Spring Into Summer

Henna is a 100 percent natural hair colour from the leaves of Lawsonia plants that has been used for nearly 5,000 years for dying hair, nails, and skin.

Temporary colour, or rinse, is the best option if you’re uncertain of which colour to choose, since it washes out in one to two shampoos.

Semi-permanent hair colour rinses out a little with every shampoo and lasts between six to 12 washes, ideal for temporary changes or to mask the first signs of grey.

Permanent hair colour is best for 100 percent coverage, lasting several weeks. Most products are mixed with hydrogen peroxide, which over time can be damaging and lead to flat, uniform colour.

Herbal vs traditional

One of the most common ingredients in conventional hair dyes is ammonia, used to penetrate the hair cuticle and deposit colour. Its downside is the potential to damage and weaken the hair cuticle, which can lead to dry, brittle, unhealthy looking hair.

As a result, more people are turning toward herbal hair colouring, formulated with floral or plant extracts that help gently deposit colour without damage.  

Dos and don’ts of dyeing

• Minimize chemical ingredients like ammonia, resorcinol, alcohol, parabens, and added fragrances.
• By eliminating ammonia, there’s little or no penetration of the epidermis, reducing the potential for allergic reactions. 
• Choose lower peroxide content  which is present in all hair dye, even natural options; be sure to label-shop for the lowest possible levels to maintain your hair health. 
• Check for organic colour agents made with pure organic plant-based pigments; they condition and nourish hair while providing vibrant, long-lasting colour.
• Be sure it’s safe for your skin before you buy: ensure the formula has been dermatologically tested on sensitive skin.

This article was originally published in the May 2020 issue of alive Canada.