While Typical Dyes Can Be Toxic, Here Are Ways to Dye Your Hair Naturally

More than 64 million Americans dyed their hair in 2019. A cool hairstyle is usually the key to a perfect look and we’re often willing to spend a fortune on dyes to get the hair color of our dreams. However, some studies concern that chemicals used in artificial dyes, such as ammonium, which destroys tyrosine — a natural protein in hair, may weaken hair and affect hair’s ability to hold the color.

We at Bright Side have looked into the organic alternatives you can use to replace the artificial dyes to keep yourself beautiful and safe. And at the end of the article, we’ll tell you how to lighten your current hair hue without resorting to harsh, harmful chemicals.

Red hair

What to use:

• Carrot/tomato/beet juice
• Coconut/olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar

Dyeing process:

To brighten the hue of red hair, you may use either carrot, tomato, or beet juice or purée, depending on the tone you need. Carotenoids － which contain red, yellow, and orange pigments － will give your hair a bright, natural shade.

You can start the procedure by mixing the juice or purée with either coconut or olive oil. Then, spread the mixture along the entire length of your hair, and wrap your head with a plastic bag or shower cap for at least one hour. Afterward, dip the hair in some apple cider vinegar. If the color is not strong enough, you may repeat the procedure one more time.

What else?

Another option is to use tea from hibiscus and calendula. Balancing the amount of each, you can get the shade you prefer. And to get a very firm color, use henna. Henna is a natural dye that has been used for coloring hair, eyebrows, and the body since the times of Ancient Egypt.

Black hair

What to use:

• Walnut shell powder
• Water

Dyeing process:

If you want to give your black hair a deeper tone, you can use a walnut shell powder. First, soak 3-5 tablespoons of walnut shell powder in 2-3 cups of boiling water. Rub the mixture into your hair, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, wash your hair as you usually do. The color is pretty firm and will last for a couple of months. Plus, the number of vitamins and minerals in the walnuts will make your hair healthier and stronger.

What else?

Coffee is another ingredient you may use to replace black dye. Besides its stimulating effect that we usually drink coffee for, it also is a good organic colorant. Just mix 2 tablespoons of coffee with 1/2 cup of your hair conditioner, and you’ll get your hue at least one shade darker.

If you want your hue to be lighter, you can mix hair conditioner with cinnamon, honey, and lemon juice. Spray the mixture along the length of your locks, and your black hue will magically become brown with reddish tints.

Brown hair

What to use:

• Dried sage
• Rosemary
• Water
• Apple cider vinegar

Dyeing process:

Those who want to darken their own brown hue or cover up grays may use a sage and rosemary mixture. Start with boiling 2/3 cup of sage and 1/3 cup of rosemary with 3 cups of water for 15-20 minutes. Then, let it cool and mix it with apple cider vinegar. Put the liquid into a glass bottle and spray it on your hair 4-5 times a week.

What else?

You also may get a similar effect by using black tea and nettle tea. Just brew a strong black/nettle tea and moisten your hair with it. However, this option is pretty time-consuming — it may take you up to 15-20 procedures to get a desirable outcome.

Blonde hair

What to use:

• Lemon juice
• Hair conditioner
• Sunlight

Dyeing process:

To highlight the beauty and shine of blonde hair, you can use lemon juice. Squeeze the juice of 3 fresh lemons and mix 2/3 cup of juice with 1/2 cup of hair conditioner. Spray the liquid all over your hair and put it under direct sunlight for 1-2 hours. You may also use cotton balls to dye particular locks of hair.

What else?

If your blonde becomes faded, you can use a rhubarb root powder to get the brightness back. Soak 3-4 tablespoons of rhubarb root powder into 1/2 cup of water, and let the mixture stand overnight. Then, wash your hair as usual, moisten your hair with the mixture, and dry it without further rinsing.

Note: Lemon can severely dry out your hair. It’s important to use the moistening remedies along with a coloring mixture.

Bonus

Here’s how to lighten your hue despite your natural hair color.

What to use:

• Baking soda
• Water

Dyeing process:

Just mix all the ingredients to get a medium-dense paste. Massage the paste into your hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then, wash your hair as usual.

It might take several washes to get a desirable result.

Note: Do not overuse this recipe; frequently used, baking soda may damage your hair.

Have you already dyed your hair with natural ingredients? Or do you prefer using artificial ones? Tell us in the comments below.