As many of you know, I've been letting my bleached blonde hair grow out to my natural brown color. Here is an email I received today...
Hi Kristen, I saw your video and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. You look great but I do prefer you as a blonde, it just fits better with you. I WAS a natural blonde until nature turned it darker around 16...:( Anyway I am really into raw, non toxic stuff like you are. However I almost was going to go au natural with the hair (very very blonde by the way) until I realized I just didn't want to. I WANT to be blonde, and a little hair dye isn't going to kill me ya know? We are all dying and everthing around us is a toxic threat, cars, flying, radiation. I personally felt I would live happier being blonde, it feels like me. And in your video I could tell you are just a blonde. I only did my roots during my pregnancy once (before I know I was preggers) and other than that just had some dark roots for 8 months lol.
I do a natural hair color, that is as non toxic as it gets and I do highlights, so nothing is really touching my scalp except for the toner for 5 minutes. I'm not bleach blonde anymore, but I am very blonde and the highlights make it seem bleach blonde. Anyway this was just to let you know I was in the same position as you and it is OK to live life. Oh and I totally agree too if you keep it natural, I just wanted to give some friendly advice!!
I do a natural hair color, that is as non toxic as it gets and I do highlights, so nothing is really touching my scalp except for the toner for 5 minutes. I'm not bleach blonde anymore, but I am very blonde and the highlights make it seem bleach blonde. Anyway this was just to let you know I was in the same position as you and it is OK to live life. Oh and I totally agree too if you keep it natural, I just wanted to give some friendly advice!!
I got a real kick out of this email because... I am living life and I love it. I don't take the stance that I should accept that I'm just dying (and that we all are). I am alive and I'm excited to be doing things in an attempt to prolong that. Of course, there are toxins out there that I cannot really control (cars, pollution, etc.), so I'm doing what I can, to control as much as possible many other things such as eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, making sure I rest and have good quality sleep, and using the healthiest hair and beauty products.
One of the defining moments for me when I decided to go natural was the result of spending a lot of time on Kris Carr's forum, CrazySexyLife. It was hard seeing so many young women with cancer. And, at that point I realized that a clean diet is not enough. Yes, things are cumulative when it comes to stresses on the body and that's the point; I want to do as much as I can to reduce that accumulation. Furthermore... even if I can reduce my toxicity... I realize that doesn't guarantee I won't get cancer, but I can't help but feel that it helps.
What's funny (and was unexpected) is that, since going back to brunette, I feel more natural now,with respect to my overall attitude and aura, than I have in 20 years. I walk by a mirror and I feel beautiful... I just wish my hair were longer and that's the hardest thing for me right now. Not only has my hair been blond for so long, but it's always been very long. I'm trying to grow it out and that's been the hardest part. All I can do is be patient.
I respect that maybe the gal who wrote the email doesn't want to be natural, but I do. I have no intention of going back to blond. I am very happy with the color of my hair. I love it. I am avoiding as many chemicals as possible, because it's not good for my health or for the environment. I think a lot of people forget that the environment also suffers when not only the coloring products wash down the drain and into our water supply, as well as taking into account the fuel needed to produce the product, but also the upkeep of other products needed to maintain the colored hair so it doesn't look processed (i.e., shampoos, conditioners, hair balm, gel, etc). All of those things have a detrimental eco effect. For me, it's not just one little procedure every few months. I can't validate what I was doing using that logic. And, the fact that some processes don't touch my scalp doesn't let me off the hook either... it still damages the shaft of my hair. Bleach-damaged hair requires a chemical soup of products in order to appear healthy while it's actually quite porous. I'm so relieved that the days of seeing so many frizzed-out flyaway rogue hairs around my face are gone. No more breakage! No more ends snapping off! (Hair isn't supposed to do that!) My hair is beautifully soft and shiny and healthy. It now feels right, both literally and figuratively.
It's not an issue you hear about very often, but I expect we'll all be hearing about it more as time goes by and data come in about the additive effects of toxins on the body.
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37 comments:
I actually went through a very similar hair transition to you about six years ago. It was a little hard for me at first, because I loved being blonde.
However, it was almost an instant relief to stop coloring my hair, and over time, I really started to love how complex and deep my natural hair color is. It's great to see it get lighter in the summer and darker in the winter.
I personally think you look gorgeous either way - and the darker hair is lovely. I even like the curls :-)
Kari (ilovemypitbull on Twitter)
I love you as a brunette! I loved you blonde too, but I think the natural color is great!
And I'm totally with you on having to wait for your hair to grow out... mine is only chin length right now and I want it down to the middle of my back. The waiting is killing me!
I tend to be happy with my hair color. I only occasionally want to change it, and I just wait for the urge to pass because I know I'm happiest with my natural color, and it's what's best for my self and the environment.
