Gray hair can age you beyond your years, but coloring it with a chemical-laden dye may not be the best for your health. If you're allergic to paraphenylenediamine, a chemical in permanent hair dye, you may not be able to use common brands of dye. The reportedly carcinogenic ingredients in some hair dyes are another concern, notes the U.S. National Cancer Institute. For a more natural way to get rid of your gray, try a hair-tinting herbal rinse.
Step 1
Place approximately 3 tbsp. each of hair-darkening dry sage and dry rosemary in a pan, jar or other heat-safe container. For a golden tint, use 2 pinches of saffron, instead. In a separate pan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Pour this water onto the herbs. Steep the sage and rosemary for 30 minutes or the saffron for 10 minutes. Steep longer for more intense color. When the infusion is cool, strain out the herbs.
Step 2
Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. Place a large bowl in the sink or bottom of the bathtub. Pour the herb infusion over your hair so the bowl catches the infusion. Transfer the infusion back into the original container and pour it through your hair again. Repeat 15 times.
Step 3
Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Wrap a warm towel around your head to hold the warmth in and help the herbal infusion penetrate your hair shafts. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse the infusion out and dry your hair normally with a towel.
Step 4
Apply the infusion once a week until you achieve your desired color. Then apply the infusion once a month to maintain the color.
Things You'll Need
- Dry sage
- Dry rosemary
- Saffron
- Pan
- Bowls
- Shower cap
- Towel
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