keep mixing until it forms a paste that has a similar consistency to yogurt. Let that sit for 15 minutes. Gently massage your skin with the paste, and wash the paste off after a few minute.

After utilizing Ancient Sunrise Amla for an all natural facial, my skin appears more radiant and feels smoother. Apply your preferred facial moisturizer and conclude with the final steps.

Take the Time for Rest

I’ve indulged in self-pampering and now I’m feeling relaxed. My feet are comfortable and my face is thoroughly moisturized. I intend to partake in some mindfulness practice and maybe take a refreshing nap.

Once I’ve allowed the henna to sit in my hair for the necessary duration, I rinse it out to reveal the stunning outcome. The whole process is 2 -3 hours for my routine and it is just right. An at home spa while hennaing your hair can be customized to your specific wants and needs.

I hope this gives you some inspiration to take time for yourself!

Questions? Want to know where to purchase Ancient Sunrise products?

Ancient Sunrise is only available on our website and in our Amazon storefront.

You can call our customer service department at 1-855-634-2634 with questions about using henna to dye your hair, and any other product questions you may have.

Transitioning From Chemical Hair Dye to Natural Ancient Sunrise Henna Hair Dye

Even though hair dye from the salon or a box may be convenient there are downfalls. Not only can the chemical dyes be drying and cause hair damage some will irritate the skin and scalp. The reactions can be blisters and swelling on the scalp and face severe reactions may require medical attention.

It seems we are all allergic to something and chemical hair dye can be one of them. As I found out I too can not use chemical hair dye due to chemical sensitivity. The difference in the health of my hair before and after Ancient Sunrise henna hair dye is amazing.

Are you thinking of using Ancient Sunrise hair dye? You can use Henna hair color on all hair types, including chemically treated hair.

Check out http://Mehandi.com for all kinds of Ancient Sunrise henna hair colors. Henna does not lighten hair.

It is important to read descriptions or call our customer service if you’re new to Ancient Sunrise. You can find customer service here. https://www.mehandi.com/Articles.asp?ID=256

My Hair and Health Before and After Henna Hair Dye

Chemically highlighted hair — All chemically dyed and highlighted hair not a strand of natural here!

Chemical Sensitivity to Hair Dye

A lot of individuals use henna hair color to avoid chemicals and live a healthier lief style. I started feeling muscle aches in my neck and shoulders and feeling sick after using a chemical hair dye.

I had gray hair early and dyed it in my twenties. I also highlighted my hair for 10 years. I used chemical hair dye for 25 years. My hair just got too blonde and I wanted my natural medium brown color back.

I got reactions when I dyed my hair medium brown every 3 weeks using 2 boxes of dye. I did it for 4 months and my body reacted strongly to the chemicals. When it couldn’t take anymore, I had a serious reaction.

I had bad headaches for months and my neck and shoulder muscles were tight and painful. I also got tired easily. I was very uncomfortable and the symptoms affected my daily activities.

I sought help from my chiropractic doctor, who holds certification in Active Release Techniques®. Her immediate reaction during treatment was I was chemically toxic causing my muscles to be like rope.

This is the day I knew it was from the chemical medium brown hair dye. She agreed that the hair dye was making me ill. She suggested a weekly plan of ART®, acupuncture, and Thai massage to aid in detoxing.

My recovery was 3 months and I was no longer able to use chemical hair dye. However, I still wanted to cover my gray hair so I was looking for an alternative solution.

I Found the Best Henna for Hair Dye!

I was just not ready to go gray. I saw hennaed hair that was bright red, but I knew I couldn’t look good with all red hair. Luckily my friend had beautiful hennaed hair and explained the use of indigo to get shades of brown. She worked for Ancient Sunrise and showed me the website.

I liked the Ancient Sunrise hair colors on the Mehandi website, so I started using all-natural hair dye.

Henna fades on damaged hair but repairs it with each use, lasting a few weeks. Once you repair the hair, the henna color will stay and not fade. The highlights may peak through between henna coloring giving your hair beautiful dimension.

