According to studies, 65% of women dye their hair with artificial hair dyes that contain harmful chemicals. These dyes are considered highly carcinogenic by the National Cancer Institute – a single brand was found to contain 5000 dangerous chemicals! The adverse effects of hair coloring with commercial products are well documented. Instead of these harmful products, you can try the following natural dyes:
- Coffee
Coffee can make your hair chocolate brown without any side-effects. Brew a cup of espresso first, then leave it to cool down. Now mix 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds, 2 cups of a natural hair conditioner and the cup of cold espresso, and apply the mixture on your hair, leaving it to work for an hour. The last step is to rinse your hair with water and apple cider vinegar in order to fix the color. Pouring coffee over washed hair will provide the same effect, but it will take more tries.
- Tea
Tea works best with your natural hair color. Black tea can cover grey hair, while chamomile tea works best with red and blonde hair. Use 3-5 teabags per 2 cups of water, and mix the tea with a conditioner before application. To cover grey hair, add some dry sage to open up the follicles.Leave the tea to work for an hour before washing your hair as usual.
- Herbs
Several natural herbs can color your hair, but they will work best with your natural hair color. For example, calendula, marigold, hibiscus and rosehip will work best with naturally red hair color. After boiling the herbs for an hour, pour the mixture onto your hair and leave it to dry in the sun.
Rosemary, nettle and sage can give your hair a darker shade. Boil your preferred herbs in a pot of water, then apply it on your hair and leave the tea to dry in the sun.
Calendula, marigold, saffron and chamomile work best on blondes. Add some rhubarb to cover grey hair, and some black tea to get dark highlights.
- Beet and carrot juice
A mixture of beet and carrot juice will give you nice natural highlights and improve your current hair color. They can be used on their own or as a mixture – whatever you pick, apply the juice on your hair, then wrap it and leave the dye to work for 1 hour. Rinse with water and ACV in the end and repeat the process if you want a darker shade.
- Henna
Henna is used as a hair dye as well as for temporary tattoos. The dye comes from a pigment in henna leaves that can darken the color of your hair. Henna usually gives orange and red highlights, but adding some chamomile tea in the mix can lighten the color. Mix a cup of henna powder with 2 cups of lemon juice, then apply the mixture on your hair and leave it to work for 4-6 hours. Afterwards, comb your hair nicely, wrap it in plastic wrap and leave it to work for another 2-3 hours before washing your hair as usual.
- Lemon juice
Spray some lemon juice on your hair, then leave it to dry in sunlight for a couple of hours to lighten the color of your hair.
- Walnut shells
Walnut shells can give you a nice dark brown color, but make sure they don’t get in touch with your skin as they can stain it. Boil crushed walnut shells in water for half an hour, then let the mixture cool down before applying it on your hair. Leave the mixture to work for an hour, then wash your hair with lukewarm water. For a darker shade, boil the mixture until a ¼ remains and use it on your hair.
Try these natural hair dyes yourself and you will be surprised with their efficiency!
