Hair Reset

a break from the fake

This has been a very interesting journey for me regarding my hair! When I was diagnosed, my hair was so unhealthy. Every six weeks for over 25 years, I had single-process coloring and highlights done on my hair. In addition, I had hair-straightening treatments, probably containing formaldehyde, done a couple of times per year. My hair was brittle and unhealthy, but I didn’t realize that until I allowed my hair to heal. I don’t know why I never took the time to look for healthier options for my hair considering I was dedicated to my health in so many other ways. 

When I was diagnosed, I just stopped coloring my hair. Then Covid hit, and this gave me time to let my hair heal and to do some research on hair products. I learned that it is ideal to avoid using the following ingredients constantly:

• Ammonia

• Hydrogen peroxide

• DMDM Hydantoin

• Lead Acetate

• Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and anything else ending in paraben)

• Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP, and artificial fragrances)

• PPD (p-phenylenediamine)

• Resorcinol

• Sulfates (SLS and SLES)

• Toluene

• Triclosan — In 2017, the FDA deemed this ingredient harmful due to disrupting hormones, but I couldn't find specific research on this.

I also started researching healthier products to use on my hair. Visit the Julie’s Online Favorites page to learn about healthier shampoo, conditioner, etc.

Most people searching for healthy hair coloring options look to henna because it is the best option for pure hair coloring. But the only way to get pure henna is directly from plants. The boxed versions of henna that you will find contain henna extract mixed with other ingredients, so it is not pure henna.

I purchased a version of this, called Surya Henna Brasil. This brand seemed to work well on my hair, and it passed the “no harmful ingredients” test. The problem was that over time my hair began to turn a deep yellow color so I had to find another option. l continued to use this product until I could do more research.

A phase of trying to color my hair with turmeric powder mixed with conditioner. A little too orange!

I have done a lot of all-natural experimenting with my hair in the past several years — even trying turmeric powder, mixed with my conditioner, to color my hair. (Mix less than a teaspoon into a handful of conditioner.) I thought the turmeric experiment looked good until a young woman asked me if I dyed my hair “orange” as a joke. Back to the drawing board!

After three years, I settled on the healthiest solution possible.

• I use a product called Herbatint to do single process hair coloring (roots) either at home by myself or I found a wonderful local hairdresser who charges me $35 to apply. She is so sweet! This is not henna, but it is plant-based. It does contain some harmful ingredients so I am careful not to get too close to my skin when applying. I lean into the fact that I don’t color my hair that often, and my body is healthy enough to detox anything harmful in the hair coloring. After all, it is one of the only chemicals I put on my body. If you decide to try Herbatint, be sure to choose the right color tint for your hair. I use this blonde Herbatint on my roots.

• I also extend the time that I color my hair by using a root touch up powder that is 100% ammonia-free, PPD-free, resorcinol-free, paraben-free, pthalates-free, SLS-free, gluten-free, and titanium-dioxide-free.

• I caved and started having my sweet hairdresser add a few traditional highlights which I love. She is very careful to avoid my skin when applying.

BEAUTY FROM WITHIN

Fast forward to now — my hair is thick and healthy again. My hair is not falling out like it was before. Interestingly, my roots take so much longer to turn grey. This study shows that oxidative stress can lead to having gray hair, and it is so encouraging that this process has slowed down. I believe this is just another sign that oxidative stress is slowing down in my body. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/

Here are a few tips when seeking a professional’s help:

• Henna — Find a professional who uses pure henna coloring. This is the healthiest way to color your hair since it is a plant-based dye, but henna doesn’t look good on everyone. One thing to understand is that henna cannot be mixed with any traditional coloring, like highlights — this is why it’s important to use a professional to help you through this process.

• Healthier hair dyes — If you choose to use a professional who applies traditional hair coloring, ask for temporary or semi-permanent hair dyes. These dyes contain less damaging ingredients, and do not usually involve bleaching of the hair. Or find a hairdresser who will apply Herbatint for you!

• Traditional coloring — If you still choose to continue treating your hair with traditional coloring, just lean on what I said above and don’t stress about it. Stressing about anything, even hair chemicals, is probably worse than the chemicals. :)

Joel did a great job and I was so thankful!

Needless to say, I am still experimenting and continuing my quest for the healthiest plant-based substances to use on my hair. Perhaps in the next ten years I will go grey, and boy, will that be easy!

When I was diagnosed, I just assumed that all toxic chemicals caused cancer. I have learned that some do, but not all! Over time, I learned to de-stress regarding limited chemical or toxin exposure. I have learned that even though environmental toxins surround us, our bodies are healthier than we think. We are designed to handle a lot of toxins, and there’s no way to avoid all of the toxic exposure in our environment. It is more important to spend money on items that promote a consistent health routine, such as diet and exercise, to naturally and consistently detox our bodies. Visit the Detox page to learn more.