HairColor Q&A

People ask me all the time what do I do. So here I go:

I take one box of Logona brown umber and a box of black. I use in a plastic bowel, the entire brown umber (I have longer hair), and up to a half a box of black. I have boiled some tea in a pot in the meantime. I mix the appropriate amount of water from that tea mixture into the powder. I stir it and let it cool slightly. Its best used when hot. I apply it all over like a hair dye, making sure I don't miss areas. I put a cap on my head that comes in the kit. Then I put a hot wet towel on my head and sit under a dryer for about 20 minutes. I want to keep my hair wet and hot in the meantime. After that, I get off from under the dryer and let my hair cool down normally. About 20 to 30 minutes more for me. After that, I rinse my hair off. I wait for the next day to shampoo. This works for me. I don't get red hair and it covers the gray well, but my gray doesn't end up dark brown at all. Its lighter, like a natural brown with golden highlights. As I wash my hair thru the next weeks, the gray hair seems to get my golden and the brown goes away more. But I don't care as long as I don't see gray. It looks natural for me. For those who are more gray, they do this same routine and do it more often. You can do it twice a month if you want. You can take it just to the roots or all over. I've always thought that the Honeybee Gardens dark hair herbs would be a good substitute for the tea bags. (Some use coffee). I'm going to do that next time. Rinsing your hair daily or every other day with the hair herbs would most likely help keep the hair darker thru time and repetition. I'm still waiting to hear from customers on that. Sometimes I'll use the Chestnut Brown instead of Umber. That's a warm look that I like as well.  I hope this helps!!!!

Below are more questions you may have on these products:

WHERE DOES HENNA COME FROM?

Three species of the Lawsonia plant are used as henna: Inermis, Alba and Spinoza; we know these three as red henna, neutral henna and black henna, based on the characteristic color that each plant produces. These ornamental shrubs, six feet in height, are indigenous to Arabia, Persia, India, Egypt and Australia. They are also cultivated throughout North Africa, Pakistan and China. The deepest shades of red henna have traditionally come from Persia; however, premium grades in other shades often come from other countries. A wide range of henna colors is necessary to create natural colors in deep, true shades. The henna plant produces a small, fragrant flower which varies in color from white to red. However, when being used commercially, henna is harvested before the plant blooms. The leaves are gathered, the veins are removed and the remaining material is pulverized into a very fine greenish-colored powder. The main constituents of the henna plant are fats, resin, mannitol, volatile oil, fixed oil, lawsone (a natural pigment) and hennatannic acid (a natural protein).
 

HOW DOES HENNA WORK?

Henna coats each hair shaft with a natural, semi-permanent protein called hennatannic acid. Heat causes the hennatannic acid to cling to the proteins found in the hair (or nails and skin, if desired). Because henna coats and seals the hair shaft, it helps protect the hair from damaging effects of sun, salt, chlorine, wind and pollution in the environment. It can help minimize split ends and acts as 'hair insurance' if you spend a lot of time in the sun, surf or wind. In addition to protecting the hair shaft, henna will tighten the hair cuticle and create a more solid surface which reflects light; the result is gleaming, lustrous hair. Rather than producing dramatic color changes, henna enhances and deepens existing color. The darker your natural color, the less drastic the change will be in your natural color. Because the color from henna is transparent or 'see through,' henna cannot lighten dark hair; it will however, add highlights to dark hair and can darken the color of lighter hair. To determine which shade of henna is best for you based on your original color and the desired result, consult our easy-to-use color charts.
 

HOW LONG DOES AN APPLICATION OF HENNA LAST?

Most people find that one application lasts from six to 12 weeks, although henna can last up to six months for some people. One advantage of henna over chemical dyes is that it gradually fades with repeated washings; as your hair grows out, there will be no obvious, telltale roots. That is one of my biggest reasons for choosing it. I'm so busy.
 

CAN I USE HENNA TO LIGHTEN MY HAIR?

Henna DOES NOT lighten hair. If you don't want to color-treat your hair, you can use Logona Neutral Henna Neutral to condition and enhance your hair's natural highlights without adding color.
 

CAN I USE HENNA BEFORE OR AFTER A PERM?

