I have spent hours trying organic hair care recipes Indoor air conditioner And Dry shampoo. This time there were natural hair dye recipes. My family is used to skin care experiments, but this one came with its fair share of laughs. I walked around with some herbs on my head for weeks!
I’ve tried lightening with natural hair in the past but haven’t tried black or red shades (since I have blonde hair). I’ve had a few willing dark haired friends to test out other formulas. Lots of lost plants and random colored streaks later, I discovered some great dark and red options too!
Normal permanent hair dye
Not sure why you want to use herbal hair dyes with natural ingredients? Read a typical hair color label and you will see parabens, silicones and sulfates to name a few. Some permanent hair color options also contain resorcinol. This chemical helps dye bond with hair, but is also known to cause skin irritation and thyroid damage (among other things).
Then there is P-phenylenediamine (PPD) which is used alongside peroxide. Not only is it used to make Kevlar, but it can also cause your cells’ genes to change. Not something I want next to my mind! The organic ingredients from plants are not very strong, but they are a great option if you want a clean hair coloring option.
Over time, chemically treated hair can become brittle and lead to Hair loss. Dying at home not only eliminates harmful chemicals, but also eliminates the need for regular trips to the hairdresser for a touch-up.
DIY natural hair dye without chemicals
These plant-based dyes are natural dyes that will create natural colors on your hair. You won’t get artificial colors like hot pink or platinum blonde.
Brightening/lightening recipes are naturally cleansing and will lighten hair permanently. Red and black colors leave a temporary color for a few weeks (depending on how often you wash). Time in the sun It helps to set all the colors and brings out the natural highlights.
Note: I have not tried all of these natural hair color methods on previously colored or chemically treated hair. Always test a small amount of hair to test the results and rule out any allergic reactions (I also put a little on my skin). Also, do not use these hair coloring methods on hair that has been chemically treated in the last 6-8 weeks.
Herbs for light hair
If your hair is ash blonde, light blonde or dark blonde you can get natural highlights with these herbs. They help to lighten and strengthen the natural hair cover. I have tried several basic herbal variations including:
- Chamomile tea – I use a very strong brine and spray it or pour it on my hair and leave it for several hours. At this time, sitting in the sun increases the effect of lightning.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice also creates natural highlights. Spray lemon juice on hair and brush it and leave it in the sun for several hours.
- Chamomile tea bath – Use as a conditioner at the end of every shower and leave it in your hair! This produces soft and smooth hair and naturally shines over time.
For strong and fast results, I used the recipe below. It left my hair very light, easy to work with and no blonde/bronze.
Herbs for dyeing red hair
These create a red/dark strawberry blonde color on light hair and an auburn color on dark hair. The effects are cumulative, so longer use will produce a more intense red. The easiest thing to do is to make it a part of your hair care if you want continuous red hair.
- Calendula flowers Or fresh marigold flowers from your garden. Don’t worry, you can buy these (unexploded) if you don’t have any.
- Hibiscus flowers
Herbs to dye brown hair
It is very easy to darken hair that is already light brown or dark, although these colors will also darken light tones. These herbs used as a wash will darken gray hair over time. The more you use, the darker the effect.
For faster, more dramatic results, a Henna color Like black, dark brown or mahogany. For a slower or softer sound, use these herbs:
Herbs to dye dark brown hair or black hair
If you have very light hair, it will be difficult to get dark colors with plants, although it can be done with enough patience. Indigo also works For this. I’ve listed herbs that work, and you can use any combination.
As always, test on a small section of hair before use. Henna hair colors They provide longer lasting darker results, but if you want to go darker gradually, here are the recipes I tried:
- Black walnut flour – Use as a conditioner in the shower and dry in the sun if possible. This creates very dark hair, especially if you have dry or colored hair. It also gives very dark coverage to gray hair. Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain a darker shade.
