Instead of relaxers ever 6-8 weeks, this is what fills my time during that period 
No I’m not dying my hair green (though it’s a good color on me, don’t you think?) I’m using a treatment called Cassia Obavata, also called “neutral henna” or “senna” in many circles.
Here are a few facts about Cassia:
- Smells like freshly cut grass
- Possible anti fungal and antibacterial properties
- Adds a slightly yellow or golden color to grey or blonde hair
- Has no effect on color for darker hair
- Conditions and strengthens hair
- Adds shine
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Ok that last part I’m not so sure about. If you’re natural, more than likely your hair will have “sheen” but not “shine” and that’s just the way it is for me, but I still love my cassia.
When I originally checked this out, I saw a brand called Rainbow at my local grocery store selling “Neutral Henna”. Well I know that cassia is not really henna, but that it’s often called that, so I looked on the ingredient list only to see one word: henna. Hmm….
So I held on to this jar of “henna” for a long time. I inquired on the various hair boards about it and even sent an email to the company to ask them if there were any additives, if it would make my hair fall out,..you know, stuff like that. I recieved no reply and then decided it was best not to use it.
Recommended by many of the hair board henna/cassia fantatics, Mehandi.com was where I ended up going for high quality cassia obavata. They even have forums and great information on both henna, indigo (dyes the hair black), and cassia. Henna gives the hair a reddish tint and, when mixed with indigo and cassia, can create a combination of lovely colors.
I, however, am not interested at this time in a color change so I’m sticking with just cassia for now. But if you are thinking of changing hair colors, please consider these all natural plants instead of commercial hair dyes.
Cassia Obovata
I’ve been buying the 100mg packs and one pack has usually been enough for my hair. However, with this latest application I can see that I need more as I did not get as much coverage as I would like. There are a lot of different ways to mix your Cassia. Here is my recipe:
- 100 mg of Cassia Obovata
- 2 cups of chamomile tea
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1tbsp of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of yogurt
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The consistency should be yogurt-like and it’s quite messy when putting it on, so make sure you wear an old t-shirt during application. Unlike henna, it should not stain your hands or other things, but it’s still pretty sloppy looking stuff
You should use this on clean hair to get the maximum benefit. I apply it to very small sections of hair making sure to cover from root to tip. Cover with a plastic cap, grocery bag, whatever and leave on at least an hour. When rinsing it out, it may take a thorough, long washing to come out, especially if you use a brand where you can see twigs in the powder (Mehandi usually does not have this).
I would not recommend shampooing again though I know some people do that. For my hair, that leaves it bone dry and very unhappy. If I still notice residue, I just conditioner wash it after I’ve thoroughly rinsed with warm water and then a deep conditioner as usual.
My hair always feels dry after a Cassia treatment, so there has to be a moisturizing DC afterward. There is a definite difference in the feel of my hair, especially after multiple applications. My tresses feel stronger and thicker. Some ladies claim that it loosens the curl pattern as well. You can do treatments as often as every 2 weeks if you choose to.
Cassia is not for everyone, but I would recommend trying it at least twice before giving up on it.
Here are some good threads/sites for henna/cassia information:
Cassia Thread- Long Hair Care Community
Henna Thread- Long Hair Care Forum
Free online book: Henna for Hair How To
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hey!
i want to try cassia… did it leave your hair soft?!
Hmm, I wouldn’t necessarily say that it leaves me hair soft. When you first rinse it out, the hair is super dry. After the DC, it’s soft.
It’s the way the hair feels, stronger, more springy, that has me hooked on cassia
Cassia is a very good treatment. I normally mix it entirely with yogurt to get a great consistency and it leaves my hair soft. The yogurt allows me to rinse quickly. I tend to use it weekly since the effects do not last long.
I’m glad I read this I was going to try the Hesh Amla & Hesh Skikakai Herbal Powders but now I’m going to try the Cassia powder because I want to maintain my hair dark.
I read you can mix the Cassia with
Olive or Coconut Oil
If you have dry hair, add one to two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Avoid this if your hair is generally greasy, or else experiment with smaller amounts. If you add too much oil, so that your hair feels greasy after you rinse the cassia out, shampooing again should remove the residue
Honey can lighten hair, so if you would like to prevent this possibility, microwave it for 10 seconds first (this kills the enzymes responsible for lightening). Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey, depending how long your hair is.
