To Color or Not to Color…
I’m now choosing NOT to color my hair… not anymore. For the past year or so, I’ve begun cleaning out every possible source of toxin in my world, in order to create an ideal body and environment for getting pregnant. I switched to all organic bedding. I threw out chemical-laden cosmetics and body care products. I bought the best-rated water purifier I could afford. I eat an extremely healthy organic, all vegan, high raw diet. I even had my amalgam fillings removed! The last thing was coming face-to-face with the most challenging change yet — don’t laugh, but it was my hair color!
Until now, neither the world nor I had known my true color since I was, seriously, eleven years old. I was a blonde for so long that it had been inseparable with my self-identity. But no more. That’s right, I’ve gone all natural in the hair department. Not only are the harsh chemicals for color-treating hair potential toxins for pregnant and nursing mothers, but — more significantly — those same chemicals do so much damage to hair that you must use even MORE chemicals (polymers, basically) to make color-treated hair soft and silky. There’s more truth to the Barbie metaphor than people realize… I literally had blonde, plastic hair!
So as a big part of my going green, I went brown! Haha! When I decided to go natural, one of the defining moments for me came after spending a lot of time on Kris Carr’s forum, MyCrazySexyLife. It absolutely broke my heart to see so many young women with health challenges. It was at that point I realized a clean diet is not enough. All stressors have a cumulative effect on the immune system; I want to do as much as I can to reduce that accumulation. A little here, a little there — it all adds up, and then leaps into the stratosphere when you make a dramatic change like going vegan or stopping the monthly chemical bath required to change hair color.
I realize that reducing total environmental toxicity (internal and external) can never guarantee I won’t get cancer, but I can’t help but feel that it helps — it’s a numbers game, after all. I know there are toxins out there that I cannot really control (most notably, air pollution — not just from cars, but outgassing from toxic chemicals in carpet, paint, adhesives, and other construction materials that are all around us). So to combat all these things I can’t control, I’ve gone total mad-dog against all the things I CAN control. I’m eating an ultra-healthy diet, getting lots of exercise, making sure I rest and have good quality sleep, and using the healthiest hair and beauty products. It might not be an issue you hear about very often right now, but I expect we’ll all be hearing about it more as time goes by and data come in about the additive effects of toxins on the body.
I am avoiding as many synthetic chemicals as possible, not only because it’s bad for my health, but also because they are bad for the environment. Many people forget that the environment suffers, not only when coloring products wash down the drain and into our water supply, but also from the impact of all the other products needed to maintain the colored hair so it doesn’t look processed (shampoos, conditioners, hair balm, gel, etc). All of these have a detrimental environmental impact. So, for me, coloring my hair was more than just a little procedure every few weeks. I can no longer rationalize what I was doing using that logic.
The fact that some hair treatment processes don’t touch my scalp doesn’t let me off the hook either… it still damages the shaft of my hair. Bleach-damaged hair is so porous that it requires a chemical soup of products to make it appear healthy. My hair feels so amazing now. Gone now are the days of seeing so many frizzed-out rogue hairs flying around my face. No more breakage! No more brittle ends snapping off (hair isn’t supposed to do that)! My hair is now fuller, beautifully soft and shiny and healthy — my husband calls it “luxurious.” It now feels right, both literally and figuratively.
What’s funny (and was unexpected) is that, since going back to my true brunette self, I feel more natural overall than I have in 20 years. My overall attitude and aura are noticeably different. I now walk by a mirror and I feel beautiful. It’s still quite new to me even though I’ve been working on this transition for over a year. And, even though it’s not my ideal length, I’m proud of it and I know it’ll get there eventually.
I should mention that I DO believe there is a natural, sustainable way to color your hair, and that is with henna, which is generally used for coloring hair darker brown, black, or red. I’ve not experimented with it yet because I’m happy with my natural color. But, as I age, when I start getting a lot of grays, I might give henna a try. We’re also starting to see specialized hair salons cropping up that offer organic and less toxic alternatives to traditional treatments. It would be great if these innovative green businesses really caught on, so look in your area and consider giving one of them a try.
So how about all of you out there? If you color your hair, or have ever considered doing so, did toxicity play any role in your thinking? Please share your story!
