Grey hair can be seen as a number of things: wise, graceful, and even sexy, but those who relate grey hair to the latter part of life, or for those who aren’t in love with their natural hair color, what are the options for replacing some of that grey with a bit more color?
While natural health food stores are likely to dedicate an entire aisle to what are deemed “natural” and “safe” hair dyes, few of these self-proclaimed organic dyes are anything but natural. While ammonia might not be present, toxins like PPDs (para-phenylenediamine) a petroleum-based product and a known carcinogen, are often found in the most organic products.
What can our color-loving friends do instead? Here are some options for those who want to give up the grey, while still protecting their health.
1) Try henna
Dying your hair with henna has notoriously mixed results. A true henna color should bring your shade to a reddish brown, although there are numerous options for those who don’t want to stick with a traditional hue. Some swear by henna, and have the added result of shiny, conditioned hair because of the way henna seals the hair cuticle. Others, however, end up with a mess. Henna will stain anything it comes into contact with, including your hands and skin, so prepare by finding a quiet, concealed area (like a bathtub) and have plenty of old rags and towels on hand.
2) Try another natural route
Nature is full of natural products! Chamomile tea rinses or lemon juice is notorious for lightening hair (with some perseverance). Want to go darker? Try black tea or coffee for a rich brown look!
3) Find a better than option
If henna doesn’t sound like a good choice for you and you’re still bent on coloring your hair, it’s time to look for a “Better Than” option. Very, very few “natural” hair dyes are 100% natural and in most cases, PPDs and other chemicals will be present. However, if you have the choice between conventional hair treatments and organic, do your research and then go with the organic choice. This brand, Oway, looks potentially promising.
4) Embrace your natural color, or the grey
You knew this one was coming. Grey hair can be particularly graceful, and for various reasons, has been coming back into style. Celebrities have begun dying their blonde, brunette and black hair various shades of grey as part of a growing trend. This popular article details one woman’s account of going grey. Your natural hair color is also something to be proud of!
Whatever you choose, remember that you can ultimately decide what you want to do with your hair. Here’s to rocking those locks, no matter their color.
