I spent hours experimenting with organic hair care recipes like homemade conditioners and dry shampoos. This time, it was a natural hair dye recipe. My family is used to my skin care experiments, but this time they were all laughing. I walked around with the herbal mixture in my hair for weeks!
I have tried natural hair lightening in the past, but never dark or red shades (I have blonde hair). I found a few dark hair friends who were willing to test different formulas. Many wasted herbs and random colored streaks later, I have found some great dark and red options too!
Conventional permanent hair dye
Not sure why you should use herbal hair dyes with natural ingredients? If you read the labels on your traditional hair color, you’ll see parabens, silicones, sulfates, and more. Some permanent hair color options contain resorcinol. This chemical helps the color bind to your hair, but it’s also known to cause skin irritation and thyroid damage (and more).
And then there’s P-Phenylenediamine (PPD), which is used with peroxide. Not only is it used to make Kevlar, but it can also mutate the genes of cells. That’s not something I want right next to my brain! The plant-based organic ingredients aren’t as strong, but they’re a good alternative if you want a clean hair dye option.
Over time, chemically treated hair can become brittle and lead to hair loss. Not only can you avoid harmful chemicals by dyeing your hair at home, but you also won’t have to visit your hair stylist as often to touch up your roots.
DIY Natural Hair Dye Without Chemicals
Since these are natural pigments from herbal pigments, they create natural shades for your hair. They do not produce artificial colors such as hot pink or platinum blonde.
Blonde/light recipes are permanent lightening because they naturally bleach the hair. Red and dark shades leave a temporary tint for a few weeks (depending on how often you wash your hair). Sun exposure will set all the shades and reveal your natural highlights.
memo: I have never tried any of these natural hair color methods on previously colored or chemically treated hair. Always test a small piece of hair (I also put a little on my skin) to test the results and rule out allergic reactions. Also, do not use these hair color recipes on hair that has been chemically treated in the last 6-8 weeks.
Herbs for bright hair
If your hair is ash blonde, light blonde, or even dark blonde, you can achieve natural highlights with this herb. This herb helps to brighten and strengthen your hair for natural hair coverage. I have tried a few basic herb variations, including:
- Chamomile tea – I use a really strong brew and spray or pour it on my hair and leave it on for a few hours. If you expose it to the sun, the bleaching effect will be even stronger.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice can also create natural highlights. Just spray some lemon juice on your hair, comb it through, and leave it in the sun for a few hours.
- Chamomile Tea Rinse – Use it as a rinse after every shower and leave it in your hair! This will leave your hair soft and silky and naturally lighten over time.
For stronger and faster results, I used the recipe below. My hair became very blonde, manageable, and not at all yellow or brassy.
Herbs for dyeing red hair
This product creates a red/dark strawberry blonde shade on light hair and an auburn shade on dark hair. The effects are cumulative, so longer-term use creates a more vivid red shade over time. The easiest way to keep your red hair is to incorporate it into your hair care routine.
- Calendula flowers or fresh calendula petals from your garden. Don’t worry, you can buy them unsprayed.
- Hibiscus petals
Herbs for dyeing brown hair
It is easiest to darken already light brown or darker hair, but these colors will also darken blonde tones. When used as a rinse, these herbs will darken gray hair over time. The more you use, the darker the results will be.
For a quicker and more dramatic effect, use henna colors like black, dark brown, or mahogany. For a slower or softer tone, use the following herbs:
Herbs for dyeing dark brown or black hair
If your hair is very light, it may be difficult to get a really dark shade with herbs alone, but it can be done with patience. Indigo works too For this, I have listed herbs that are effective, and you can use any combination.
As always, test on a small section of hair before using. Henna hair color provides long-lasting, dark results, but if you want to go darker gradually, here’s the recipe I tried:
- black walnut powder – Rinse your hair in the shower and dry it in the sun if possible. This will make your hair very dark, especially if you have dry or colored hair. It also provides the darkest coverage for gray hair. Repeat daily or as needed to maintain the dark shade.