- Posted by Kristen Suzanne on September 23, 2009 at 7:00 am
-
Tagged as: Beauty, chemicals, Environment, hair dye, toxins
Other posts by this author:
Why is henna safe? It’s also a chemical applied to the body.
Great post, Kristen! As a fellow brunette I love your brown hair!
HUGS!
I tried to let go of the blonde last year when suffering serious health problems. I went to brown and found that I looked sick, awful & old! I went back to blonde after 6 months. Maybe I will try again because I feel so bad about soaking my head in toxic chemicals every month.
OMG I just went through the same thing! I’ve had blonde hair since I was 11. I just realized that there are more important things than appearances, and my bf thinks my new hair is “fire ass hot”. I feel more like a model and less like someone who wants to get stared at. heheh. Way to be, sistah!
Awesome comments! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Berick,
Most brands of henna are safe and pure. Henna is made from plants, without any synthetic ingredients or chemicals. Here is some info about henna from Terressentials.com –
“A positive alternative to chemical hair coloring is 100% pure henna, a totally natural botanical material that both colors and conditions the hair. Unlike chemical hair colorings, henna is environmentally friendly, sustainable and nontoxic, both for you and when it is washed down the drain. (Recent studies by the US Geological Survey found toxic hair dye chemicals in most of the streams and rivers that they tested!)
Read the ingredients on any henna hair coloring product to be sure that the product does not contain any synthetic chemical ingredients.”
———–
And, here is what Morrocco Method (one of the brands of hair shampoo/conditioners I use personally) says about their henna –
“INGREDIENT LIST: Raw, Vegan Fair Trade 100% plant based only
Currently, our entire line of henna products are made entirely from Lawsonia inermis with the exception of Black Henna. Many botanical directories and those involved with scientific accumulation recognize the inermis species also as Lawsonia alba.
Our Henna consists of the following ingredients:
Henna leaf (Lawsonia inermis )
Henna bark (Lawsonia inermis )
indigo leaf and stalk
with the exception of BLACK. Black henna is made from Indigo, a natural shrub in the legume family that thrives in dry and almost poor conditions. It’s Animal cruelty free.
Henna works its magic without damaging, without drying, and without chemically altering the structure of the hair. Specially recommended for those with chemical sensitivities.”
Cheers XOXO,
Kristen
Hi Sarah,
I can appreciate that it’s different and not what you’re used to. When I went brown, I started buying some fun makeup (from 100percentpure.com) to add some sass. And, while I’m still growing out my locks, I cut bangs to act as an accessory for my face. Those are things you might consider.
Hi Maggie,
That’s awesome. XOXO!
I know what you mean!!!! Love what your bf thinks.
Cheers,
Kristen
When I was younger I did color my hair once in a while but quickly found the color to be dull and very fake-looking. It took me a long time to start having white hair (I am a very late bloomer in many stages since I started to have my period around 17)and now, at 50, I am marveling at each one I spot on my head. I think that it looks chic and grown up. I think the secret with a mix of white, brown and gray hair is to have a good haircut. Otherwise it often look neglected.
When I tried to detox as much as I could in my life, I made a lot of the changes you mention, such as all natural health and beauty products, purified water, change in diet, and even an air purifier (which did help a lot with sinus issues). I couldn’t bring myself to stop coloring my hair entirely, so I went to an herbal-based, non-ammonia brand called Herbatint. It still has chemicals, but I’m hoping it’s not as bad as the regular stuff. And as the years go onward, I’m thinking more and more of going back to natural–though who knows what color my hair really is by now?
i am in the process of letting my black colored hair grow out and the grey in. or let’s call it silver…;)
it is a conscious decision against the product used in coloring process. i also used to have bleached and pink and red hair…since i was 15 or so. so this is an interesting process. and it takes forever it seems. i am with sylvie re a good haircut!
kristen, you should change your profile pic. your hair looks quite blonde in it…:)
Great post Kristen
Women are always encouraged to get their hair coloured – I think I only know one close friend who has never dyed her hair – and yet we never think of what we’re actually doing to our hair by using so many chemicals on it. Like you, I dyed my hair blonde for years (about 10), but earlier this year I got the chance to go back to brown for an article I was writing.
