Becoming a Weasley

"Think my name's funny do you?

No need to ask yours.

Red hair.. and a hand me down robe..

You must be a Weasley."

-Draco Malfoy,

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The most I have ever dabbled with hair dye has been the wash in, wash out hair dyes that don't last any longer than a couple of weeks. I've been brunette and bright pink, and have always wanted to go bright orange. When putting blonde highlights in my hair, I soon discovered I am allergic to permanent hair dye and my skin comes out in a bright red itchy rash within seconds.. (I've never left it on long enough to find out what happens past the ten second mark and do not plan to ever do so).

It was only when talking to a colleague at work who suggested using henna that I even realised henna was a possibility! I've always seen the blocks of henna in Lush stores and been curious but as someone who never really dyed their hair and was too afraid to, I stayed well away.

However, if you can't dye your hair bright orange at 23 when you rent a small flat with one of your closest friends then when can you?!

(the answer is always)

So, I went to Lush and bought a block of henna in the shade rouge. I had Lisa come round and help Laura and I apply it to my hair and oh boy was it messy. Protect all your surfaces, and I really do mean all of them! I wrapped my hair up  in clingfilm for about two and a half hours before washing it out, and it came out bright, BRIGHT orange. And, I couldn't have been more thrilled! The longer you wrap your head up, the oranger your hair will go. So, next time I will probably push it to the three hour mark before I wash everything out.

I have mid-length hair and used approximately five of the six henna blocks. This was enough to cover my hair, but I probably could have used with adding a little more water to my mix as it was slightly too thick once it had cooled down enough to be applied to my head. I tend to wash my hair every second day and have found my henna has faded quite quickly (though I am still definitely ginger). I am going to use the last block on my hair to top it up and get a bit more orange again. However, if you are someone who has used henna before I would love love love your tips! How do I make my henna last longer? Do I need to wash my hair less? Should I do a pre-treatment before dying my hair? Give me all the info so I can be a Weasley forever.

Thank-you!