Dying your hair may be a great opportunity to experiment with your style, whether it’s out of curiosity, for pleasure, or just simple boredom. Flip up a box of hair dye and you’ll discover a long list of potentially harmful substances like ammonia, PPD, and parabens, which might be stopping you from a new hue. In fact, the chemicals in hair color, as well as the harm they may do, are frequently reason enough to avoid it entirely.
If you still want to change your hair color but want to avoid the harmful things, try one of these natural hair dyeing methods. Henna, lemon juice, and even chamomile tea (yep, the sort you drink) may help you change up your look without hurting your hair. We chatted with colorists Jafra Bryant and Rita Hazan about natural hair coloring and how to perfect the technique.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Jafra Bryant is a celebrity colorist who has worked with Julia Garner, HAIM, Porter Robinson, Meraki Models, and others.
- Rita Hazan is a celebrity colorist who has worked with Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.
- Jeremy Tardo is a Byrdie review board member and a bicoastal celebrity hair stylist.
Continue reading for some of the greatest natural hair dyeing methods.
Here Are 8 Natural Hair Dyeing Tips You Should Know
1. Henna
When dried henna plants are combined with acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice, they form henna, a natural crimson dye. Because many henna hair dyes on the market are blended with other natural components such as indigo, they may produce a variety of vibrant hues depending on how long they are kept in dry hair (usually anywhere from one to five hours).
“Henna is predominantly red and will always have a tiny red or green tinge to it,” Bryant warns. “Watch careful depending on your skin tone while applying henna as it might highlight the incorrect features.”
To achieve a brilliant color, wrap hair in plastic wrap, rinse with ordinary shampoo and conditioner, then reapply every four to six months, as with other natural treatments. Of course, always perform a strand test before putting all over your hair, especially if it has been chemically treated. “If someone is very sensitive (to hair color), henna is a terrific natural solution,” says Hazan.
Tardo advises that before using henna, bear in mind that the procedure is typically permanent. “No hair color or bleach can remove henna from hair,” Tardo adds.
“There are natural solutions, like as oils, that help fade henna, but it cannot be totally eliminated and will interfere with the way any traditional hair color or bleach products act in the hair.”
2. Honey
Although it may appear to be a sticky strategy, raw honey is said to be one of the most effective ways of naturally whitening hair. Not to add that it’s a natural dandruff remedy. 1 To begin, make certain that you have raw honey (not all “honey” is honey), and then apply it in one of two ways: with water or with your preferred conditioner. Allow the mixture to stay for two to three hours before washing thoroughly, and your hair should be a couple of shades lighter. Repeat as needed.
3. Juice of lemon
While henna is used to add reddish tones to your hair, lemon juice is a terrific natural highlighter that can be sprayed with a spray bottle. According to Bryant, “the sun paired with lemon juice on the hair is a perfect chemical combination of acid (lemon juice) and alkaline (sunshine and heat).”
Spray the juice straight over the parts you want to highlight (after doing a strand test, of course), and then plan on spending a few hours in the sun—rough, we know. The more time you spend in the sun, with ample of SPF, the more obvious your color will be.
Lemon juice highlights are a slow process, so you may need to repeat this approach two or three times for significant results. However, the more frequently you utilize it, the more visible your highlights will be. However, lemon on the scalp might produce phytophotodermatitis, a type of skin inflammation.
Also, because of the inherent acidity of lemon, this approach may be drying to hair, therefore we recommend adding a little oil (almond, coconut, or olive) to your juice combination. “Make sure you condition,” Hazan reminds. Kapuluan’s Cold Pressed Coconut Oil ($27) is a favorite.
4. Chamomile
Chamomile, like lemon juice, may be a natural hair lightener and may be sprayed to the hair with a spray bottle. To begin, make a strong pot of chamomile tea. Use additional bags of chamomile for a darker hue. Before adding the tea to the spray bottle, allow it to cool fully. Apply to whatever portions of hair you want to lighten after a strand test. Take in some sunlight, and presto! Natural highlights are in store.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another natural substance that may help with skin whitening. Add two to three spoonfuls to your favorite conditioner for this approach, apply the mixture to your hair, and let it on for at least four hours. Put on a shower cap and leave the solution to rest overnight for optimum effects. This procedure may require many applications to achieve obvious effects, especially for darker hair colors, but it also leaves your hair smelling fantastic!
6. Kool-Aid
Want to add some color to your life without making a big commitment? Try some Kool-Aid! “It may be extremely forgiving since there is nothing in Kool-Aid chemically that bothers with the cuticle or inside the hair shaft really, but rather a subtle stain that lays on the outside of the cuticle,” Bryant says. This choice is perfect for lighter strands that wish to add a splash of color.
You may choose any hue you desire, from red to blue, purple, and anything in between. Make a paste using the Kool-Aid color of your choosing and your favorite conditioner. To display your new color, paint the paste on and wait at least an hour before washing. The more you wait, the more intense the color becomes. “It’s a stain… you’re stuck with it if you don’t like it,” Hazan cautions.
7. Coffee
Brew a strong cup of your favorite dark roast coffee to darken your hair a shade or two. While not very long-lasting or dramatic, this is an excellent low-cost choice for rapidly covering some gray strands. After the coffee has been prepared, mix in a tablespoon or two of coffee grounds and coat the hair.
Allow at least an hour for the mixture to settle before washing to show darker strands. Repeat the process until the desired level of darkness is reached. Keep in mind that, according to Hazan, “it is simply a stain to hide; it will not completely cover.”
“Coffee grinds make an excellent scalp scrub,” explains Bryant.
8. The juice of beets
While it may not be the most pleasant odor, beets make an excellent natural dye for a light pink wash of color. Simply soak strands in beet juice (available at any food shop) for a few hours. This is a rough procedure with considerable staining potential.
Wear a pair of plastic gloves and avoid wearing your favorite shirt throughout this operation. After soaking for a few hours, rinse with your favorite shampoo and appreciate your new color.
FAQ
What is the greatest natural technique to tint gray hair?
Coffee may be used to naturally color gray hair, although it will not be as dark or last as long as commercial hair colors. Sage tea is another natural alternative for dyeing gray hair. After steeping the sage tea in boiling water, allow it to cool before applying it to your hair for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
How can I extend the life of my natural hair dye?
Natural hair colors do not always last as long as standard hair dyes, but there are a few things you can do to increase the life of your color. Instead of washing your hair every day, consider washing it every two to three days. Use mild shampoos and consider installing a water filter in your home or shower to reduce the quantity of pollutants in your water that may remove hair color, such as chlorine.
Are regular hair dyes dangerous?
According to the American Cancer Society, semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes include chemicals that may raise the risk of cancer, including leukemia and bladder cancer; however, many studies focus on hairdressers who are consistently exposed to colors, and more study is needed.
Look for commercial hair colors that contain vegetable dyes or more naturally produced components, such as Clairol Natural Instincts.