I was so nervous and unsure how it would look, convinced that I could ‘only be nice looking’ if I was blonde. After a few days I realised there was nothing to fear. I now love the 3 inches of ‘real’ coloured hair that I have, and can’t wait until the rest of the bleach is gone (it’s covered in red filler and a brown dye right now). It’s so much shinier than it ever was and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. I love knowing that one day I won’t have to use harsh chemicals to change the ‘real me’. Blonde hair is addictive, but it’s a great habit to break.
Nice post Kristen but I notice that in your picture at the top of the page, you’re blond. Made me go hmmm… Why not show your new look?
ah vanity… I’m 53 and have been using professional haircolor for over 25 years! For the past 4-5 my hairdresser has started using a more natural brand from Europe called italy. I have a sister who is a hairdresser and would not change from her professional clairol brand that made my scalp burn especially in the winter months so i had to change hairstylist and have been very pleased with the results. I hope to eventually let my crown and glory show through when I’m in my 60’s.
I’m a gay guy and I can relate to a certain extent to your experience. I shaved my head and I LOVE it! I spent tons of money on having the perfect hair cut/style, hair products, etc. I was also trying to cover up my receding hair line. Now that I use clippers to buzz my hair down to practically nothing…I actually get more compliments. Trying to maintain and impose this certain image on myself was causing undo stress, expense, and time. I’m embarrassed now that I used to worry so much about the wind messing up my hair…when in fact I should have been worried that I was not enjoying the breeze on my face. Life should be simple. There are too many things to focus on other than freaking hair!!
I doubt Kristen can control what her pic is on here – it’s up to the webmaster. I’m sure if she gives them a new pic they’ll oblige
Since I’m 14 I had my hair colored in almost every color possible even blue! When I finally decided to stop, my hair was soft and bright and it started to naturally curl again. A couple of months ago I did decide to get blond stripes but I think I won’t do it anymore. It’s expensive and my hair is beautiful without anything in it. Yay for brunettes!
Hi Kristen! I’m going through the same thing right now too. Trying to rid our house of the nasties. I found a henna-based dye from Light Mountain. I have almost black hair-scattered with gray now
- and was terrified the first time I tried it, having my husband ready to run to the market just in case the results were less than pretty. It turned out great though, I love it! It takes a bit more effort – 3 hours to cure and then for me with the darker hair, three hours of wearing the dye, but my hair is free of gray and conditioned and happy! My husband’s only comment was on the smell – boiled spinach haha! I’m sure you’ve heard of this site – Skin Deep – but it has been a great help in trying to find alternatives for beauty products http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php
I’m glad to hear more people are changing for the better, now maybe more major corporations will follow suite,revamp their toxic brews and make healthy changes!
I am 53 and just recently stopped coloring my hair after a lifetime. I am loving it. I am gray and white, but I keep it very short. I know some people say gray hair makes you look old, but I don’t think anyone is fooling anyone with a head of colored hair. Keeping fit and staying well is more important to youthfulness than haircolor. In the meantime I’m digging my new look.
Wow, I wish shaving my head could be the answer for me!
This is really tough. I am 56, and you would not believe how MUCH better I look with lighter hair. I look TERRIBLE with dark hair, I look 10 years older, I look sad, I look frumpy. Really, I am serious.
But I have been agonizing over this myself, for the same reasons as everyone on this thread. I thought about Henna, but I just know any kind of darker hair will look terrible on me. You have to believe me. I can’t just tell myself look are not important. I look INCREDIBLY worse with darker hair. Red is even worsse.
Does anyone else have this problem, and have you found a solution? I could try the lighter Henna and Herbatint colors and just see what they do, but I know they will not make my hair lighter. By the way, I had pale blonde hair as a child which darkened a LOT when I was in my twenties.
@Jan, in my humble opinion, it’s all in your head. when i first went dark AND short all at once i was pretty bummed, but then i realized i’m beautiful IN SPITE OF whatever hair color/cut i have. i could have clowns hair and i would still be gorgeous. it’s all in your head
I recently stopped colouring my hair and have started to use henna and I love it! For me it was a decision of health (removing as many toxins and chemicals as possible) but also a budgeting exercise. Getting my hair done at the salon every 8 weeks was costing $100+ vs. $5 for henna. I’m working to save money and this was an easy fix for me!
