I’ve spent countless hours trying out homemade hair care recipes, from conditioners to dry shampoo, and this time, I’ve ventured into natural hair dye. My family is pretty used to my skincare experiments, but this one definitely brought a few laughs as I walked around with a mix of herbs on my head for days!
I’ve dabbled in naturally lightening my hair before, but dark or red shades were new to me, considering my blonde locks. So, I enlisted some willing friends with darker hair to help me test different mixtures. After many failed attempts with wasted herbs and some peculiar hair streaks, I finally discovered some effective dark and red dye options!
Now, if you’re wondering why you might choose herbal dyes with natural ingredients, just take a look at the labels on standard hair dyes. They often contain parabens, silicone, and sulfate, among other things. Some permanent dyes even include resorcinol, a chemical that helps the dye stick to hair but can also irritate the skin and harm your thyroid.
Plus, there’s P-phenylenediamine (PPD), used with peroxide, that’s not only involved in making kevlar but can also cause genetic mutations in cells. Not exactly what I’d want near my head! While plant-based dyes aren’t as potent, they offer a safer alternative for those looking for a clean hair dye option.
Over time, chemically-treated hair can become brittle, leading to hair loss. By dyeing it at home using natural methods, you avoid harsh chemicals and frequent salon visits for touch-ups.
Herbal pigments create natural-looking colors, so if you’re aiming for something like hot pink or platinum blonde, these aren’t for you. The blond/light recipes naturally lighten hair permanently, whereas red and dark hues offer a temporary tint that lasts for a few weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. Spending time in the sun helps set these colors and enhances highlights.
Just a note: I haven’t tried all these natural dyes on previously dyed or chemically-treated hair. It’s always a good idea to test a small section first to check results and ensure there are no allergic reactions. Avoid using these dyes on hair treated with chemicals in the last 6-8 weeks.
For those with ash blonde, light blonde, or dark blonde hair, these herbs can bring out natural highlights and enhance your hair’s natural hue. I’ve experimented with a few simple herbal mixtures:
For better and faster results, I’ve used the following recipe, which left my hair very blonde without any brassy tones:
For lighter hair, these can give a strawberry blonde tint, and for darker hair, an auburn hue. The color becomes more vibrant over time with regular use, so incorporating it into your routine is the easiest way to maintain red hair.
Darker hair responds best to these methods, but they will also darken blonde tones. Using them as a rinse can gradually darken grey hair. The more you use them, the darker your hair will get.
If you want a bolder change, try using henna in colors like black, dark brown, or mahogany. For a gentler effect, these herbs offer a slower approach:
Achieving very dark hues on light hair using just herbs is challenging but possible with patience. Indigo is also effective for this. I’ve compiled a list of herbs that work, and you can mix and match as desired.
As always, try these out on a small part of your hair first. Henna dye provides long-lasting dark shades, but if you want to gradually darken your hair, these are the recipes I’ve tried:
With any herbal hair color, make sure to test a small section first, especially if your hair has been chemically treated, as henna can have lasting effects.
Feel free to experiment with the recipes provided to find the right mix for your hair! Here are some you can try:
If you’re looking for quicker, more lasting results, henna might be the way to go. I’ve personally had success with products from Morrocco Method. They’re natural, cruelty-free, and the outcome is impressive. They offer a range of colors from red to dark brown and black. The results can last several months, especially if you wash your hair less often or use gentle, natural shampoo. While they don’t completely cover grey hair, they can noticeably darken it.
Important Note: Be cautious with henna if you’ve recently used conventional hair dye, as it might react with ammonia and turn your hair orange or green. Wait at least 6-8 weeks after chemical treatments before trying henna, and always test it on a small section first.
Indigo is another natural, vegan plant dye used in Ayurvedic practices for hair and fabric. When mixed with henna, it creates medium to dark brown shades and, with the right proportions, even an inky black. The Morocco Method provides detailed instructions on using it.
Have you ever tried natural hair dye at home? Share your experiences below!
