These organic hair color ideas are friendlier alternatives to chemical-laden hair dyes. With the plethora of commercially-made hair coloring products on the market, it’s a relief that you have the option to color your hair naturally. Homemade organic hair color is not as harmful to your body or the environment. Sure, the process may take longer than simply having your hair done in a salon. But since natural hair dyes are much healthier compared to manufactured hair products, these ideas are still worth trying!
Organic Hair Color: Ideas to Dye Your Hair Naturally
1. Henna
Henna has been used for dyeing hair and applying temporary body art for thousands of years. Usually in powder form, henna remains one of the best organic hair color options around. The dye lasts longer compared to other sources of organic hair color, too.
Effect: Reddish brown
Mix: Add water, coconut oil, or olive oil to henna powder to create a smooth paste.
How to use: Once the henna paste is ready, apply it to your hair and leave it on for 2 or more hours. Wrap your hair in a cling wrap and a shower cap. Make sure to separate your hair into segments to make the dyeing process easier.
Tip: Add ingredients like organic indigo dye to make the color darker.
Note: The shade varies depending on your hair color and the quality of the henna powder.
2. Lemon Juice
Putting fresh lemon juice on your hair is a simple, natural way to lighten its color. The citric acid in lemons accelerates the lightening of hair when it’s exposed to sunlight.
Effect: Lighten hair color
Mix: Add water if desired but using the lemon juice alone is fine.
How to use: Apply lemon juice to hair. Use a spray bottle, if necessary. Leave it on for at least an hour while sitting in the sun. Do this once a week.
Tip: If you don’t like being exposed to sunlight for too long, you can blowdry your hair instead.
Note: It may take a month before you see results.
3. Carrot and Beet Juice
These two organic ingredients are not really strong enough to color hair permanently. But it may give blonde hair a reddish tint when applied a couple of times. Results vary and in some cases, it may not work. It is worth noting that beets have properties that support healthy hair growth.
Effect: Reddish tone
Mix: Beet juice, carrot juice, and a few tablespoons of coconut oil
How to use: Mix beets, carrots, and coconut oil. Spread the mixture all over your hair and leave on for at least an hour.
Tip: You can also add sugar and heat up the mixture before application.
4. Lemon, Chamomile Tea, and Calendula Tea
Lemon, as mentioned, has bleaching properties. Meanwhile, chamomile and calendula can also lighten hair. Combining these three ingredients may produce a stronger organic hair color and speeds up the lightening process.
Effect: Lighter hair
Mix: Strong calendula tea, strong chamomile tea, and lemon juice
How to use: Put ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Make sure the mixture has a combined amount of 2 to 3 cups. Once it’s cool, pour it over your hair. Massage your scalp and brush your hair thoroughly. Do not rinse for at least two hours. Repeat the process twice a week.
Tip: You may also use lemon peels and calendula and chamomile flowers. Apple cider vinegar may also be added.
Note: Exposing your hair for at least an hour in the sun may speed up the process.
5. Black Tea or Coffee
The colors of black tea and coffee immediately fade the next time you wash your hair. But it may help darken light-colored hair after prolonged use.
Effect: Darken the shade of your natural hair
Mix: One cup of water, one tablespoon of ground coffee or tea
How to use: Let coffee or tea boil for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by a third. Once it cools, pour the brew on your hair and leave it on for at least an hour and a half.
Tip: You may add olive oil or coconut oil to soften hair.
6. Black Walnut Powder
Although it does not last as long as henna, black walnut powder is among the natural hair dyes that stay on for a relatively long period. You can make your own powder from black walnut hulls. But it’s much easier if you just buy the powder online.
Effect: Darkens hair to a dark brown
Mix: 4 to 5 tablespoons of black walnut powder, 3 cups of water
How to use: Heat water in a pot. Once it boils, take the pot off the stove and add the walnut powder. Let the walnut steep overnight. Massage the walnut brew into your hair and scalp. Leave it on for at least an hour before rinsing. You might need to repeat the process a few times before you achieve the desired effect.
Tip: Use a heat cap for better results. You can do this once or twice a week to maintain the color of your hair.
Note: The walnut brew stains. Wear old, dark shirts, and apply the brew outside your house if necessary.
7. Sage and Apple Cider Vinegar
Effect: Darken hair and stimulate hair growth
Mix: A handful of fresh sage or 2 tablespoons dried sage, 2 cups of water, 5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
How to use: Prepare the sage like the way you make tea. Let it steep for about 20 minutes. Then, add vinegar to the filtered brew. Use it as a rinse after washing your hair. Leave it on for at least an hour.
Tip: Rinse your hair with water if the smell of vinegar bothers you.
Note: Sage is considered by some as one of the best natural hair dyes for grey hair
Watch this video from BRIGHT SIDE to learn more organic hair color ideas:
You must note that these organic hair color ideas are not as potent compared to manufactured hair dyes. Except when using henna, you may have to repeat the process several times before you see a difference in your hair color, plus continued use to maintain the shade. But these organic hair color ideas all seem like such fun hair pampering treatments to try! If you’re looking to compromise, you can search for commercial hair dyes that use more natural ingredients and omit the traditional chemicals used–some brands may even be cruelty-free.
Share your organic hair color ideas with us in the comments section!
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