I’ve spent hours experimenting with organic hair care recipes, including homemade conditioners and dry shampoos, and now it’s a natural hair color recipe. My family is used to my skin care experiments, but this one got quite a laugh. I’d been walking around with herbal concoctions on my head for weeks!
I’ve experimented with lightening my natural hair before, but never darker or red shades (because I’m blonde.) I found some supportive dark-haired friends who were willing to try other formulas, and after a bunch of wasted herbs and random colored streaks, I found some darker and red color options as well.
Traditional permanent hair dye
Not sure why you should use natural herbal hair dyes? If you read the labels on conventional hair dyes, you’ll see that they contain several substances, including parabens, silicones, and sulfates. Some permanent hair dyes also contain resorcinol, a chemical that helps set the color in your hair, but is also known to cause skin irritation and thyroid damage (among other things).
Additionally, there’s also paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is used in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide. Not only is it used to make Kevlar, but it can also cause genetic mutations in your cells – not something you want anywhere near your brain. Organic, plant-based ingredients are less potent, but are a great alternative if you’re looking for a clean hair dye option.
Chemically treated hair can become brittle over time and lead to hair loss. Dyeing your hair at home not only allows you to avoid harmful chemicals, but it also eliminates the need for frequent trips to the stylist to re-dye your roots.
DIY Natural Hair Color Without Chemicals
These are natural colors from herbal dyes, so they will create a natural shade in your hair, not an artificial color like hot pink or platinum blonde.
The blonde/light recipe will permanently lighten your hair as it naturally bleaches it, the red and darker shades will leave a temporary tint for a few weeks (depending on how often you wash your hair). Exposure to sunlight will set all the shades and bring out your natural highlights.
Notes: I have not tried all of these natural hair color methods on previously dyed or chemically treated hair. Be sure to test a small sample on your hair (and even put a little on your skin) to see the results and ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Also, do not use these hair color recipes on hair that has been chemically treated within the last 6-8 weeks.
Herbs for Lightening Hair
If your hair is ash blonde, light blonde, or dark blonde, you can get natural highlights with these herbs. These herbs lighten the hair and add natural coverage. I’ve tried variations on a few basic herbs, such as:
- Chamomile tea – Spray or pour the very thick liquid onto your hair and leave it on for a few hours. Exposing it to sunlight during this time will enhance the lightening effect.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice can also create natural highlights. Spray it on your hair, brush it in, and leave it in the sun for a few hours.
- Chamomile Tea Rinse – Use as a rinse at the end of every shower and leave in your hair to leave it smooth, silky and naturally lighten over time.
For a stronger and faster effect, I used the following recipe: My hair became blonde, manageable and completely free of yellowness and gold.
Herbs for dyeing red hair
These will give you a red/dark strawberry blonde hue on light hair and an auburn hue on dark hair. The effect is cumulative, so over time you will get a more vibrant red. If you want to keep your hair red all the time, the easiest way is to make this a part of your hair care routine.
- Calendula flowers or fresh marigold petals from your garden. Don’t worry, if you don’t have any petals, you can buy (unsprayed) ones.
- Hibiscus petals
Herbs for dyeing brown hair
Although it’s easiest to darken hair that’s already light brown or darker, these colors will also darken blonde hair. Using these herbs as a rinse will also darken gray hair over time. The more you use it, the darker the results will be.
For a faster, more dramatic effect, use henna colors such as black, dark brown, and mahogany. For a slower, more gentle tone, use the following herbs:
Herbs for dyeing dark brown or black hair
If your hair color is very light, it’s difficult to achieve a really dark shade using only herbs, but it can be done with enough patience. Indigo also works For this we have listed some effective herbs, which can be used in any combination.
As always, test on a small section of hair before using. Henna hair color goes on intensely and lasts a long time, but if you want a gradual build-up of color, try this recipe:
- Black Walnut Powder – Rinse your hair in the shower and dry in the sun if possible. This will give you a very dark color, especially on dry or color-treated hair. It also provides the darkest coverage for gray hair. Repeat daily or as needed to achieve and maintain a dark color.
