Safe coloring options for natural hair

Many natural hair wearers look to spice up their styles by adding a splash of color, or even undergoing an entire shade change. Whether using a permanent option or a semi-permanent rinse, color is yet another way to express the versatile beauty of natural hair. Because the makeup of curly and coiled hair is not as easy to color as its straight counterpart, oftentimes harsh chemical are needed to achieve “desired” results. While there are cosmetologists who specialize in “safe” color styling, many find themselves unable to afford their services and rely on home color kits to tint their strands.

With the growing concerns over the effects of chemicals used in hair care products on the hair and on the body, natural hair wearers in Columbus and nationwide are seeking healthier and economic color treatment choices. But is it possible to alter hair’s natural pigment using non chemical elements? Here are four possible agents that can help you reach your color accenting goal.

Going Lighter

Hydrogen peroxide, which is really hydrogen dioxide, is well known for its bleaching properties and has been used for centuries as a safe alternative to lighten hair. Although the name seems chemically scientific, hydrogen peroxide is simply water with an extra oxygen atom. When applied to hair, hydrogen peroxide works to naturally oxidize (bleach) hair’s melanin content, resulting in the measured exposure of keratin (hair’s structural compound) which shows as auburn, orange or lighter brown highlights. Easily accessible of pharmacies and dollar stores nationwide, hydrogen peroxide, when mixed equally with water, provides an inexpensive and safe, albeit gradual, solution for lightening hair.

Because it contains trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide, honey is also a great option for lightening natural hair over time. When paired with the peroxide boosting properties of cinnamon and olive oil, honey works the same way as the previous compound and with the extra benefit of conditioning the hair at the same time. Applying a solution of ½ cup honey, 1½ cup of distilled water, and 1 tablespoon each of ground cinnamon and olive oil will result in a gradual lightening effect, and can also be used to lift previously applied dying agents. Raw, unpasteurized honey offers the best results but honey bought at your local grocer works as well.

Going Darker

More than just a delicious morning beverage, strongly brewed black coffee can be used as a darkening rinse. It’s well known that coffee has the ability to stain surfaces, so using it to darken light colored hair or deepen the tint of dark hair is a cost efficient and safe alternative to chemically based dye applications. The solution works on its own as a warm rinse poured over the hair and “sealed” with a conditioner, or added to your conditioner and applied after washing. Although it may take several applications to see desired results, the benefit of using this natural and easy to find alternative is that it can be left on the hair longer than commercial products and will not damage your hair.

For a more dramatic color change many naturals enlist the aid of henna, a plant based derivative that has long been used to dye fabrics, skin and hair with great results. When properly mixed into a paste using lemon juice, red wine or vinegar, henna becomes a translucent stain like coffee, whose molecules fuse with keratin to provide a “reddening” highlight. Final color results can range copper brown to deep or dark chestnut with red highlights depending on the original color of your hair. In addition to providing consistent color, henna softens and conditions hair with each use. Fresh body art quality henna is recommended for best results and can be acquired through various Websites or organic food supply stores.

Two great local sources for henna here in Columbus are one of the two Whole Foods Markets in Columbus or Upper Arlington or The Raisin Rack Natural Food Mart in Westerville.

Additional less permanent coloring options include rinsing hair with carrot and beet juice combination, paprika or a clove tea solution for red highlights, using a rosemary-olive oil solution to deepen your own natural shade, or adding colored extensions to your braids, twist and twist outs.