A couple of years ago, I saw a picture of a woman with swollen eyes on the internet, and I was shocked to learn that the reaction came from using hair dye.
I remember reporting it here, and it was around the time we discussed the henna plant.
So, before we proceed, let me talk briefly about the henna plant again.
The leaves of Lawsonia inermis, known as ewe laali in Yoruba and commonly called the henna plant, are the source of a red-brown dye.
In northern Nigeria, henna, called lalle in Hausa, is used to create intricate designs on the bodies of Hausa brides.
Henna has been used for its natural dyeing and nourishing properties for thousands of years. Its earliest known use was for body decoration in Ancient Egypt; even Cleopatra herself reportedly used it.
It has also been used for centuries throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and India.
It has been applied for body tattoos, hair dyeing, and as part of celebrations and wedding ceremonies. Across time and continents, it has been used on many different types of natural hair structures and textures. It truly is for everyone!
Since henna creates reddish-brown tones, it means it is not the source of black hair dye, as we are sometimes led to believe. If you see the term “black henna” listed among the ingredients in your hair dye, know that there’s no such thing.
However, there is a plant botanically known as Indigofera tinctoria, also called true indigo. It’s a species from the bean family and produces a blue dye. When mixed with henna, it creates a black or dark brown colour.
Before discussing some plant-based alternatives to synthetic hair dyes, let’s look at some factors that can trigger premature greying:
Certain conditions may cause grey hair or make it more noticeable. People with alopecia areata (hair loss) may have grey hairs that appear in patches.
Vitiligo, which causes patches of skin to lose pigment, can result in grey or white hair.
A 2020 study in the International Journal of Trichology found that oxidative stress, an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in the body that can trigger cell and tissue damage and accelerated ageing, is linked to premature greying.
Over time, chronic stress of any kind can lead to chronic inflammation, which may deactivate melanin-producing cells and shorten the hair growth cycle.
People with grey hair may be more likely to report stressful events than others. In an animal study, stress caused mice to lose stem cells that produce new melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanin.
There is also a link between premature white hair and smoking. A 2013 study found a connection between “the onset of grey hair before the age of 30 and cigarette smoking.” A more recent 2024 study also found a similar link.
Damage from chemicals and heat can increase the risk of premature grey hair. The chemicals in hair dye can damage your hair structure.
Deficiencies in vitamin B-12, along with folic acid and biotin, are frequently associated with premature greying.
Deficiencies in vitamins B-6, D, and E may also play a role. Low levels of calcium, copper, folate, iron, selenium, and zinc can contribute as well.
Hormonal changes caused by thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, may also be responsible for premature white hair.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that helps regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism. Thyroid health can influence hair colour; an overactive or underactive thyroid may lead to reduced melanin production.
Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage hair and contribute to premature greying.
Genetic predisposition also plays a role. If premature greying runs in your family, you’re more likely to experience it.
“It’s a natural, age-related process whereby the cells that produce pigment start to die off, leaving fewer and fewer to add color to the hair strand, eventually causing the hair to have no color at all, and therefore gray,” explains a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, Texas, Dr Ted Lain.
He adds, “A healthy diet and lifestyle is not only good for your overall well-being but also for your skin, hair, and nail health.”
“New research suggests that depigmentation, or greying, of hair is triggered by stress, and likely inflammation from stress,” says Julie Upton, M.S., RD, co-author of Energy to Burn: The Ultimate Food and Nutrition Guide to Fuel Your Active Life.
A study titled Synthesis and Evaluation of Herbal-Based Hair Dye by Rashmi Saxena Pal et al. concludes that a herbal hair pack colours the hair in a gentle manner.
The advantages of herbal-based cosmetics lie in their non-toxic nature. The formulation nourishes the scalp and hair, helps treat dandruff by removing excess oil, and with frequent use, leads to manageable, frizz-free, coloured hair.
Another study, Smokers’ hair: Does smoking cause premature hair greying? by Ayman A. Zayed et al., concludes that there is a significant relation between the onset of grey hair before age 30 and cigarette smoking.
Grey hair is nothing to be ashamed of; it’s a natural part of ageing.
I find it interesting that the Bible, in Proverbs 16:31, refers to grey hair as “a crown of glory.” So, the first thing I would say is: love and embrace your grey hair!
Now, let us try henna and indigo powder:
You can use any other measurements; just maintain the 1:4 ratio, meaning one part henna to four parts indigo.
Some people don’t use both powders on the same day. They apply henna first, then apply indigo the following day.
There are countless plant-based home remedies to darken grey hair, but I recommend we stick to this method, where the synergy between henna and indigo does the magic.
I’ll give you directions on how to get quality henna and indigo powder if you’re interested.