I used to be a natural blonde, but my hair color started to fade in my mid-twenties (around the time I gained weight), so I've been coloring for 15 years... Until now. I'm also growing my color out. Fortunately my hair is very short, so it won't take too long. The only problem is that my natural color is now a dull dishwater shade, but I'm sure with lots of greens and EFAs in my diet, my hair color will eventually change to a nice, healthy color.
So, I'm with you! You look lovely!
My hair grows in blonde in the front, and brunette in the back...it looks very nice & flatters my skintone, but I have a great love of changing my haircolour! So, since going natural, I now stick with hennas. I like the fact that they are not permanent, and yet always make a nice change :) Plus, the one I use has cocoa butter as its base & my hair feels remarkable after an application!! In either case, I think people should do what feels right for them and not judge others for what they prefer. "Different strokes for different folks." :)
As a fellow brunette I must say, I love you hair color! It's gorgeous! :) You look great!
I dyed my hair when I was in 8th grade through probably my sophomore year. I promised myself I wouldn't do it again until I was gray..lol! My hair was so gross and dry from the bleach and it just felt nature to get my normal color back. I felt like myself again.
I'll be 31 this summer, and I have never permed, dyed, or highlighted my hair. The most I ever did was some misguided moments (years?) with a curling iron and Aqua Net in junior high. I love my hair. I went through a lot of years wishing it were blonde and curly, but I got past that by the time I was in my late teens. I love how healthy it feels. These days, I'm much more aware of toxic chemicals in my environment. I got rid of all of my old makeup and skin products a couple years ago. I use Dr. Bronners soap, Burts Bees deodorant, and plain cocoa butter and coconut oil as lotion. I know I can't avoid all the toxins that are out there, but I sure can keep them out of my house and off of my body!
This is a topic right up my alley! I was bleach blonde for a couple years, and felt glamorous and sexy with my 'Marylin Monroe' hair. Then, the morning after one of my routine, usual self-done bleachings, I found scabs all over my scalp and couldn't hear out of my left ear! It sounds like a horror story, and it really was frightening. I didn't go to a doctor for treatment, but by my own observations, I realize I must have left the bleach on too long and it burned my scalp. And as for my ear, I must have somehow gotten bleach in it, which burnt and ruptured my eardrum. I ended up having no hearing for about a month, not to mention the constant disgusting discharge! This made me see for the first time, just how damaging common chemicals can be! I decided I wanted nothing to do with chemicals again. I cut my hair, and let it grow natural for the first time in about 10 years! I was really self-conscious about the color, and it took awhile to get used to, especially when others preferred my as a blonde. But I've been a natural brunette for about 2 years now and my hair is finally long, shiny, and incredibly healthy. And the weirdest part is that I get compliments about my "beautiful color" all the time now! They're so surprised when I tell them it's natural! While dyeing your hair can be fun, there's also a lot to enjoy about natural beauty, especially when you can watch it enhanced by a healthy, high-raw diet!
I've been an off and on hair dye-er over the years, more off than on. My hair is naturally very very dark brown, not black but pretty close. It always looked pretty dull, I have extremely fine and curly hair so getting shine and some highlights were my main reasons for coloring in the past, usually just for a change.
I could never keep up with the maintenance and hated the costs so I'd usually go get highlights and then bitch and moan until they grew out all crazy and then about 6 months later would get an all over color done to go back to one shade...ha! The past couple of years it's mostly been about grey coverage.
I last colored my hair about 4 months ago and it was at a regular salon and I figured being a regular salon, they wouldn't have alternative dyes or really know much about them but the guy doing my hair suggested a vegetable based semi-permanent dye which had hardly any smell and was the first ever to not make my scalp tingle or burn. It lasted quite a long time but now that my greys are really growing out and as the hair dye fades I find I have about 3 times the grey I had when I covered it 4 months ago, I'm feeling a bit conflicted about what to do. I am leaning more toward letting my grey grow in each day so I think that's where I will land :)
I think you look like total fantabulousness!! xoxoxoxo
Coloring my hair is pretty much the last "toxic" thing I do (besides driving, which I can't get out of where I live). I do not like my natural color (dirty/ash blonde) and dye it dark brown. I feel guilty every time I use a box dye, even if it is a "natural" one. I've yet to try henna, which I've heard fantastic things about. This post has definitely inspired me to look into alternatives since it is such a vain (& toxic) thing to do. Congrats to you for giving it up! I think you look great either way - blonde or brunette, be damnned.
P.S. I am OBSESSED with your marinated veggies! I had it for lunch 3 times last week. Bravo!
I am enjoying all of these stories and experiences. Thank you for sharing :)
Cheers,
Kristen
I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that we're all entitled to choose how we want to handle our hair color. Personally? I've never changed my color and don't want to. And I really support your choice to lessen your toxic load with a natural color.
