Mallow as a Colorant – The Bad News and The Good News

Last year, I spent a bit of time exploring the properties of Mallow (INCI: Malva Sylvestris) – mostly to examine whether or not there was any truth to be had in the claims of it being an all natural hair dye.

According to folklore, mallow is so rich in color that it can even cover grey hairs.

How could one not be tempted to find out if there was any all-natural, hair-coloring joy to be had from this plant?

Unable to source any 'folklorian' how-to's for using mallow as a hair dye, I created a concentrated gel and proceeded to experiment with different application methods, leave-in times, temperatures, etc.

And the Results...

After several tries and many hours of wearing the gel, my grey hairs continued to emerge unchanged (albeit noticeably softer) with every rinse-out.

But Color, it Can

Even though the color didn't 'take' to my hair, all was not lost. There were several lessons to be learned about mallow's coloring abilities.

For instance, the same mallow gel can create tints ranging from light, fresh blue to a deep plum color – depending on what it comes into contact with.

Mallow can also stain everything from sinks and floors to towels and clothing.

Mallow stains on towels are a little magical –  they actually change hue and deepen in color over time.

I saw this happen repeatedly by merely observing my 'special mallow towel' throughout the entire hair coloring experimentation period.

If mallow mixture/gel is not completely rinsed out, it will immediately leave a light brownish stain on the towel.

If not washed out, the stain 'develops' over a period of days and becomes a clearer blue tint.

Below: the special mallow towel with a selection of stains for your viewing pleasure.

The Good News

Every single mallow stain - whether fresh or several days old - washed out completely with a normal 'whites' cycle in the washing machine.

So, although there was a wide array of tints and color to be gotten from mallow, none of it was permanent.

Into The Cupboard We Go

After a few weeks of experimentation, the remainder of the mallow gel was placed in the cupboard, waiting to to be either used or discarded.

One day, inspiration struck, and I tried it as a face cleanser.

I'll tell you all about how that turned out very soon.

Earlier, on this Blog...

Testing Mallow as a Hair Coloring Agent
Mallow Hair Gel - How To
About Mallow