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Natural Hair Dye Methods:
Looking for all natural hair dyes and safe ways to color your hair? Then you are going to love this post! All of the methods for using natural hair dye listed below are 100% natural and all of them are using edible ingredients and herbs!
Many people want to change their hair color to achieve a new look or to cover gray or white hair. But they do not want to use dangerous chemicals that can be hazardous to their health. These are great alternatives to chemical dyes and all of these natural hair dye methods are very effective. I have tried almost all of them myself and they really do work!
Why You Should Use Natural Hair Dye
Chemicals in hair dye have been linked to a variety of very harmful effects. The use of hair dye has been linked to cancer, allergic reactions, and respiratory disorders. You also have to be careful of hair dyes marked as “natural” because they even contain hazardous chemicals such as resorcinol, ammonia or peroxide, and PPD, even if it is a reduced amount. PPD damages the DNA of human cells and often causes allergic reactions. Evidence has shown that those who use hair dye are at an increased risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia.
How Natural Hair Dye Works:
Most of these natural hair dyes work progressively, although some of them have immediate results. The progressive hair dyes typically require being used more than once or repetitively to reach your desired color. Although, even with the natural hair dyes that work progressively, immediate results can still occur even from just one use.
Natural hair dye, such as the black walnut powder is one of the more potent and powerful natural hair dyes. With this natural hair dye the change in color can be quite drastic, if that is your desired result. Coffee is another one of the natural hair dyes that can be observed to make a great difference from just one use also.
How to Test Natural Hair Dye
Before using these natural hair dye methods you may want to test the natural hair dye you choose on a test strand to see how it will affect your hair color. This may be of particular importance if you have recently used any chemical hair dyes or rinses to test how the natural hair dye will react when applied.
Natural Hair Dye Options:
1. Using lemons
The method of using lemons to lighten or add highlights to hair has been known of for a long time. This all natural hair dye works more slowly over several uses. The lemon juice acts as a natural bleach and its lightening affects can be intensified by exposing the lemon treated hair to sunlight.
2. Walnuts and black walnuts
The method of black walnut natural hair dye is one of the more powerful ways to color your hair. Black walnuts darken your hair when you use walnut hulls. The dye from black walnuts is very powerful and outer casings tend to stain everything they touch. You can use either the walnut hulls or walnut powder. For the hulls, you would need to crush them and then cover them with boiling water and let them “soak” for three days. Or if you are using black walnut powder, boil water and pour a couple tablespoons of the powder in the water. Let the mixture steep from for a few hours or longer if you are looking to achieve a darker color. (the longer the mixture soaks and steeps the darker the color will become). I tried this natural hair dye method and it worked great. You can see my before and after pictures. I also wrote down the steps I did for the using black walnut powder.
3. Coffee
Strongly brewed black coffee can act as a darkening hair rinse. Let the coffee steep for a longer period of time and then pour the coffee on hair or dip you hair into the coffee mixture.
4. Beet Juice, Carrot Juice
These natural hair dyes can be used to add red tints to your current color. They can be used separately or together. For natural redheads, this method can boost their color. For those with blonde hair beet juice hair dye can create more of a strawberry blonde shade. This natural hair dye mixture of beet juice can be used as often as you like to reach your desired color. Apply the beet and carrot juice mixture to the hair and work it through the hair. The beet juice mixture should be left on the hair for at least 60 minutes.
5. Sage Tea
Sage tea is one the oldest techniques for coloring darker hair. The rinse can be made from sage leaves or sage tea bags. The sage tea darkens and deepens brunet hair. This natural hair dye can also be used to cover gray hair. This rinse can be made by steeping the dried herbs in boiling water for one hour or longer depending on your desired shade. You can continue to apply the rinse weekly to also reach your desired color.
6. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is effective for lightening your hair color. Steep the tea bags in boiling water for at least half an hour. After shampooing your hair and towel drying pour the tea over your hair. This can be reapplied to reach your desired color.
7. Black Tea
Black tea acts as a stain to darken your hair color. Brew a strong mixture of black tea from one or a couple of tea bags with boiling water. Let the tea steep for at least half an hour. After you shampoo your hair and towel dry, pour the tea over and through your hair. Some rinse the mixture out and others leave the tea in their hair. To reach your desired shade you can reapply black tea several times.