Tips:
I used these products for dry hair Global Keratin Shampoo & Conditioner (sodium chloride free)/, Alterna enzymetherapy caviar rejuvenation treatment/ Giovanni teat tree triple treat invigorating shampoo&conditioner(zero sulfates), / Carol Daughter Lisa Elixar,/ I even put fish oil supplements in my hair (oil treatment) when hair is dirty mix with mirtha perales dry oil shampoo & carol daughter lisa elixar leave it in for minutes or hours then wash & deep condition. I’m always ask if my hair is real people think I have a wig. I take collagen supplements, fish vitamins, natural juice cocktails (carrots, cucumbers, grapes, celery, apples etc)plenty of water , fruits veggies.
I don’t use hair sprays nothing with alchol products i read lot’s of lables before i purchase products if it has natural ingredients that is what i get. Now I’m going to get the Cassia I can’t wait.
Have you tried these products listed below:
Hesh Jabakusum Oil Herbal Hair Oil 200ml
Regular price: $4.99
Protects coloured, permed, rough, brittle, dull, dry and damaged hair with extracts of Jasund (Hibiscus), Aloe Vera, Amla, Henna, Methi, Sonamakki and Natural Oils Like Jojoba, Marigold, Lemon, Olive, Coconut And Vitamin E.
Ancient Formulae Jabakusum Hibiscus Enriched Herbal Hair Oil contains extract of Jasund (Hibiscus), which is used as a natural source for hair care since ancient times. The formulation combines the goodness of Jasund and other trusted herbs with high quality natural oils like Jojoba, Olive, /Marigold, Lemon and Vitamin E, to nourish, protect and moisturise coloured / permed / dull / damaged hair, restoring shine and vitality. Regular use of the oil transforms dry, rough, brittle hair into manageable, soft, smooth and silky hair with extra lustre and dark shine.
Usage: Apply Ancient Formulae Jabakusum Hibiscus Enriched Herbal Hair Oil regularly on your scalp and hair. For best results, massage gently (do not rub) into hair and scalp with circular motions for a few minutes and leave it on overnight. It can also be used for hair conditioning after shampoo. If oil enters eyes, rinse with water.
Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis (Jasund / Jaba / Hibiscus) Extract, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Parfum, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Cyclomethicone, Extract Of: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Phyllanthus Emblica (Amla), Lawsonia Inermis (Henna), Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (Methi), Cassia Angustifolia (Sonamakki), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Oil, Tocopheral (Vitamin E), Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Methoxycinnamate, BHT, Cl 26100.
Dabur Vatika Oil Coconut Herbal Hair Oil 300ml
Product Information
Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil provides natural nourishment to your hair. Giving it body and radiance, taking care of the critical balance of nutrients. Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil is a delicate mix of pure coconut oil with special hair care herbs including henna, amla and lemon. Blended together to strengthen each strand of hair from within, making you look really gorgeous.
Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil is a premium coconut hair oil enriched with Henna, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Lemon and five other trusted herbs. Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil unique natural formulation ensures deeper oil penetration. Giving your hair and scalp complete nourishment for problem free, healthy hair. While Henna forms a protective coat to prevent oxidation, Amla strengthens the hair-roots and the astringent action of Lemon prevents dandruff.
Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Hair Oil is a herbal oil for nourishment to the scalp and hair. Superior to coconut oil as it contains vital herbs and milk with coconut oil base. Herbs provide nourishment, prevent overall hair damage.
Hesh Brahmi Amla Oil Herbal Hair Oil 200ml
Hesh Herbal Ancient Formulae Brahmi Amla Herbal Hair Oil has a unique formulation enriched with Brahmi, Amla and other trusted herbs which promotes hair growth, makes stronger from root, giving you long, dark and healthy hair.
With blend of Refined Vegetable Oil, Castor Oil and Coconut Oil, Hesh Herbal Ancient Formulae Brahmi Amla Herbal Hair Oil ensures deeper oil penetration to give your hair and scalp complete nourishment for lustrous, soft and beautiful, problem free hair. Proper massaging on the scalp may induce sound sleep. It can also be used for body massage.
theindianfoodstore.com
also hennausa.com for CASSIA OBOVATA – NEUTRAL HENNA POWDER Price: $4.99
Size: Please Select…100g (3.5 oz) 200g (7 oz) (+$4.75) 500g (17.5 oz) (+$20.00)
Thanks
What kind of yogurt did you use? Do you mean yogurt you can eat?
Yes, full fat plain yogurt akos.
Did you ever try the Rainbow Neutral henna? Also do you think that using black castor oil would be to heavy to use in the mix? I don’t plan on trying it with the yoghurt. At least not yet.
Have you ever tried Amla Powder? If so, what are your thoughts on Cassia v. Amla?