While researching natural hair dyes and shampoos, Beauty Makes Scents looked at products containing less chemicals as well as DIY herbal alternatives.
Herbatint kindly sent us a sample hair tint and shampoo to review. The shampoo is formulated with the active elements of aloe vera to protect and enhance hair colour.
Sadie says: “It’s great to find hair products that don’t contain silicones or parabens. Silicone is actually very damaging to the hair in the long-term despite making the hair shiny and soft. This tip was given to me by my hairdresser and ever since then I’ve steered clear of shampoos that are loaded with silicones.
“Products without silicone tend not to be as softening, but I found this shampoo made my hair lovely and soft.”
You can buy the shampoos online or at health stores. Prices vary so shop around.
Ammonia-free hair colour
Herbatint Permanent Herbal Hair Colour retails for around £10 in Holland and Barrett. It contains herbs and is ammonia-free. Herbatint colours gently and provides complete grey cover. It protects the hair structure by reducing chemical ingredients and using the natural synergy offered by certain vegetal extracts. The tints do contain PPD so always be skin safe and skin test prior to every use.
Herbal experiments
Caroline says: “A weekly rinse with chamomile herbal tea will brighten dull blond hair.”
To prepare a chamomile rinse, steep half a cup of chamomile flowers in boiling water for half an hour. Strain the mixture and let it cool while you shampoo. Then pour the brew through your towel-dried hair at least 15 times. Wring the excess moisture out and leave the solution in your hair for a quarter of an hour before rinsing it out with clear water. Calendula (aka pot marigold) and lemon juice also lighten the hair.
For brunette shades, try rinsing hair with teas made from rosemary, sage, raspberry leaves or parsley.
For redheads, rinse hair with cooled black coffee, or teas made from rosehips or red hibiscus.
Special offer
Every month Herbatint gives away 50 free packs of Herbatint or Vegetal colours. To apply simply send in a small stamped addressed envelope with a £1 value stamp affixed to the SAE with details of the colour you would like to try to the following address.
Herbatint Free Offer
Gentle Beauty
10 Thornsett Road
London
SW18 4EN
Herbatint is not tested on animals, is certified by PETA, and registered with the UK Vegan Society.
Beauty Makes Scents 