African crystals

Posted by Lise Anderson on August 05, 1999 at 14:20:02:

Just found out that the "mystery crystals" I get
from Gambia to make the henna black aren't
ammonia, they're "lime". 100 %, according to the
vendor in the Gambian marketplace. Don't know
if it's any better or worse for your skin than
ammonia, but it sure makes a nice black color! In
my reading I've come across references to adding
"black lime" (the mineral) to indian henna; and run
across warnings to avoid "white lime" (again, the
mineral). Keeping in mind the limitations of
between English and Soninke, I would guess the
crystals are white lime.

Other areas of Africa reportedly use ammonia
crystals.

• Henna Posse

Follow-ups:

• Re: African crystals Catherine Cartwright Jones 15:16:17 8/05/99 (2)
  • Re: African crystals Anon 18:23:29 8/15/99 (0)
  • Re: African crystals Lise Anderson 16:12:39 8/05/99 (0)