For the past few months I've been using a japanese hair powder hair color that does not contain ammonia to cover my gray... Can I safely use henna over it?

TIA

Hi lala, I love your name ;)

I'm not sure, I think it would be okay, it's the use of ammonia that would cause a weird color change if you used henna over it and since what you've been using doesn't have ammonia, it might be okay.

I'm not familiar with the product you mentioned, do you have a link?

I've used henna quite a few times but I'm not the expert here.

Hopefully Fox will pop in here or someone else who knows more about henna.

Everyone's results with henna are different, I find. You'll want to do a strand test that includes a strand or two of the greys. What color is your hair?

I'm using henna over color treated hair, but mine was treated with ammonia/peroxide (lightening) color. I had to get used to a funky color for about a month while I got the henna right, but now, it's reddish brown. I find that the color fades much more quickly from the hair that was treated.

I'm also curious about your Japanese hair color--what's in it?

I had no trouble using henna over semi-permanent dye, but you should definitely do a strand test first. You don't want any nasty surprises like green hair. :shock:

One thing that I did to prepare my hair for dyeing with henna was to use a crystal gel clarifying treatment by Ion. It's supposed to remove chlorine, copper, iron, and other minerals from hair. I figured it might reduce the chances of a weird reaction between the old dye and henna, and at the very least would remove any product buildup on my hair. If you have a Sally Beauty Supply store nearby, they usually carry the Ion clarifying treatment. It comes in a small packet that you mix with water.

Some helpful links about henna:

http://reverndbunny.sphosting.com/hair.htm

http://www.galaxina.net/henna/

hth,

bunniee