- Strong black tea – Strong black tea can be used as a final rinse to darken any hair color. It nourishes the hair and provides a temporary darkening effect on most hair types. Repeat as necessary until desired shade is achieved, drying in the sun if possible.
When using these herbal hair colors, always test on a small section of hair first, especially on colored or henna-colored hair, as the effects will last longer.
Try out some of the above and find the combination that works best for your hair. Below are some recipes for you to try:
Natural Hair Color Recipes
A proven herbal hair colour recipe using natural herbs that works on all hair colours and nourishes the hair and scalp.
Bright hair color ingredients
Red hair color ingredients
Brown hair color ingredients
Dark brown or black hair color ingredients
Light hair color instructions
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Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle or other small bottle.
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Shake well and then spray or pour onto hair. Brush through to distribute evenly.
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Leave your hair in the sun for 1-2 hours and then rinse it. For maximum benefits, we recommend you apply this to your hair and do your kettlebell workout in the sun.
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You can use it a few times a week until you achieve the color you want. You can also use it as a rinse at the end of the shower (then rinse with light water). However, it takes time to work. You won’t see dramatic results overnight. However, I did notice a difference when I applied it to my hair before gardening in the sun for a few hours.
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This spray will stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
Red hair color description
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Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and add the calendula/marigold and hibiscus.
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Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes.
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Remove from heat and once cooled strain the herbs making sure all the little pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
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Use as a final rinse at the end of every shower. Dry your hair in the sun if possible.
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Repeat daily until you achieve your desired shade, then repeat every few days to maintain.
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The liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Brown hair color steps
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Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and add herbs.
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Simmer for at least 30 minutes or until the water is very dark.
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Remove from heat and once cooled strain the herbs making sure all the little pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
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Spray or brush into hair about an hour before showering each day and then shampoo as usual, or use as a leave-in rinse at the end of your shower.
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Repeat until you achieve the desired color. The effects are cumulative, so you may not notice much of a change in the first few days. The herbs in this mix are also great for eliminating dandruff and promoting hair growth.
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The liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Dark brown or black hair color description
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Place ground black walnuts into a tea bag or cheesecloth pouch and tie it up.
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Place in a 1 quart mason jar and add water.
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Soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Rinse your hair in the shower and dry it in the sun if possible. It will give you very dark hair, especially if you have dry or color-treated hair. It also provides the darkest coverage for gray hair.
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Repeat daily or as needed to maintain intense shade.
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You can darken any hair color by using strong black tea as a final rinse, which also nourishes the hair and provides a temporary darkening effect on most hair types.
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Repeat as necessary until desired shade is achieved, drying in the sun if possible.
- Always pre-test a single strand of hair before dyeing your entire head to check the colour and rule out any allergies.
- Some sources recommend not ingesting black walnut shells internally for extended periods. This hair rinse is for external use only, but consult a naturopathic professional if you have concerns.
Semi-permanent natural hair color at home
If you want faster, more permanent results, you can use henna hair color. I’ve bought from Morrocco Method with great success. Their products are excellent and the results are dramatic. I also love that they’re natural and cruelty-free.
Available in a wide range of colors, from red to dark brown and black. Gentle natural shampooIt doesn’t completely cover grey or gray hairs, but it does darken the hair noticeably and helps to cover the grey hairs naturally.
Important Notice: Henna can react with the ammonia found in traditional hair dyes. This can turn your hair orange or green. If you’ve recently chemically treated your hair, wait at least 6-8 weeks before trying henna. Before applying the package, test a small section of hair before using on your entire head.
Indigo for dark hair
Indigo is a natural, vegan plant dye used in the Ayurvedic tradition to dye hair and fabrics. When mixed with henna, it gives a medium to dark brown shade. When mixed in the right proportions, it can also dye hair a deep, inky black. Moroccan Method Click here for detailed instructions on how to use it.
Have you ever tried dyeing your hair with natural hair dyes? Let us know below!