My Henna Hair Dye Journey to 100% All Natural Henna

I used the to Ancient Sunrise’s medium brown gray kit when I started using all natural hair dye. I had incredible dimension of reds, coppers and reddish blonde as my highlighted hair grew out. It was actually a lot of fun and braiding the hair really showed off the beautiful colors.

Many good things were happening when I started to use henna hair dye. One my physical health got better with no more toxic muscle reaction and no asthma attack while dying with henna. My hair started to have incredible shine and strength. As my natural grays grew, the henna created reddish warm brown highlights in my medium brown hair.

I am very please with the results. Most people thought my hennaed hair was it’s natural color!

I am so grateful to have found an all natural henna hair dye by Ancient Sunrise. My hair is strong and shiny and the medium brown is perfect with the natural reddish highlights. Using all natural henna has not only given me beautiful hair, I feel healthier. Take a look at Ancient Sunrise Henna!

medium brown henna hair dye — A medium brown henna color on all natural 70% gray hair.

You can read this blog explaining how I have maintained my color over the years. https://www.ancientsunrise.blog/maintaining-graying-brown-hair-with-henna-and-indigo/ .

Five Cassia Benefits for Hair – Ancient Sunrise Clarity Cassia

Ancient Sunrise Clarity Cassia (cassia auriculata) is a powdered organic plant leaf that is 100% natural and pure. It is a natural plant based hair conditioner and can be used to condition all hair types. (Yes, even chemically dyed hair and 4c natural hair.) Clarity cassia is super easy to rinse, too! Keep reading to learn more about cassia benefits for hair.

I have been dyeing my hair with Ancient Sunrise plant dyes for more than ten years. Henna for Hair is a site dedicated for the use of henna for hair color and can answer your questions about using plant based hair color. I consistently achieve beautiful results when I use henna and indigo on my graying hair. Two years ago I started adding cassia for conditioning as well.

The Beginning of my Cassia Obsession

Our staff Cosmetologist incorporated the Cassia into my henna mix for the first time to dilute the paste’s stain. We were trying to avoid darkening the original color. The cassia diluted the mix enough to safely apply over ten years of henna and indigo applications.

See this previous blog for the full story and tips for maintaining graying brown hair with henna and indigo.

Adding the cassia to my henna mix gave my ten year hennaed hair more shine and brightness. It also conditioned my hair and gave me lots of volume. It even tamed those pesky grays at the temples, smoothing out the frizz!

Henna also conditions the hair but adding the cassia takes it up a notch. My hennaed hair is primarily gray now and has gone from poker straight to having a nice wave. The cassia lifts and defines curls and enhances wavy hair.

I applied heat to create a beachy wave after using cassia and the results were great. The waves lasted for three days with a little touch up! The waves fell naturally with minimal styling effort.

The treatment can be applied all over your hair to condition. 4c natural hair types can use the baggie method if the conditioning is only needed on dry ends, too. It’s a great, natural, home conditioning treatment. Damaris and I are working on a blog to show you how to use the baggie method. Check back soon or add us to your RSS feed so you’re notified when it’s live.

Cassia Conditioning on 4c hair — Sneak peek of the Cassia baggie conditioning method. Come back to see the process in our next blog.

Cassia Benefits for Hair

Conditioning. Cassia makes dry hair soft and manageable. You can use it all over or as a spot treatment for dry ends.
Volumizing.
Lifts and defines curls and waves.
Helps hold hair style for up to 3 days.
Adding Cassia into your henna mix makes it a two in one conditioning mask and all-natural hair dye application.

Closing Thoughts

Our Clarity Cassia is a pure, organic, fine sift, all natural, plant based hair conditioner. It can be used on all hair types including natural hair, 4c natural hair and chemically treated or damaged hair. Remember to clarify your hair before the application. You can do it the day of or the day before, and Rainwash works great for this. For best results, cassia needs to be dye released 8 -12 hours before application. Instructions here.

