I was born to be a redhead. My genes had a different idea and my hair is decidedly brown – but, inside, where it really counts, I’m a redhead. I have freckles, which covered my face when I was a kid but faded as I got older. They’re heat-activated and come out when the weather warms, although there are not nearly as many these days, a fact I attribute to rigorous sun protection. I love them. My fair skin is the perfect complement to red hair. I should know. I’ve been a redhead many times in my life. As a kid, a summer in the sun brought out my auburn highlights. When I got older, I gave nature a nudge with henna.
Henna is an all-natural dye made from the plant by the same name. It’s been used for centuries to temporarily dye skin, fingernails and, yup, hair. (It’s also been used to dye fabrics.) Today, henna, when used as a hair dye, is often mixed with other natural hair dyes and is available in a wide range of colors.
I’d mix henna powder with water until it became a muddy paste and then I’d slather that on my hair and let it do its thing. In those days, henna was available in only a couple of shades of red, as I recall. I loved my henna’d hair. When it caught the sun it glistened a deep reddish brown. It was the perfect auburn. And then I stopped henna-ing. There was no reason for it. I just decided to allow my hair to be its natural color. When the greys came in, I headed to my salon for color and highlights. Henna remained in my past.
I was thinking about henna the other day as I was sitting in my colorist’s chair having highlights applied to my hair. I’m not a fan of chemicals and sometimes the ones used in hair color irritate my scalp which henna never did. Henna never itched, burned or irritated my scalp and I never had an allergic reaction to it as I do to many chemicals and fragrances, reason enough for me to reconsider henna as a chemical dye alternative.
So, when an email about Surya Brasil Henna products came across my virtual desk the other day I thought I’d share the info with you. I haven’t used the product yet but think that I will.
Surya Brasil’s Henna Powder is a henna-based hair color that is 100 percent natural. Besides henna, it contains Amal Fruit (Vitamin C), Indigo and Acacia. And, wow, henna has come a long way since I’ve last used it. Surya Brasil’s Henna Powder is available in the following shades: Ash Brown, Brown, Burgundy, Golden Brown, Mahogany, Neutral (for shine), Red, Strawberry and Swedish Blonde. It sells for $7.99 and is available online at http://www.suryabrasilproducts.com.
Surya Brasil also offers a Henna Cream. This semi-permanent hair color is anti-oxidant rich with the following ingredients: Aloe Vera, Acai, Brazilian Nut, Hazelnut and Chamomile. It’s available for $16.49 from the company website in Ash Blonde, Black, Burgundy, Chocolate, Swedish Blonde, Silver Fox, Reddish Dark Blonde, Red, Mahogany, Light Brown, Light Blonde, Golden Brown, Golden Blonde, Dark Brown and Copper. This product is devoid of ammonia, PPD, parabens, peroxide, heavy metals, artificial fragrance, GMOs and gluten.
I’m going to give it a try. The company says their henna products do an excellent job of covering grey. I’m in! Let me know if you are too. Leave a comment in the section below …
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Love the redhead- inside and out.
You’re funny. Love you!