Yes, but you must do a strand test first, since hair which has been chemically treated will NOT react to henna in the same way as non-treated hair. Permed hair may be more porous, and thus absorb more henna than non-permed hair; the chemicals used in the perm may also react with the henna in unexpected ways. In addition, henna may loosen the curl of your perm, or the perm may remove some of the color of the henna. (If the later happens, the henna can be reapplied after a few washings.) Therefore, to be on the safe side, give your perm a few days to "set" before applying a henna treatment to your hair.
 

CAN I USE HENNA OVER A CHEMICAL TINT?

In most cases, this is no problem. Make sure to do a strand test before using the henna, to prevent an unforeseen or undesirable reaction occurring.
 

I CURRENTLY USE A CHEMICAL COLOR TREATMENT. CAN I SWITCH TO HENNA RIGHT AWAY?

Yes! There are many reasons to avoid using the harsh chemicals found in many chemical color treatments. Logona is a natural alternatives to harsh commercial dyes. The sooner you use it, the sooner you'll notice the natural difference! However, we suggest waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks after you color treat your hair.
 

MY HAIR IS DRY; WILL HENNA WORK ON MY HAIR?

Yes. Not all henna's are alike, so Logona not only colors hair, its conditioning properties help bring body, life and vibrancy back to dry or damaged hair. Henna permeates the hair shaft to strengthen and enrich your hair, giving hair a distinctive, natural radiance not found with chemical-based hair colors.
 

HOW CAN I BE SURE HENNA WILL GIVE ME THE COLOR I WANT?

We always recommend that you do a strand test before using henna. Although Logona Colors are gentle, natural products, they respond differently to different hair types. The good news is that most people have no trouble using it to color and condition their hair. But a strand test will tell you for sure.
 

DOES HENNA WORK ON GRAY HAIR?

In the past, this question has been difficult to answer, due to the different protein structure in gray hair. Often it requires a two step process. As with anything, make sure you do a strand test before applying the color to your hair.

If you have over 10% grey, the strand test is a must. The following formulas work best:

Brown Umber + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar.

Chestnut Brown + brewed coffee + apple cider vinegar.

Natural Brown + Ceylon or Black China Tea + apple cider vinegar.

Of course, you can add up to a half box of black along with your mixture. Anymore would possibly cause a greenish tint to show up. See our recipes on our tip page for more advise.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY HAIR??
It can be applied on wet or dry hair, but it is important that the hair be clean.  If you wish to shampoo, first, towel hair dry.  Apply a plant cream or oil around the hairline (some may use traditional vaseline if they do not want it natural), ears, and neck to avoid staining your skin.

HOW DO YOU APPLY IT?
Wear plastic or rubber gloves (which come in kit) to avoid staining your hands.  1) Section hair.  Sections should be about 1" thick.  2)  Begin at the scalp and paint on the henna with a brush from roots to the ends.  3) Continue until all the hair is thickly coated with the Henna mixture.  4)  Place a cotton or tissue band around the hairline.  Cover the hair with a plastic bag (one comes with the kit) or plastic wrap.

HOW LONG DO WE LEAVE IT ON?
For best results, use a dryer, heat lamp, or Thermo Heat Cap. Leave on as follows:

• Black, Red, Mahogany, Walnut Red, Brown Umber, Chestnut Brown and Flame Red - with heat 45 minutes; without heat 60-75 minutes.
• Golden Blonde, Sahara, Natural Brown and Neutral - with heat 30 minutes; without heat 45-60 minutes.

When timing is completed, rinse thoroughly with hot water, then rinse with cool water.  Follow with Logona Henna Shampoo.  Rinse thoroughly and style.

DOES HENNA COME IN MORE SHADES THAN RED?
Yes. There are three major henna plants, as well as different plant parts, each yielding a different color. Although red is the most well known shade of henna, there is also a neutral and a black henna. Blending these three shades of henna in the right proportions creates a wide range of color variations, allowing us to offer an extensive line of natural henna colors; vivid red, rich auburn, chestnut, mahogany, gradations of brown and deep black.

IS HENNA ONLY FOR REDHEADS?
The answer here is definitely no. Henna can be used by people of virtually any hair color, although it does not lighten dark hair. By choosing the right shade of henna, you can provide natural highlights, deepen an existing shade, change your hair shade or just provide the natural conditioning action of a henna treatment. Even those with gray hair can enjoy the coloring and conditioning benefits of henna.

