How to Get Smooth and Sleek Curls With Henna

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Last updated on August 10th, 2020 at 08:47 pm

This wash day was supposed to be a quick one. Cleanse, deep condition, rinse and style. But then, I noticed it. Unruly grays fighting their way through. Yet, I used henna for sleek curls with much success.

henna-covered-graytop
some are still hiding under henna but they were coming through at the top and around my temples hiding under my curls

It has been about 2 months (maybe longer) since I’ve done a henna application on this fine natural hair. So, I had to pull myself out of the lazy slump and just get it done. Otherwise, I’d have to go an additional week with these little white hairs taking over the front of my head.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with having gray hair – if you like it. I however, don’t want them crowding out the other hairs on my head. At the very least, they should be a bit more respectful and hang out toward the back of my head where I can’t see them!

The Process of Using Henna for Sleek Curls

100 grams of Organic Rajasthani Henna. That’s the amount of henna I use to get my sleek curls popping.

Actually, I used a little less than 100 grams and only applied from my roots to about 3 inches down my head. I didn’t realize that I was fresh out of henna. The bag I had left was open.

I used about 5 grams of it to create a few bottles of my henna tea, created from Curly Proverbz recipe and tailored for my hair. Here’s a quickie video showing how I make it and use it:

YouTube video
henna root touch up
Henna root touch up only
henna in hair close up
close up

Henna Application Process

Since I’ve been using henna to color and strengthen my hair for about 5 years now, I have my application method down pat:

  • Mix using hot water to the consistency of mashed potatoes
  • Allow henna mix to sit for about an hour
  • Apply to my dry, dirty hair (yes mam) in sections
  • Throw on a plastic cap and do some writing, video watching and goofing on social media
plastic cap over hair with henna

The plan was to keep the henna in my hair for about 2-3 hours. About 7 hours later (as I’m writing this post), henna is still in my hair!

Why?

Because I was quite lazy to begin with. Now, I’m going to be up til the wee hours of the night setting my curls. *sigh

But it was all worth it. Fast forward (it’s tomorrow, the day after I started).

side pic of henna sleek curls

Look at how stunning and defined my curls are! Not one to toot my own horn but I have to say this. The BEST wash and go curls come just right after a henna session. These are curls with stretch.

The Styling Process

I set my curls with my ole faithful gel, EcoStyler Curl and Wave gel (I think they are also calling it EcoStyler Firm Hold Styling Gel).

Beneath the gel, right after rinsing with TRESemme Perfectly (un)Done Conditioner, I used the following layering process:

  • Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Conditioner
  • Clo-vée Hair Oil
  • Curl Prep Sweet Buttah

The oil’s job is to seal in the moisture. Then, I used it again after my gel application to soften the set. As EcoStyler gels dry, it leaves a bit of a gel cast which I’d prefer not to have to break. The oil softens it up some as the hair is drying.

Over night, I slept with my hair banded in two ponytails. Normally, I’d only band dry hair but since I was operating on the red eye schedule I decided to try the banding on damp hair. #Success

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henna for sleek curls

How Henna Benefits The Hair

The results of using henna on your hair can be seen after just one application. Yet, it’s the residual effects you want to experience after using henna again and again.

Henna has the ability to do so much for your hair:

  • smooth the cuticles (this is why it shines)
  • strengthen the hair shaft by binding to the keratin and adding weight to it
  • the natural dye (lawsone) of the henna leaf can stain your hair by combining with its natural color
  • alleviates dandruff

It’s God’s gift from nature, really. Kind of like ginger.

So, if you’re looking for smooth and sleek curls, forget the rollers and curl killing heat appliances. Embrace our own curl pattern and watch how smooth your curls are right after using henna.

Trust me. I wish you could reach through the screen and touch it.

fine natural hair with henna

Visit The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Using Henna on Natural Hair for comprehensive details on using henna to strengthen and naturally color your hair

Henna for Sleek Curls Wash Day Experience

Note: Smooth & Sleek Curls was the theme for the Wash Day Experience Healthy Hair Link Up this week.

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6 Comments

  1. Hi there, do you prefer this henna to Red Raj by Henna Sooq? Love your blog!

    1. Hi Charzy- I’m not really partial to brands that much. As long as they are high grade with a nice smooth consistency. Thanks so much 🙂

  2. Look at those lovely curls! So sleek and defined!

    1. LOL girl just do it. A henna gloss may be better if you’re not going for color coverage though because the process is so timely! I wasted so much time on Saturday and literally had it in for maybe 8 hours!

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