The Mystery of My Henna Fail

I was so excited to do a henna treatment this past weekend, but I don't think this was a successful application. Based on SP and I's previous henna experiences, I must say I was disappointed to have no color deposit, I'm still shedding something awful, and I cannot tell if it's conditioning benefits actually reached me (my hair is nice and shiny but was it the conditioner?) I used the Jamila brand which is one I've used before. I think that my application may have failed because of the following:

1. Didn't let henna sit long enough
2. Used too hot water when I mixed it with tea - caused the dye release to happen too quickly

Jamila Henna

Henna powder

Allow me to explain the second point. To get the coloring benefit of henna (red or red-orange, depending on the crop) you have to mix the powder with a slightly-acidic liquid for dye release. When this happens, henna will turn from green to brown. I use green tea for dye release which usually works - and this time as soon as I added the tea my henna just went brown. I tested the henna on a paper towel and there wasn't really a stain. So I wonder if it's because the water was way to hot (which I've read you shouldn't do) and/or I just didn't let it sit too long #ponders.

But I did use a new shampoo. I'm not sure how I like it yet but it smells amazing and it touted as paraben and sulfate free, and can be found locally. Try and guess what it is YAIS readers, while I scratch my head with this henna situation.