I've been wondering the same thing. I'm a longtime wannabe redhead, and I've pretty much fried my hair over and over again with drugstore box dyes. It's been about 6 months since the last time, and I bought a tube of the Surya Henna Mahogany cream at a health food store. I'm hoping it'll be better for my hair, but I'm worried that the color might look weird or fade to brassy.

I used the Surya cream on a test hair clump from my hair brush, you could try that to see what your final color will be like. My hair is strawberry blonde, from very faded red dye. My test clump was a nice auburn color.

To answer a few of your questions, the directions inside the box said to put the dye onto damp hair, which surprised me b/c most dyes require dry hair. There is no mixing, the color is ready in a tube. There is a chart for how long to leave the dye depending on your color and the dye color. Mine was 45 minutes. To put the dye on my hair clump, I did not use the included gloves and it stained my fingers red but I was able to mostly wash it off. I recommend putting vaseline around your hairline to prevent staining your skin red. The box said that it was safe to store the product for later, again unlike chemical dyes which can't be stored for later.

I may take the plunge today and just do my hair, if so I will report my results.

What a beautiful color!  Exactly the color I am after. How long is it supposed to last? What color was your hair before the henna treatment?

Thanks again, funkky. People would kill for your hair. I have to say, your hair looks very healthy, shiny- is that the surya or did you overstate the dryness from dyes. I have used so many drug store dyes- the colors are pretty good for me in the light auburns but they are taking a toll on my hair. I am going to try Surya. My hair is a little darker than your 'before' pic but not much so I think I'm feeling brave enough to try it. Those of us who take the leap after you applaud and appreciate your  bold leadership!