Light Mountain Henna Mahogany Review

by A
(FL, USA)

I decided to use a natural product because I started getting a rash behind my hair the last time that I used a conventional hair dye. I didn't want to give up my red hair, but I definitely didn't want to have a full-blown PPD reaction. I used the Mahogany color of Light Mountain Henna. This product is permanent, although the color does change in intensity (starts out super bright then fades to a more natural hue over a period of weeks).

The product itself is a herbal green powder which consists of henna and indigo. It is mixed in your own non-metal bowl with liquid of your choice- the package advises warm/hot water or tea. I have also used it with plain yogurt for a moisturizing effect. It is not really any more difficult to use than a conventional hair color product, in my opinion. The mix will look rather unappetizing (owing to its slimy, olive green appearance) and it will smell like hay. However there is no chemically ammonia smell or burning, and your scalp will not itch, burn, tingle or hurt, even if you leave it on for an extended period of time.

The hardest part is determining how strong to make the mix and how long to leave it on. Strand testing with henna is indispensable, if you don't like how your strand test turned out for goodness sake don't put it on your head! Rinsing out can also take a while, owing to the fact that you are essentially rinsing out finely ground plant matter.

The results though, are worth it! Unlike with conventional hair dye, your hair will not be damaged with use. Quite to the contrary, it will be strengthened and will feel much healthier. The color is unique too-- there is an unmistakable "glow" of henna in the sunlight. I have tried this brand of coloring in Auburn, Bright Red, Red and Mahogany... and Mahogany is my favorite. There is just enough indigo to drab down the red a little bit.

While this method may take a little hard work initially (experimenting with strand tests and different colors) I am happy with it. I have not had any allergy problems, and I don't have to worry each time I color my hair whether or not I had pushed my luck with a PPD allergy (or worse, cancer). And I can keep my red hair, my one bit of vanity!

EDITOR'S NOTES:

Thanks A for such a thorough review.

Light Mountain Henna contains only 100% henna.