Evie’s mix is 1 Cup Clarity Cassia to 2 Tablespoons of henna. The mix was dye released and applied over dishwater blonde creating a brighter medium blonde.

Cassia will not change the color of your hair unless other plant powders are added to the mix. Cassia is used in the Ancient Sunrise kits that allow you to achieve golden blondes, bright reds, and medium blonde shades. Our Blonde, Fire, Sunshine, and Chai hair kits contain cassia and other plant powders. (Psst! You can save 10% on all of our cassia products until 4/15/23.)

Ancient Sunrise Blonde Kit on gray hair.

Contact our customer service team at 1-855-634-2634 if you have any questions or need help placing your order.

Five Cassia Benefits for Hair – Ancient Sunrise Clarity Cassia

The Beginning of my Cassia Obsession

See this previous blog for the full story and tips for maintaining graying brown hair with henna and indigo.

I applied heat to create a beachy wave after using cassia and the results were great. The waves lasted for three days with a little touch up! The waves fell naturally with minimal styling effort.

Cassia Benefits for Hair

Conditioning. Cassia makes dry hair soft and manageable. You can use it all over or as a spot treatment for dry ends.
Volumizing.
Lifts and defines curls and waves.
Helps hold hair style for up to 3 days.
Adding Cassia into your henna mix makes it a two in one conditioning mask and all-natural hair dye application.

Closing Thoughts

Contact our customer service team at 1-855-634-2634 if you have any questions or need help placing your order.

A small farewell

I started my journey at Mehandi in May 2014. While I knew I was going to be learning about something new, I had no idea that I would learn more than just all things henna.

I started off by asking tons of questions to co-workers. I was “that co-worker” *blush*. I wanted to know about everything. I was working in a salon and was still new to the world of hair. I started to talk to Dr. Catherine Cartwright-Jones. She let me pick her brain throughout my shifts and answer any questions I had. She also encouraged me to think. Customers brought me more questions to ask, which only allowed me to learn more. Finally, I found myself being capable of answering just about anything related to henna.

I started to play around with mixes. I tested formulas on hair swatches that I was not too sure would work. I started to get comfortable with formulating complex mixes. Our team went from being able to offer basic formulations, to advance troubleshooting.

Throughout my years in customer service, I established relationships with our regular customers and new customers. A simple “Hello” turned into a warm meaningful greeting. Familiar voices brought a smile to my face. I worked alongside many of you to help get your recipe just right, or to help you figure out where to start. I stayed on the phone while you mixed up your products, I reassured you when you doubted yourself. I even helped some of you cope with becoming deathly allergic to traditional hair color. I heard you tell me about how your partner really looked at you for the first time in a long time, or how you no longer were mistaken as a grandmother to your own children. You allowed me, a perfect stranger, to help you, whether you were in Ohio or on the other side of the world, regardless of each other’s cultures, native languages, or personal beliefs.

All of these years later, I find myself tearing up when I am telling a few of you that I am leaving Mehandi to partake in a new journey, a new field. You won’t hear my voice or see my signature on emails, but you have the best team there to help you with whatever you need. All of the good vibes you’ve passed on to me, I hope you get it back times 100.

You may see a blog from me here and there in the future, but otherwise, I bid you all a sweet farewell.

Maria

Maintaining graying brown hair with henna and indigo

Close up of henna, indigo, and cassia powder.

My first-time using henna for hair color was due to a sensitivity reaction I started having with chemical hair dye. I wanted to go back to my natural medium brown after many years of blonde highlights. Fortunately, I had a friend who was using all-natural Ancient Sunrise henna and indigo to achieve beautiful brown hair. I learned when indigo is mixed with henna you can achieve shades of auburn, browns and even black! I wanted a medium brown so I used a color mix of 40% Sudina indigo and 60% Ancient Sunrise® Twilight henna to achieve this over my graying, chemically lightened hair. The result was a beautiful, shiny, medium brown with highlights of different shades of auburn. The highlights showed where my hair had been lightened and where I had started graying. I was about 40% gray at this point.

