I’ve spent hours experimenting with organic hair care recipes like homemade conditioner and dry shampoo. This time, I ventured into natural hair dye recipes. My family is accustomed to my experiments, especially with skincare, and this hair dye trial had its fair share of laughs. I walked around with herbal concoctions on my head for weeks!
I’ve tried natural hair lightening before, but testing dark or red shades was new for me, especially since I have blonde hair. So, I enlisted a few willing dark-haired friends to test different mixtures. Many herbs and oddly colored streaks later, I discovered some effective recipes for dark and red options too!
Conventional Permanent Hair Dye
Why opt for herbal hair dyes with natural ingredients? Check out the labels of conventional hair colors, and you’ll find parabens, silicone, and sulfates, among other things. Some permanent hair colors also contain resorcinol, a chemical that bonds color to hair but may also cause skin irritation and thyroid issues.
There’s also P-phenylenediamine (PPD), used with peroxide. This ingredient is also used in making kevlar, and it poses risks like gene mutation—not something I want near my brain! While plant-based ingredients are not as potent, they offer a cleaner alternative if you’re looking for a non-toxic option.
Continuous use of chemical treatments can lead to brittle hair and hair loss. Dyeing at home helps avoid these harmful chemicals and saves trips to the salon for touch-ups.
DIY Natural Hair Dye Without Chemicals
Herbal pigments add natural hues to your hair. However, expect natural colors instead of artificial ones like hot pink or platinum blonde.
Blonde/light mixtures will permanently lighten your hair due to their natural bleaching properties. Meanwhile, red and dark colors offer a temporary tint lasting a few weeks, depending on wash frequency. Exposure to sunlight helps enhance these hues and brings out natural highlights.
Note: I haven’t tested all these natural hair color methods on hair previously dyed or chemically treated. Always do a patch test on a small hair section (and on your skin) to check results and avoid allergic reactions. Avoid using these recipes on hair chemically treated in the past 6-8 weeks.
Herbs for Light Hair
Ash blonde, light blonde, or even dark blonde can achieve natural highlights using these herbs. They enhance and subtly lighten your hair:
-
Chamomile tea – Use a strong brew and apply it to your hair, leaving it for a few hours. Sunlight boosts the lightening effect.
-
Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice offers natural highlights. Spray and brush through your hair, allowing it to sit in the sun for a few hours.
- Chamomile tea rinse – Use as a rinse after each shower and leave it in your hair. It naturally lightens and smoothens over time.
For quicker and stronger results, try the following recipe. It made my hair very blonde without any brassy tones.
Herbs to Dye Red Hair
These herbs give lighter hair a red or dark strawberry blonde tint and darker hair an auburn tint. With extended use, the red becomes more vibrant. Integrate this into your routine for continuous red hair:
-
Calendula flowers or fresh marigold petals. You can buy these unsprayed if you don’t have a garden.
- Hibiscus petals
Herbs to Dye Brown Hair
Darkening hair is easiest if your hair is already light brown or darker, but these herbs can darken blonde tones as well. Use as a rinse to darken grey hair over time. Consistent use yields darker results:
For a rapid and dramatic change, consider henna colors like black, dark brown, or mahogany. For a gentler tone, use these herbs:
Herbs to Dye Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair
Light hair requires patience and persistence for dark hues using just herbs. Indigo is another viable option. Here are some effective herbs, and you can mix them as you see fit:
Test on a small hair section before widespread use. Henna hair colors provide long-lasting dark results. If you’d prefer to achieve dark hair slowly, use these methods:
-
Black walnut powder – Apply as a shower rinse and air dry in the sun if possible. This creates VERY DARK hair, especially on dry or color-treated hair, and offers the darkest coverage for grey hair. Reapply daily or as necessary to maintain the dark shade.
- Strong black tea – As a final rinse, this darkens hair and nourishes it, providing a temporary darkening effect across most hair types. Repeat to achieve the desired shade and sun-dry if practical.
Always conduct a preliminary test on a small hair section. This step is crucial for chemically treated hair and particularly for henna colors because they have more enduring effects.
Experiment with any of the above options to find the perfect mix for your hair! Below are some recipes to try.
Natural Hair Dye Recipes
These recipes for coloring hair with natural herbs have been tried and tested to work across different hair colors while nourishing your hair and scalp.
Author: Katie Wells
Light Hair Color Ingredients
Red Hair Color Ingredients
Brown Hair Color Ingredients
Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair Color Ingredients
Light Hair Color Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle or other small container.
- Shake well before spraying or pouring on hair. Ensure even coverage by brushing through.
- Sun exposure for 1-2 hours follows before rinsing your hair. For extra benefit, apply before a workout outdoors.
- Repeat several times weekly until achieving the desired shade. Alternatively, use as a rinse after showering for a slower effect.
- Store the spray in the fridge for a few days.
Red Hair Color Instructions
- Bring water to boil in a small pan.
- Lower to a simmer, adding calendula/marigold and hibiscus.
- Simmer covered for at least 30 minutes.
- Cool, then strain herbs using cheesecloth to remove all pieces.
- Apply as a final rinse after showering. Air dry in the sun if possible.
- Repeat daily until achieving the desired shade, then every few days to maintain.
- Store the liquid in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Brown Hair Color Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a pan.
- Simmer after adding herbs.
- Continue for at least 30 minutes or until the mixture is very dark.
- Cool, then strain herbs using cheesecloth.
- Brush or spray onto hair an hour before showering, then shampoo normally. Can also be left on after showering.
- Repeat until achieving the desired color. Benefits include dandruff reduction and enhanced hair growth!
- Store the liquid for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair Color Instructions
- Secure black walnut powder in a tea or cheesecloth bag.
- Place in a mason jar with water.
- Steep for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Use as a rinse in the shower and sun-dry if possible. This achieves VERY DARK hair, ideal for dry or color-treated hair, and offers the best grey coverage.
- Repeat as needed to darken and maintain the shade.
- Strong brewed black tea can also be used for temporary darkening while nourishing hair.
- Reapply to reach desired shade and sun-dry when feasible.
Before a full application, always pre-test on a hair strand to verify the color and prevent any adverse reactions.
Semi-permanent Natural Hair Dye at Home
For faster and more lasting results, henna hair color is an option. Products from Morrocco Method have delivered excellent results, providing dramatic changes while being natural and cruelty-free.
They offer a range of colors, from reds to dark browns and blacks. Results can persist for several months, especially if you wash your hair less frequently or use a gentle shampoo. While they don’t completely cover grey or white hair, they significantly darken it.
Important Note: Henna can react with the ammonia in conventional dyes, risking orange or green hair! If recently chemically treated, wait 6-8 weeks before trying henna. Always test a small section before full application!
Indigo For Darker Hair
Indigo, a natural and vegan dye from Ayurvedic tradition, is used for coloring hair and fabric. When combined with henna, it can create shades from medium-brown to dark brown, and even deep inky black. Morocco Method provides more details on usage.
Have you tried dyeing your hair naturally? Share your experiences!
Leave a Reply