Chers Santies,
Now let's get down to business... or not!
In our previous article on colorations we discovered the positive points of this method. If you haven't yet read our latest article on this subject, click on the following link:
Why choose plant-based colorants?
In this second part, we'll be revealing tips and tricks, mistakes to avoid and secrets that only the pros know. You'll then be able to make the most of your vegetable color, prolong its life and preserve the health of your hair.
Parameters for successful plant-based coloring
1. Installation phase
This is an essential step, as the application time is longer for plant-based colorants.
The texture of the paste is similar to that of mud, as it is a mixture of powders and water. This makes application more laborious than with traditional colorants.
Then you have to prepare yourself for a particular smell, similar to that of hay. Because of its plant-based components, vegetable coloring leaves a special scent that can linger after several days.
DON'T WORRY! We suggest adding a few drops ofYlang-Ylang Essential Oil to your mixture in order to attenuate this odour. Not only will this give the paste a pleasant fragrance, but theylang-ylang will also help make your hair shinier.
2. The rinsing stage
Rinsing plant-based hair color takes longer than rinsing traditional hair color, due to its special texture.
Here's a tip: start by immersing your entire head of hair in a bucket filled with water. Gently scrubbing your submerged hair will remove most of the coloring paste. Finish rinsing in the shower. This method makes final rinsing much easier and quicker.
3. Timing of results
Unlike traditional dyes, which promise a virtually uniform color, whether you're a blonde, brunette or redhead, la vegetable coloring offers subtle, nuanced results. The shades obtained vary considerably depending on your hair's natural color and the application time. This coloring method evolves over time, gradually darkening or lightening.
A practical guide to switching to plant-based hair color
- If your hair is natural, you can apply the vegetable coloring without prior preparation.
- If you've been using chemical colorants up to now, it's essential to prepare your hair when applying vegetable color to achieve optimum results.
What you need to know before choosing plant-based hair color
The transition can be long and sometimes difficult, as you may have the initial impression that your hair is in a state of crisis. That's why they say: after the effort comes the comfort! Beautiful, natural hair takes time and patience, not just one session.
When wet, naturally colored hair may seem to have a rough texture, but it will regain its softness once dry, so don't worry.
How to prepare pre-coloration
Hair used to chemical coloring should :
- Removing old color: you'll need to perform one or more masks at two-day intervals. You'll need to mix a brick of coconut cream (from the kitchen) with 2 tablespoons ofwhite clay. Leave on for 1 hour. Don't worry if your hair looks very rough after this step - it's normal!
- Shampoo + 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda: then follow with an shampoing and generously add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. This step should be carried out just before coloring. Thanks to baking soda's alkalinity, the color pigments can set deeper into the hair as the scales open up.
How do I apply plant color?
At this stage, your hair is wet from shampooing. Prepare the paste by mixing the powders with hot water. This will allow the pigments in the various plants to develop. To protect your skin, apply a thick vegetable oil such as coconut oil to your forehead, ears and neck, and don't forget to wear gloves.
Start at the nape of the neck and work your way up to the crown of the head, separating strands and covering each one from root to tip. Say good-bye to the color brush, as the texture of the preparation is not suitable.
Gather your hair towards the top of your head, roll it into a ball if it's long, and wrap it carefully with cling film. Then wrap your head with a hot towel to help the pigments develop. Note that the towel will be stained.
The length of the application will vary according to the intensity of color desired. The longer you leave it on, the more intense the color will be. A major advantage is that there's no risk of damaging hair quality with this process.
Final step: rinsing
- Rinse off with water only.
- Don't wash with shampoo at first, as the color will oxidize for 48 hours and you'll notice the change. Washing with shampoo will stop the oxidation, resulting in a different shade to the one you had chosen.
What to do about white hair?
It is possible to colour white hair with vegetable dyes, mais cela nécessite une méthode en deux étapes essentielles. La coloration ne sera pas réussie si celles-ci ne sont pas respectées. Tout d'abord,réalisez du henné du Yémen Pur, qui initialement donnera une teinte orangée. Ne vous inquiétez pas de cette couleur initiale.
Then immediately proceed with the vegetable coloring of your choice. This method ensures that your white hair takes on the desired color without appearing lighter. It is crucial to follow these two steps to achieve satisfactory results on the white hair.
Mistakes not to be made when coloring with plant dyes
- Don't give up: the transition to plants will take several months, and you'll have to be patient to achieve the desired result.
- Colorants containingindigo and bleached blond are not a good idea, because you'll get green highlights! By the way, if you want to bleach your hair but have used a color that contains indigo, you should tell your hairdresser.
How to maintain your plant-based hair color?
You will need two types of care per week:
- masks and moisturizers
- nourishing masks and treatments
Moisturizing masks
What could be better than :
- Le gel de lin
- Le aloe vera gel
- Le yaourt
- Applesauce
This treatment should be used alternately with your plant-based hair color, for at least one hour, in a warm towel and wrapped in plastic film.
Nourishing masks
Hair nutrition should not be confused with hair hydration.
- Aqueous products: moisturizing
- Fatty products: providing nutrition
Vegetable oils are an effective natural means of nourishing hair: shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, huile de ricinegg,...
Find out which vegetable oil is right for your hair type in our article :