Rooibos extract protects hair colour?

[Idun]

Interesting Patent Application: freshpatents.com (http://www.freshpatents.com/-dt20090423ptan20090104298.php)

I apologize if you all read this before. Could not find any threads on it, so I post it anyway.

[freznow]

It doesn't really apply to me, being a natural hair color person, but now I wonder what would happen if I poured rooibos tee on my head. It does have zinc in it, so it makes sense that it'd protect from sun.

[ktani]

Great find!

I found this version of the patent, easier to follow.

"Rooibos extract can advantageously be used in the cleansing, care, dyeing and styling of hair wherever cosmetically desirable effects are associated with a reduction in or slowing of the colour loss of natural and/or dyed hair. To that end, it is preferably applied topically to the hair to be treated, preferably in the form of a hair-cosmetic preparation." (http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2009/0104298.html)

I also found this on rooibos myths (http://health.learninginfo.org/herbs/rooibos.htm).

[ktani]

There was a 90 day study done in 1998, on rooibos positively affecting hair growth and condition.

"While this study is not a clinical trial, it nevertheless adds weight to anecdotal evidence that rooibos may help reduce hair loss, increase growth and improve the general texture and appearance of the hair. SOURCE: London Drugs References 1. 1998 study in vivo on human subjects on the efficacy of an active (sic) designed to prevent hair loss plus placebo: videotrichogramme study conducted on a lotion containing MPE Rooibos by Dermascan, France for Cosmetochem International." (http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/ZooRide/fountainheadgreen/trait108886)


The 2002 reference in the patent, on hair growth and condition is about the 1998 study. (http://www.cosmetochem.ch/upload/docs/publications/rooibos.pdf)

[Idun]

In this article (http://www.rooibos.com/story3.html) research from 1996 is mentioned. - With listing of nutrients etc.

[SimplyViki]

Well, you've convinced me! :D I'm easily persuaded to try something new. Don't have rooibos extract, but I've got rooibos tea, so here goes - I added one teabag of rooibos tea to my strong chamomile tea (2 teabags, half cup water), which I use in my vinegar rinse after my hair washing. It's a highly unresearched, "sure-let's-try-it" technique, but it's seemed fine with just the chamomile, so I'll see if the rooibos feels any different.

[Idun]

I would like to see what rooibos will do to my hair if used regularly in rinses. But the stuff is kind of expensive here so I´m still looking for a supplier. The teas they have at the grocers are very often mixed with other ingredients.