DO I NEED TO HAVE HENNA APPLIED BY A SALON PROFESSIONAL, OR CAN I DO IT MYSELF?
Henna can be applied at home or by a beauty care professional. The comprehensive, start-to-finish instructions and complete application kits make it easy for anyone to apply henna safely and effectively at home, with professional-quality results. However, if you prefer to have your henna applied by a professional, give them a call and bring it with you on your next appointment.

SPECIAL RECIPES AND HINTS

Coffee - To help tone down red tones, deepen brown-red tones, or cover grey, substitute coffee for water.  Use brewed, black coffee (not instant or decaffeinated).  After coffee is brewed, bring to a boil.  Mix as directed.

Teas - Ceylon or Black China Tea will add gold highlights to Natural Brown Henna.  Red Zinger Tea enriches red tones in Mahogany, Walnut Brown, and Henna Red.  Chamomile Tea brightens and adds highlights to Neutral, Golden Blonde or Sahara Henna.  Let tea steep for 20 - 30 minutes.  Bring to a boil.  Substitute tea for water.  Mix as directed.

Apple Cider Vinegar - To help color hold on grey hair, add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to henna mixture.

Lemon Juice - To lighten blonde shades, add 2 tbsp lemon juice to henna mixture.

To Deepen Red Shades - Mix a darker shade into the color mixture.  You can mix many color combinations.

Dry Hair - Add 1 egg, 2 - 4 tbsp olive oil, or 2 - 4 tbsp plain yogurt to henna mixture.  These natural ingredients not only condition, but help with the application and rinsing processes.

HOW TO YOU USE THE COLOR CREAM PRODUCTS?

I would follow the suggestions from Logona on using them.  First, it is important to use the Color Plus - the pre formulation to prepare your hair.  It helps to clear away the left overs of past colors whether synthetic or not.  It is a clay mixture.  You use about half a tube on shoulder length hair.  Keep it on the hair, combing it thru from root to ends for 10 to 30 minutes.  Then rinse out well.

Next, for shoulder length hair, use between a tube to a tube and a half (box will say two).  Massage thru hair doing sections at a time, covering from roots to ends.  Put the cap on and go relax for a half an hour to two hours.  I'd suggest at least an hour.  Rinse well.

Follow with the Color Conditioner for prolonging the results.  Apply enough to cover all the hair from roots to ends and let sit for at least 10 minutes or more.  Rinse will with water.

Color results should be better than powders, but colors are slim compared to them.  It is estimated that the application should stay between 4 to 8 weeks, with periodic root applications as needed.  I'm amazed at it.  I'll be experimenting with applying powder colors to minimize red tones shortly.  I'll post those results below when I have them.

What is Light Mountain Natural?

It is a pure, natural product made from the powdered leaves of three plant species of the Lawsonia, Indigoferae and Cassia auriculata. These powdered leaves are expertly blended by our trained staff. Our blends include red, neutral and black, which offer a rich medley of color. The colors may vary from crop to crop and season to season. Our blending helps compensate for these variations.

How does it work?
The Lawsonia leaf offers the red shades, Indigoferae offers the dark shades and  Cassia auriculata is for conditioning effect. When mixed with hot water they will coat hair and other protein cells as well as stain skin and nails.  This coating action is beneficial to your hair. It seals in oils and tightens the
cuticle resulting in a rich, healthy shine. After application, the new color will go through subtle changes over a period of two to three days.  Please note:

• Hair that has been treated with a dark shade cannot be lightened with a lighter shade of Light Mountain Natural.
• Light Mountain Natural can only add color to your hair.

Why a two-step process?

After years of research, motivated by customer needs, we have developed Color the Gray! to better meet the coloring demands of the more mature head of hair.

Why use the Light Mountain Natural brand?

It is one of the few completely natural, botanical hair colors on the market.  Our ingredients are 100% pure botanicals, straight from nature. Other brands use “all natural” only as a catch phrase on the front of the package, while the ingredients listed are synthetic conditioners for shine and metallic salts for color. Stay with the proven best, Light Mountain Natural—100% premium botanicals.

Why Patch Test prior to using?

Although Light Mountain Natural is a completely natural product, some people may exhibit an allergic reaction to it. You must perform a separate Patch Test for each of the two packages. (Packages are labeled Step 1 and Step 2.)