Hi Everyone,
I have pics of my brown hair on my blog but I haven’t had time to get real photos done for marketing purposes because my life is too busy right now with all of the fertility stuff going on, travel, etc. Plus, I’m letting it grow longer before I do that. In time though, yes, I’ll get new pics, but it’s not a priority right now.
I love all the stories you’re sharing! They’re great to read.
One of my favorite parts about this change in my hair is how damn SOFT and SHINY my hair is even when I’ve let it air dry (which I usually do) and I don’t use any products to add shine. It’s strong as heck, too.
Jan, I know it can be tough… but have you tried changing up your makeup to brighten your face if you’re that unhappy with dark hair? I mentioned earlier that 100percentpure.com is a great place for natural makeup. There are many other companies too that I list on the “resources” page of my website that you can check out.
Hi Keely,
I love that site for checking out hair and body care products. It’s awesome.
Hi Jean,
Right on… keeping fit and having rosy cheeks from a healthy diet (or a little blush – lol) can go a long way to showing youthfulness.
Hi Roxanne,
That’s so cool about your natural curl. I’m the same way (although mine was wavy with the blond hair, too). But, it’s so much nicer with a soft, full bounce to it now.
Cheers to natural hair and loving it!
XOXO
Kristen
Kristen-
I have not dyed my hair for 20 years. My friends are now trying to figure out how to transition to natural, and wonder what color hair they actually have.
Can you tell us How you made the transition from blonde to natural? ( short cut, natural color rinse, hats) It’s the visual harsh transition that make most people not want to go for it.
If you’ve been brunette for a year, why does your photo show you with long ultra-blonde hair? Show us!
I can totally relate to this post! I’ve decided after I don’t know how many years to stop highlighting my hair blonde & go natural, which is a light ash brown. On one hand I’m sick about it. I’ve been blonde for so many years, it’s part of my identity. I’m a BLONDE. In fact, I was at a meeting last night & someone asked “Were you that girl who was here last week? No wait, that girl was blonde.” And my heart sank! But I’ve been systematically eating healthier & trying to eliminate toxins from my everyday life & it just doesn’t make sense to continue to dye my hair. But oh it’s hard. It really is amazing (and sad) to me that my hair color has so much power over me…
OK – you just answered that!
Hi Slyvie,
Yes a good hair cut can do SO much – totally agree.
AND! Nicely shaped eyebrows can do wonders for a face, too!!!!!
For my hair transition, I attacked it from both ends. I chopped it big time (to my shoulders pretty much, and then let the rest grow out, cutting it as it did. I wore a baseball cap quite a bit – LOL.
My husband loved it though. He said the transition (two toned with it being kind of choppy) made me look like a surfer chick.
Cheers,
Kristen
HI, I am a professional hairstylist. I had a organic salon in Santa Monica for years..I did shut it down due to the years before of being around chemicals…I became very ill..funny after I had a natural Salon..
I used to make organic color..
one tip is this..woman all grey can make a solution of soaking teas… in a cup of water soak over night black tea, then a cup of chamomile.. heat them both and soak.. Spray lemon and water on your hair…everywhere.. do not over wet..let dry in. it makes the hair porous so the tea can settle in… next mix the teas in a bowl, make sure you use 3-4 bags..and the tea is thick..apply everywhere..wrap it up with plastic or a dry towel..best to have a hot towel from dryer or if u do plastic wrap then add a hot towel.. (plastic does seep so..your choice) leave on for a few hours or sleep overnight.. rinse out well.. wolla!!! your greys will be blonde..it stains the hair and will fade with washings..you can add the teas in your shampoo and conditioner to keep it up..
if you want blonder hair..just make so chamomile tea and add a few lemons..spray on hair, get in heat, use the sun.. your hair will lighten a half shade everytime you do it…you can make it into a thick paste and then paint on hair where you want it for some sunkissed looks…
Cheers!!
