This is a much overdue part two to a post I wrote about whether or not to use toxic hair dye when gray hair kicks in. In the original post I shared various options for graying hair, ranging from going au natural to using permanent hair dye.
As a green living advocate, like many of you, I pay close attention to the chemicals that go in and on my body. However, my vanity began taking a stance and made it known that gray hair was not an option. I knew I had to do something to cover up those grays that were glimmering in the sunlight, but toxic chemicals weren’t an option.
Giving henna a try
I have spent the past few months experimenting with all sorts of henna products- trying to find a green, non-toxic option for graying locks that actually works.
I have tried 3 henna products multiple times-I wanted to give them each a fair shot. I only tried the color black for each product (my natural hair color is dark brown).
Light Mountain Natural Color the Gray Hair Color and Conditioner-Black
What I liked:
- There is no peroxide, ammonia or other additives.
- Received a very low hazard score (this product received a ONE with zero being the safest possible score and ten the most hazardous) on the Environmental Working Groups Cosmetic Safety Database Skin Deep site-my go to site for checking the safety of personal care products.
- I could pick it up at Whole Foods and have instant gratification on those really gray days.
- Cost: around $10.00 per box. Generally good for one coloring.
- The ingredient list was short-just plain ol’ black henna.
- Comes with a cap and gloves to use for application.
What I didn’t like:
- It’s a 2-step system. First application is a paste that you leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse. Then a second step requires another application of a different paste. This process is more labor intensive and time consuming than the single application system.
- After the first step the gray strands turned a slight red color. The second step brought them closer to brown/black.
- Very messy application-I may have had something to do with that!
- The color didn’t stay very long-it seemed to wash out after a few weeks.
Coastal Classic Creations-black henna
What I liked:
- The packaging was responsible and no frills. It comes in a tin foil looking pouch with a sticker containing the company’s logo.
- They are committed to sustainability and protecting the environment.
- The ingredient list was short-just plain ol’ black henna. No chemicals at all.
- Received a very low hazard score (this product received a ONE with zero being the safest possible score and ten the most hazardous) on the Skin Deep site.
- Cost: $8.00 for 100 grams of Henna (good for one application on long hair).
- It works. My hair holds the color for a few weeks.
What I didn’t like:
- I had to order the product and have it delivered to my home. Not very green, but delivery was quick.
- Very messy application-may have had something to do with me.
What I liked:
- The mixture is pre-mixed. The consistency is easy to apply to hair.
- No ammonia, PPD, peroxide, parabens, resorcinol, heavy metals or GMOs.
- Cost: $14.00 for single application.
What I didn’t like:
- The ingredient list was long-scored a FOUR on the Skin Deep site. It contains synthetic colors and other ingredients that made this far from all natural.
- Didn’t hold the color for more than 2 weeks.
MY HENNA PICK: Coastal Classic Creations. The color seems to stay longer than the other two, it’s a one step process and I like supporting this eco friendly company.
Quick tips for henna application
- Henna, in its true form, looks like green powder and has a strong, distinct grass-like smell. Add an essential oil of your choice to help ease the scent.
- Apply henna in a place that easy to clean. It goes everywhere-even if you’re careful.
- Be prepared to not wash your hair for up to 48 hours. This is the hardest part for me-because the grass smell is so strong.
- Be prepared to have your significant other and/or children make fun of you for looking ridiculous in a plastic shower cap while waiting for the color to set.
Now it’s your turn…let me know if you’ve used henna and what you found.
[Top photo used under Creative Commons from D. Sharon Pruitt/Flickr]
There are a few Amazon Affiliate links in this post. If you happen to order any of the products in this post through those links it will put a few pennies in my pocket. Thanks!