ALWAYS PERFORM A STRAND TEST on a full representation of the various colors, textures, etc... of your hair. This is essential for accurate results. (Follow Strand Test instructions for both Step 1 and
Step 2 packets.)

NEVER USE METAL DURING PREPARATION OR APPLICATION, UNDESIRED RESULTS MAY OCCUR.  Use a nonmetal container to boil water, a nonmetal bowl and spoon to mix and measure, and a nonmetal comb or brush to section hair. Do not use metal hair pins, curlers, etc... Remove all jewelry: rings, earrings and necklaces.  Use distilled water for fewer chemical interactions.

Botanicals have been used for thousands of years as a natural hair coloring and conditioning aid, and we offer the same guarantee offered by nature over the centuries... None!*, other than Light Mountain Natural is 100% pure, premium botanicals and the best that money can buy.  The Strand Test will indicate your depth of color. If after the Strand Test you don't like the color, you can try some of the Special Effects we have listed and redo the Strand Test (Step 1 and Step 2) with the changes. If you really do not care for the color, do not use this product.  If you are not satisfied for any reason, you may return proof of purchase and the box, and we will refund the purchase price. This is the total amount of
our liability expressed or implied. 

Patch Test—Perform Twice:

ONCE FOR THE STEP 1 PACKAGE AND AGAIN FOR THE STEP 2 PACKAGE.
PERFORM PATCH TEST 24 HOURS BEFORE USING.

A. Wash an area on your inner elbow or back of knee.
B. Mix approximately a tablespoon of the Light Mountain Natural you intend to use on your hair with hot water. Let mixture cool to the touch.
C. Apply cooled mixture with cotton applicator over a one-inch area of inner elbow or back of knee.
D. Allow to dry. Leave area uncovered and undisturbed for 4 hours before rinsing.
E. Examine test area during each stage:
• Shortly after mixture dries.
• 4 hours after beginning test.
• When mixture is rinsed off with water.
• 20 hours after beginning test.
IF SKIN REDDENS, BURNS, ITCHES, BECOMES SWOLLEN OR EXHIBITS ANY ABNORMAL REACTIONS, EITHER IN OR AROUND THE TEST AREA, YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO THIS
PRODUCT AND MUST NOT USE.  If no irritations or sensitivity exist, you can begin after reading all
information on these pages.

Why Strand Test prior to applying?

THIS IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT APPLICATION STEP

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of regret. This test determines the length of time Light Mountain Natural remains on your hair to achieve desired color depth. If after the Strand Test you do not like the color, look at some of the Special Effects on page 4 and Strand Test again with the
choosen effect(s). If Special Effects are used they must only be added at Step 2. Do not make any changes to at Step 1. If you really dislike the color do not use this product. EVERYONE, EVEN PRIOR USERS OF LIGHT MOUNTAIN NATURAL, NEEDS TO STRAND TEST BEFORE EACH APPLICATION. This is a natural product and the color can change from crop to crop.  ALWAYS PERFORM A STRAND TEST ON A FULL REPRESENTATION OF THE VARIOUS COLORS, TEXTURES, ETC... OF YOUR HAIR. THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR ACCURATE RESULTS.

Strand Test

NEVER USE METAL DURING PREPARATION OR APPLICATION.
Use a nonmetalic pot to boil water, a nonmetal bowl and spoon to mix and measure, and a nonmetal comb or brush to section hair. Remove all jewelry: rings, earrings and necklaces.

A. Snip a short length of your hair or remove 20-30 strands from your comb or brush. Tie one end with a piece of thread.
B.  Place a pinch of Step 1 in a nonmetalic container, add distilled, boiling water to obtain a creamy consistency. Let mixture cool to touch then, while wearing gloves, apply to hair sample.
C. Leave on hair for 5 minutes. Then rinse sample. The gray hair should show a red, pink or orange tint.
D. Rinse with water. No need to dry.
E. Place a pinch of Step 2 in a nonmetalic container, add distilled, boiling water to obtain a creamy consistency. Let mixture cool to touch then, while wearing gloves, apply to hair sample that received
Step 1 treatment.
F. Cover hair sample with plastic cap to keep moist. Apply heat if desired. Heat is not absolutely necessary, but it will enhance red shades. Heat sources such as a blow dryer, the sun, a sun lamp
or hot towels may be used. Never use an oven or microwave as a heat source. Be careful not to melt plastic cap.
G. Check hair sample every 12 minutes until desired color is achieved.
H. Rinse and dry hair sample. Check results in direct sunlight when possible.