I have been dying my hair since I was 18, right around the time i found my first grey hair. Now I’m 35, and I have so much grey it’s scary! I have been trying to dye my hair less frequently, although it’s really difficult. I had been getting my hair dyed by the same person for a couple of years, and then one time afterwards my head was really itchy. I thought maybe she hadn’t rinsed my hair well enough, so the next time I asked her to rinse it better. Still itchy, but not just a little itchy, it was like a serious painful itch. I would wake myself up scratching my head. I was afraid that I might have developed a hair dye allergy. So I stopped going to her and started using the box at home.
I really want to try to use a henna, but I’m afraid it will be too dark or it won’t look natural. I’ve heard that once you use henna, it’s really porus and hard to get out if you don’t like it. Does anyone have any positive experinces with henna? I’m not ready to be grey yet! But I also don’t want to continue to hurt myself for the sake of vanity.
HI Lisa,
Thanks for chiming in… great tips on the tea usage. Very cool.
Hi Lisa,
My suggestion would be to sample a section of your hair with the henna (and get a reputable, all natural henna – check out Morrocco Method or contact Terressentials.com for their advice on henna products). I know it can be a pain in the butt to do a test spot, but that might be the best way to find the right color for you.
Cheers,
Kristen
Hi Ashley,
Kudos to you girl!!! You’re courageous and awesome. I’m proud of ya!
Cheers XOXO,
Kristen
I have severe environmental illness and had to stop dyeing my hair in 2004. I have removed most chemical and other toxins from my life/lifestyle and eat a very pure diet. My hair has never looked better!! It looks so healthy, even with the gray that’s coming in. I love it and I’m proud to be going gray naturally!! This was a great post and I hope you inspire many others to stop with the toxic dyes and other harmful products and start living chemical free. Not just for baby, but for your own health and the planet’s!!
Wow, you guys, you are so great, I can’t believe all the help I’ve gotten already. I will definitely look at 100percentpure.com and try to use something exciting, and I will get a good haircut instead of chopping it off myself
, and learn how to shape eyebrows, and I will give Henna a try. This will be fun!
Thanks for the awesome thread, Kristen.
HI Jan!
Awesome! Glad you happily grabbed some tips from here.
Ehem… yeah, I had my husband cut my hair for the first big chop (big mistake – LOL)… fortunately I have naturally wavy hair and it wasn’t super noticeable BUT, when I went for a real hair cut, the stylist laughed and grimaced at the same time. There wasn’t much she could do once I butchered it. And, I’m still suffering the consequences as I patiently (did I just write “patiently”?) wait for it to grow.
And, eyebrows… totally great for shaping the face. It’s like an accessory.
Cheers Super Girl! You rock!
Kristen
I am 44, and decided to grow out my hair 2 years ago. It was really hard to do, and it took 7 months. At first I kept it short but now I keep it long. It is hard for a hairstylist to give you a youthful cut when your hair is gray, and I am having a hard time getting a cut that I love.
I stopped dyeing my hair for health reasons, and because every other aspect of my life is organic and healthful, yet I poured garbage on my head every 4 weeks….It didn’t make sense, so I stopped.
It is a little tough to get used to. Actually women are the toughest critics. I do catch some of them looking at me, trying, I guess to figure out how I could possibly be happy this way. I still get checked out (although it is usually in wWhole Foods), and have actually had 3 men tell me (within the last month) that I looked great, and that they wished more women would just go natural. By the way, my hair feels like “kid hair”.
So…keep the faith Willow. Check out Emmylou Harris. Growing out your hair is hard to do but worth it, and good for everyone who is looking for alternatives to the toxins that we expose ourselves to.
I have debated about this issue for years. I usually end up doing nothing:-)
I have used temporary colors for a while, and more recently have used henna a few times. I liked the henna but here is my problem. Please don’t think I”m ridiculous asking this:-)
How do you shampoo your hair? Is it safe to wash it in the shower and let it run down you? I don’t have any where else to wash it that would work.
Good suggestions, Lisa – thank you.
Great story Grey Girl, thanks for sharing!
Eating Raw Foods Info, the directions I’ve read from Morrocco Method state to take a bath and rinse in while you’re in the tub. Easier to get it all out that way.
