(Picture
courtesy of
 Atajmil
Braiding, Stylist: Abenaa
(215) 627-3693)
Ever
thought of highlighting your natural hair color? Sure you
have. You give your natural hair color a boost using herbs,
fruits, or vegetables. We'll let you in on the info you need
to create your herbal rinse. If you want to add golden tones
to light brown hair, use a rinse made with the herb chamomile or
calendula. For more intensity, add the juice of a lemon to the
mix and sun dry your hair. For red highlights on brown or red
hair, use hibiscus, for deep brown chocolate tones on brown or black
hair, use rosemary or sage or a strong brew of black tea. And
for those who have black or brown hair and would like to get
some bluish-black tones to their hair should use
elderberry.
Take note--here is the recipe for
your herbal rinse:
Add 2-5 tablespoons of dried herb and 2-4
cups of water to a non-aluminum pan. (The color will be more
intense as you use more herbs.)
Bring to a boil, then simmer until the volume is reduced by a half
and let cool.
Strain the liquid into a spray bottle and wet shampooed hair with
the mixture, then dry and style your hair as usual.
Henna is also a plant based
dye. It works by coating each hair shaft, and because of this,
it also conditions and protects the hair. However, the process
of applying it is no easy task. It should be no problem using
nature's hair dyes on natural hair that is not chemically
processed in any way. And it also should not be a
problem to use on chemically treated hair, but it is recommended
that you consult your hair stylist about it. It has not been
proven yet, but it could be possible that the plants could
interact with the chemicals of a relaxer producing an unwanted
effect. Also, it is possible to be allergic to some of the
herbs (find out if you are first).
 There
are natural products that are available for you to purchase.
Jason Cosmetics has a line of natural color enhancing
shampoos.
Just remember -- always consult with
your hair stylist and let him or her know everything that you are
doing to your hair so that they can provide the best possible care
for your hair.
Don't forget to read all instructions
carefully and proceed with caution when coloring your hair.
The recipes and information herein is for informational purposes
only. |