Applying Light Mountain Natural

If you are about to apply Light Mountain Natural you have already:
• Read all information and instructions.
• Performed the Patch and Strand Tests.
• Remove all jewelry: rings, earrings
and necklaces.
• Put on plastic gloves.
• *Agreed to our guarantee.

A.  Keeping Clean

Wear the supplied gloves. The mixture will color any skin it contacts. Exercise care.  Apply cream or petroleum jelly to your skin along the hairline, ears and neck. This will help keep mixture from coloring these areas.

B. Mixing

Remember, never use metal during preparation or application.  Each box of Light Mountain Natural contains one to two applications, depending on your hair length. (Step 1 is 3 oz net weight. Step 2 is 4 oz net weight.) Place the Light Mountain Natural from the Step 1 packet in a glass, ceramic or
plastic bowl. For short hair use 1-2 oz., more for longer hair.  Start with 3 cups of distilled water, bring it to a boil in a nonmetal container (Corning Ware® or Pyrex®).  While stirring with a wooden or
plastic spoon, gradually pour the boiling water into the bowl of Light Mountain Natural. Add water until the mixture is creamy yet sandy.  There may be water leftover. Some crops of this product are grittier than others, the mixture should not be too thick or too runny. It should slowly slide off of the plastic or wooden spoon used for mixing.  Let mixture set for 2-3 minutes to thicken and stabilize. Add more hot water if mixture becomes too thick. Let mixture cool to a workable temperature prior to applying to hair.

C. Applying

To apply you may wish to use an all-plastic paint brush or a plastic squeeze bottle.  Divide the hair into sections, using a plastic comb or brush. Do not use any metal objects to hold the hair in place.  Keep metal hair pins, curlers, etc...out of hair.  Use plastic clips or string.  Begin applying mixture to the hair, starting at the top of the head, coating all strands from roots outward.  Cover hair with plastic cap.

Rinse gloves and all material used during applicaiton.  You will need these cleaned for later use.

D. Timing & Rinsing the Step 1 Mixture

These timing and rinsing instructions are used ONLY with the Step 1 packet.  Leave the Step 1 mixture on for five minutes. Rinse out with water. No need to dry. 

E. Mixing the Step 2 Packet

Repeat mixing instruction found at Step B. The only change is that you need to use the product from the Step 2 packet. If using Special Effects, do so at this time.

F. Applying the Step 2 Mixture

Repeat applying instruction found at Step C. Use clean gloves and applicator.

G. Obtaining Your Color with the Step 2 Mixture

To achieve results consistent with the earlier performed Strand Test, it is essential that you now follow the exact same process and timing.

H. Rinsing Out the Step 2 Mixture

Once you have left the Step 2 mixture on the hair for the length of time needed to obtain the desired color, wearing the gloves, rinse out with warm water. Should you experience difficulty in removing the mixture sprinkle some baking soda on hair and continue to rinse. Keep baking soda out of eyes. For best results wait 24 hours before shampooing with a mild shampoo.

How do I remove Light Mountain Natural?

Removal is best achieved within 24 hours after coloring, but if hair is light or porous even this may be difficult.  For lighter hair try a pasty mixture of 1/2 cup cream rinse/conditioner to a tub of Crystal Light Lemonade®. Apply mixture to hair, cover with plastic and a towel, and if desired apply heat. Heat sources such as a blow dryer, sun, sun lamp or towels warmed in the dryer may be used. Never use an oven or microwave as a heat source. Be careful not to melt the plastic. After approximately 45
minutes shampoo out to see effect. Individual results will vary.

For darker hair try a mixture of equal parts of baking soda and dark molasses.  Apply mixture to hair, cover with plastic and apply heat. Heat sources such as a blow dryer, the sun, a sun lamp or towels warmed in the dryer may be used. Never use an oven or microwave as a heat source. Be careful not to melt the plastic cap. After mixture hardens, shampoo out to see effect. Individual results will vary.
For a more gradual removal you can try a high detergent shampoo followed by a restoring conditioner.

How long does the color last?

The color remains for approximately four to six weeks, but varies with each individual. One advantage of a semi-permanent hair colorant is that it gradually washes out of your hair leaving no tell-tale roots.