Spring! It’s the time of year when nature is celebrating beautiful new beginnings. So, why not celebrate yourself by refreshing your look—starting with your hair! If you’re thinking of revitalizing yourself with a new hair colour, here’s some advice that’ll help you choose from the bewildering plethora of products
on the market. 

50 shades of colourings

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 contentwhich 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.

Beneficial herbal hair extracts

Ingredient/Benefits

Aloe vera

loaded with vitamins A, C, and E; promotes healthy cell growth resulting in stronger, more vibrant hair

Rhubarb

high source of antioxidants

White birch

hair tonic that helps strengthen follicles to reduce hair loss

Witch hazel

rich in tannins, with powerful antioxidant properties, can help alleviate scalp sensitivity and dryness

Echinacea

contains flavonoids, known to promote hair regeneration

Krista Halton has worked in the health industry for more than 15 years. Her wealth of knowledge and passion for the industry drive her to educate Canadians on natural alternatives for healing.

This article was originally published in the May 2020 issue of alive Canada, under the title \”Spring Into Summer.\”