To dye or not to dye

  To dye or not to dye

Some people wouldn’t be caught dead wearing their natural hair colour. But how far would you be willing to take it, even if it could be detrimental to your health?

 We all have beautiful hair colour when we are young, and many women dye their hair in an attempt to get their original colour back. But something happens as soon as babies and your 30’s come along!

 Hormones play a huge role in hair care. If you have fluctuating hormones, you’ll have fluctuating hair! Hair loss, straight hair going curly, light hair that went darker, thinning hair, loss of lustre and shine, even gray hairs. These have all left us with our hands in our hair, with many that have run to the hairdresser for some S.O.S colour and treatment.

 But today we will be shifting our attention to hair colour or dyes and bleaches. Ancient Romans and Egyptians often dyed their hair. The Egyptians first shaved it off, then dyed and braided it, and then they wore it as wigs. Some of these dyes were plant based using henna or berries. Dyes to blacken hair included leeches and vinegar solution! Gold dust was used to lighten hair, crushed nutshells for browning, saffron, indigo, alfalfa… All of these in an attempt to look more beautiful, and to boost confidence.

In the 1800’s, a gentleman called William Henry Perkin who was a chemist, attempted to generate a cure for malaria, but out came a synthesized dye. This colour was mauve. It must have been quite an experiment if you ask me.

Roman prostitutes were required by law to dye or bleach their hair blonde, to have themselves set apart. (No offence to all the natural blondes out there!)

According to studies done, permanent hair dye and straightening lotions may increase your risk of breast cancer. Even when hair dyes are used correctly, they can cause toxicity. Permanent dyes cause chemical changes that increase the penetration of the product into the hair. This can damage your hair. Your skin is also absorbing, with the chemicals penetrating into the blood stream.

Ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde etc. can cause serious skin irritation, redness, itching and burning when it comes in contact with the skin and even difficulty in breathing. These are all dangerous chemicals that can cause numerous health risks.

It might be worth trying out some natural alternatives. The colour doesn’t last very long, but it will definitely have less side effects.

Tea rinses:

Tea rinses have been done for centuries. By doing a final rinse with tea, you will lift your own hair colour, condition your scalp and hair.

Rooibos tea can bring out golden, reddish tones.

Chamomile can lighten hair and give subtle highlights.

Black tea will darken hair, with the caffeine stimulating hair growth on the scalp.

You can even use a spray bottle, and sprits on hair before drying.

Coffee rinse:

Coffee enhances darker hair shades and the caffeine used externally can stimulate hair growth.

There are quite a few other alternatives like sage, henna and lemon juice. Take some time out to find out what will work for you. I have even heard of people colouring their hair with beetroot or carrot juice!

You might feel judged, insecure and ugly at the beginning, especially if you have been colouring your hair for as long as you can remember. Embrace your locks, get them healthy and full of natural shine, and not full of chemical pigments.

Detox your body by fighting the chemicals from dye etc. Eat a diet rich in colours which are full of anti oxidants that help fight against free radical damage.

Are you brave enough to go bare and flaunt your natural hair colour and work with what you’ve got?

Lizelle

Recipe:

Sweet potato and pecan brownies

These are quite gooyee, but rich and decadent. They can look a bit raw, but everything is cooked well.

4 cooked sweet potatoes (mashed). I roast it whole and then remove the skins.

¼ cup cocoa powder

250g soaked, pitted dates (remove liquid and mash)

1 cup ground oats

¼ cup melted coconut oil

Tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt

Chopped pecans (inside batter and sprinkled on top)

-       Mash sweet potatoes and dates together, add cocoa powder

-       Add vanilla, salt and chopped pecans. Mix well.

-       Add ground oats and mix well.

-       Add melted coconut oil.

-       Spread on a baking sheet covered in wax wrap. (About 1,5cm thick)

-       Press pecans on top.

-       Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 min.

-       Remove from oven and cut into squares.

-       Place back in the oven, with spaces in between.

-       Bake for another 10 min.

-       Cool completely before serving.