The Benefits of Cassia Treatments for Relaxed Hair

Cassia obovata, a natural, henna-like powder mixture, is steadily gaining popularity in the relaxed hair community. Derived from a flowering desert plant, cassia, also known as "senna," has even found its way into commercial products like Pantene Nature Fusion shampoo and conditioner. Cassia produces conditioning effects that generally last for a month for most people. Using cassia powder to condition relaxed hair is as simple as adding water to the powder and applying it to stresses tresses.

Though it is often called neutral henna, cassia is not true henna. Unlike henna, cassia does not typically add color to the hair. (Cassia contains faint yellow dyes which do not show up on darker shades of hair like most heads of relaxed hair). Those with gray or very light colored tresses will find that cassia provides a brilliant golden enhancement tone to their natural colors.

Benefits of cassia as a conditioning treatment for relaxed hair
Cassia offers many benefits to those with relaxed hair. Since chemically relaxed hair is naturally porous, this shaft reinforcing paste actually reduces the hair's inherent porosity.

Because cassia deposits along the hair shaft, it has the added effect of thickening the hair in addition to reinforcing it. It is an excellent monthly treatment for relaxed hair ladies who suffer from thin, limp hair. Because there is no color deposition associated with cassia, relaxed hair ladies can choose to keep their current or natural color intact while doing cassia treatments. I like to think of cassia as a natural, clear rinse or clear cellophane. You get the same extra body, thickness, and strength minus the color change.

Cassia is also beneficial to the scalp which often becomes irritated from frequent relaxer treatments. According to one popular online cassia retailer, Henna Sooq, cassia contains anti-fungal ingredients that improve the condition of the scalp. These natural ingredients help keep dandruff problems under control.

Using Cassia obovata as a conditioning treatment
When you order cassia, it will arrive as a powder. You should slowly add in water to the powder until it thickens to a nice, smooth paste consistency. Some people will add oil at this point to reduce the drying effects of cassia. This step is optional.

Apply the cassia obovata to clean hair. Hair can be either wet or dry, but many people prefer dry hair applications. Part your hair into manageable sections and add the cassia to your hair from root to tip. Apply it as you would any normal conditioner, then simply cover your hair with a plastic cap for an hour. Carefully rinse your hair.
Some recommend shampooing the treatment out, but I find that method only compounds the dryness. Water rinsing typically suffices.

According to mehndiskinart.com, cassia should be used in the following proportions according to hair length:

100 grams/3.5 oz Short hair
200 grams/7 oz. Medium length
300 grams/10.5 oz Medium-long
500 grams/17.5 oz Long hair

Other Cassia considerations
For some individuals, the smell of cassia is . . . well . . . farm-like. The smell is only temporary, and fragrant oils can be added to the mixture to reduce the odor.

Like protein reconstructing treatments, cassia can be drying initially. Always deep condition your hair thoroughly after using cassia for best results.

Cassia powder should be stored in a cool, place. Mixed cassia paste will keep in a freezer for up to six months, and some vendors estimate even longer.