Cheers,
Kristen
Oh Kristin… I love this.. I did this about three years ago. I had a dream and just knew (stop giggling) I needed to stop.. I was colored before the age of consent. I had my mom making me more blond.. those blond curls dont last forever naturally.. John Robert Powers agency making it more red.. and literally I had no idea what color it was.. But lucky me it came in silver.. hahaha.. well kind of lucky at least I had a color.. not mouse mouse brown.. but then.. that can be pretty on the right face and the funny thing in three years later I dont miss it at all. I love my sparkling halo.. it is soft and long and nothing like my colored hair. And my face has changed so the color suits I hope you have a great experience.. if you get past the root stage you are homeward bound.. just dont give up.. Love you and keep up the good work. Callie
hi kristen, your natural colour looks great! i’m following your fertility posts on kristen’s raw- you’re doing great!! i’m wondering- do you still use MOROCCAN METHOD for your hair care, or 100% Pure??
thanks for the great post!
I tried henna once and liked the color, but it smelled like I lived on a horse farm for about a week.
So, you’re gonna have to let us in one the look… your profile pic is still blonde. I ONCE colored my hair, I felt so not me for the entire time it took to get it out out out! I’ve been headed tward grey for 15 years now, not in any uniform way, mind you. It’s the only thing that works for me, and on those days that I leave my hair down people always comment on how pretty it is. Boldly wear your hair! It’s yours!
Dana,
My gray came in nice too. When the light hits it, it sparkles. I am glad that you are letting it grow out naturally.
If there was some way for the cosmetic companies to make money off of gray hair (other than purple shampoo), marketing would make everyone believe that it is attractive. Meanwhile, everyone dyes….It is sad!
Kristen this is an awesome post. About a year ago I was platinum blonde despite the fact that I’m a natural brunette (and vegan). After a while it just didn’t feel right anymore, so I have now successfully gotten all the blonde out by chopping it off and unfortunately waiting. It was a long year but it was so worth it. I have noticed a change in my persona too and love feeling so natural. So glad that someone else notices that too!
Thanks Kristen. I was diagnosed with cancer just after I turned 28. I had been colouring my hair for years prior to this, and watched it all fall out the first nuclear assault on my body. After I finished chemo, and it began to re-grow, it felt like baby’s hair initially, and looked a funny silvery grey colour. I was mortified. I had gone from a beautiful, thick mane of cork screw blonde curls (which I now totally appreciate), to a straight, silvery grey rug like mass on my scalp. I hated it, and foolishly dyed it Run Lola Run red – which looked great, until I started reading about chemicals and toxic environments. Aye Caramba! I let that grow out and after my first haircut, like you, I felt so natural. I had already transitioned to vegan organic (mostly), and cut out all of the hair products I used in my other life! I now have beautiful soft hair which is curly at the ends and straight at the roots – go figure! It’s much thinner than it used to be, but I attribute that to all of the anti-hormone drugs I was taking until I recently took myself off them. It’s funny – the more you start looking into the natural, original way of living, the more you realise the extent of the damage that the majority are causing, not only to themselves, but also to the enviroment around us. Well, that’s enough from me, once again, thanks for the post, and thanks for your wonderful website and recipies. I love them!
Very thoughtfull post on natural health .It should be very much helpfull.
Thanks,
Karim – Creating Power
Hi GG,
Yes I still use both companies.
HI Dana,
If you see my other comments above you’ll know that you can see my brown hair on my blog and why I don’t have a “profile” pic with brown hair yet.
Hi Louise,
Thanks for chiming in .
I’m so glad you liked the post.
Hi Caitlyn,
You’re so sweet!!!
Thanks for your story, it’s great. And, thanks for your feedback about my website and recipes.
Hi Karim,
Thanks for reading and commenting. It’s been an interesting journey/transition and I’m so glad I made the choice.
Cheers XOXO,
Kristen
I hope that as those grays start coming in someday, you will be equally thoughtful and ultimately courageous and let it happen. I decided that the time, money and exposure to chemicals wasn’t worth it. I can’t tell you the supportive (& even envious) comments I get on my silvering brown hair! A great cut helps and it’s well worth the money. It’s all about being comfortable w/ who you are and how you choose to live your life.
If you are blessed with life and experience to get gray hairs-flaunt them!