- Strong black tea – To darken hair of any color, use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse. This is beneficial for hair and provides a temporary darkening effect on most hair types. Repeat as necessary to get the desired shade and dry in the sun if possible.
Be sure to test these herbal hair colors on a small section of hair first. Especially with colored hair and especially with henna colors because they have a more lasting effect.
Experiment with any of the above to find the perfect mix for your hair! I’ve included some recipes below for you to try.
Natural hair dye recipes
Tried and true recipes for herbal hair color with natural herbs. It works for different hair colors and helps nourish your hair and scalp.
Simple hair color ingredients
Red hair color ingredients
Brown hair color ingredients
Dark brown hair or black hair color ingredients
Simple hair color instructions
-
Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle or other small bottle.
-
Shake well and spray or spray on hair. Brush it to ensure even coverage.
-
Go out in the sun for 1-2 hours, then wash your hair. I suggest putting this in your hair and doing a kettlebell workout in the sun for maximum benefit!
-
This can be used several times a week until the desired color is reached. You can also use this as a rinse at the end of the shower (and then rinse with a little water) although it takes a long time to have an effect. This won’t be an overnight miracle. However, I noticed a difference after putting my hair in the sun for a few hours before gardening.
-
This infusion will stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
Red hair color instructions
-
Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.
-
Reduce the heat and add the calendula/marigold and hibiscus.
-
Cook covered for at least 30 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and strain the herbs when cool, making sure all small pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
-
Use as a final hair wash at the end of every shower. If possible, dry hair in the sun.
-
Repeat every day until the desired shade is reached and keep it every few days.
-
Store the liquid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Brown hair color guidelines
-
Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.
-
Reduce the heat and add the herbs.
-
Boil it for at least 30 minutes until the water turns very dark.
-
Remove from heat and strain the herbs when cool, making sure all small pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
-
Spray or brush in the hair for an hour before washing every day, then shampoo in the usual way. It can be used as a wash and left at the end of each bath.
-
Repeat until the desired color is reached. It has a cumulative effect and you probably won’t notice much of a difference in the first few days. The herbs in this mix are great for removing dandruff and boosting hair growth!
-
Store the liquid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dark brown hair or black hair color guidelines
-
Sieve black almond flour in a tea bag or cheesecloth bag.
-
Place in a liter mason jar and add water.
-
Leave for at least 6 hours or overnight.
-
Use the body as a wash for hair and dry it in the sun if possible. This can create very dark hair, especially if you have dry or colored hair. It also gives a very dark cover to the gray hair.
-
Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain a darker shade.
-
You can also use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse to darken hair of any color. This is beneficial for hair and provides a temporary darkening effect on most hair types.
-
Repeat as needed to achieve desired shade and sun dry if possible.
- Always test on a strand of hair before doing the whole head to check the color and avoid allergies.
- Some sources advise against using black walnut hulls internally for long periods of time. This hair wash is for external use only, but check with your natural health care practitioner if you have concerns.
Semi-permanent natural hair dye at home
If you want quick and lasting results, you can use henna hair dye. I bought from Moroccan method With great success. They have great products, the results are amazing. I also love that they are natural and cruelty free.
They have many color variations from red to dark brown to black. If you wash your hair often or use it, the effect will last for several months or more Gentle natural shampoo. They do not provide full gray coverage for gray or white hair. However, it darkens gray hair wonderfully to help cover it naturally.
Important note: Henna can react with normal hair dyes with ammonia. This hair turns orange or even green! If you have recently chemically treated your hair, wait at least 6-8 weeks before trying henna. Before applying the pack, test on a small section of hair before using it on the entire head!
Indigo for dark hair
Indigo is a natural vegan plant dye used in Ayurvedic traditions to dye hair and fabric. It can be mixed with henna for a medium-brown to dark-brown shade. With the right amount of hair, it can be dyed dark black. Moroccan method Details on how to use it here.
Have you ever used natural hair dye to dye your hair? Let me know below!
