I spent hours experimenting with organic hair care recipes like homemade air conditioner AND dry shampoo. This time it was natural hair dye recipes. My family is used to my skincare experiments, but this one came with its fair share of laughs. I've been walking around with some herbal concoction in my head for weeks!
I had experimented with natural hair bleaching in the past, but hadn't tried dark or red shades (as I have blonde hair). I found some friends with dark hair willing to test other formulas. A lot of wasted herbs and a bunch of random colored lines later, I figured out some good dark and red options too!
Conventional permanent hair dye
Not sure why you want to use herbal hair dyes with natural ingredients? Read the label of regular hair dye and you will see parabens, silicones and sulfates to name a few things. Some permanent hair color options also have resorcinol. This chemical helps bond the color to the hair, but it's also known to cause skin irritation and thyroid damage (plus other things).
Then there is P-phenylenediamine (PPD) used along with peroxide. Not only is it used to make kevlar, but it can also cause your cell's genes to change. Not something I want near my brain! Organic plant-based ingredients aren't as strong, but they're a great alternative if you want a clean hair color option.
Over time, chemically treated hair can become brittle and lead to hair loss. By dying it at home, you not only avoid harmful chemicals, but you don't need to make frequent trips to the hairstylist to check your roots.
Natural hair dye without chemicals
Since these are natural colors from plant pigments, they will create natural shades in your hair. You won't get artificial colors like hot pink or platinum blonde.
Blonde/light recipes will permanently bleach your hair as it bleaches naturally. Red and dark colors will leave a temporary tint for a few weeks (depending on how often you wash). Time in the sun helps set all shades and highlights natural points.
Note: I have not tried all of these natural hair coloring methods on previously colored or chemically treated hair. Always test a small section of hair (I also put a little on my skin) to test for results and rule out any allergic reactions. Also, do not use these hair coloring recipes on hair that has been chemically treated in the last 6-8 weeks.
Herbs for light hair
Whether your hair is ash blonde, light blonde, or even dark blonde, you can get natural highlights with these herbs. They help to lighten and improve the natural coverage of the hair. I have tried several basic herbal variations including:
- Chamomile tea – I use a very strong drink and spray or pour it on my hair and leave it for a few hours. Sitting in the sun during this time increases the brightening effect.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice also produces natural strengths. Spray and wash your hair with lemon juice and leave it for a few hours in the sun).
- Chamomile tea rinse – Use it as a rinse at the end of every shower and leave it in your hair! This produces smooth, silky hair and naturally brightens it over time.
For a stronger and faster effect, I used the following recipe. I am left with very blonde hair, easy to work with and not yellow/brassy at all.
Plant to dye hair red
These will create a red/dark blonde shade on lighter hair and an auburn color on darker hair. The effects are cumulative, so extended use over time creates a more vibrant red. The easiest thing is to make it part of your hair care routine if you want permanent red hair.
- Calendula flower or fresh marigold petals from your garden. Don't worry, you can buy these (unsprayed) if you don't have any.
- Hibiscus petals
Plant to dye hair brown
It is easiest to darken hair that is already light brown or darker, although these colors will also darken blonde tones. Used as a rinse, these herbs will darken gray hair over time. The more they are used, the darker the results.
For a faster and more dramatic effect, use a henna color such as black, dark brown or mahogany. For a slower or softer tone, use these herbs:
Herbs for coloring hair dark brown or black
If you have very light hair, it will be difficult to get really dark shades with herbs alone, although with enough patience, it can be done. Indigo also works for this. I have listed the herbs that work, and you can use any combination.
As always, test on a small section of hair before use. Henna hair colors give dark results that last longer, but if you want to gradually darken, here are the recipes I've tried:
- Black walnut powder – Use as a rinse in the shower for hair and dry in the sun if possible. This will create very dark hair, especially if you have dry or color-treated hair. It also provides the darkest coverage for gray hair. Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain the dark shade.
- Strong black tea – Use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse to darken hair of any color. This is also nourishing to the hair and will provide a temporary darkening effect on most hair types. Repeat as needed to get the desired shade and dry in the sun if possible.