And having spent a day with you, my dear, I can say that you look gorgeous :)
xo
I know just how you feel Kristen. I haven't colored my hair in quite a few years but I was using commercial hygiene products. When I became Raw two months ago I felt a desperate need to simplify my hygiene routine. I switched to organic lotion, deodorant, toothpaste and floss. I feel much better now and feel like I'm voting with my dollar:)
Great post Kristen. Completely feel the same as you. I want to minimize the toxic load for my own body and for the environment as much as possible. And of course, everyone has their own decisions to make.
Casey
Kristen and Everyone,
Thank you all for sharing your stories. I still have not crossed over with make-up and hair color, and have been stewing over the hair issue for some time. I am finishing school and quite stressed emotionally, and didn't feel up to making the change until I finish later this year, as I was afraid of this exact thing - people telling me that I looked better lighter. What if I feel ugly? What if I don't look attractive? These negative thoughts have been running through my head. After seeing you, Kristen, I feel a bit inspired (but still a little scared). You are fierce, and give lots of us the courage to (eventually) do what we know we need to do!
Too funny.. I live when I hear people say things like: "Live a little!..." I always tell them that I do not want to live a little--I want to live a lot! And I am living because I am not sick or overweight, etc.
I used to do highlights, but since becoming vegan no longer consider it as an option--be it natural dye or not. I finally figured that God knew what he was doing when be gave me dark hair--and I am loving it.
I completely agree with you!
I used to have crazy colored hair (platinum, honey, flame red...everything), but decided to stop coloring shortly after becoming vegan. I liked the idea of being totally nourished with plant foods, and just letting it go natural. I even stopped shampooing, and just condition a few times a week. Now, I have fantastic, shiny chestnut hair halfway down my back, and have never been happier with it! I love my hair, and I love that it's so natural.
Kristen....your natural dark hair is much prettier. Your pretty eyes and other features are more outstanding now with your natural color. The blonde hair was glamorous but (my opinion) did not compliment your face as the dark hair does.
I like the natural color much better and best of all it goes best with your philosophies of eating and living. Your personality shines through!!!!!
You look gorgeous as a brunette! Don't let anyone tell you different. Sounds like the person who wrote the email is feeling guilt over her own choices and wants other people to follow suit to validate them.
I have been my natural brunette self for almost 9 years now and hubby STILL whines about missing the blond. Oh well... I am not going back!
Love your new natural look! You have always looked beautiful, but your spirit really shines through with the natural color. I love it! And really enjoyed this post!
Thank you, everyone, for your stories. They're all great and useful!
Cheers,
Kristen
I had blonde hair until age 7, then it was pretty much brown. In the last 20 years it has gotten to be very dark brown, but it has lots of colors in it as well... some blonde, golden brown and red strands. People have often asked if I dyed my hair because it is a mixture of colors. My mom (and many hair stylists) told me I should get highlights to be more blonde, but I really appreciate the richness of my hair naturally. I am a natural chick with curly hair. I also chuckle when people ask if my curls are natural or a perm. If they knew me they'd know that's a silly question. I wouldn't harm my hair by curling it or flatironing it. It is what it is, though I do use some products to cut down on frizz. I did dye my hair purple when I was 18. That was fun, but not me!
"I can tell you are a blonde"? I don't get it. I've never done the die thing but I've always liked the color of my hair. I do understand why people do it but it does seem like a lot of work. It's a huge indutry, preying upon women who think it's "more fun" to be a blonde or something silly like that. I am so glad you are happy being the way you were intended to be! Although I do totally understand why women who go grey early die their hair because society is really harsh on women with grey hair. I am glad there are some natural options out there for those folks.
I decided to stop coloring my hair with ordinary hair color for the same reason: I was worried about the toxins in the product. So, I decided to try coloring my hair with henna (as I love being a red head!). I just got the henna in the mail the other day -- the potentially messy and long process intimidates me, but I can't wait to see the results!
And I applaud you for your switch to your natural color -- natural is exquisite!
I have natural brown hair with "white highlights". :-) As a teenager and through my 20s I dyed my hair and then as I got older I realized that it was time consuming. I didn't want to be a slave to my hair so I let it grow out and I've never looked back. I'm 35 now and I have some white hair but I love it. It's me.
Have fun with your new 'do! There were so many comments on henna here, and I get so many questions about henna that I wrote an entire post on henna: http://laurabruno.wordpress.com/2009/06/08/henna-for-hair/. Enjoy!
Just wanna say I liked your brown hair better. The hair looks so much healthier and the color brings out more vibrancy in you. JMHO.
I just wanted to say that I like your hair both ways, but since you are naturally a brunette, I think it is truly the way to go.
I used to dye my hair all different colors from bleached blonde to very dark brown and just about everything in between. It took my husband telling me that he thought I looked best the way nature intended to get me to stop.