Thank you so much for this fabulous article… You are a world of great information. I hope within time that I can also let go of getting my hair highlighted as I continue to get rid of toxic chemicals more and more in my life… Blessings to you, Marina
Last year I decided to stop coloring my hair, I was getting very grey and needed to touch up every two weeks!. I was diagnosed again with more cancer and I thought okay that’s it.
After doing a ton of research and also making many mistakes, I cut my hair very short. The response was amazing. The local photoshop gave me a discount- he thought I looked great that day, I was given a free parking spot for the afternoon (in DC that is a big one), and the comments from the men at the office was really something- “wow”, terrific, fabulous, lunch?
More than that I felt good because I was not adding a chemical load to my precious “God Pod” as Kris calls it. I was free, and found I actually love it grey and natural.
I am so happy to read this article. Dying one’s hair is dying.
XX Kiki
Just one more comment: Now my hair is so light with all the grey, white etc. I can where different colors, also my make up is different too. It is a lot more fun than I thought it would be. A whole new me! Importantly, when one goes “natural” try new colors it really makes a difference from looking old, not like you, just switching lipstick colors is amazing!
What about some of the more natural hair dye alternatives available at Whole Foods, etc.? Like Naturtint or Tints of Nature or Herbatint? I tried henna and despise it! Any opinions or experience? Thanks!
Great posts! The last time I dyed my hair was to get closest to my natural color for grow-out. It’s going to be hard because my greys look like pubes! They are strange and wirey…don’t match the rest. But my hair has been falling out so I have been concerned. Going “natural” brings up vanity issues, but they are good issues to get in touch with – very character building. Thanks for all your posts…loved them! It helps.
So many inspiring comments. Love to all of you!
Cheers XOXO,
Kristen
I haven’t seen my real hair color since 1994. I’ve been vegan for the last 2 years, have cleansed myself of many toxic food additives and have recently come to the conclusion that I need get rid of the hair dyes as well. I’m in my late 50’s and I have no idea just how grey I am. I have resisted the temptation to color my hair as close to my natural color as possible, opting instead to go “cold turkey” I do believe that if the grey is too much, I may try the henna approach, but for now I am at peace with the decision to go natural.
I was surprised to see so many people going through the same kinds of changes over hair color – thanks for so many insightful comments.
Hugs to all
Barbara
I stopped bleaching and coloring my hair about 5 months ago and while it’s a bit mousy now, I know that the abundance of leafy greens in my diet will restore my original color eventually. You are a lovely brunette!
Hi Kristen,
I’m glad that you are doing this and have written about it. It gives others the courage to do the same. I’ve been grappling with this issue myself over the years. I’ve gone from the better quality hair colors to just wanting to let it all grow out (and then use henna). I haven’t done it yet, but I’m working my way there.
Thanks for the post, encouragement and example you are setting!
Recently I heard Dr. George Yu, MD, an oncologist from Maryland who follows patients who use plant-based diets as part or all of their treatment. He said that when we color our hair the toxins go directly into our head and from there go directly to the fat to be stored. I’ve heard it before in so many words, but this really struck a chord in me … and I stopped for a while.
You’ve reminded me I have to rethink or research for better products.
HI Barbara,
I’m sure you’ll be as gorgeous and confident as ever. More power to ya!
Hi Hanlie,
I bet the leafy greens will help. Truth be told… when I first went natural, I swear I saw about 10 grays throughout the course of a couple of months. But, now, they’re gone… so go figure.
Hi Meg,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for chiming in and THANK YOU for that awesome quote from the doctor. I’m going to share it with my mom. She’s still lightning her hair with stuff from the health food store.
Cheers and Love to ALL of you!
Kristen
Amanda wrote:
“What about some of the more natural hair dye alternatives available at Whole Foods, etc.? Like Naturtint or Tints of Nature or Herbatint? I tried henna and despise it! Any opinions or experience? Thanks!”
I’m bringing this up again because I too would love it if someone would share her experience with these products. Thanks!
growing hair out tip : Try new styling products on your newly textured hair. Greys can be wiry , or course; or curly or straight in contrast to your other hair.
What works for me now is air drying my short hair while i put on make-up/ get dressed. To style for sleeker look I mix a couple drops of jojoba oil and a spritz of hairspray in the palm of my hand, rub palms together, pet over and through hair, and comb into place.
