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The spring season offers fresh starts and the opportunity to try something new! New clothes, new shoes, new hairstyles… maybe even a new hair colour to jazz up those already beautiful curls?

With so many ways to colouring curly hair it can be overwhelming when it is time to pick the best method to colour your hair. Before colouring your hair, the health of your hair should be the first consideration. Although it is recommended to get your curls coloured by a professional when using permanent or temporary chemical hair dyes, unfortunately not everyone can afford a colour specialist, much less get to one. Someone in this situation may opt for a less traditional way of dying their hair without the use of harsh chemicals, so read below to find out the pros and cons of alternate methods of colouring!

HENNA
One of the most common ways to dye hair without the use of chemical hair dye is Henna. Henna is an all-natural plant native to South Asia, Africa, and Australia. The dye is created by crushing the plant leaves and soaking it in liquids which creates a temporary reddish paste which will stain the hair. Henna is used to temporarily dye hair, skin, nails and fabrics. When choosing henna as a hair dye it is important to use 100% natural henna. In store, the package may state its scientific name Lawsonia Inermis, or “100% pure body art quality (BAQ) Henna.” Although Henna naturally creates a reddish hue, depending on your natural hair colour and ingredients combined in your Henna mix, the results in hair colour may range from a deep orange to burgundy or coffee brown. Certain ingredients, which may be found in your kitchen pantry, can be combined with Henna to manipulate the results of the colour. Coffee may be added to create a deep brown hue, lemon juice or Green Tea for brightness and Paprika for a redder result. Henna is said to add volume, and make hair shiny and strong. Many Henna users claim henna can be used as a protein treatment or for Psoriasis relief.

FOOD
The key to incredible natural highlights may be located in your kitchen. Certain food and herbs can be used to safely enhance your natural hair colour, one of the most popular ingredients being honey. Raw honey is said to be a subtle, natural hair lightener as it contains the enzyme Glucose Oxidase which can produce Hydrogen Peroxide when mixed with water. This golden ingredient is used to lighten virgin hair, chemically dyed hair and hennaed hair. However it may take a few attempts before there are any noticeable results, so in other words do not expect a dramatic change in hair colour. In addition to being a natural hair lightener, honey is said to produce silkier, shinier, and stronger tresses.

A black tea rinse, or one with natural ground coffee, can be used to darken hair and can help dark hair acquire a beautiful healthy glow.

Using real herbs and plant extracts can be used to brighten, highlight or temporarily colour hair. Herbs such as Chamomile, Calendula, Saffron and Turmeric can also be used as a weekly tea rinse on dull washed out blonde hair. These herbs help to brighten, highlight or add vibrant tones. If you have light brown hair, try using Rhubarb Root rinse as it may produce subtle honey gold tones.

The key to achieving successful results when dying hair with natural ingredients is to remain consistent with weekly rinses. Natural hair colouring enthusiasts suggest that results may not show until after six weeks of consistent rinsing.

HAIR CHALK/CREAM EYESHADOW
Do you love to stand out amongst the rest with bold and vibrant hair colour? You would choose an electric blue hue over a subtle hair colour change any day! Curlies looking to add fun temporary pops of colours to their curls may opt for hair chalk or cream eyeshadow. Both are safe and easily washable hair colours that may only last a few days. Hair chalk and cream eyeshadow can be purchased at your local beauty supply store, drug store or online for an affordable price.

Not only does cream eyeshadow coming in a variety of hues and produce dynamic hair colour results, it also provides longer lasting results in comparison to hair chalk. As easily as you apply cream eyeshadow to hair strands, it can be effortlessly washed out using shampoo. If you love fuss-free styling and vibrant hair colour results, you will love cream eyeshadow!
Although hair chalk is a low-maintenance, effortless wash out hair colour, it can easily stain clothes and may leave hair feeling a little dry once rinsed out. If you are looking for a safe one day colour change, which can be washed out easily using just water, hair chalk may be your method of choice.

Tip: Maintain your hair’s moisture levels before and after applying hair chalk or cream eyeshadow to prevent dry hair once colour is rinsed out.

Picking the best and safest method to colour your curls is just as important as deciding on your ideal hair colour. Remember to know your options, whether it is a trip to a colour specialist for a full colour treatment or to a health food store for a pack of henna, always keep the health of your curls in mind.

Have you tried temporary non-chemical hair dyes? What were your results?