5 Simple Ways to Darken Your Hair Naturally

Indigo black, rich auburn, chocolate brown - three gorgeous hair colors that you can have using natural ingredients.  Women around the world have been using natural ingredients to color hair for centuries.

My question is, why isn't everyone?

My top 3 reasons I use natural hair color:

- shiny, soft hair you can't help but run your fingers through

- no nasty toxic chemicals being absorbed by my scalp; healthy body = healthy looking skin & hair

- healthier hair & no more breakage!

Look Gorgeous, Feel Great

I started using natural dye about a year ago and am happy to tell you my hair is thicker than ever and growing quickly.  Not only do I love my color, but my hair is insanely shiny, silky and soft.  I now receive compliments on my hair about 3x a week and give full credit to using chemical free color (My current color cocktail: Indigo-Henna black dye and chocolate brown Style Strands).

The remedies I've included here are for going a few shades darker, not for more drastic color changes like blond to black.  If you are hoping to make a significant change, do some more research to ensure you get the exact color you want. 

#1 Henna and Indigo (strong, dark color)

The combination of these two will get your hair the darkest however they can both be used separately as well.  Henna and indigo leaves are made into a powder which is used to dye the hair and skin.  The country in which the henna is grown will affect its color but generally henna is a reddish-brown and indigo is blue.  When the two are combined you get black.

#2 Alma Powder (medium - strong color)

With natural hair coloring remedies you need to leave it on longer and may have to repeat the process a few times to get the color you are looking for.  Leave this on for at least 1 hour. Rinse it out, then shampoo and condition. 

#3 Tea Staining (mild - medium color)

Steep two cups of strongly brewed black tea and saturate your hair with the mixture. Tie your hair up and let sit for 1 - 2 hours.
 
This is a great option for lighter hair colors when you only want to go a couple shades darker.  You may have to repeat this process a few times. 

#4 Style Strands Highlights (light - dark colors available)

If you want highlights or bold streaks of dark color then applying a semi-permanent hair extension highlight would be your best option.  Style Strands highlights allow you to add thin or thick streaks of color to your hair without dye. 

Easily applied at home, you can wash, blow-dry, flat-iron or curl your highlights with your natural hair.  The highlights last several weeks and can be removed and reapplied as you like.   Click HERE to view highlight colors. 

#5 Black Walnuts (medium - dark color)

Crack your black walnuts and boil in water for about 25 minutes.  Strain the dark water removing any shells and nuts.  Carefully apply the mixture to your hair, tie up and place a shower cap on top.  Let sit for 30 - 45 minutes and then rinse.  Shampoo and condition. 

For a darker color, repeat the process.  I have mixed the dark water with a little olive oil for extra conditioning and to thicken up the mixture so it didn't drip down my face. 

Now that you know 5 awesome ways to darken your hair naturally, try replacing your chemical based dye with one of these hair-healthy options.  You'll not only achieve beautiful color, but have thicker, longer, healthier hair.

If you liked what you read and think a friend could benefit from this info, please share! :)

Next week I'll share Part 2: 5 ways to lighten your hair naturally!

Kate

xo

P.S  If you are interested in chemical-free, at home remedies then you MUST 
check out my all time fav DIY deep conditioning mask.

I Didn't Know Animals Could Do That! - An infographic by the team at I Didn't Know Animals Could Do That! Animal Infographic

You could be suffering from hair fatigue and not even realize it!
Read the list of symptoms below to see you may be suffering from this exhausting and boring condition

Symptoms:
- Easily frustrated with hair 
- Often gives up styling and puts hair in a pony or bun
- Cut, color and style has remained the exact same for 3+ years
- Never asked opinion on hair styles or for advice on hair from others
-  Lacks color, dimension, volume, texture and general style

Hair fatigue can happen to anyone.  It's easy to fall into a rut with your hair.  For me, years ago when I was going through it it was because I wanted to change my style and color but was afraid to commit to something so permanent. I mean, what if I hated it?  

Luckily there are easy solutions to freshen up your look and have you looking like a style vixen with 3 very simple solutions.

Solutions:

# 1 Change your part

  
      
      

#2 Add semi-permanent colored strands

Hair feathers are a super easy way to add texture and color to your hair.  
They only take a couple minutes to apply and you can leave them in for several
weeks or remove them whenever you like.

Style Strands highlights are also a great way to add colored strands without 
the bleach and hair dye.

