Natural hair coloring utilizes ingredients derived from plants and minerals to alter hair color. Examples include henna, indigo, and extracts from chamomile, coffee, and beetroot. These colorants typically coat the hair shaft rather than penetrating and altering its structure like conventional dyes.
The increasing interest in plant-based colorants stems from a desire for gentler, potentially less irritating alternatives to synthetic dyes. These natural options can offer a way to avoid exposure to certain chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, and paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause allergic reactions or scalp sensitivities in some individuals. Historically, natural dyes were the only available option for hair coloring, representing a long-standing tradition in many cultures.