After I used this mix for about two years my hair was all dyed using henna and indigo and I was 50% gray. I was a medium brown with highlights where I was gray, and the highlights blended FABULOUSLY after each root touch up. My highlights were now a rosier auburn and showed fiery, copper tones in the sun.

As my grays increased to over 60%, my hair was leaning towards reddish tones with highlights. My grays were showing as red more than auburn. I talked to an Ancient Sunrise customer service rep about wanting my results to be less red. The rep suggested adding table salt to my indigo. Salt opens the hair shafts to slightly ruffle them and allow the hair to process the indigo-henna mix better. I also was advised I could do an indigo gloss over my entire head to tone down the red. After only one indigo gloss I was able to achieve the browns and auburns I loved. My hair is very healthy and shiny due to the use of henna.

My brown hair has since grayed to about 70%. I changed my mix to 50% indigo and 50% henna to maintain the results I have grown to love. I have only done root touch ups for many years. My color has stayed consistent with a few tweaks here and there. I love all the beautiful highlights that cover my grays. You must embrace getting older and see the gray hair changes as a natural gift that creates amazing highlights. My hair is very healthy, full and shiny with great natural dimension.

Henna, cassia, and indigo paste on hair.

While using this 50/50 mix for several years, my brown hair color was consistent. My hair became wavy from the 70% gray. I enjoyed the change in texture and felt more fashionable since beachy waves have become such a trend. While using the new Ancient Sunrise® salon for a photo shoot, I had my whole head hennaed BUT the colorist used two different mixes: 50/50 on the roots and then used a mix of 50% of cassia, 25% indigo, and 25% henna over all my previously henna and indigo dyed hair.

Cassia is a natural colorless plant powder that diluted the mix to prevent my previously dyed hair from darkening. Cassia is also a conditioning treatment that lifted my hair to have more volume and more consistent waves. If I use heat to enhance the waves in my hair, the waves hold for three days from the cassia treatment.

After photo of henna and indigo on gray hair.

I have been more than pleased with my hair since starting my henna and indigo journey. It is also environmentally friendly and contains no chemicals at all. I encourage you to start on your henna journey with nothing but natural Ancient Sunrise products.
Ancient Sunrise’s live customer service team will help you with all your questions about the color you want to achieve.

Michele • Ancient Sunrise® Inventory and SEO specialist

5 Tips to Avoid a Henna Mishap

Hennaing your hair for the first time is exciting, but may also feel overwhelming because there is so much conflicting information on the internet. If you’re using Ancient Sunrise® henna, then you can follow this short guide to be more successful at coloring your hair. Here are 5 tips to avoid a henna mishap.

1. Don’t skip the dye release.

Henna leaves contain a dye molecule called lawsone. When the leaves are dried and crushed, they can be mixed with an acidic liquid (or acidic powder and distilled water) to allow this dye to be released (hence the name “dye release”). While using a hot liquid can do this, the benefit of dye releasing with an acid is what helps bind the henna to keratin in the hair, thus making it permanent whereas hot water leaves a brassy color that fades.
In short: skipping dye release can also prevent you from reaching your hair goals.

2. Avoid spring, tap, or filtered water.

If you are using a fruit acid powder, such as citric acid or Amla, you’re going to need water. Distilled is best because it is free of minerals. Minerals can cause the dye molecules to shift to undesirable shades or be inconsistent. RO or reverse osmosis water may work in a pinch, but can still contain minerals especially if the proper upkeep is being neglected. If pipes have rust or other buildup in them, this can impact the water, too.
Distilled water helps with consistency.

3. Leave out the oils.

No oil — Oil is not meant for henna for hair.

