HealthKeepers Magazine – March 2011 Issue
It is always fun to try something new
Subtly changing your hair color can give your face new definition and your spirits a lift. If you don’t want to use synthetic hair dyes, thereare natural ways to color your hair that can give you the look you’re after. If you want a drastic change in hair color, these natural coloring techniques may not be for you. However, if you want to add highlights or life your hair a shade or two, these natural dyes can be effective. Because natural hair coloring agents aren’t as potent as commercial hair dyes you may need to use them repeatedly in order to gradually get your desired hair color. It’s also important to do a strand test first on a small piece of hair to see if you’re going to like the shade. Here are some natural ways to color your hair.
Natural Hair Color for Blonds
Lemon -Does this bring back memories of your younger days when you’d pour lemon juice on your hair and just lie in the sun? The action of lemon juice and heat can lift your hair color a shade or two depending on your natural hair color. Add the juice of three lemons to a quart of water and apply to your hair. If you don’t have the time to lie in the sun, try applying heat from a hair dryer until your hair appears to have lightened to your desired shade.
Chamomile -This herb can noticeably brighten fading blond hair if used consistently. To make a chamomile hair rinse, add ¾ of a cup of chamomile flowers to a quart of boiling water. Allow the mixture to boil for 40 minutes. Strain the mixture and then pour it through your hair after towel drying. Catch the mixture in a bowl and pour it through several more times. Allow the last of the mixture to remain in your hair for 20 minutes before rinsing. To get maximal brightening effects, do this twice a week. The results will be a slightly brighter, yet still natural, hair color.
Natural Hair color for Brunettes
Henna -If you want to add red highlights to your hair, henna may be your answer. Try a strand test as the highlights achieved with henna can vary dramatically depending upon your natural hair color. Simply add henna powder to boiling water in sufficient quantities to make a thick paste. After applying rubber gloves to protect your hands, massage the paste into your hair and apply a plastic cap. Leave the paste on your hair for an hour before thoroughly rinsing. If you prefer a less brassy shade of red, you can add one part of chamomile powder to two parts henna to create your paste. Henna can also be used to cover grey.
Sage -If you’d like to darken your brunette hair color, sage is an excellent choice. Add one-half cup of dried sage to two cups of boiling water. Allow this mixture to boil for thirty minutes strain it and then pour the liquid through your damp hair. Repeat several times, allowing the last rinse to remain on your hair for forty minutes. Rinse and dry your hair as usual. You may not notice dramatic results the first few times you use it. Reapply it weekly until you achieve your desired natural hair color.
There are other natural ways to color your hair using herbs. Try experimenting with rosemary or black tea to darken brunette hair. Hibiscus can add subtle highlights in a copper shade to red or brown hair. It’s simple to prepare a color infusion by adding herbs to boiling water and allowing the mixture to thicken before applying to your hair.
These natural ways to color hair are a great way to highlight your natural hair color without exposing yourself to the potentially toxic chemicals found in hair dyes. Why not give herbal hair colors a try?