Outstanding exploration of why and how to color your hair using herbal dyes. Well researched, presented clearly and thoughtfully, and the altogether a helpful and handy book.

Book Review Natural Hair Coloring by Christine Shahin
Review by Dawn Thomas


184 Pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: May, 27, 2016
Health, Mind & Body

I was excited to read this book. As I travel through my 50s, I am aware that one day I will need to begin coloring my hair. I have a small silver streak and I told my hair stylist It is tinsel. This book provides 14 recipes of natural coloring. The images and poetry in the book are lovely.

Chapter one answers the question, “Why color your hair?” The author asks why we should use herbal colorants and how we should embrace our inner crone.

Chapter two discusses the basic understanding of coloring. This includes hair structure, growth, and the differences between chemical coloring and natural. Chapter three describes the four different herbal colorants. These include henna, amla, indigo and cassia obovata.

Chapter four instructs how to use herbal colorants. The author shows you how to create a color recipe, special procedures that may be necessary, mixing and storing ideas, applying the colorants, making corrections and troubleshooting. Chapter five gives examples for wrapping hair.

Chapter six provides ways to take care of colored hair. The author goes into detail with a daily hair regime. She also talks about styling ideas, shampoos and conditioners. Chapter seven addresses frequently asked questions. I recommend this book to anyone thinking about coloring their hair.