In Search of an Herbal Perm?

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In Search of an Herbal Perm?

 

" I read in one of your books that you OK'd henna hair dye, which is all natural.

I was wondering if you know of a natural perm solution. I would do anything to

get hold of it, if there is such a thing. "

 

-- Anonymous

 

 

 

(Published 06/26/1998)

 

Henna hair dye is a product made using the dried, crushed leaves of the henna

plant (Lawsonia inermis). The natural dyeing properties found in henna are

tannins, red pigments also found in grapes. Curling hair isn't as simple as

coloring it. The critical step in hair permanents is the softening or swelling

of hair by breaking down its molecular bonds so that it conforms to a desired

shape, like a roller. Molecules in hair don't usually come apart very easily so

it takes serious chemical action to achieve this result. Unfortunately, as far

as I know, there aren't any plants that pack the necessary punch to reshape it.

That's the bad news. The good news is that not all permanent solutions are

created equal, so knowing the ingredients of some may help you to choose salons

or at-home products that use the least hazardous chemicals. Bisulfites are used

mostly in home perms and in some salons, while other perm solutions use amino

acids like cysteine, derived from animal sources, which you may prefer not to

use. In addition, some commercial research claims that the perms containing

these ingredients tend to take a lot longer to process, don't produce the

desired-size curls and are not resistant to shampooing and combing.

 

Thioglycolate perms (also known as " thio " ) seem to be OK. This sulfur compound,

which helps to shape the hair, has been used for the last 50 years or so and has

a good safety profile. Odd as it may seem, diluted ammonia is another component

of safer hair permanent solutions. Don't be fooled by products touted as

" no-ammonia " perms. They often contain derivatives of ammonia called aromatic

amines that can cause bladder cancer.

 

Take it from someone whose hair is anything but permanent: Give the fancy

hairdos the big heave-ho and be happy with how you are, naturally.

 

www.drweil.com

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