Natural Hair Dye

Types of Natural hair dye
Natural hair dyes are available in three different categories: permanent, semi-permanent and temporary. One who has 50% gray hair has to opt for the permanent one as it offers the most extensive coverage. As this contains almost 3% peroxide, it is possible to lighten or darken the hair. The lighter the shade, the more are the toxins. Hence, it is advisable to select a color nearly equal to the natural hair color. Additionally, as the permanent type will last for four to six weeks, it will be felt essential to dye again only when the gray hair grow back again. This type also have vitamins or conditioning buffers that aids in balancing the chemicals. Natural semi-permanent and temporary colors have only 1 to 3% peroxide or ammonia. Although they have this advantage, they do not penetrate the hair shaft. Semi-permanent do not completely cover the gray hair and fade out after 12 to 16 shampoos. As temporary dyes contain only color pigment, they must be reapplied after each shampoo. There is a consensus regarding the fact that a maximum of 3% peroxide is not harmful. Only if the scalp has an allergic reaction, the dye may enter the bloodstream.

Chemicals in dyes
A natural hair dye are prepared by mixing plant pigments with some amount of chemical fixatives. This is a very good option for those who desire long-lasting color, without the chemical overload. If a toxicity scale of 1 to 10 is considered, with 10 as the most toxic then, these dyes can be rated six to nine. They contain the same ingredients as in synthetic hair color, but with lesser quantity. There is also a wide range of colors that sustain for four to six weeks. If a natural product is linked with names like amino, phenyl, nitro or starting with the alphabets HC, then it must be deduced that it is not natural. Ingredients like birchwood and rosemary indicate that the product is natural.

Plant-based dyes
Some dyes are made of roots, leaves and barks. If the words cellophane or vegetable protein-based are found on the label, it indicates that the product is plant based. These hair dyes only coat the hair shaft and do not penetrate it. So, there is no need of harsh chemicals to cause the color to stick.

Henna
The best known plant dye is "henna". This is regarded as the safest natural hair color commercially present. It has been used in the Middle East and India for several centuries to color hair. The leaf and stalk of the shrub Lawsonia inermis is used to prepare this color. This is the only colorant to be approved by the FDA as safe. There is a total absence of harmful chemicals like PPD, ammonia, peroxide etc. Some products of henna contain the natural medicinal herbs for nourishing and conditioning the hair, ultra-violet protection and anti-dandruff. These are also available in different colors like Red, Brown, Burgundy and Light brown. The color fades out in four or six weeks. However, due to the absence of harsh chemicals, recoloring is a viable alternative. Those women who are allergic to other dyes or have coarse hair find henna very suitable. Henna smoothens the coarse hair.

Also, if henna is applied to wet hair and rinsed after two hours, dryness is minimized. Another good method is to apply henna for 30 to 45 minutes and then wash it off. Further, another layer is applied. The first layer lays down the base, while the next layer colors over it. The color of brown henna is enhanced using sage and cloves and that of black henna using indigo paste. Sometimes medium brown to dark brown henna is mixed with coffee to produce a rich color. Then, apple cider vinegar is added as a fixative. It is claimed that the color of this mix lasts for five to six weeks.

Ingredients of Natural hair dye

• Henna produces a brown color
• Cranberry juice is used to add a tint of reddish color to the hair
• Lemon juice and chamomile tea is used by blondes and light-haired brunettes for a natural highlight
• Tea and/or coffee provide a brown color
• Beets provide red color
• Cinnamon is used to brighten red hair