The newest development: the dye product for hair from a currant
Last reviewed: 20.11.2018
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists at the British University of Leeds recently completed the development of a new non-toxic hair dye. Unique paint has a completely natural basis, obtained from the skin of berries of black currant. According to experts, the newest tool is quite stable - not worse, and even better than any other hair dye. It is not prone to flushing, including, and with numerous episodes of head wash.
Statistics, which is conducted by the National Cancer Institute, points to the following fact: in the production of the standard habitual hair dye, more than five thousand various chemical components are involved. Scientists a little earlier established that some of these components contribute to the development of cancerous processes in rodents. In addition, chemical agents often cause allergic reactions. And their penetration through the sewerage system into the rivers and the sea causes significant damage to the ecological system.
In their new project, experts from the UK created a completely natural coloring substance, which can become a worthy analogue of the usual hair colors.
Scientists used to study the skin of blackcurrant berries, obtained after pre-pressing the juice. It contains coloring components called anthocyanins. Such pigments can have different shades - from pink to dark purple. In addition to currants, they are present in other vegetables, fruits and even flowers - but in slightly smaller quantities.
After careful filtration of the pigment components, the specialists applied them to develop the paint. The resulting dye mixture was applied to blonde hair that beautifully colored - in an unusual and interesting bright blue color. Then the scientists made changes in the formula of the product and eventually got other color shades - pink and purple. It is noteworthy, but after twelve episodes of washing colored hair, there was no color change - that is, the new paint proved to be quite resistant.
Experts analyzed the quality of fixing the paint and made the appropriate conclusion: the new tool can be used as a safe natural analogue of the paints familiar to all.
Cosmetic industry does not stand still. Given that in recent years, dyeing hair in bright colors has become particularly popular among young people, the demand for new development will be considerable. After all, taking care of one's own health was never unnecessary. According to experts, the new natural paint will be even more stable than any chemical dye. And the production of a new tool does not require large financial costs - which is also important.
More information about the development can be found on the pages of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b01044).