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homemade hair color from herbs
  • Beauty

Natural Hair Dye Recipes (for Any Hair Color)

Katie WellsApr 18, 2020Updated: May 28, 2020
Reading Time: 6 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Natural Hair Dye Recipes (for Any Hair Color)
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • DIY & Natural Hair Dye From Herbs
  • Herbs for Light Hair
  • Herbs to Dye Red Hair+−
    • Henna Natural Hair Dye: A Faster Way
  • Herbs to Dye Brown Hair
  • Herbs to Dye Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair
  • Natural Hair Dye Recipes

Along with homemade shampoo and DIY dry shampoo, I’ve spent hours and hours experimenting and formulating natural hair dye recipes. My family is used to my kitchen experiments, but this one came with its fair share of laughs as I walked around with some concoction of herbs on my head for weeks!

I’d experimented with natural hair lightening in the past but hadn’t tried dark or red shades (since I have blonde hair). I found a few willing dark-haired friends to test other formulas. Many wasted herbs and a bunch of randomly colored streaks later, I figured out some good dark and red options as well!

Not sure why you’d want to use herbal hair dyes? Read the ingredients on conventional dyes and then get back to me! 🙂

DIY & Natural Hair Dye From Herbs

These are natural colors made from herbal ingredients and as such will create natural hues on your hair. They will not create artificial colors like hot pink, completely platinum blonde, or jet black (ok, so that isn’t a fake color, I just haven’t figured out how to do it!).

The blonde/light recipes will actually permanently lighten hair since they naturally bleach it. The red and dark hues will leave a temporary tint for a few weeks (depending on how often you wash it). Time in the sun will help set all of the hues and bring out natural highlights.

Note: I have not tried all of these natural hair color methods on previously dyed or chemically treated hair. Always test a small swatch of hair (I put a little on my skin too) to test for results and rule out any allergic reactions. Also do not use these hair dye recipes on hair that has been chemically treated in the last 6-8 weeks.

Herbs for Light Hair

I’ve tried several basic herbal variations including:

  • Pure, strong chamomile tea sprayed or poured on hair and left on for several hours. Sitting in the sun during this time will enhance the lightening effect.
  • Fresh squeezed lemon juice, sprayed and brushed through hair and left on for several hours (in the sun) will also produce natural highlights.
  • A chamomile tea rinse at the end of each shower (leave in hair!) will produce smooth, silky hair and naturally lighter hair over time.

For a stronger and faster effect, I’ve used the recipe below. It has left my hair very blonde, easy to work with, and not yellowy/brassy at all.

Herbs to Dye Red Hair

These will create a red/dark strawberry blonde tint in lighter hair and an auburn tint in darker hair. The effects are cumulative, so extended use over time will create a more vibrant red. The easiest thing is to make it part of your hair care routine if you want continual red hair.

  • Calendula flowers or fresh marigold petals from your garden (don’t worry, you can buy these if you don’t have any)
  • Hibiscus petals

Henna Natural Hair Dye: A Faster Way

If you want faster and more permanent results, you can use henna hair color. I’ve purchased from Morrocco Method with great success. They are excellent natural products, and the results are very dramatic.

They have a lot of color variations with red hues and light to medium to dark brown. The results last for several months (or longer if you wash your hair less often or use a gentle natural shampoo). They won’t completely cover grey hair, but will darken it.

Important Note: Henna can react with the ammonia in conventional hair dye and the results turns hair orange or even green! If you have chemically treated your hair recently, wait until it’s been at least 6-8 weeks before trying henna. Before applying the package, test on a small section of hair before using on the whole head!

Herbs to Dye Brown Hair

It is easiest to darken hair that is already light brown or darker, though these colors will darken blonde tones as well.

Always test on a small part of hair before using on the whole head, especially on chemically treated hair. Used as a rinse, these herbs will also darken grey hair over time. The more they are used, the darker the results.

For a faster, more dramatic effect, use a henna color like black, dark brown, or mahogany. For a slower or more gentle tone, use these herbs:

  • Nettle leaf
  • Rosemary leaf
  • Sage leaf

Herbs to Dye Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair

If you have very light hair, it will be difficult to get really dark hues with just herbs, though with enough patience, it can be done. I’ve listed herbs that work, and you can use any combination.

As always, test on a small section of hair before using henna hair colors will provide really dark results that last longer, but if you want to go dark gradually, these are the recipes I’ve tried:

  • Black walnut powder — use as a rinse in the shower for hair and dry in the sun if possible. This will create VERY DARK hair, especially if you have dry or color treated hair. It will also provide the darkest coverage for grey hair. Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain dark shade.
  • Use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse to darken any color hair. This is also nourishing for the hair and will provide a temporary darkening effect on most hair types. Repeat as necessary to get desired shade and sun-dry if possible.

With any of these herbal hair colors, make sure to test on a small part of your hair first, especially with color treated hair and especially with the henna colors as they have more lasting effects.