You can check out my results with black walnut hair dye and our discussion posts about the natural hair dye methods that have worked for others.
Hi there,
I’m New to this hair dyeing game. I have hair slightly darker then u had originally, and just starting see a few white/grey hairs. Tried using chamomile nd lemon juice, but it didn’t seem tdo anything. Thiking about using henna owalnut powder in spottle,
A. Convenience , with 2 little one around
B. Pregnancy safe. (Heard to avoid sage)
Would I use this weekly or daily or what would u recommend.
The teas are pretty easy to use and not too messy. I would only use those that are say to eat while pregnant. I used them weekly because it helped the color rich a darker tone.
I like the idea for using beet juice to die your hair. It would be really nice if you could post a how-to video of you dieing your hair.
ThanX
In your opinion, which works best on gray curly (coarse) hair? TY!
I’ve heard good results about the black walnut covering greys. Here’s my post on it: http://treasuredtips.com/walnut-hair-dye/ Check out the comments to see others results.
Chamomile will not darken your hair. (unless it’s white) I’ve been using chamomile tea for years to give it a sort of sun-kissed look. It brings out the highlights and lightens it a tad. I put 4 bags in 4 cups of boiling water, then let it steep until it was cool enough to pour on my head. Pour in on over the sink with the plug in, so you can be sure your whole head gets wetted. Or you could pain it on as highlights. Let it dry, et voila! Or you could add conditioner, coconut oil, or honey and rinse it after a half an hour or so.
I use Light Mountain hair color and love the results! I always put about 3 tbsp of distilled white vinegar and a tbsp of nutmeg (adds to the effects). I know some people don’t care for the smell but I love that as well…smells like walking through a field of fresh cut hay 🙂 It is a bit messy, but I’ve got it down to an art now, so to speak. I’d take the smell of hay and messiness over harsh chemicals any day!
Sounds like a good alternative, I’ll have to check it out.
I’ve used chammomile tea to add highlights for years. It definitely does not make the hair darker, it makes it lighter. I steeped the tea (2 bags to 1 cup water) until it was cool enough to pour on my head. Pour it over a big bowl or stopped sink so you can be sure all the hair is soaked. I suppose you could use a brush to paint streaks. Then let dry. Doesn’t smell bad. Or add conditioner, coconut oil or honey and then wash it.
I’m dark headed with red tint but I have grey. Can I still achieve that color. I just hate the damage my scalp gets from all the chemicals in the store stuff.
I have medium brown hair and I was able to darken mine. But, for those with very dark hair (almost black), I don’t think these colors would be dark enough.
How do you put the walnut or coffee dye on a man,s hair with out changing the color of his scalp?
Hi, I have read that camomile tea actually lightens the hair, not darkens it..
I have read that as well. I should have mentioned that for very light hair it can have a darkening effect.
Hi
My name is fariba,I am using the contents.
I am an Iranian,I remember that our grand mothers used those herbs and may aunt used
specially of water lemon put on hair overnight,she had Idea strengthens the hairs .
Hi Fariba..
I’m Persian too and wondering if there is any kind of “old school ” recipes for grey hair
Hi Fariba.. I am particularly interested in your comment. Can you tell me what particular fruits and herbs your grandma used for hair boost? Would appreciate it. Thanks
Hi! I have light blonde hair and I wan to dye it just a little darker. Like dirty blonde. Which natural dye should I use? I have some chamomile laying around the house but I don’t want to risk going too dark!
I don’t think that would make it too dark, you could put it in and leave it in for a shorter time only 10 minutes.
At what point in using the black tea/sage rinse do you apply conditioner? Is it safe for the hair and scalp to leave the tea rinse and not wash it out?
You can leave the tea rinse in, I’ve left it in all day and overnight before.
Thank you so much for this article! After living in Florida, my naturally brown hair got this ugly reddish-faded color. Today I poured a black coffee over my hair for several times and it did wonders!! So happy 🙂
So glad to hear it worked for you! 🙂
Hi Lori, I tried this for the second time. I let it steep over night and put it in a spray bottle. I sprayed my hair till wet, then went outside and let it dry.