- Strong black tea – Use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse to darken hair of all colors. It also nourishes the hair and provides a temporary darkening effect for most hair types. Repeat as needed until you achieve the desired shade, and dry in the sun if possible.
Before using any of these herbal hair colors, be sure to test them on a small section of your hair first, especially if you have dyed hair or henna, as the results will last longer.
Experiment with any of the above to create a mixture that works for your hair! I’ve included some recipes below for you to try.
Natural Hair Dye Recipes
A proven recipe for herbal colored hair using natural herbs. Works on all hair colors and nourishes hair and scalp.
Bright Hair Color Ingredients
Red Hair Color Ingredients
Brown hair color material
Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair Color Ingredients
Description of light hair color
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Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle or other small bottle.
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Shake well and spray or pour onto hair. Comb to cover evenly.
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Rinse your hair after being out in the sun for 1-2 hours. Apply this to your hair and do kettlebell exercises in the sun for maximum benefits!
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You can use it several times a week until you get the color you want. You can also use it as a rinse at the end of your shower (and rinse lightly with water), but it takes longer to work. It doesn’t have a dramatic effect overnight. However, I noticed a difference when I left it in the sun for a few hours before I started gardening.
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This spray will stay fresh for several days if stored in the refrigerator.
Red Hair Color Guidelines
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Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the calendula and hibiscus.
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Simmer, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool, then strain the herbs, making sure all the little pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
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Use it as a final rinse after every shower. If possible, dry your hair in the sun.
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Repeat daily until desired shade is achieved, then repeat once every few days for maintenance.
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The liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Brown hair color description
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Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the herbs.
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Boil for at least 30 minutes or until the water is very thick.
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Remove from heat and let cool, then strain the herbs, making sure all the little pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
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Spray or comb through your hair about an hour before your daily shower, then shampoo as usual. You can also use it as a rinse or leave it on after each shower.
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Repeat until you reach the desired color. The effect is cumulative and you won’t notice much of a difference for the first few days. The herbs in this mixture are also great for eliminating dandruff and increasing hair growth!
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The liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair Color Guidelines
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Wrap the black walnut powder in a tea bag or cheesecloth and tie it shut.
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Place in a 1 quart (about 346 ml) mason jar and add water.
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Soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Use it to rinse your hair while showering and if possible let it dry in the sun. This will darken your hair significantly, especially if you have dry or dyed hair. It also covers gray hair the darkest.
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Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain a dark shade.
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You can also use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse to darken hair of any color. It also nourishes the hair and provides a temporary darkening effect for most hair types.
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Repeat until you achieve the desired shade, and dry in the sun if possible.
- Always do a color test on a single strand of hair before dyeing your entire head to check the color and make sure you don’t have any allergies.
- Some sources advise against using black walnut shells internally for long periods of time. This hair rinse is for external use only, but if you have concerns, consult your natural health practitioner.
Semi-permanent natural hair dye at home
If you want faster and more permanent results, you can use henna hair color. I bought mine from Morrocco Method and had great success. They have great products and the results are dramatic. I also like that they are natural and cruelty free.
They come in a variety of colors, from reddish to dark brown to black. Wash your hair less often or Gentle Natural Shampoo. They do not provide complete gray coverage for gray or white hair. However, they do help to cover gray hair naturally by darkening it noticeably.
Important Note: Henna can react with the ammonia in conventional hair dyes. This can cause your hair to turn orange or even green! If you have recently chemically treated your hair, wait at least 6-8 weeks before trying henna. Before applying the package, test on a small section of hair before using on your entire head!
Indigo for dark hair
Indigo is a natural vegan plant dye used in Ayurvedic traditions to dye hair and fabrics. It can be mixed with henna to create a medium to dark brown shade. When used in the right proportions, it can also dye hair a deep, ink-black color. Moroccan way For detailed usage instructions, please check here.
Have you ever dyed your hair with natural dyes? Let us know below!