3)  The Blow-out

You can fake a new cut by playing up natural layers with a killer blow-out.  
Here are a few steps to blow-dry your hair like a pro

1.  Add a shine serum to wet hair and quickly blow dry until about 60% dry

2. Section your hair into about 6 sections.  Leave the bottom sections long and clip the remaining section on top of your head.

3. Using a round brush, blow dry each section until its completely dry

4.  Once hair is dry, divide hair into two sections, top and bottom.  Roll the top section up in Velcro rollers, spray with hair spray and give a quick blast of heat from your blow dryer.  Let sit for 15 minutes. 

5. Remove Velcro rollers and smooth out with fingers and a final light spritz of hair spray.

BAM! Gorgeous voluminous locks!

If you aren't happy with your current hair look I challenge you to try one, or all of these 3 solutions so you'll LOVE your hair again!  
And if you know a friend who could use a boost and learn to love her hair again, please share this post with her!

I love helping women get the hair style they've always wanted, but Picasso Hair Feathers is a business, and businesses need to sell things to stay afloat, right?   Well here's what we sell if you want to check it out...

Click HERE to check out our extra long, cruelty-free hair feathers

Click HERE to check out our dye-free, never fading highlights

Hoping you have many fab hair days, 

Kate
xo

It's time to stop hibernating ladies! Spring is just around the corner.
A time for new beginnings and a fresh look.
Winter can easily take its toll on your appearance - dry hair, dry dull skin,
dull dark clothing...BLAH! Well it's time to step out of the darkness and
look your absolute best and brightest this year!

In order to brighten things up around Picasso Hair Feathers and get ready
for Spring 2013 we put together 4 AMAZING new luxury style packs that
include both highlights and hair feathers.

 

When you hear St.Patrick's Day what comes to mind?   the Irish, a Guinness, the color green maybe?
And I'm sure you've heard it said before, everyone's a little Irish on St.Patrick's Day! 

 
 
==> CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO TUTORIAL

That said, get a little GREEN with me this March 17th!

You don't have to wear green head-to-toe to be festive.  I love the color green but I honestly don't have any true green clothes (I do have a deep emerald-turquoise shirt but it doesn't really count, does it?).  So rather than go buy a green outfit that I may not wear again until the following year I accessorize my hair, make-up and nails.  It's easier, more affordable and I think it looks a lot more sophisticated and put together.  It's all about the details right?

Last year I went to an Irish pub with friends and we each wore one hair feather. I didn't bring enough for everyone so I had to spread them out, otherwise I would have definitely worn more (lesson learned)!

Anyways, I  made tons of new friends that night because of my hair feather. Seriously.  Remember how I mentioned everyone's a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day?  Well everyone else at the pub also wanted some green in their hair to show they were in the festive spirit... and when I say everyone, I mean everyone - guys too!

This year we have collaborated with Style Strands and created a Luxury pack that combines both hair feathers and highlights in mint green to get the gorgeous look pictured above!!

To get this look straighten your hair and add the Goddess Green Luxury Pack.  Chelsea (pictured above) split the pack in half - 8 on the right and 8 on the left.  I love this so much that I will definitely wear this through the spring and summer.  The combination of rich color and texture is stunning!    The green hair feathers and mint pastel highlights look amazing in ANY hair color; blonde, brown, red, black... it doesn't matter!

Here's a close up of the make-up, with just a subtle touch of green lining the lower lashes. I think it's gorgeous and this look could really be worn any day of the week.  She used bronze and cream shadows on the upper lid and a forest green shadow to line the lower lid with full black lashes! 

And finally, you want your nails to look fabulous when you're holding that green drink don't ya?



For this look you will need:

Green nail polish
Green or Gold Caviar Beads
Clear Nail Polish

Step 1:  Apply a coat of green nail polish
Step 2: While your polish is wet apply the caviar beads by gently rolling your nail in the beads so they stick.
Step 3: Let dry.
Step 4:  Apply a clear coat of nail polish and let dry.

You're finished!

If you follow even one of these beautiful looks for your make-up, hair or nails you will stand out from the crowd and look like a true beauty guru.   You don't need a plastic green party hair - your glamorous green look is sure to show off your festive side while keeping you sophisticated-sexy!

Do you celebrate St.Patrick's Day?  Do you get all dolled up in green? 

I'd love to hear from you, just leave a comment below!



Happy St.Patrick's Day!