My question is, do you think you can add natural gelatin to make it more of a paste?
Sad to say, it still did not cover my gray hairs on my bangs.
Sorry to hear it didn’t work. I have heard mixed results of it being able to cover greys. That sounds like a great idea to try. I have also read of some adding salt to the mixture, but I haven’t tried it and I’m not sure how this would change the results.
I googled black walnut tree and found a study done about toxicity of this tree.Just look up juglone,it is the name of the toxic component,so be careful not all herbs and plants are safe.
If you use henna ,then you can’t use box color again until you strip your hair.that’s just a warning.i would love to try natural dye,but for how long will the color last?
The color lasted about a few months. After the first month the color started lightening.
I recently bought some black walnut hull powder and some beet powder from the bulk section of my food co-op. While looking online for coloring techniques, I found this great post. One suggestion I’d make for those of us with grey (or silver in my case) hair is to follow the PH rule. Hair is naturally acidic to fight bacteria, etc. Hair dye usually employs ammonia to force color in, but it’s really bad for the hair. What I read was this:
“The second, more natural method is to suspend the hair in a substance that acts as a moisturizer. This softens the cuticle and, because it does not take the hair as far from its natural pH, causes it to open rather than swell.”
I think the solution is to use coconut oil as the base. It is highly moisturizing, and it’s viscosity will make it easier to apply to the hair using a color brush (you can pick them up cheap from beauty supply stores or online). I am going to try melting down some oil, then adding in the powder and letting it steep overnight. I’ll then put the oil on my hair, wrap it in plastic and keep it on for a while. If this covers my grays, I think I will then apply beet powder with coconut oil for a bright red sheen on top. Here’s hoping!!!
Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a great idea to use coconut oil as a base.
Did it work?
I have black hair…I wanted to know wether i could use beetor carrot juice for shades other than black!
I LIKE ALL BUT I HAVE NOT USE THEM IT
The beet and carrot juice may add a slight tint to black hair, but I think the color change is most noticeable on those with lighter hair color. I have medium brown hair and it did add a nice reddish tone.
I have bleached, blonde hair, and just tried the beet juice technique, but I came out of the shower with blonde hair again! I bought 4 small beets, and for lack of a juicer (maybe a problem), processed them with lemon juice (which I was thinking would help it soak in, but may have done something else or nothing). The paste was applied to all of my hair and wrapped up for at least 4hrs. Before the shower, it was a pale magenta, and after, blonde. Why?!
Thank you
How did you process them, in a food processor or blender, maybe it wasn’t as strong as it is with a juicer? I juiced the carrots and beets together, I also don’t have color treated hair though, so not sure if that can be influencing it.
I have been wanting to try something natural! I’m so glad I found this 🙂 If you try one and you don’t like it or it doesn’t give you the results you want, how long should you wait to try something else? Thanks!
For these, I tried a couple of them one right after the other by trying one each day just washing my hair in between. Although, some of them work better when used consistently until the desired color is reached, so you may want to give it a week or two before determining how it worked. 🙂
These are great suggestions, but it’s important to note that natural and vegetable dyes like henna and the others listed above alter the hair and should not be used with professional or boxed hair dyes. While this will not be an issue for most people who are remaining natural, those who are experimenting and do not like the results should know that they should not use box color over natural dyes if they find they don’t like the results. When using professional or box color over natural dyes, you could get an extreme variety of results with the color instead of the predicted colors. If your henna is not 100% natural and you put professional or box color over it, you could also cause serious damage to the hair.
Thanks for sharing that’s a great point! It’s always best to do a strand test first too.
U r totally right .
I have been using henna “red” for years and everytime i want to lighten my hair the red color is always there !!
I do regret sing henna.
I have used tea as I add it to powdered henna. I add a few drops of essential oils and/or argan oil with hot water or hot spiced tea to the powder. It was a bit messy the first few times but now its easy-peasy. Smells great depending on the oil I add…like tee tree- very potent and it tingles. Thanks for the other suggestions 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Indigo turns hair black… It is used like henna… Google it 🙂
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Indigo turns hair black
Hi Lori,
I have very very dark brown hair – practically black, but in the sun you can see dark brown shimmer in it. Do you know of a natural substance that can be used as a hair dye that would colour hair black, like pure black, with more of blue or cool overtones as opposed to warm brown?
