Jen to the rescue again!  :-)

So, would you say that hair and unterped BAQ henna would have a similar result, all other variables constant? 

I haven't achieved such an intense colour yet, but was only leaving it on for 5 minutes, at most.  I think I missed my window with the current batch of terped Raj.  10 minutes brought an orange between the photo in my link and the one in ACWN's.  I used Raj (not Twilight - still waiting for that shippment to be released from Homeland Security), sugar, lemon juice, then terped at around 14-15 hours.  But when I tested it, I wasn't noticing a deep colour, even after repeated checks.  So, I let it sit over night.  It's brighter now, but not as deep and rich as the one of Little Red Henna's.  So, I've either missed the peak or it's coming up, I assume.  Weird thing is, I think it's been over 2 days now. I really do need to write this stuff down, I guess!  The Jamila, which is unterped, had almost as much colour after even longer (approx. 2 1/2 days).  So I added about 1/4tsp tea tree + geranium essential oil and plan on checking it in an hour. 

I'm starting to feel like I don't know what I'm doing.  It would probably be prudent for beginners to have a skin map to start out.  ...sorta like this one:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/blurberrybuzz/4333886008/ except rather than different hennas, mark the time of one paste (exact same mixture and treatment).  ..and take pictures for the record, even.  If I do that, I'll share my results.

What do people who've been at this for a while do when they get a new batch?  For instance, what did you do when first trying out the Jamila 2011 batch?  I'm guessing it would take time even for "old hands" to find its peak.  Right?

One more thing I've been considering - hand soaps and lotions could really impede absorption.  I wash my hands with Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Castille soap.  Maybe it leaves a residue?  Also, since it's so dry here, I'm always moisturizing my hands - so much so that it becomes unconscious.  So, it's a new awarness for me to remember not to moisturize after washing when I'm going to henna.

As always, thanks in advance!

Catherine