About fanlistings and henna

fanlistings

The purpose of a fanlisting is to bring together all the fans of a certain subject and build a list of them. Fans with websites can also show their admiration by placing a button or a text code on their websites. Fanlistings are monitored by and listed at theFanlistings.org network.
Please note that this fanlisting is NOT affiliated with anyone who sells or produces henna.

What is henna?

Henna, Lawsonia inermis, is a bush or a small tree that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southern Asia and northern Australasia in semi-arid zones. The leaves of the plant produce a red-orange dye molecule, lawsone. This molecule has an affinity for bonding with protein, which is why it has been used to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. Henna is an Arabic word, associated with the Semitic root HNA for "red", and the word for "emotional tenderness", but the earlier known words for henna are KPR and PKR, words in ancient Egyptian medical records, Canaanite and Hebrew texts. Henna has indeed been used for various medical purposes as well, such as anti-fungal, removing headaches and even treating smallpox.

Henna paste can be modified with other colouring ingredients like chamomile, rhubarb, wine/tea, and indigo. Many people also add essential oils, floral water or herbs to their pastes. Some of us love the scent of henna, but some people dislike it so they want to use something else to cover it. Lemon juice or other mildly acidic liquid is often added to help the colour cling. However, the only things you really need are good quality henna, warmth and time. Henna needs to sit overnight in a warm place so that the dye can be released - it is also advised to keep your head warm after applying the paste. A very comprehensive guide to hennaing your hair can be found at HennaForHair.com. Be informed before you try it the first time! That site also offers a free e-book (in a pdf file) that discusses the history of henna, misconceptions about it and the applying process in detail. Also, check out the links.

Why henna?

• it gives a natural look based on your own hair colour
• it is safe, and has been used over thousands of years
• for the above reason, no animal testing is needed
• it is actually good for your hair unlike synthetic colours
• it reducess dandruff and eliminates head lice
• it protects and strengthens your hair and makes it shiny
• it makes your hair more manageable and often straightens natural waves a bit

Things to remember

• You can't use henna to lighten your colour
• Henna is permament - always test your paste with a test strand before applying
• There is no blond, black or neutral henna. Those are mixes with other colouring herbs like indigo, rhubarb, chamomile and senna
• Applying henna can be quite messy - don't wear your best clothes
• Make sure your henna is 100% pure with no added ingredients!