Thanks!!
Hi, that’s a great question! Most of the natural hair dyes I have found will darken hair to a medium brown color, such as the coffee, tea, and black walnut hair dye. I don’t know of one that would be able to dye hair black, wish I did! If I come across any other ones I will definitely do a post on it. Henna is another option though, I haven’t tried it myself.
@bubbith Indigo will get your hair black. You have to use henna first though because indigo won’t stick without the henna first.
I have seen online that some people use indigo to increase the cool tones in their hair. To acuire a deep brown/black, they use a mix of henna and indigo. Some call this mix “hennigo”, or “hendigo.” The more indigo, the darker and cooler the tone. Good luck!
Black henna or indigo will turn the hair black completely – IF 100% natural – simple powder. Even over grey hair (I’ve seen my mother do indigo over her completely gray hair) – I’ve bought the box at the indian store where I buy my henna. I’ve been using henna for over 10 years – love the color but more so love that it gives hair a health boost( that was my prime reason to using henna – my hair started to fall like mad and only henna saved it).
HOWEVER, anyone trying either indigo or henna should know that results will depend on the initial coloring of your hair and color will evolve with repeated use ( I went from dark strawberry blond to cherry wood to deep brown-red color). The indigo after single use did the black with blue tint on box died light-brown – with gray roots. Also warning these dyes do not wash out like box color and after couple of repeated dying box color will not take (I’ve tried to do lowlights on my red and after 1.5 hours of sitting with the box color in it just washed off and my henna color remained intact.
Also a friendly advice – do not believe hair professionals who will promise to “strip” the henna or indigo out of your hair – all you will have is fried dead hair worse than after bad perm and color will still be in – dull but there. That is also based on experience (indigo).
My hair dresser refused strip the hair of henna when I asked, she honestly said that she will only kill the hair and it won’t do anything. Perm by the way doesn’t take on henna-ed hair either.
If you want an excellent coverage, and after trying on a small strand don’t mind the color that henna or indigo gives you that’s the best choice you can make for your hair in terms of dying it. If, however, you don’t like the color after testing, please don’t try it.
Hope this helps.
You could also try using oils like mustard or coconut oil. My dad had brown hair as a child & he kept using oils to make it darker cuz he didn’t like it. Now it’s pure black! But if you have blonde or red hair (any light color) then I don’t think it will work for you. Hope I could help!?
Nashmah Mamoon, how did your father use the oils? Directly on the scalp or on the entire hair? I have so much white hair (70-75%) and the rest is deep brown, almost black anda i would lime to stop coloring. How long did your father use the oils to get natural hair color back? And wuch oil (mustard or coconut) gave him the best results?
Thanks a lot!
Both coconut & mustard oil is good but I suggest coconut oil since it smells nice as opposed to mustard oil which I don’t like the smell of. You should apply on entire hair, then all of it will darken not just the roots. I’m not sure how long he did it but try applying until you get visible results. That’s why you’ll see most Asians (Indian, Bengali, etc.) have nice long black hair since they use coconut oil a lot. Also it’s better than coloring since oils HELP your hair. Hope I helped ?
I have a lot of pecans and wondering if anyone has tried using pecan hulls for a hair dye. I would love to try it to see if it covers gray. My hair is medium brown.
I haven’t tried it, but that sounds like a great option! I wonder if it would work?, I have seen pecans used as a natural dye for clothing with excellent results. If you do decide to give it a try, we would love to hear your results 🙂
im looking for the comment about using coffee for a darker color naturally. i cant find it though ? can you please help me . my hair is blonde and i want to mae it darker……
Hi Penny, was it a comment on this page?
I ordered some and am going to try it soon- will report back on how it worked for me. How long did this last for you? Did it gradually wash out or?? Anyone try this on any grey hair?
Hi Susan,
Looking forward to finding out how it works for you! Let us know what method you use too. I was just reading that someone let the mixture steep/soak for three days to achieve a darker color! I am surprised I got such a great result from only having it steep for a short time. After about a week it had lightened a little and after that it remained the same. It has now been a couple of months and my hair is still darker than my natural color. Be careful with the mixture as it can dye anything it comes into contact with (such as towels).
