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The great thing about using herbs to darken your hair color is that you also get the benefit of having healthy hair and scalp in addition to darker hair. There is a downside, however: very little instant gratification. The change in hair color brought about by herbs is subtle, and the herbs must be used consistently over time for the changes to become noticeable. Sage, black tea, and rosemary are some herbs that can darken grays with consistent use and provide other benefits, such as reducing shedding, improving shine, and combatting scalp irritation and itchiness.
Note: Simple herbal rinses are required, and chances are you won’t need to wear gloves or hold your breath while using them. Gloves are necessary, however, if you decide to go for more immediate and permanent results with henna or indigo.
1. Sage
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Sage rinses promote hair growth and darken hair color when used consistently and frequently. They need to be applied daily or as often as possible until the desired color is achieved. Weekly applications thereafter will help maintain the color.
2. Black Tea
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Black tea not only darkens hair but will improve shine and is widely reputed to reduce excessive shedding. The process of using black tea to darken hair color is really quick and simple which is great for those of us who don’t have a lot of time.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the absolute best herbs for promoting healthy hair and scalp. It reduces shedding and improves circulation to the scalp, thereby promoting healthy hair growth. Rosemary is also known to darken grays, though its darkening effect isn’t as strong as that of sage. Using rosemary and sage in combination is, therefore, a great way to get the best of both worlds: multiple hair and scalp benefits and darkening of grays.
4. Henna
Henna is a hair conditioner and a natural way to color hair or create subtle highlights in hair, depending on your starting color. On gray hair, henna gives an orange-copper tint.
5. Indigo
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Indigo gives a blue-black color that, when applied on previously hennaed hair, will completely darken gray hair.
Making an herbal hair rinse is as simple as making a cup of tea
Use the herbs mentioned above, either alone or in combination. You may also add essential oils for fragrance and additional hair and scalp benefits. Don’t forget to strain if you’re using loose herbs (as opposed to tea bags). It is also optional to rinse with water after applying your herbal rinse.
Try it both ways and decide which best suits your hair and lifestyle. In addition to being a rinse for gray hair, these herbal mixtures may also be used as a daily hair refresher or moisturizer. If you work out a lot, consider using your herbal rinse to replace your mid-week co-wash and cleansing sessions.
Herbal rinses are a great way to prevent grays and boost the overall health of your hair and scalp. Even if you aren’t looking to darken your hair, resolve to make herbal rinses a regular part of your hair regimen.
