Vibrant color for natural hair.
Color for natural hair is a very touching subject. Many men and women want to alter the color, reduce their gray hair, completely change their hair color or simply find natural hair dyes.
As with many products, the word “natural” can be a bit misleading in some ways.
For example, if a product says “gives a ‘natural’ color,” upon application, your hair color may appear as if it naturally grew from your scalp in that color.
But… That does not mean that the ingredients of that dye are natural, or that it is a natural hair dye. It can still contain a considerable amount of chemicals inside.
Also, some hair coloring products say “contains natural ingredients.” The percentage of “natural” ingredient is not disclosed. So some natural elements may be present along with other chemical compounds. Many companies that advertise this way try to use the least harmful chemicals in their product.
Temporary and permanent hair color is widely advertised. Permanent coloring usually contains PPD (p-phenylenediamine). This chemical has the worst safety rating, along with ammonia, in the database that rates the safety of thousands of different products and ingredients.
Hydrogen peroxide is another common additive in hair coloring products. This ingredient has a moderate rating in the database.
This is important for those who have allergic reactions to some hair coloring products. Use the free sample kits (you only pay shipping) before you buy.
Some professionals suggest that not washing your hair for a couple of days before coloring it, even when using a natural hair color, allows the natural oils from your scalp to build up and form a protective barrier.
Fading is inevitable over time, but there are ways to help keep the color fresh for longer periods of time. There are products designed to do just this. Controlling color-treated hair in the sun is extremely vital.
The ultraviolet rays of the sun fade hair. Wear hats that have UV protectors when you need to be in the sun the most.
When trying to get a hair color for natural hair, most people automatically think of henna. Henna is the leaf of an eight to ten foot tall shrub with sweet-smelling white and yellow flowers. It is mainly cultivated in India, Pakistan, Kurdistan, Persia, Sudan, Syria and Egypt.
Its botanical name is Lawsonia Inermis. The Lawson it contains has been used as a coloring method for centuries. It has been used as a hair conditioner and for tattoos. Pregnant women used it as a hypoallergenic dye.
As with everything that pertains to maintaining and sustaining the natural look and elements within us, education is most essential. First we must learn what we have been putting in our hair. Then learn what we should nourish our heads with.
Each tress has been uniquely designed, so trial and error will take place to find the perfect things that work for you. Remember, anything that touches the skin will be absorbed. So be careful what chemicals you let touch your scalp.
Know the effects of all of them. Understand the wording used by many product lines. If you’re not sure about something… ASK.
Whether it is mental, spiritual, or physical health, we must be careful about what we allow into us.
So when looking at methods to color natural hair, look for the product or stylist that offers the healthiest tips.
And… Always remember… Being Natural is not just a Hairstyle… It’s a LIFESTYLE!