DEMAND GROWS FOR NATURAL HAIR DYE

Could henna hair dye be making a comeback?

“Natural” beauty is big news at the moment, with many shoppers keen to nab products that have no “nasties” or chemicals added to them.

But, while the thought of henna dye may bring back nostalgia of turning your bathroom red as a teen, it seems that the dye is becoming increasingly popular.

As more and more women find that traditional dyes cause their scalps to become itchy or sensitive and extra stress on their locks, many are searching for gentler, natural alternatives.

Eco-friendly and almost allergy-free, henna powder (a reddish dye made from the leaves of a Middle Eastern shrub) is becoming more sought after. The shift for more natural options reflects growing concerns over possible irritations caused by chemicals in synthetic dyes, including ammonia and PPD (paraphenylene-diamine).

Hairdresser Paul Edmonds confirmed that vegetable dyes are making a comeback. He told MailOnline: “Natural colour is expected to work just as well as conventional colour – think high shine, great condition and reduced damage to hair and scalp.

“I’ve seen a 62 per cent increase year-on-year for natural colour”.

Brands have also started opting for a more “natural” route, with L’Oreal launching a 100 per cent herbal colour, L’Oreal Professionnel Botanea, made up of three herbal powders — henna, indigo and cassia.