More than a decade ago, I suffered from a crippling condition.

I was unable to walk, hold a job, clean my house or cook a meal.

This debilitating illness came on quickly, starting with a recurring backache, and it progressed rapidly.

Visiting various healthcare professionals, I was told different things.

Unrelenting nerve pain that travels, coupled with fatigue and other disturbing symptoms, will be given different labels. Depending upon what type of doctor you visit.

Mainstream physicians may tell you it’s fibromyalgia. Alternative healers typically label it adrenal fatigue.

Mainstream medicine had little to offer. But I had two options.

I could continue eating whatever I liked, and continue using toxic beauty products and detergents.

Or, I could overhaul my lifestyle. Fortunately, I chose the latter.

It’s important to note that toxins can cause inflammation. Inflammation causes pain. That’s why I paid particular attention to toxins.

Natural Hair Dyes No Chemicals

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One part of my lifestyle overhaul was getting rid of my chemical hair color.

In addition to putting toxins on my scalp, the chemicals were eating away at my hair.

Each time I applied the dye, it appeared to increase my hair volume. But a week or so later my hair strands appeared thinner, and very mousy colored. It was a vicious cycle I had to break.

I broke it by switching to pure natural plant-based henna, which nicely covers any gray. Plus it conditions my hair and makes it look “younger.”

Today, I’m pretty much free of the excruciating pain. I can walk again.

Plus my hair looks better.

I don’t miss my old cosmetic collection, because I’ve found substitutes for everything, including my hair dye.

Does Hair Dye Cause Cancer?

Many of the commercial dyes sold in drugstores contain carcinogens and chemicals that mimic estrogen.

Currently, there’s great debate whether these hormone disruptors are partly responsible for the current breast cancer epidemic in the United States.

Studies showing a direct link between hair dye and cancer are lacking, at least right now. But there seems to be enough evidence for concern. An article on the MD Anderson Cancer Center website noted that nearly 5,000 chemicals can be found in hair dye products. Some of them, it explained, “might cause cancer.”

So, instead of a noxious-smelling chemical combo, which I mixed together, from two bottles, I use a natural hair color harvested from plants. These botanicals are not sprayed with pesticides. The main ingredient is henna, which has been safely used for centuries. It’s been said that Cleopatra used this on her own hair. I have no way of verifying if this is true. But it’s a nice story.

Chemical Free Hair Dyes

Hair dye made with chemicals will eventually strip your hair. My hair was starting to become very limp. Henna, which comes from a plant, builds your hair up. For a few days after each application, you’ll see a noticeable boost in your hair volume.

When the henna treatment wears off, about a week and a half later, I don’t notice the thinner strands and mousy color I did when I used chemical dye.

Really, though, the only downsides I’ve found is that henna is a messy (but so is chemical hair dye) and you don’t get highlights from this DIY beauty treatment.

But, in my case, I’m trading highlights for better health, which, to me, is more important.

It’s important to find the right product, though. After trying another brand that dried my hair and left it a shade of brassy red, I fortunately stumbled upon natural plant-based Rainbow Henna, which you can see below.

Chemical Free Hair Dye for Grey Hair

Persian Dark Brown is the color I use because it closely matches my hair shade.

But Rainbow Research also sells henna in a variety of other colors, including blonde, auburn, light brown and others.

Here’s how to use all natural hair dye:

• Using henna does take a little get used to. It’s a little messier than chemical hair color and it has a distinct earthy aroma.
• Similar to chemical dyes, you need to leave it on your hair for about an hour. Sometimes I let is stay longer, as it doesn’t contain toxins. My favorite thing about using henna is that it leaves your hair in better shape than when you started.
• However, henna can still be drying. So I make sure to always use conditioner with my shampoo.
• Another option is to add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the henna mix before putting it on your head.

For Additional Reading

Where to Buy Organic Hairspray

Where to Find Organic Lipstick

Non Toxic Liquid Foundation Makeup