My hair has a green-grey tone from Bhringraj (or Amla)

[Finchen]

I washed my hair with Indian herbs today and the herb I used most was Bhringraj (1.5 tbs). Now my hair turned green-grey (from middle / dark blonde with golden reflexes).

I also used Amla, so maybe it was a mix of these two herbs.

I am very unhappy with the colour. :(
Is this dye permanent or will it wash out sometime?

Anybody experienced the same from Bhringraj?

[hazelnut]

I use both of those herbs all of the time on my hair and I've never experienced that before. Where did you get the herbs from?

[Finchen]

The herbs are from Hesh and I bought them from spicesofindia.co.uk.
My fingernails are also "stained".

[hazelnut]

I'm not sure why that is happening. I don't buy Hesh products. I used to, but I found an Indian store in my local community. I do imagine that the color, however it came about, wouldn't stay for long. Maybe someone on on the hair boards will come and elaborate further. But I really can't imagine the color staying in your hair for long. I would write a letter to Hesh explaining your problem. But that's my two cents:).

[Finchen]

Thanks for your reply hazelnut. :)
I dont think it has something to do with Hesh, I have just read an article, posted by ktani about Eclipta alba and black dye. It is here (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=198543&postcount=2).

How often do you use the herbs and how long do you let them sit on your hair?

[hazelnut]

I use my herbs every week. I let them sit on my hair for about 15-20 minutes and then I wash them out with conditioner. I then use a tea rinse to get the rest of the herbs out of my hair and follow up with another wash with conditioner.

[GrowingGlory]

Maybe a swimmers shampoo would remove the discoloration.

[Finchen]

I am going to wash my hair with Aritha later and will do a honey treatment before. Maybe this will help to remove the discoloration. Fingers crossed. :)

[Henna Sooq]

a honey treatment sounds like a very good idea. Sometimes on fair hair the herbs can leave the hair discolored, grey or faint pale, dull colors. Be wary of certain herbs on your hair. Cassia would be a good choice to be part of your regimen as well since it'll give you all the benefits of henna without the color but add that golden hue to your hair without the other darker herbs possibly dyeing them. Be careful with some Hesh products as they have been recalled in the last few months (within the last 6 months)

[ChloeDharma]

As you have found out, bhringraj when used as a herb can produce a dark dye. If you want the growth benefits in future then using an oil extract of it would probably be safer.

I've found the herb mixes do darken my hair to the point i can't keep my hair bright red from henna. Bhringraj is one of the herbs i add to my mixes. I doubt the stain will be permanent....my nails often got stained by the herbs but were back to normal in a few days.

[aenflex]

Indigo did this to me bleached hair. Not that it's germain to this post :)

[Henna Sooq]

wow it made it green. Not so great. The henna didn't cover the hairs that went green beforehand?

[aenflex]

I was using hendigo, with indigo being most of the mix. Lush Caca Brun to be exact :)

[Finchen]

a honey treatment sounds like a very good idea. Sometimes on fair hair the herbs can leave the hair discolored, grey or faint pale, dull colors. Be wary of certain herbs on your hair. Cassia would be a good choice to be part of your regimen as well since it'll give you all the benefits of henna without the color but add that golden hue to your hair without the other darker herbs possibly dyeing them. Be careful with some Hesh products as they have been recalled in the last few months (within the last 6 months)

Yes I will be definitely more cautious in the future. I will try Cassia sometime. :)


As you have found out, bhringraj when used as a herb can produce a dark dye. If you want the growth benefits in future then using an oil extract of it would probably be safer.

I've found the herb mixes do darken my hair to the point i can't keep my hair bright red from henna. Bhringraj is one of the herbs i add to my mixes. I doubt the stain will be permanent....my nails often got stained by the herbs but were back to normal in a few days.

I wanted to use bhringraj for hair growth and against shedding. Will use bhringraj hair oil from now on.


I will do the honey treatment tomorrow.

[ktani]

Be careful with cassia too. It is pH semsitive, can leave blonde hair brassy or add red/gold tones to it.

To avoid that, mix it with distilled water, and do not mix it with acidic plants or solutions.

[Finchen]

Hi ktani, I would be happy if Cassia would add a gold tone to my hair. :)