We’re publishing this article because of the product’s appeal, and since we always bring you the latest in hair care, we’re introducing it to you here. If any of our readers have tried it, we’d love to hear from you about your experience. Thank you!
White hair is a natural outcome and has long been viewed pejoratively as a reminder of the direct effects of aging. We’re living in a time when we’re shedding beauty prejudices; gray hair seems to be in fashion, or at least its stigma has been lifted. The message that having white hair doesn’t make you look neglected or older has finally gotten through. We’ve learned to love ourselves and accept that gray hair, like wrinkles, is an unequivocal sign of the passage of time.
However, not everyone is necessarily comfortable with gray hair, which can appear at any age. For those who want to hide its progress without resorting to traditional coloring, clays are the preferred option to classic dye. “They are a more natural alternative to conventional dyes, as they are composed of plant-based pigments and do not contain harsh chemicals. They do not contain ammonia or oxidants, which allows them to respect the hair fiber and scalp, avoiding irritation or allergic reactions common with traditional dyes,” explains Eva Villar, one of the leading beauty and self-care experts in Spain.
In addition to covering gray hair, clays provide various benefits for hair, and this is precisely what differentiates them from conventional dyes. “They have a healing effect: they strengthen the hair, increase its thickness, and improve its long-term shine and health. They also allow for more personalized coloring, as the result adapts to each person’s natural base and individual percentage of gray hair,” says the hairdresser and makeup artist, who has her own salon in Madrid.
In the era of the boom in natural products that advocate conscious care, many people are turning to this technique to tone their hair with plant-based ingredients. “Hair muds are usually a plant infusion, making them a completely natural coloring option. Unlike conventional dyes, they don’t contain any oxidants, neither mild nor strong, so they don’t damage the hair fiber,” explains José Sánchez, hair master at the Oramai salon in Madrid.
The duration of muds depends on the hair type and maintenance, “but in general, root growth can last between four and six weeks, similar to a conventional dye. And unlike chemical dyes, muds don’t generate such a pronounced “root effect” since they don’t alter the hair’s natural color. They only pigment the gray hair, which makes the root blend more naturally,” says Villar, who assures that this coloring technique is much more stable than chemical dyes. “By not perforating the hair fiber, the hair maintains its structure without increasing porosity, which prevents the color from gradually fading over time.”
According to this expert, clays are ideal for natural hair that’s starting to turn gray, but also for hair with a high percentage of gray. “Their main effect is to modify the tone of the gray hair, providing a natural glow. The higher the percentage of gray hair, the more the color of the clay will dominate over that of the natural hair.” She adds to the list of candidates those with sensitive scalps or those looking for a healthier alternative for their hair. “They work especially well on fine hair, as they add body and texture, and on curly hair, because they help define the curl without drying it out.”
Applying this treatment is simple, as José Sánchez describes it: “The clays come in powder form and are mixed with warm water to obtain a ready-to-apply paste. Although more processed versions are now available, in their traditional form they remain a 100% natural and harmless alternative for hair.” Natural hair coloring doesn’t work by penetrating the hair cuticle and opening it, but rather adheres to and lines the hair, thus thickening it. This characteristic of the clays improves the health of the hair. “This hair-thickening technique is ideal for fine hair. It also regulates scalp conditions such as dandruff, oiliness, or psoriasis, and in some cases, even provides a deep cleansing,” the stylist reveals about this alternative, which is gaining popularity for covering gray hair without risking hair health.
For those hesitant about choosing this technique or conventional dyes, Eva Villar shares some tips to help you stay on track:
Hair condition: If your hair is damaged or sensitized, clays may be a better option due to their strengthening and repairing properties.
Gray coverage: “If you’re looking for complete, even coverage of very thick gray hair, conventional dyes may be more effective. However, clays can tone and add highlights naturally.”
Coloring Goal: “If you want to lighten your hair or drastically change its tone, chemical dyes are the only viable option, as clays don’t have lightening properties.”
Commitment to Natural: “Those looking for more eco-friendly and hair-friendly options often prefer clays, as they don’t contain synthetic chemicals.”
A combination of both. “In some cases, it’s also possible to combine chemical coloring with clays to achieve customized results.”
Remember, if you want something natural and organic that is easy to use, we recommend Melanobars products.