To style for curls or choppy look mix the jojoba oil with a spritz of curl enhancing spray and run hands through hair, twirl it, mess it , scrunch it into place.
The jojoba oil conditions your hair and scalp all day, gives shine which makes the grey seem to sparkle, and the other product gives some staying power. It takes less than two minutes!
My mom uses those hair coloring products to keep her hair blond. Yes, they have fewer chemicals than traditional colorings… but I don’t consider them off the hook, from what I’ve heard. But, check the ingredients and then check the Skin Deep website for details.
Cheers XOXO,
Kristen
I was playing around on the Internet tonight and found this link which might be useful to some of you… rating various hair coloring products:
http://www.natural-living-for-women.com/natural-hair-color-review.html
Kristin, great topic! It has been great reading about your experience and all of the comments as well! This is so pertinent to what I am going through right now! I colored the hell out of my hair all through my 20’s, and wonder how I had any hair left! Then at 31 I got breast cancer and going through chemo lost all of my hair. Wow…that was some reality check! So I vowed that when it grew back I would never color it again. And it was like brand new hair. I actually didn’t even know what color it would be since I hadn’t seen my natural color in years! I did good for 6 years and then 2 years ago freaked when I saw too many greys popping up and went back to color. Since cancer I changed alot about my life especially my diet and cleaned alot of chemicals out of my food and cosmetics. So I was concerned but decided to go with highlights thinking they weren’t as bad because they don’t touch the scalp. Well, I was ok with it for awhile but then I noticed alot of hair breakage. My hair was so damaged and dried out that now I am trying to grow out the highlights. Although I see many grays at my roots I am trying to embrace them! I keep thinking about losing all of my hair when I had cancer and realizing that it is just hair. But alas, I am still a girl so I want to look good. I am now considering going really short to cut all of the color out and just start over! I am no stranger to short hair so it shouldnt be that hard for me to do. Now I am 40 and as I get older I realize that certain things don’t matter as much as they once did. I think it is great that you shared this part of your journey! You have inspired me to keep going with the tough growing out phase!!
If your tooth fillings had mercury in them you might want to keep an eye on your mercury levels or be aware of symptoms of mercury toxicity. My father had his mercury fillings removed only to find out that the act of having them removed exposes you to much more mercury than just keeping them in your mouth. For your sake, I hope this is not true but you may want to do a little research on this (especially since I am just providing anecdotal information here). Best wishes.
Amanda wrote:
“What about some of the more natural hair dye alternatives available at Whole Foods, etc.? Like Naturtint or Tints of Nature or Herbatint? I tried henna and despise it! Any opinions or experience? Thanks!”
I’m bringing this up again because I too would love it if someone would share her experience with these products. Thanks!
I think you should post a picture of yourself, Kristen, with your natural hair color.
Thanks for the excellent article.
Hey Kristen – We thrilled for you. Hey I thought I would chime in…with grey hair I color my brunette – I don’t like the henna so much and am very concerned about using as natural as possible…..Lorina my colorist uses the best products without the harsh chemicals etc – I’ll just post her website here for anyone interested
http://www.puresalonaz.com
Lorina 480-318-7555
and great article
http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/2009/04/09/20090409sr-hair0410.html
enjoy and sending lot’s of love Andrea
okay – did that quickly so excuse the english on that last post! xoxo
Hi Emily,
As I’ve noted above in the comments, there are pictures of me on Facebook and throughout my blog with my natural color.
I have shingles in my head. Besides being painfull, my hair color growing in is grey, silver, and some brown. I have been a frosted brown blond for about 10 years, and before that had brown hair until it started to turn red when I had to start coloring it.
I am 70, but look younger,(good genes) and hate the idea of turning grey. I notice many women my age are grey ,while many look good that way, I hate to go grey. I’ve read all your readers comments and they do make going grey sound not so bad.
As I cannot try anything on my head to irritate it, I am considering the tea treatment.
Can anyone tell me if this treatment can be irritating to the scalp?
i want to meet people in today’s world who are just happy with the way their hair is.
i want to meet people who won’t even think about asking whether to colour or not to colour their hair, because it’d be out of the question or whole concept (in my opinion) of living a crazy, sexy life.
Out here on the west coast I notice more hair stylists starting to use more plant based products.