[Gentleheart]

I used henna powder off and on for a few years, more for its conditioning properties than the hair coloring. All of a sudden, at about the same time I found out about my gluten issues, I broke out in hives and my face turned bright red when I used it. Same brand, same everything. I assumed that it somehow must have gluten in it or else I was just suddenly allergic to henna for some reason.

Then it occurred to me that I ALSO added an egg to the mixture when I used it. I also found out I had an intolerance to eggs at the same time as gluten. Now I don't know if it was the egg or actually the henna itself.

Henna is great stuff. Does anyone know if henna has gluten in it? I want to try it again without the egg.

Thanks!

[Mother of Jibril]

Pure henna powder should not have any gluten (it's made from dried leaves), but who knows what kind of additives it could have! Where do you usually buy it? I'm sure on the Internet you could find a source of pure henna powder if you can't find one locally.

[caek_is_a_lie]

I've used Light Mountain for years with no problem at all. I add lots of honey (about 1/4 cup) to enhance the red color (it darkens it a bit) and make the protein stick to my hair better. It's super bright when I first do it, then the copper color fades and leaves a lovely natural looking red. I've never tried egg. Maybe next time try honey instead. Sorry you had a reaction. I doubt it could be gluten, but you could always call the manufacturer.

[Gentleheart]

Light Mountain is the one I used too. I can't imagine either why there would be gluten in it any more than you would expect gluten to be in charcoal briquets. But you just never know these days.

I think I'll call the company to see what they have to say and then maybe give it another try, minus the egg.

Thanks for the input!

[ravenwoodglass]

Gentleheart, on Dec 19 2008, 08:50 PM, said:

Light Mountain is the one I used too. I can't imagine either why there would be gluten in it any more than you would expect gluten to be in charcoal briquets. But you just never know these days.

I think I'll call the company to see what they have to say and then maybe give it another try, minus the egg.

Thanks for the input!

Good thought as the company could have reformulated. When you do try it again just to be on the safe side you might want to do a patch test. Mix up just a little and then put it on the inside of your arm and leave it there for a day or two. If you have developed an allergy to the henna itself, which is a possibility whether it has gluten or not, much better to have a small area on your arm that turns red and has the hair fall out rather than your whole head.

[Gentleheart]

ravenwoodglass, on Dec 20 2008, 04:37 AM, said:

Good thought as the company could have reformulated. When you do try it again just to be on the safe side you might want to do a patch test. Mix up just a little and then put it on the inside of your arm and leave it there for a day or two. If you have developed an allergy to the henna itself, which is a possibility whether it has gluten or not, much better to have a small area on your arm that turns red and has the hair fall out rather than your whole head.

Wise suggestion.

[caek_is_a_lie]

Well I got a couple of boxes last month that I desperately need to apply, so I'll try it this weekend and let you know how it goes.