Mix 5g of Ancient Sunrise Citric Acid powder per 100g of henna or cassia powder, then stir in distilled water until the paste is the consistency of mashed potatoes. Let the paste rest at room temperature (68-72 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-12 hours for best dye results. Citric acid henna paste mixtures tend to create bright coppery stains that stay light and bright. Citric acid is more likely than the other Ancient Sunrise® fruit acid powders to cause some possible sensitivities such as itching or redness of the scalp. People with sensitive skin may want to choose a different fruit acid. Henna and cassia will dye your hair most effectively when mixed with a mildly acidic liquid. Using an acidic liquid or our fruit acid powders gives the best color results and the color will not fade or go peculiar. In fact, the color will gradually deepen and look more natural.
Ancient Sunrise® Chapter 6 Henna and Acidic Mixes Learn about the necessary chemistry of mixing henna and cassia with a mildly acidic liquid. This chapter discusses several sources of fruit acids, and how each has a different effect on henna.
Ancient Sunrise ® Chapter 7Mixing and Testing your Henna Mix Here is information on the mixing, dye release, formulation, and testing of a wide range of non-chemical permanent colors from henna, indigo, and cassia. This chapter includes step-by-step instructions to produce the color you want for your hair.