With any of these herbal hair colors, be sure to test a small section of your hair first. Especially with colored hair and especially with henna colors as they have more lasting effects.
Experiment with any of the above to get the right mix for your hair! I've included a few recipes below for you to try.
Natural recipe for hair coloring
Tried and true herbal hair color recipes with natural herbs. It works for all different hair colors and helps nourish your hair and scalp.
Light hair color ingredients
Ingredients of red hair color
Brown hair color ingredients
Dark brown or black hair color ingredients
Instructions for coloring light hair
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Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle or other small bottle.
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Shake well and spray or pour over hair. Brush on to ensure even coverage.
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Go outside in the sun for 1-2 hours, then rinse your hair. I suggest putting this in your hair and doing a kettlebell workout in the sun for maximum benefit!
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This can be used several times a week until the desired color is achieved. You can also use this as a rinse at the end of a shower (and then rinse lightly with water) although it will take longer to take effect. This will not have a dramatic effect overnight. However, when I put it in my hair before gardening in the sun for a few hours, I noticed a difference.
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This spray will stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator.
Instructions for coloring red hair
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In a small pan, bring the water to a boil.
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Reduce the heat and add the calendula/marigold and hibiscus.
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Simmer for at least 30 minutes with the lid on.
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Remove from the heat and when cool, strain the herbs, making sure to remove all the small bits (I use cheesecloth).
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Use as a final hair rinse at the end of every shower. Dry your hair in the sun if possible.
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Repeat daily until desired shade is achieved and then every few days to maintain.
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The liquid is stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Instructions for coloring brown hair
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In a small pan, bring the water to a boil.
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Reduce the heat and add the herbs.
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Boil for at least 30 minutes or until the water is very dark.
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Remove from the heat and when cool, strain the herbs, making sure to remove all the small bits (I use cheesecloth).
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Spray or apply to hair about an hour before showering each day, then shampoo as usual. It can also be used as a rinse and left on at the end of every shower.
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Repeat until desired color is achieved. It has a cumulative effect and you probably won't notice much of a difference in the first few days. The herbs in this blend are also great for getting rid of dandruff and boosting hair growth!
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The juice is stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dark brown or black hair color guidelines
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Tie the black walnut powder into a tea bag or cheesecloth bag.
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Place in a quart jar and add the water.
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Bake for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Use as a conditioner in the shower and dry your hair in the sun if possible. This will create very dark hair, especially if you have dry or color-treated hair. It will also provide the darkest coverage for gray hair.
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Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain the dark shade.
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You can also use strong black tea as a final rinse to darken hair of any color. This is also nourishing to the hair and will provide a temporary darkening effect on most hair types.
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Repeat as needed to get the desired shade and dry in the sun if possible.
- Always do a preliminary test on a strand of hair before doing the whole head to check the color and rule out an allergy.
- Some sources recommend against prolonged internal use of black walnut hulls. This hair rinse is for external use only, but consult your healthcare practitioner if you have any concerns.
Natural semi-permanent hair dye at home
You can use henna hair color if you want faster and more lasting results. I bought from The Moroccan method with great success. They have great products and the results are dramatic. I also love that they are natural and cruelty free.
They have many color variations with shades of red to dark brown to black. Results last for several months or longer if you wash your hair less often or use a natural mild shampoo. They do not provide full gray coverage for gray or white hair. However, it will noticeably darken it to help cover the natural gray hair.
Important note: Henna can react with the ammonia in regular hair dye. This turns your hair orange or even green! If you have recently had your hair chemically treated, wait at least 6-8 weeks before trying henna. Before applying the pack, test on a small section of hair before using it all over your head!
Purple for darker hair
Indigo is a natural, vegan plant dye used in Ayurvedic traditions to dye hair and fabric. Can be mixed with henna for a medium to dark brown shade. In the right proportions, it can even dye hair dark black. The Moroccan method details on how to use it here.
Have you ever used natural dye to color your hair? Let me know below!