Oils can have a pleasant smell. They are wonderful in lotions, hair perfumes, and more, but do they have any benefit to henna? Nope. While oils high in monoterpene alcohol can help a henna stain be darker on the skin, it can do the opposite on the hair. Too many additives in general can prevent a good uptake, but oil is a major culprit. If you want something to mask the smell, ginger root powder or cardamom seed powder works great in henna.
Basically, adding oils to your mix will cause you to waste your time and money.

4. Apply to clean hair

Shampooing hair — Clean hair allows the henna to stick a lot better.

Not only do you want to leave out oils and minerals out of your henna mix, you also want to remove them from your hair before your application. Using a clarifying shampoo or Rainwash treatment will help remove build up. While clarifying shampoo will remove oils (as long as it’s not “hydrating” or “moisturizing”), Rainwash will not. You can use Dawn dish soap to remove excess oils after Rainwashing.
For best results, get rid of all speed bumps that slow you down from getting your desired color.

5. Avoid caffeine in your henna.

Skip the coffee and caffeinated teas in your paste. There is no added benefit from these ingredients and the caffeine can give you a headache. This is because the caffeine is able to get into the bloodstream through the scalp. Plus, the smell of henna and coffee is kind of gross.
Caffeine in your henna is a great way to get some extra jitters, but nothing else.

We here at Mehandi want you to get the most out of your henna. These 5 tips to avoid a henna mishap are a great way to help you get a long lasting color. For more detailed assistance, our customer service team will be happy to help!

Maria • Ancient Sunrise® Specialist • Licensed Cosmetologist

Eyebrow Henna

“Okay Google…search ‘eyebrow henna.'”
A robotic voice replies, “Here are the results from the search.”

My thumb swipes upwards in a circular motion as I scroll through hundreds of results and several services offering “henna” for eyebrows. The biggest disappointment is that none of the results show pure henna. This poses a problem because what is being advertised to the world are adulterated cosmetics. What makes eyebrow and lash tint adulterated are ingredients such as paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and other coal tar derivatives. Furthermore, the FDA has not approved any products that color or tint the eyebrows and/or eyelashes “permanently”.

To learn more about what adulterated cosmetics are, visit:
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/key-legal-concepts-cosmetics-industry-interstate-commerce-adulterated-and-misbranded#Adulterated

Pure Henna on Eyebrow Hair and the Skin Underneath

Pure henna can stain light eyebrow hair, but it tends to take on a weak orange color that is gone within a few weeks to a month. When pure henna is applied to darker eyebrow hair, there is not a noticeable difference. A lot of the products that are being marketed for eyebrows aren’t meant to be used for the eyebrow hair itself, but are for staining the skin under the hair. With pure henna, the skin will not stain dark because the eyebrow area has thin skin. It should also be noted that henna doesn’t stain thin skin for long. The products that we see marketed to stain the skin under the eyebrows tend to be a darker color in which henna itself is not able to achieve in this particular area. Henna does not dye skin black.

Note: The FDA does not recognize the use of henna on any part of the body except for hair on the head, unless it is for cultural purposes.

To learn more about pure henna and the skin, visit:
htt p://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/skin/

You probably have seen articles about black henna and PPD. You may have seen photos of people on vacation with scars after being exposed to a black “henna” tattoo. These reactions that we see to PPD are the same reactions we see to “eyebrow henna” and eyelash tints. Why are companies still allowed to offer products that are incredibly toxic? How are they getting away with overlooking these horrible reactions?

Reactions to Eyebrow and Eyelash Tints

“Okay Google…search ‘eyebrow henna reaction.'”

The images are not for those who are easily squeamish. Photos of people with swollen foreheads, crusty, seeping eyebrows, and pus filled eyes all fill my screen. Reactions are identical to reactions from hair color that contain PPD.

I came across a blog that was discussing allergic reactions to eyebrow and eyelash tints. It suggested a product to use for those who have allergies. I clicked on the link of the product advertised, scrolled down to the ingredients list, and the first thing that was listed was “Paraphenylenediamine.” The last ingredient listed was “henna,” but it does not make sense from a scientific standpoint. Henna has specific instructions to allow it to stain, and even then, it does not have a shelf life once made, unless it is frozen after dye release. I have come across enough products in my career to know that “henna” in an ingredients list does not always mean lawsonia inermis.

