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Hair colouring without chemical dyes
Is it true that PABA can turn grey hair back to its natural colour? Also, what natural hair dyes do you recommend for those of us trying to avoid chemicals?
PABA or para-aminobenzoic acid is one of the nutrients the body uses to make the anti-stress B vitamins, especially vitamin B5 which has, in turn, been linked with slowing down the rate of both greying and hair loss. You need to remember though that the trials which suggest this welcome benefit are small and only worked when prematurely greying hair was the result of either stress or a nutritional deficiency that the PABA could correct.
In fact, PABA was initially being assessed for the treatment of a condition called vitiligo where patches of skin turn chalky white. Some people with this condition also have prematurely grey hair and what the researchers found was that a very small percentage of patients responded so well to a combined dose of PABA and magnesium, their skin and hair colour returned to normal.
The good news for those seeking a good quality natural colouring to cover grey is that one of the better companies, Herbatint, now has a new UK distributor. I have recommended this excellent ammonia-free range of 30 different shades before, but then readers reported problems in sourcing the dyes. Now you can call 0800-594 7706 or visit www.herbatint.co.uk to order a colour sheet and track down your nearest local stockist or email the company at info@organic-colour.co.uk for more information.