Jul
Hair coloring has been around for ages. Our predecessors used natural colors and dyes made from leaves, flowers, fruits, and stems. The most commonly used is one made from leaves namely, henna. The current contemporary hair colors are most of the times chemically created. While they are easy and quick to use, they slowly do extensive damage to hair. Studies show that they contain toxic materials which lead to health issues. Some health issues are short-term such as itchiness of the scalp, hair loss and allergies. While long-term health issues can mean increased probability of cancer, permanent pigmentation of facial skin and in some cases eczema and breathlessness too.
As we age, we are constantly trying to turn back the clock and rediscover our youthful beauty. Greying hair too needs special attention. We would like to talk about hair coloring in two parts. Firstly, share the benefits of natural hair colors and their ease of use. Secondly, share some organic options followed by tips & suggestions.
Benefits of Natural Hair Colors
One of the strongest reasons to use a natural plant-based dye is that it does not contain any ammonia or peroxide. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding are often worried about the side effects of chemicals in hair dyes. They can choose natural hair dyes and continue to use them without the fear of affecting the baby.
Natural hair dyes are not permanent. They usually wear off completely in 8-10 shampoo washes. While this may seem an overhead to start with, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Look at the positive side, you never have to bleach your hair again to apply the next shade which means healthy, bouncy hair all throughout.
An important fact that many lose sight of, is that natural dyes like Henna not only color your hair, they also contain certain medicinal properties. Henna soothes and cools the scalp, which means fewer bouts of dandruff and irritable scalp. It also cures split ends and promotes hair volume and growth.
How to Apply
Pre-Flight Checks
Just like an airplane, you need to be prepared before you color hair.
State of Hair
Healthy hair is very receptive and responds well to colors. The outcome will be different when you have mangy or brittle hair or have split ends. It is advisable to get a quick visit to the hair salon to get a trim. This evens out the hair and helps get rid of the damaged strands, so your coloring is even. For long-term result, you can use Mesmara brahmi powder. Brahmi powder improves the overall health of hair. It reduces the number of split ends with regular use and nourishes the roots of the hair thus reducing the hair fall.
Color Consultation
If you are new to coloring or have recently picked up a particular shade, don’t jump into applying it. Visit a colorist who can help you with this. They can review and comment on how the shade is going to really look on your hair once applied. They might do a strand test to get to the results. Depending on the brand, they can also tell you how long the color is going to last and how often you need to re-color.
Beware of Allergic Reactions
Once in a while we might use inorganic dyes. Before you do so it is important to do a a swatch test for allergic reactions. Even though we might be used to hair coloring since long, everytime we use chemical products – especially those containing ammonia and PPD – we need to test a portion of our skin before using the product.
Hydration
Hydrated hair absorbs colors better and the results are best. Wash your hair and while it is moist, apply your chosen color. In case it is already washed, do rinse it once more before applying the hair color.
Options for Use
Largely, there are two ways to get hold of natural hair dyes.
One, procuring the ingredients and preparing the dye yourself at home. It is not complicated. However, for some, it can be cumbersome and may not give the same results each time. Some of the common ingredients are
- Henna: One of the best options for hair coloring, you can easily prepare a paste of these leaves. It works differently based on the natural hair color that a person has.
- Beetroot: This gives you that funky red-haired look.
- Tea/ Coffee Decoction: A well-made brew can color your hair brown.
- Walnut shells: A brew made by boiling crushed shells in water can give a dark tone to your hair.
The second option is to buy natural hair dyes. Nowadays, there are a number of brands available which are purely made from organic products. They are equally long lasting, provide complete grey coverage and are as easy to use as the inorganic products.
Managing Hair Color
Get touch-ups. Hair growth will mean your roots need to be redone every two months. If you don’t have the patience re-doing your hair, use a shade which is closest to your natural shade.
Sun protection. Sunlight aggravates the wearing out of hair color, so stay away from direct sunlight. Use a hat, a scarf or try to spend time in shaded areas.
Use Natural Products to Shampoo Your Hair: Using natural products to shampoo your hair not only saves your hair from harsh chemicals, but also helps the hair color stays longer. Mesmara’s Shikakai Powder and Reetha Powder are great for hair wash care.