Glosses are a less intense version of a full strength herbal (or ayurvedic) treatment and can be very useful for the first time herb user. Especially for those with fine hair, those wanting to tone down the orangey-ness of their henna, and those wanting very little colour and more moisturising.
Henna Glosses
Did you know that all the herbs we have at Henna Sooq can be used as glosses as well as full strength? Glosses are a less intense, diluted version of a full henna treatment, and are more moisturising, especially if conditioner is used. Henna glosses can be used to:
- Brighten up your existing henna colour without darkening it in between root touch ups
- Stretch your henna powder stash
- Create more moisturising henna treatments
- Create lighter shade on light-coloured hair; great for light reds/gingers and strawberry blondes
- To test henna before making the full commitment
For a stronger colour: Release your henna paste, then add conditioner/etc. Higher lawsone hennas such as Red Raj and Fresh Jamila Henna Powder 2012 are best for stronger glosses.For weaker colours/conditioning: Mix henna powder into paste with water, let sit for 10-20 minutes then add glossing ingredient. Experimenting is essential as everyone’s hair differs in porosity. You can use as little as 1tsp of henna paste, or as much as equal parts of henna paste and glossing ingredient. As the Fresh Moroccan Henna paste does not freeze well, it is the best choice for those that want conditioning with little to no colour.TIP: Freeze small portions of dye released henna and defrost them on glossing day. Quick and easy! Freeze your henna paste in large oiled ice cube trays, small zip lock baggies, or recycle those plastic food containers; anything you don’t mind getting stained by the henna paste. The Fresh Moroccan Henna paste does not freeze well- if you’re wanting conditioning only with very little to no colour, freeze the Moroccan Henna Paste.
Herbal glosses
- Organic Cassia Obovata gloss: Used if full strength treatment is too drying. Can impart subtle golden tones
- Henndigo gloss: Used to tone down existing henna, or tone down the warmth of natural dark brown hair
- Indigo gloss: Used to tone and darken existing henna (with conditioner or cassia), create subtle blue tones on very dark hair (not in cassia). Organic Indigo For Hair is the better option here as it doesn’t go quite as dark as the Indigo for hair
- Katam Hair Dye Gloss: Used to town down existing henna to medium brown tones, and to tone down the natural red in dark brown hair
- Organic Amla Gloss: Used to help bring back curl and to condition the hair
- Hibiscus Petal Powder Gloss: Used to condition the hair and add subtle red tints
- Rhassoul gloss: Used to gently cleanse the hair without stripping the natural oils, increases elasticity of the hair
Cleansing herbs such as Shikakai and Soapnut Powder can be used diluted as a tea, but not as a gloss as they’re cleansing herbs. Brahmi Powder and Bhringraj Powder are good additions to the above glosses.
What can I use to make a gloss?
- Commercial conditioner: Add your favourite silicone-free, protein free conditioner to dye released or premixed paste
- Home made conditioners: Home made conditioners with guar gum or xanthan gum bases work very well for those that need the extra slip when applying herbs to their hair
- Cassia: Create golden-reddish tones by using cassia instead of conditioner for the glossing ingredient
- Sedr/zizyphus spina christi: This conditioning herb is colourless and works well in combination with other herbs
- Mashed banana and honey (baby food is best): Add herb paste to mashed banana with a drizzle of honey. Avoid honey if you have scalp problems such as dandruff, as the sugar can aggravate this condition
- Sukesh Ayurveda or other herbal blends
- Henna paste in water/juice/nut milks thickened with gelatin/pectin/arrowroot powder/xanthan or guar gums
- Henna/herbs in flax seed gel
- Henna paste in yogurt or coconut milk
- A combination of any of the above- Be creative!
Why should I mix my herbs with water before I add the glossing ingredient?
Mixing the herbs with water prior to adding the glossing ingredient ensures that the colour will release effectively as well as create a smoother creamier gloss. Some conditioners have been reported to go grainy after the addition of dry powder due the the herbs absorbing the moisture.
How long should I leave my gloss on for?
Glosses can be applied and left on for a minimum of one hour, and up to 4 hours or even overnight, as desired.
Glosses can be applied and left on for a minimum of one hour, and up to 4 hours or even overnight, as desired.
Lately I’ve been adding half a mashed avocado to the paste of henna, then adding indigo paste a few minutes before doing my hair. This works great for root touch ups and for whole head treatments, and my hair so soft, washes & combs out easily (usually keep it in overnight)
I know this is an old post but I hope you will still answer. I’ve been doing an overnight gloss of bhringraj, brahmi, and amla for hair growth. A gloss turns out to be the easiest way of application for me. I’ve been doing this nightly. Will this cause hair darkening? I add more conditioner to powder; they are not strong glosses. I shampoo bar in the morning. I henna and would like to keep my dark red. Do you think this would be effective means of application? Am I missing anything? I want to get the most out of my powders. Would an oil infusion be superior? I have jojoba oil. Thanks!
I have growing-out chemically processed short “golden” blond with golden brown (& minimal gray) growth.
I’d like to use something with subtle color, as my face is pale and I have red cheeks (from Rosacea, treated with Prosacea–try to stay away from Western Medicine!) I am also 66, and look older than my maternal and paternal grandmothers looked in their late 80’s!
I thought Strawberry Blonde would look natural as opposed to darker shades–I’m also tired of “Being A Blond”! My spiritual awakening is hidden by the Dumb Blond look; despite the words of Wisdom that flow from my mouth. “You musta read that somewheres. You’re not smart enuff to think of such things!” (excuse the exclamation points, but it bears emphasis)
Since my husband of almost 26 years transitioned, and children have grown and moved away, my “Christian” village doesn’t take kindly to me. A drugstore clerk confided, “They all think you’re weird. “I” think you’re cool and wish I could be like you.” “You CAN! You need faith in Eashoa M’keeshah (Lord Jesus in Aramaic) and He will teach you.”
The dialogue is too long for this; He is teaching her through me. {pretty neat, huh?} 🙂
Good day LightSharer. Great to hear from you.
Oh boo to them! You sound more then wonderful! 🙂 So glad you’ve reached out. You could do a strawberry blond. All you would need is our organic cassia and a slight amount of moroccan henna for that affect. Instructions and recipes also come with your order. Did you have any other questions?
Hi there…I just had my hair highlighted. I have rich brown 5N hair with blond highlights. It has left my hair DRY…and brittle. I’d like to add a gloss but don’t want to cover the blonde…I’d love to add a golden tone to the blonde if possible? And of course add moisture and shine 🙂
H
Hello Hellie. We’d recommend our Sweet Honey Gloss bar or our Sweet Honey Hair Nourisher for best results with changing your blond tones.