Homemade Natural Hair Dyes

Posted by Andrea (Wales Uk) on 05/27/2014
★★★★★

Herbal Hair Dyes: I used black tea before after a Jamaican lady heard me tell my sister in a shop that I won't stick chemicals in my greying hair just because she thinks I should. The lady said to use the same method as the one below and it worked fine and lasted a week.

My hair is brown and it blended in beautifully. But my friend used it on her black hair and it worked in her as well.

My Sister who is fair did the blonde thing and also put lemon juice on her hair when it started to fade and that kept the blond shade for ages. She's going grey as well!! :-D CHEEK!

Love Andrea xxxx

By Beth Asaff: Most recipes for homemade herbal hair dye are easy to make, and there are several benefits to making your own hair products. Although most herbal dyes won't produce as brilliant a color as traditional, store-bought hair dye will, this is a great option for women who are concerned about the safety of traditional hair dyes.

Recipes for Herbal Hair Dyes

When you're ready to try making your own hair dye, it helps to have some tried and true recipes. The following are popular.

Chamomile and Calendula Rinse for Blonds

A weekly rinse with chamomile and calendula can brighten dull blond locks and stop any extra dark streaks caused by UV exposure.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh or dried chamomile flowers
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried calendula
• 1 quart of water

Method

1. Bring the water to a boil on the stove in a non-aluminum pan.
2. Add the chamomile and calendula and remove the water from the stove.
3. Allow the herbs to steep for 30 minutes, then strain out the liquid.
4. Allow the infused water to cool completely. You can store this in a refrigerated jar for future use for up to one week.
5. Wash your hair like you normally would, then towel dry.
6. Pour or spray the water onto your hair. Leave it on for 15 - 30 minutes before rinsing, or skip rinsing and style as usual.

You can try other yellow flowered herbs as well, such as saffron or turmeric. If you have very long hair, use a full cup of flowers in your mixture.

Sage and Rosemary Rinse for Brunettes

Sage and rosemary can significantly darken hair when used several times a month. They can also bring out natural highlights and some red tones in the hair.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or dried sage
• 1-1/2 cups fresh or dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Enough water to cover

Method

1. Place the herbs in a large, non-aluminum pan and cover with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Simmer for approximately six hours, checking frequently to ensure the water does not boil away. Add more water as needed.
4. Strain and allow the mixture to cool.
5. Add the apple cider vinegar and mix well.
6. After shampooing, rinse the hair in the sage and rosemary rinse and style as usual.

Walnut Rinse for Brunettes

Walnut hulls are an extremely effective way to darken hair (and everything else). Always wear gloves when working with walnut hulls.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons crushed black walnut hulls
• 3 cups of water
• Tea ball or muslin tea bag

Method

1. Place the crushed black walnut hulls in the tea ball or bag and steep in 3 cups of boiling water overnight.
2. Shampoo your hair as usual and rinse hair 10 to 15 times in the walnut mixture.
3. Style as usual.

Black Tea Rinse to Darken Any Shade

Black tea will give a subtle and temporary darkening to your hair, no matter what it's starting color.

Ingredients

• 3 heaping tablespoons of loose black tea leaves
• 3 cups boiling water

Method

• Steep the black tea leaves in the boiling water for approximately 30 minutes.
• Shampoo your hair as usual and pour the black tea mixture over your hair 15 to 20 times.
• Leave the final rinse of black tea on your hair for 10 minutes, then rinse with clean, warm water.
• Style as usual.

Henna Powder for Red Hair

Henna powder can be used for brunettes and for people with red hair. Henna is a very in depth topic; research it more before attempting to make your own mix.

Henna can add light or dark highlights to both red and brown hair. Try this method for a subtle, red/gold color.

Ingredients

• 200 grams of henna powder
• 2 cups lemon juice
• Saran wrap

Method

1. Mix together the henna and lemon juice in a non-metal bowl.

Allow the mixture to sit for four to six hours until it thickness slightly.

1. Apply the mixture to your hair and comb through evenly.
2. Pile your hair on your head and wrap in saran wrap.
3. Allow it to sit undisturbed for two to three hours, then rinse out.