Traditional hair dyes are full of potentially harmful chemicals that at high exposures have been linked with skin and respiratory irritation, a suppressed immune system, and even cancer. Turns out we can use a lot of natural ingredients to dye our hair! Keep in mind that natural colour products are not the same as chemical colour products. They don’t usually last as long (exception- Heena) and you won’t be able to completely change your natural colour. Here are some of the chemical-free ways to dye your hair:
TEA
Black tea can help you go darker, and can also help cover grey hairs. If you have lighter hair, though, there are other types of tea you can use. Chamomile, for example, is recommended for blondes, while rooibos may work for redheads. The longer you leave the tea on the hair, the more noticeable the colour will be. You can also try repeated applications. DIY black tea hair dye >>
HERBS
Depending on what colour you’re going for, you can use a variety of herbs to achieve it. Try calendula, marigold, rosehips, and hibiscus to deepen the red shade or add a few red highlights. Rosemary, nettle, and sage are all great herbs for dark hair. Simmer all three with water for 30 minutes, cool, strain, and spray or brush through hair. Allow to sit about an hour. To hide greys, try rhubarb root in two cups of water, simmer, strain, and pour over hair.
HEENA
Henna is definitely the best, natural way to change your hair colour dramatically. Heena powder can be obtained commercially or you can make your own from henna leaves. All you need to do is make a paste of Heena and apply it on your hair. Let it sit for 3-4 hours and wash it off. Heena is also anti-microbial and treats dandruff problems. I’d have to say that, when it comes to natural ways to dye hair, henna definitely takes the first place because it has no damaging effect and it’s available in a lot of different shades and colours.
COFFEE
Use coffee as a more natural alternative. Brewed ground beans and instant coffee granules may temporarily stain your hair a dark brown. DIY coffee hair dye >>
BEET JUICE
Beet juice can add natural red tints to your current colour. Depending on what shade you want, you can use beet juice alone, or mix it with carrot juice. For a more reddish tinge, use more beet juice.
CHAMOMILE AND LEMON
You are supposed to rinse your hair with chamomile tea, soak it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and spend as much time as you can in the sun. The chamomile and lemon are supposed to nurture the hair and enhance sun’s bleaching effect so, if you are a natural blonde, you can definitely try this on your holiday. A chamomile tea rinse at the end of each shower (leave in hair!) will produce smooth, silky hair and naturally lighter hair over time.
Is there any other way you naturally dye your hair? let us know in the comments.