Hair colouring is not a new phenomenon. It is said that approximately 9000 years ago, Cleopatra, the legendary queen of ancient Egypt, used to beautify her hair and body with henna. Similar is the story of indigo, another vegetable tint that was extensively being used along with henna in Indus Valley Civilization around 8,000 to 10,000 BC.

Chemical hair colours came into the picture with the invention of paraphenylenediamine (PPD) by August Hoffman in 1863. In 1907, Eugene Schueller created the first chemical hair dye with PPD and called it Aureole. Later, he changed its name to L’Orȇal and also founded the company with the same name. With L’Orȇal you could, for the first time in human history, completely change your hair colour - from striking pink to jade blue, from sharp purple to a screaming orange. But, how has this affected the hair health of people around the world?

Chemicals in Modern Hair Dyes

The best thing about chemical hair dyes is their dramatic colouring effects. But, to get this effect, we unknowingly end up sacrificing a lot on the health front.

Hydrogen Peroxide (Bleach), the Harmful Hair Whitener

Did you know that repeated application of bleach permanently switches off the colour producing cells called melanocytes present inside the skin? This eventually turns hair permanently white, further increasing the number of greys. So, you become more dependent on the same hair colour.

Ammonia, the All Powerful Hair Damager

Human hair has three layers;

1. The innermost medula
2. The middle layer cortex
3. And the outermost cuticle

Ammonia opens up the hair cuticle allowing bleach and PPD to enter into the cortex. This not just facilitates the new colours to chemically react inside the hair strands, but also dries up the moisture inside turning hair dry, rough and brittle, ultimately resulting in premature baldness.

PPD, the Primary Cause For Deadly Allergies

Paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, chemically reacts with a peroxide once inside the hair strands to give it the new colour. With PPD, artificial hair colours get the power to completely change the hair colour.

Other Chemicals that May Cause Cancers in The Body

Artificial hair colours may also contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, silver or arsenic. These metals do not wash away completely and some residues always remain inside the pores and hair roots even after thorough rinsing. This harmful accumulation, in due course of time, may cause many types of cancers.

Why You Should Shift to a Natural Hair Colour

Natural hair colour like henna, indigo, manjistha, chamomile, etc, are natural sources of vitamins E and K, omega fatty acids and antioxidants—tannins, catechins, phenolics and flavonoids. Together, they nourish and revitalise hair and scalp repairing damaged hair and bolstering new hair growth. Hair colour experts and salon artists opine that nothing turns hair softer, bouncier and more lustrous like the way henna and indigo do.

To Colour Hair Without Suffering Any Allergies or Side Effects 

Being free of all added chemicals, they do not cause any negative side effects. A 48-hour patch test is, however, recommended for those allergic to vegetables or pollen.

To Promote Hair Growth or Counter Hair Fall

High in antioxidants, multi-minerals and vitamins, the natural hair colours nourish the hair roots and rejuvenate up the scalp.

To Combat Dandruff and Scalp Flakes

Apply natural henna after mixing it with a few drops of lemongrass oil twice a month. It will not only nourish your scalp, but also reduce your dandruff to a great extent.

To Reduce Premature Greying of Hair

Both indus valley henna and indigo are known for their premature grey reversal qualities. The antioxidants and phytochemicals present in both help slow down premature greying.

To Regulate Natural Oil Secretion

Sebum is the natural oil secreted by the scalp to maintain the moisture levels of hair. However, both excess oil and less oil are bad for hair health. The natural hair colours help balance hair and scalp oil.

To Condition and Repair Damaged Hair

The natural nutrients and vitamins present in natural hair colours help repair damaged hair caused due to excessive use of chemicals or heat styling products turning hair smooth, shiny and vibrant.

In case you have any further queries, do feel free to connect with our beauty and health experts by posting your comments below. Till then, stay natural, stay beautiful!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are chemical hair dyes harmful for long-term hair health?

Yes. Chemical dyes containing ammonia, hydrogen peroxide (bleach) and PPD can strip natural moisture, weaken the cuticle, and even trigger severe allergies. Long-term usage may lead to dryness, breakage, and premature greying.

2. What does bleach (hydrogen peroxide) actually do to the hair?

Hydrogen peroxide permanently deactivates melanocytes—the cells that produce natural hair pigment. Repeated use can make hair turn permanently white, increasing your dependency on chemical dyes.

3. Why is ammonia considered damaging for hair?

Ammonia forces the cuticle layer to open so chemicals can penetrate deep into the cortex. This process dries out natural oils, weakens the strand structure, and may cause roughness, brittleness, and even early baldness.

4. How can PPD in hair dyes cause allergies?

PPD reacts chemically inside the hair shaft and is known to trigger strong allergic reactions such as itching, redness, swelling, rashes, or in rare cases, life-threatening reactions. Sensitive individuals should avoid it completely.

5. Are natural hair colours like henna and indigo safer?

Absolutely. Pure henna, indigo, manjistha, chamomile, etc., are plant-based and free from harmful chemicals. They nourish the scalp, strengthen roots, add shine, and colour hair without causing irritation or side effects.

6. Can natural hair colours help reduce dandruff?

Yes. Henna mixed with a few drops of lemongrass oil can deeply nourish the scalp, reduce flakes, and help control dandruff over time.

7. Do natural colours help prevent premature greying?

Natural ingredients like henna and indigo contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that help slow down premature greying and support healthier pigment production.

8. Will herbal hair colours promote hair growth?

Plant-based colours are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that strengthen roots, boost blood circulation, and improve overall scalp health—supporting better hair growth and reducing hair fall.