I love this black walnut idea, where can I order walnut powder? Can you buy ay whole foods market. If it gets to the skin or face, how I can get rid of the stain???
If I leave the dye in my hair, can I cover the hair while I am working or cleaning dishes, or leave it open to air.
I guess you said I do not even have to wash or shampoo. Will the stain in the towel I will used go away after washing??? How about my hands
After this walnut dye, can I spray my hair with black tea to keep it black every now and then.
I appreciate your time to answer my questions
So far, I haven’t been able to find it in any stores. I ordered it online. When I used it, it didn’t stain my skin at all. Since it is all natural, I left it in while doing other jobs around the house. It may stain your towel. Some use black walnut powder to dye clothing and sheets. You can use a combination of natural hair dye methods, so using the black tea too, shouldn’t be a problem.
Thanks. So when you did your whole head, how long did you leave it on for before rinsing it off? DId you use 5 tablespoons to do your whole head?
After I put my hair in a bun I didn’t rinse it for about 12 hours (I did it in the morning and then rinsed it at night). I used the 5 tablespoons to do my whole head, the powder really is quite powerful. To get a darker color you could use more of the powder or just let the mixture steep longer, I saw a few people mentioned online that they let the powder soak in water for 3 days to get a darker shade.
If you left it on for 12 hours how did you keep it off your face and scalp?
Hi Marly, after I dipped my hair into the mixture, I squeezed it out and just put it up in a bun. It air dried pretty quickly so it didn’t drip on my face at all. But it is probably not necessary to leave it in like I did.
is black walnut powder safe, somebody made cooment it is not safe. I do have black hair and I see some gray hair now and want try black walnut powder. I had used BOXED hair dye without ammonia and I want to try the walnut powder to DARKEN MY HAIR.
Is it safe, one of the comments said it has toxic property??
I consider it much much safer than any hair dyes sold in stores. It is technically a “dietary supplement”, many eat it in other countries. This site has some more helpful information:http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/black-walnut
please my hair really breaks a lot have tried to do all what i can what should i do. & again my hair is not soft and i want it to be black and shinny please can you help me to solve this?
I’ve been using coconut oil as a hair mask weekly and it has really helped my hair become more shiny 🙂
A mineral deficiency could make the hair look and feel like straw instead of silky and shiny. Take some Magnesium supplement for awhile to see if your hair regains its strength and shine besides using topical treatments like coconut oil.
Taking a biotin supplement helps, too, especially after menopause. : )
Hi, I was wondering how long does the effect (color) of the walnut stained hair remain. I use henna to cover my greys. I need to appy henna again after about 1 1/2 months when the roots have grown. But since the color of the henna is still there for the rest of the hair length, I just need to color the roots. I am hoping to do the same for walnut.
Thanks!
Yes I followed your instructions again I say it will not get rid of the gray it will darken your hair and it looks much better but you have to use commercial hair dye on your hairline
These are some great suggestions. I use henna, but the smell is pretty noxious! I love the idea of using beets to get some read highlights.
I’d love it if you’d consider sharing this on my blog’s new link-up, Waste Not Want Not, a place for sharing frugal and natural living tips and recipes. Hope to see you there 🙂
http://www.poorandglutenfree.blogspot.com/2012/11/waste-not-want-not-wednesday-5.html
Thanks for the comment. I just posted my link on your blog’s link up! Thanks for the invite, love your page!
Pl.tel me
after appying wallnut paste when we can wash our hair?
After how many days we have to apply paste?
I don’t want to rain on your parade. All these natural dyes that you you talk about will not get rid of the gray hair especially in the front of your hair and all the sides yes it will darken your hair but it will not get rid of the gray to do that you need a commercial hair dye. I have tried everything that you have discussed it just us from work but I appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your experience. Again I repeat it will darken your hair but it will not get rid of the gray thank you so much you’re very informative. Because of your article I dye my hair less and it looks great but I also use essential oils in my hair especially Rosemary and lavender.
Keep up the good work I do appreciate your views