The the author could have used their platform to promote real education on allergies to products, but instead they suggested a product that can cause complications because the first ingredient, PPD, causes strong allergic reactions. Unfortunately, the blog was not the only piece of material available to the public that was offering misinformation.

Reporting Reactions

If you have had a reaction to a tint for the eyebrows or eyelashes, visit your doctor immediately. Go to the ER if reactions are severe. Please report any adverse reactions here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program. Reporting severe reactions can help others who may have a similar or worse reaction to the same or similar product. Document your situation and help spread awareness of the dangers of PPD in cosmetics.

Salons and Brow Tinting Places

The FDA states that eyebrow and eyelash tinting is not allowed if the products contain coal tar derivatives or are considered “permanent”. Regardless of what the FDA does allow, your state laws may not allow eyebrow or eyelash tinting. State Boards of Cosmetology are required to follow both federal and state regulations. Ohio’s State Board of Cosmetology did not have much comment on this issue except that salons and parlors must follow the FDA regulations, as mentioned above. Shops containing illegal tinting services should be reported to prevent serious injuries. To make a report, visit your local State Board of Cosmetology website. (Your state’s board of cosmetology can be found by a quick Google search.)

Microblading and Cosmetic Tattoos

Microblading and cosmetic tattoos, while are considered cosmetics, do not fall under eyebrow or eyelash tinting. For more information on this, visit: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-permanent-makeup-fact-sheet.

Alternative to Eyebrow Dye and Tints

If you are feeling down about your eyebrows, try a product that contains fibers. Most fibers are all natural, keratin fibers. These tend to fill out the eyebrow making them appear fuller, naturally. There are also many eyebrow pencils, liners, and pens available that might work better for you, too. Another benefit to using makeup to shaping and filling in your eyebrows is you can wash it off right away if there are any mistakes. Stay safe and practice safe beauty techniques!

Maria • Ancient Sunrise Specialist • Licensed Cosmetologist

Is henna bad for hair?

Is henna bad for hair? So many people ask this question, but here it will be answered in a few different parts, because pure henna, is great for the hair, but adulterated henna is bad all around.

What is henna?

Henna is a desert plant in which the leaves are dried and powdered to be used for the hair and body. The petiole (center vain in a leaf) is where most of the lawsone from a henna leaf comes from. Lawsone is the name for the natural orange-red dye molecule from henna. The red-orange dye molecule is what stains the stain and what colors the hair.

Using a mildly acidic liquid or powder-distilled water combo, lawsone can be “released” from the henna powder.

What is compound henna?

Compound henna doesn’t always include henna. It contains adulterants and metallic salts that caused the “henna” to bind much faster and creates different colors such as brown or black. Compound henna is very common and can be dangerous because the ingredients lists are often doctored to reflect a more appealing “natural” list.

You can read more about both compound and pure henna here: http://www.hennaforhair.com/science/index.html

Is there a difference between henna for body art and henna for hair?

No; pure henna is henna. You may see “henna” offered for body art that is black. This is adulterated henna and is not safe because it contains either PPD (paraphenylinediamine) or a component very similar. You can read more about the science of henna and the skin here: http://www.hennapage.com/henna/encyclopedia/skin/.

Is henna bad for hair?

Pure henna is actually great for the hair! You can find the benefits of using henna here. Henna not only colors hair, but it can protect the hair from UV rays, chlorine, and more because of the tannins naturally found in the lawsone.

How can I get other colors besides red?

Henna gives a red color on hair, but you can use other natural plant dyes such as cassia and indigo. If you’re not sure where to start, you can contact Mehandi’s customer support team: helpdesk@mehandi.com, 1-855-MEHANDI, or chat at Mehandi.com.

Maria • Ancient Sunrise® Specialist • Licensed Cosmetologist