Most hair dyes sold in supermarkets and chemists are full of toxic chemicals and sold in boxes with oodles of plastic packaging. Hair salons now need to offer 24-hour patch tests, due to previous cases of being sued, from people using conventional brands.
Read FAQ for more info on hair dyes. Check with your GP before using hair dyes if pregnant or on medication (best to avoid). For everyone else, do a patch test 24 hours before, and avoid henna if you have G6PD deficiency.
Most women in England (and some men) dye their hair. If your hair is damaged by chemicals, sometimes it’s better to just chop your locks off and start again. Many people increasingly are choosing to embrace their natural hair colour or even be happy at going grey.
Natural hair dyes are made with plant-based ingredients that biodegrade. Common ones are:
- Henna is a vibrant red dye, made from the leaves of the henna plant. You have to be careful using this on blonde hair or grey hair (it can go a muddled orange). It takes hours to work and is messy, so use in the bathroom and take a good book! It’s safe for most people, but should not be used if you have G6PD deficiency.
- Indigo is a blue-black dye, and can be used along or in combination with henna. Be careful in stores, as some ‘black henna’ is made with a chemical compound containing PPD (banned for cosmetic use in some countries abroad).
- Amla is fromt the fruit of a tree, and is another dye used to darken hair.
- Walnut shells are sometimes used for brown shades, obviously not for nut allergies.
- Cassia is from a tree bark, and used usually as ‘colourless’ henna in dyes, to improve hair condition.
England’s Best Natural Hair Dye?
It’s Pure Organic Hair Dyes (also sold at Natural Collection) are easy to use (but do take a while to work). In many colours, these won’t lighten hair but can cover grey, and colour fades over time (rather than grow out). These organic dyes are made with henna, cassia, amla and henna powders.
To use, mix the powder with warm water in a non-metallic bowl to yoghurt-consistency, then apply to clean dry hair (recycle or bin the gloves for now, the company is trialling compostable plastic gloves). Leave for 30 minutes to 3 hours, following enclosed instructions.
Note the henna-type dyes may impart a slight ‘dark green’ tingue at first, this usually washes out or fades after a couple of days. What the dye does not do is damage your hair. So if it goes wrong, you can rinse and repeat!
Other Good Brands of Natural Hair Dyes
These are all abroad, so you’ll either have to find UK wholesalers, or order from abroad (most will send them, but you may have to pay hefty customs charges).
Desert Shadow (US) is a natural hair dye in various shades that takes 1 to 3 hours to work (sold alongside bamboo brushes).
Earth Dye (US) contains herbs to speed up hair growth (check medications before use). It also sells dyes for eyebrows and beards (also find natural beard dye at Grizzly Mountain).
Hairprint (US) was invented by an environmental chemist who turned his own grey hair back to original colour. Using a few plant-based botanicals, in 90 minutes you can restore melanin (it won’t work for red hair). Also in a version for stubborn grey hair (use a clarifying shampoo a few days beforehand, to remove traces of silicone).
A Book on Understanding Natural Hair Dyes
Natural Hair Coloring is a beautiful book by an American beautician, who covers all the natural dyes, how to use them and how to transition from chemical to natural dyes. Includes before and after images.
Benefits of Natural Hair Dyes
Using natural hair dyes comes with several perks. First, there’s a significantly reduced risk of allergies. Many people find they react to chemical dyes, leading to irritation or rashes. Natural dyes, in contrast, are kinder to sensitive skin.
Beyond that, natural dyes can actually improve hair health. They often contain nourishing compounds that strengthen and add shine to your hair, giving you a healthier appearance overall.
Can You Lighten Your Hair Naturally?
It’s Pure Organics will just enhance naturally blonde hair.
If you want to lighten your hair, natural hair dyes can’t do this. So either visit a salon that uses organic hair dyes (salons can buy wheat straw mixing bowls and biodegradable capes. Or naturally lighten hair a few shades using natural ingredients like lemon or chamomile (won’t be dramatic, but it may lift your hair a shade or two.
