After my friend got a fantastic result with the lush henna, I decided to have a shot myself. i had an idea it would be messy but didn't know how much! I've just finished scrubbing the carpets and such and my hands and nails are sea green. I'll post pics when i wash out.

PS: Any idea how to clean hands?

Plastic gloves are definitely the way forward,  however, if desperate nail varnish remover and elbow grease (I had to resort to this a few years ago, no lasting damage as long as you wash it off and moisturise - I have really sensitive skin but it survived!).  If not desperate just scrub away (with exfoliator)

If you can't get gloves make sure you put vaseline on hair line and put nail varnish on your nails (front and back - remove when done).

Oh I mixed this last dose waaaaay too watery.  It'd been almost a year since I'd henna-ed last and I had a heck of a lot more hair then.  So, I was completely discombobulated.   Talk about a messy mess.  Oh my goodness!

I usually lay down an old towel to stand on.  First removing any bathroom rugs or anything that might be in slinging distance of the sludge I'm getting ready to apply (using that term loosely).

Put on gloves.  Make sure you don't use anything metal during the preparation or mixing, or application.  Remove all jewelry.

Then I strip down to my undies, sometimes it's all off during the ap.  Having a change of old clothes nearby with a button up shirt. 

Make sure to have a damp old washcloth nearby to wipe up or wipe off with as you go.  That helps a lot.  I usually have my husband come in and wipe off any dribbles on my body first.  Then we wipe off the counter next when I'm done with my hair.

I've never had a problem with it staining the sink or floor.  I have tile.  But this most recent time, with my watered down disaster mix, I did end up with it on my nails.  It's been almost a week since I've henna-ed and it's gradually going away. There's hope!!!!

Post pics when you get the chance.  Can't wait to see it!!!

I loved the color I got when I used henna,but It made my hair feel dry?

How does it look on your dark hair HFO.I prelightened mine cause I was afraid it would look too dark.I'm really excited to see the after pics.

How did I miss this thread???????

HFO....yay for you!!!!   I'm so glad you went the henna route, I'll forgive the fact that you used Lush henna this time....but only this time OK? hehe

Anyway, Lush is quite messy to apply and does tend to stain. When I henna, I always wear latex gloves and apply with a tint brush. I don't get drops anywhere anymore. I do it every 3-4 weeks, so maybe I'm just practiced? Also, I get staining on my ears/hairline for maybe 24 hours, then it's all gone.  I don't take any preventative measures for staining (ie..vaseline on skin) as it interferes with the colour uptake on my hair and I want MAXIMUM staining there!  I do use BAQ henna though.

The colour takes about 3 days to fully develop, so you will get a good indication then.  Just a word of advice, be careful not to over-condition your hair after you have henna-ed.  I can usually go a week without having to use conditioner and my hair is so soft and slippery that it's hard to wear in upstyles

Now I am HANGING OUT to see those pics!!!!!!!!!

It's getting darker and darker as the day goes on! Last night it looked just like it did pre-henna but now it's the same colour as my roots! I never maintain root colour because my hair naturally fades but now it's the colour I've always wanted! I'd be happy if it got a tiny bit darker but anything after this tone is great. My hands are a tad bruised still.

Rini: I know you advised against it but my friend's result was fab! She went from mousy brown to shiney, defined brown so I had to try it. Yes it was messy! I also put chocolate, coffee and paprika into the mix just to strengthen it.

EDIT: Okay I got a picture!

My natural colour is like that at the roots, maybe a bit less red and fading down to light brown-red at the ends.

That was caca brun but maybe you'd be better using Caca-Noir dilluted a bit or left on for longer since you're quite fair.

HFO...that is some awesome, shiny, colour there! Mmmmmm...chocolate...

The reasons for me not endorsing Lush henna are: messy/hard to apply, can give unpredictable colour, can cause dryness.  Having said that, however, I would not say "don't use Lush".  Rather, try out some real BAQ henna some time and see the difference.  Your hair looks like it has done rather well with Lush, so stick to what works

Btw, that colour can be achieved with henna and indigo too (and for those who are interested, I now have my indigo so I am concocting an "evil" plan for my best friend's hair. Results should be in any day now!)

DaveDecker wrote: Awesome color, HFO.  caca-brun / caca-noir?  Erm, that's an unusual name.

I realised why they were given such names when I mixed it!