How to Cover Grey Hair with Herbal Remedies

Hair color is produced by a tiny pigment within the hair follicles called melanocytes. As you age, this pigmentation declines, and any new hair growing in will be without color, or gray. There is no scientific proof that any herbal product can effectively remedy gray hair. Even so, instead of reaching for a dye or rinse that contains chemicals and preservatives, try using an herbal alternative for rinsing away some of the gray in your hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sage and Rosemary
• Saffron
• Henna

1. Dried sage and rosemary have shown some promise in covering up gray hair. You can find these dried herbs in your local health food store. Boil 2 cups of water in a pan, and add 1/2 cup each of dried sage and rosemary. Let the herbal preparation simmer for about 30 minutes, remove from stove and pour into a glass sealed jar or bottle. Let steep for several hours, or even better, overnight. Strain the dried herbs from the water and pour about 1/4 cup of the mixture into your hair. Allow the mixture to dry completely in your hair. After it is dry, wash your hair as you normally would, rinse and dry. You can apply this sage and rosemary rinse every three to five days.

2. Saffron is best when used for blond or light brown hair that is showing signs of grey. Add 1/2 tsp. of saffron to 2 cups of boiling water. Boil for ten minutes, remove from heat and let the saffron mixture steep for between 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool, and strain the saffron from the mixture. Pour about 1/4 cup of the saffron mixture through your hair and massage in. Allow to dry. Once dry, shampoo as you normally would, rinse and dry. Saffron provides a warm golden color to brown or blond hair.

3. Henna is commonly used as a natural dye for the hair. It imparts a reddish tint to hair, so it is best to use on darker brown or black hair with a little grey. It also helps to condition hair, increasing its vitality. Henna is widely available already prepared in shampoos, dyes and rinses. Use according to package directions. You can also prepare your own henna rinse at home. Combine 1/4 cup of powdered henna with 2 cups of water, boil for ten minutes. Remove from heat, let steep for 2 hours. Use as a rinse prior to shampooing. Shampoo as usual, rinse and dry.

[ramblin62]

on 10/16/2009 Interesting article! Never thought about using herbal remedies to cover those pesky gray hairs. Favoriting this one just in case. tx.