The practice of coloring hair goes back thousands of years. The Egyptians already used plants such as henna to dye their hair. In India, Ayurvedic rituals have always included the use of vegetable powders to enhance hair. It wasn't until the 20th century that chemical colorants made their appearance, bringing rapid results but often at the cost of the hair's health... and that of the planet.
Today, in the face of growing concerns about health and ecology, more and more people are returning to a gentle, natural and effective method: vegetable coloring.
Why choose plant-based hair color?
1. For healthy hair
Unlike chemical colorants, which penetrate the hair fiber by opening it up with oxidizing agents, vegetable colorants are gently deposited on the hair surface. The result: hair is respected and strengthened, and gains shine and volume.
2. For your well-being
Chemical dyes often contain ammonia, resorcinols and parabens, potentially allergenic or irritating substances. Vegetable dyes, composed solely of dye plants (such as henna, indigo, chamomile, rhubarb...), are much gentler on the scalp.
3. For the planet
Zero pollutants, zero animal testing and biodegradable ingredients: choosing plant-based hair color is an ethical and ecological choice.
Steps to successful vegetable coloring
Step 1: Choosing the right shade
First and foremost, choose a vegetable-based hair color that matches your base color. Unlike chemical dyes, vegetable coloring doesn't lighten hair, but it does provide beautiful highlights and an ultra-natural result.
Step 2: Prepare the hair
To ensure good color hold, it's important to remove any residues of silicone or other hair care products. Wash your hair with a clarifying or clay-based shampoo a few days before application.
Step 3: Prepare the mixture
In a (non-metallic) bowl, mix the plant powder with warm water (between 40 and 50°C) until you obtain a smooth paste. Leave the mixture to stand for 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the plant used, to develop the pigments.
Tip Avoid using water that's too hot, which could "cook" the dough and reduce the effectiveness of the coloring.
Step 4: Application of color
On clean, slightly damp hair, apply the paste strand by strand, paying particular attention to the roots. Then wrap your head in cling film or a self-heating charlotte to retain heat.
Step 5: Laying time
Application time varies between 1 h and 3 h, depending on the intensity of the desired color. The longer you leave it on, the more time the pigments have to set.
Step 6: Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, without using any shampoing within 48 hours. This allows the pigments to set properly and the color to oxidize naturally in the open air.
Additional tips for successful plant-based coloring
- Moisturize your hair regularly with natural care products between colorings.
- Test a strand of hair before applying for the first time to check results.
- Avoid chemical colorants for at least 4 to 6 weeks before going vegetable.
- Be patient: results intensify and become more beautiful with successive applications.
Find your vegetable dye on Santi-Shop
Adopting plant-based hair color means taking care of yourself while respecting nature. It means rediscovering the pleasure of gentle, ancestral rituals, and rediscovering healthy, shiny, vibrant hair.
On Santi-Shop, we offer you a wide selection of plant-based colorants quality, 100% natural, certified and ready-to-use. Order easily online, receive at home, and let the magic of plants work!
Visit our online store and treat your hair to nature's best.