P.S Our Goddess Green Luxury Pack is available for a LIMITED TIME ONLY and will only last until March 17th (or as quantities last) so if you want to check is out before it disappears click ==> HERE

I'm sure you have heard the expression "the grass is always greener on the other side".  I always think about this when I hear my girlfriends and clients complain about their hair.

"It's too thin"

"It's too thick"

"It's too long - I need to cut it"

"I need it longer - I'm getting extensions"

Everyone wants different things, and lots of women just like to experiment with different looks (myself included).  However, the one thing all these women have in common is the desire for soft, shiny, silky, healthy hair! Just think of the women in every hair product commercial - I can guarantee you've never seen dry, damaged, dull hair (well unless it's the "before" shot). There is no denying that a healthy head of hair is gorgeous and envy-worthy no matter what the cut or color.

Unfortunately it can be difficult to keep your hair in tip-top shape if you are constantly coloring or using hot tools.  The more stress you put on your hair from styling, the more you have to do to keep it looking healthy.  The good news is there are plenty of incredible DIY hair masks and conditioning treatments you can make in your kitchen that will make YOU look like you belong in a hair commercial.

There is a FREE ebook with loads of great recipes for deep conditioning treatments, hot oil treatments and even some bonus at-home spa treatments.  If you want to get a copy just click here ->  FREE eBook 10 DIY Hair Masks and Treatments

Here is one of my favorite recipes from the book (but honestly, they're ALL amazing)

This Yummy Vanilla Yogurt Strengthening Hair Mask does just what it says.  It will help strengthen weak and brittle hair, putting a stop to any breakage.  The mayonnaise will also give you gorgeous shine for an all-in-one hair make-over!

 You’ll need:
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
2 egg whites
¼ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise

 Here’s what you’ll do:
1. Beat egg whites until frothy
2. Mix in vanilla, yogurt and mayonnaise
3.  With warm water, dampen hair
4.  Massage into damp hair
5. Leave on hair for 30 minutes
(Optional) Wrap hair in plastic wrap and hot spa towel. See Chapter 1 for directions for hot towel.
6. Rinse with warm water and then shampoo and condition
7. Finish with a blast of icy cold water to lock in moisture

 Note:
If you have long or thick hair, double the recipe to make sure all your hair is saturated with the mixture.

==> FREE eBook 10 DIY Hair Masks and Treatments

Up-do hairstyles are extremely versatile; they work great for the office or a formal night out (and who doesn't throw their hair up  in between washes?!)  Luckily, there are more attractive options than the standard pony tail or top knot
when putting your hair up and it doesn't have to be difficult.  

A friend of mine is a flight attendant and as part of her dress code she has to tie her long, thick hair up (no ponytails).  
She was complaining about being bored with her standard hair routine and wanted to spice it up but just didn't know what to do.  I did a little research and tested all of these styles out myself. They're so easy and look super cute!  Even better they last through her (sometimes) 12 hour shifts! I swear she looks just as good after her exhausting shift as she did before she left. 

If you want to find out how to do one of these hairstyles simply click on the picture and you will be redirected to the video that shows you how you can easily achieve these up-dos!

If you know of any easy up-do's feel free to share! Just add the link in the comments section :)

I must say, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays.  Yes I am a bit of a romantic, but that's not why I like this holiday so much - it's because its just such a girly holiday. So pretty with the reds and pink, lace and glitter, gorgeous bouquets of flowers and sweet treats.

I also like any excuse to get glammed up and Valentine's Day is another one of those days.   I want to make my look special and a little different, not the same day-to-day look I usually rock.  Last year I opted to leave my hair long and play up my new layers. 

Here's a selfy of my Valentine's date hair last year....

After looking through my pinterest boards for some hair inspiration I decided on this braided up-do.

It's so easy to do and looks elegant but the braids make it fun and flirty. I definitely plan on adding some light pink and Parisian pink hair feathers to spice it up!

(If you want to add some hair feathers this Valentine's Day all our
Pink and Purple packs are now 40% OFF - click HERE to shop!)

If you like this look, here's a video tutorial on how to do it!

I'm also really excited for my make-up look - soft and sultry!

Click here for a great youtube tutorial for a similar look using the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette

I love all things hair and make-up, which is why I'm so eager to find inspiration for a Valentine's Day look.  
Have you given any thought to your V-day look this year?

Happy (early) Valentine's Day! xo

P.S Don't forget to check out our BIG 40% OFF sale! It ends Feb.14th!

==> VALENTINE'S DAY SALE