You know what? He was right. I've kept my natural color for more than 6 years now and I'm perfectly happy with it. I even like the gray streak I have it the front that is often mistaken for blonde highlights. I think it gives me character and makes me, well, me :-)
I'm having a hard time about my hair. I have tons of gray hair with dull dark blond hair. Not sure if I want to let the hightlite color go. If I have black hair with silver and grey, no problem right there it is absolutely beautiful to combine these colors but for dark blonde or brown doesn't look good with gray. I'm afraid it would look too old on me if I let this go.
Any advice? Maybe, I should visit Kristen and have her to observe my hair!
I love you with your natural hair, Kristen! It's so much classier than the blond. After dyeing my hair regularly since I was 16 (I'm now 42), I tried to grow out my natural hair color about 6 months ago, and actually cut it all off and had short, grey-streaked hair, but I felt so unsexy and drab that way that I broke down and dyed it again. I started with regular blond dye, but hated the chemicals and felt that it washed me out. So, this morning I dyed my hair using the Naturetint dye they have at Whole Foods. It's permanent but at least has no ammonia. I think it looks great this way -- a rich red-brown that's close to my original natural color when I was a kid. I might switch to henna at some point -- just wonder how much it really covers grey...
Hi PureCobalt,
You might try henna to darken all of the hair. It's supposed to cover gray fine. Check out Laura Bruno's comment above and go to her website... she writes about henna on her blog.
Cheers,
Kristen
Hey! Your hair looks great. I went through a more instant transformation 3 months ago - cut my long bleached blonde hair into a short brown bob! You are right about the length being the hardest part! I miss my long hair too! I do feel way more natural and could never justify putting those chemicals on my head every 3 months and paying a fortune for it! Yay natural hair! :)
-April B.
Hi Kristen,
I found an all natural hair color that is amazing. The owners name is Robyn and the product name is shear miracles. Check it out on their website
www. shearmiracles.net
You can see if there is a salon in your area that carries it or someone that would be willing to take in the line for you and your friends. Their shampoo and conditioner is great also. Everything is all natural and NO chemicals at all!! Give Robyn a call and tell her that Sam from "Raw Delights" sent you!
XOXO
Sam Cook
I think you're beautiful BOTH ways - blonde or brown:) I'm a natural brown headed girl... but in high school was dying to have black hair (why i still do NOT know). i dyed it a few times - black - which really looked awful, also making my olive colored skin look so washed out! ugh. but at the time i was blind to this and kept doing it. now i see pics and i'm like - how did i NOT see how bad this looked?! LOL.
then in my early twenties i had some blonde highlights put in and LOVED it. but hated the maintenance and cost associated it with. when we started trying to get pregnant, i stopped the highlights in hopes of letting them grow out and getting a cut to cut them out. which i did but the growth took longer than expected - but they're now finally ALL gone (and my 'baby' is ONE:)). so i'm back to my all natural color and a short hair cut (husband loves my natural color and my short cut - but i miss my long hair a bit).
overall i like my hair both ways. in summer though, i'm itching for highlights! but refuse to do them b/c of the chemical exposure and damage to my hair. would love to know of some all natural highlights i could do myself maybe! but otherwise - i'm saying a big N-O to the chemical crap! and embracing the good ole hair color God gave me:)
Have any of you tried Henna??? I have used LUSH as well as doing the colour release myself. It comes out a beautiful red...that glows mainly in the sun. NATURAL looking red. It is also healthier and shiney. No split ends. Henna is plants - no chemicals at all. Completely natural and vegan. I will never go back to hair dye. Your own colour is best suited for you. It is only society that determines what they "think" is beautiful. Ever notice each culture around the world has a different defition of beauty. BUT...for those of you who want to do something with it. Henna is wonderful! Kristin, I think you are doing the right thing!
checkout hennaforhair.
I am currently growing my hair out to its natural colour,after being natural for so many years, I had a lapse and dyed it blonder again... I liked the way it looked for about 4 weeks, but now it's horrid. I have finer, curly hair and it gets dry so easily. I'm going for a cut tomorrow and I think I'll take about 4 inches off. I was trying to grow it out but the natural hair is more important to me. Right now I'm experimenting with a no soap, scalp massage in the shower with a apple cider vinegar rinse 2 times per week. The first few days my hair was kinda sticky and greasy, but now it seems to be taking care of itself. If this works and doesn't dry out my hair over time, I'll be super happy about not having to buy hair cleansing products again. Wish me luck it's coming off tomorrow!
Love this blog and this post has a lot of useful info. Avoiding cancer is a big one for sure especially when the chemicals are pushed on us so much.
I give cancer patients suffering from hand-foot syndrome henna samples so they can see if the cooling affects of henna work for them. It usually does help bring relief at least temporarily. (It's a good natural alternative to hair dyes though too)
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