Chemicals from most hair dyes “are considered high hazard, which means they contain toxic ingredients linked to cancer, developmentive and reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, organ toxicity, not to mention allergies and irritation of the eyes, skin or lungs,” according to Environmental Working Group. In fact, 22 of the ingredients used in hair color including PPD (Paraphenylenediamine) was banned in Europe in 2006. However, hair color and cosmetics are not regulated by the US government. We sometimes assume cosmetics or anything we use on our hair or skin are safe but that is untrue since these are not being regulated for safety. If you would like to see how your hair color rates in toxics, you can go to If you would like to see how your hair color rates in toxics, you can go here. After reading the affects of chemical hair color on your body, you will think twice before using it again.
How then can we cover our gray or color our hair without these adverse affects to our bodies? After many trials and experimentations, I have finally found the best way to color hair and cover the gray using henna. Henna is a plant that can be used as a hair color. Henna is considered to be a semi-permanent hair color but I have found a way to use it as a permanent hair color. Unlike the chemical dyes, henna actually conditions and improves hair by coating and sealing the hair shaft. I have found chemical hair dyes to produce unnatural looking hair color, inconsistent results, darker or lighter roots or ends, and damage to my hair with regular use. I have found henna to condition and thicken my hair with natural-looking results. Henna is messier and more time consuming but is definitely worth it. Please note that henna cannot lighten hair, only add color.
Websites selling henna will say that it will not cover gray hair unless you use a two step process which can be a pain. After some research and experiments, I have found the most effective way to use henna to color my hair to cover the gray. Choose the all natural powdered henna (some henna hair colors have other added chemicals) and the color you would like. I use mahogany and it turns my gray hair into natural looking highlights of red. When following directions on the package, be sure to mix the henna with half vinegar and half distilled water (you must boil these together before mixing with henna), this makes it acidic and helps hair to absorb the color better. Be sure not to use any metal pots, bowls, or spoons that will be touching the henna. After applying the henna to your hair, put a plastic cap on and use a heated blow dryer to warm your hair, this also helps your hair to absorb the henna. Leave on for four hours. I have to tell you that this is definitely not the most best smelling, glamorous way to color your hair and is rather messy. It can be rather difficult to rinse your hair of all the henna; however, you can use baking powder and sprinkle on hair to help rinse henna out of hair. I have found using this application method, henna has been a permanent hair color for me. When I have gray growing out again, I can re-apply the henna without worrying about the damaging affects on my hair and my body.
