Hair colouring has become very popular and fashionable and is used, not just to colour greys but to add a new dimension and look to natural hair as well.

There are a wide range of hair colours of various cosmetic manufacturers that are available today. However they do have a slightly drying effect on hair which, of course, can be rectified by using the right haircare products. As an alternative, natural hair colourants can be used.
Here are some natural hair colourants. Though they will show more prominently on light hair or grey hair, they will add a lovely lustre and shine even on dark hair. Since they are all natural vegetable colours, they will wash away in 6 to 8 washes and not remain permanent.

1. Henna : 
We all know the all popular “mehndi” and the orange tinge that it adds to the hair. To achieve a different effect, try these other varied natural hair colours. 

2. Hibiscus + Henna : 
Take henna powder and mix it in water to which hibiscus leaves have been added. Using this will give hair a deeper red colour.

3. Henna + Amla : 
Take henna and amla in equal quantities and mix with tea water. Using this mixture will give a less orange and more of a light brown tinge to the hair.

4. Crushed walnut shells : 
Powder walnut shells are very fine. Make a paste with tea water and apply. This will give a dark brown look to the hair.

5. Beetroot water + Henna :
Boil beetroots and mix henna into the water. Using this will give a reddish-mahogany look to the hair.

To get maximum mileage out of Home Natural Hair Colourants, keep these tips in mind :

• It is best to apply once a week initially for maximum effect. 

• The colourants should be kept on for a couple of hours. For best results apply it on absolutely dry hair, preferably which has been freshly shampooed as there will be no residue of oil, sweat or dust on the hair.

• If possible, on the day you colour, just rinse off the hair and do not shampoo. Let the hair dry, oil it and shampoo the next day. This will hydrate the hair and remove the dryness which sometimes occurs due to the natural ingredients.

Remember that these natural colourants will not give you the dramatic effects of Professional highlighting and colouring but are good for those wanting to cover those few premature greys or simply to add a shine and tinge of colour to hair. A word of caution - do not use it on previously highlighted hair as it will change the colour. For those who have over 25% greys, these colourants will not give complete coverage. 

Sunita Motwani-Makhija is an Internationally qualified Beautician and Hair Consultant and is the Director of the Schnell Hans chain of Beauty Schools & Salons in Mumbai, India that conducts Basic and Advanced courses and also the City & Guilds International Hairdressing Qualification. Sunita is the only Indian to have been conferred the prestigious Licentiateship in Hairdressing by City & Guilds, U.K. 
For any hair & beauty queries e-mail: schnellhans@rbcsgroup.com