{"id":3991,"date":"2020-10-06T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-06T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=3991"},"modified":"2020-10-06T22:58:34","modified_gmt":"2020-10-07T03:58:34","slug":"your-guide-to-dying-your-hair-safely-and-effectively-with-henna-indigo-and-amla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/your-guide-to-dying-your-hair-safely-and-effectively-with-henna-indigo-and-amla","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Dying Your Hair Safely and Effectively with Henna, Indigo, and Amla"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gray hair is one of the reasons we run to our trusted hairstylist for a dye job or attempt a new shade with box dye at home. While convenient, the chemicals found in conventional dye can do more damage than good. Not only can they weaken hair,<\/a> chemicals found in permanent hair dye can cause allergic reactions<\/a> and may be linked to bladder<\/a> and breast cancers<\/a>. Ready to find a safer alternative? Read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Ways to Dye Hair Safely<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first, don\u2019t always believe the hype of organic, chemical-free, or \u201cnatural\u201d hair dyes found in the beauty aisle. These marketing claims are not regulated by the FDA<\/a> and don\u2019t necessarily mean the dye is safer than other options \u2014 they most likely still use synthetic ingredients to do the job. To go actually go natural \u2014 in this case, with completely plant-derived ingredients \u2014 try one of the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Henna<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Henna is a powder derived from crushing the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis<\/em>,<\/a> or henna, plant. It\u2019s been used for thousands of years as a dye, dating back to the Pharaohs in Egypt.<\/a> It gives hair a reddish-brown hue from its natural red pigment, but can easily be mixed with other ingredients such as indigo or coffee to produce different colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It works by coating the cuticle of the hair<\/a> without penetrating, so the hair shaft remains intact and healthy. That said, it will stain the original color of your hair and won\u2019t even out hair color<\/a> if you have grays or highlights. The color remains vibrant for about four to six weeks<\/a> and each application builds up the color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits:<\/strong> Henna naturally conditions hair,<\/a> leaving it shiny and healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indigo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Indigo is a natural blue dye from the Indigofera tinctoria<\/em> plant<\/a>. It\u2019s also one of the oldest known dyes and is most commonly used to dye denim. <\/a>When combined with henna,<\/a> it gives hair a rich brown hue. If you apply it to hair already treated with henna, you\u2019ll achieve black hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits:<\/strong> Indigo may naturally prevent<\/a> premature graying (though there\u2019s little research to back this up) and encourage healthier, stronger hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amla<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amla is a nutrient-rich powder made from the leaves of the Indian gooseberry<\/a> that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. With anti-inflammatory properties,<\/a> it can promote scalp health and hair growth. Since it is rich in vitamin C, tannins, phosphorus, iron, and calcium, it\u2019s typically applied as a hair mask to deliver nutrients directly to the scalp and hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many pre-mixed henna dyes<\/a> include amla as a color enhancer. It can also be purchased in pure powder form<\/a> and mixed at home with henna to enhance its hue and maintain vibrancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits:<\/strong> Amla may promote hair growth<\/a>, minimize grays, boost volume, and reduce dandruff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tips for Working with Natural Dyes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n