Experiment with any of the above and mixtures of them to get the right mix for your hair!

homemade hair color from herbs

Natural Hair Dye Recipes

Katie Wells
Tried and true recipes for herbal color hair with natural herbs rather than chemicals
4.17 from 12 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins

Ingredients
  

Light Hair Color Ingredients

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups strong chamomile tea
  • ½ cup strong calendula tea (optional, will produce more golden tones)

Red Hair Color Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup calendula flowers (or fresh marigold petals from your garden)
  • 2 TBSP hibiscus petals (or more for more red hues)

Brown Hair Color Ingredients

  • 2½ cups water
  • ¼ cup nettle
  • ¼ cup rosemary
  • ¼ cup sage

Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair Color Ingredients

  • ¼ cup black walnut powder
  • 3 cups water

Instructions
 

Light Hair Color Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle or other small bottle.
  • Shake well before each use.
  • Spray or pour into hair and brush through to get even. This works best when applied to hair directly before sun exposure and left in for 1-2 hours before being rinsed out. Can be used several times a week until desired color is reached. I suggest putting this in your hair and doing a kettlebell workout in the sun for maximum benefit 🙂
  • You can also use this as a rinse at the end of a shower (and then lightly rinse with water) though it will take longer to have an effect. This will not have an overnight dramatic effect, though when I've put it in my hair before gardening in the sun for a few hours I definitely noticed a difference.

Red Hair Color Instructions

  • In a small pan, bring the water to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and add the calendula/marigold and hibiscus
  • Simmer for at least 30 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and when cool, strain herbs out, making sure all small pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
  • Store the liquid in the refrigerator.
  • Use as a final hair rinse at the end of each shower. Dry hair in the sun if possible.
  • Repeat daily until desired shade is achieved and then every few days to maintain.

Brown Hair Color Instructions

  • In a small pan, bring the water to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer and add the herbs.
  • Simmer for at least 30 minutes or until the water is very dark.
  • Remove from heat and when cool, strain herbs out, making sure all small pieces are removed (I use cheesecloth).
  • Store the liquid in the refrigerator.
  • Spray or brush into hair about an hour before showering each day, then shampoo as normal. Can also use as a rinse and leave on at the end of each shower.
  • Repeat until desired color is reached. It has a cumulative effect and you probably won't notice much difference the first few days. The herbs in this mix are also great for getting rid of dandruff and for increasing hair growth!

Dark Brown Hair or Black Hair Color Instructions

  • Tie the black walnut powder in a tea bag or cheesecloth bag.
  • Place in a quart mason jar and add the water.
  • Steep for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Use as a rinse in the shower for hair and dry in the sun if possible. This will create VERY DARK hair, especially if you have dry or color treated hair. It will also provide the darkest coverage for grey hair.
  • Repeat daily or as needed to darken and maintain dark shade.
  • You can also use strong brewed black tea as a final rinse to darken any color hair. This is also nourishing for the hair and will provide a temporary darkening effect on most hair types.
  • Repeat as necessary to get desired shade and sun-dry if possible.

Notes

  • Always pre-test on a strand of hair before doing the entire head to check color and rule out allergy.
  • Dark Hair Caution: Due to the known mutagenic properties of juglone, some sources caution against prolonged use of black walnut hull when pregnant or nursing. Check with your doctor for medical advice if concerned.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ever used natural hair dye to color your hair? Please let me know below!

My favorite natural hair color recipes for naturally creating light, dark or red tones in all types of hair without chemicals.

Category: Beauty

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (252 Comments)

  1. Carol

    December 9, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    I have used commercial hair color for my hair & have never been impressed with them. They have left my hair rough & dry. I colored my hair about 4 months ago & was wondering if I could still use this natural way to color my hair? Or better yet to change my haircolor? Any help will be appreciated.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Audrey Atkinson

    November 6, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    When I was a child I would put vinegar in my hair to bring out my natural red highlights with the sun. I still get red hair in summers.

    Reply
  3. Helly

    September 23, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    I’ve tried mixing coffee with my shampoo, and if used very often, it will provide a more brown effect.

    Reply
    • Allyson Turner

      June 22, 2013 at 3:54 PM

      I wonder if indigo added to shampoo will darken and cover grey?

      Reply
  4. Clare

    June 21, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    You should also mention that even though these products are natural, that may still have adverse side effects. For example, black walnut powder is harmful to those with thyroid problems. Natural may be preferable but not always better. 🙂

    Reply
    • Herb

      November 28, 2013 at 12:53 AM

      For black walnut to have an effect on thyroid function you’d have to actually consume it and in therapeutic amounts – applying it to your hair and washing it out, as WellnessMama suggests, won’t allow you to absorb that amount – in this case, IMO, the natural way is actually better & less toxic than the chemicals found in commercial hair dye 😉 Is it as effective? Probably not! But I’d rather use this than the other 🙂

      Reply
      • Michelle Auz

        December 13, 2013 at 7:48 PM

        What do you think about indigo for hair dye during pregnancy?

        Reply
        • Herba

          December 16, 2013 at 8:24 AM

          Personally, I wouldn’t use it – indigo is not a therapeutic herb (it’s usually cosmetic or industrial grade) and therefore is not controlled as well as something like black walnut (which is usually food or therapeutic grade).

          My main concern is that indigo would not be quality tested for heavy metals & other chemical contaminants in the way that food &/or therapeutic grade black walnut is – they have lower expectations of it & more contaminants are allowed in non-food raw materials.

          So while I WOULD use food grade black walnut for my hair, I would NOT use indigo – better to be safe than sorry when pregnancy & contaminants are concerned.

          (This is also why I would NOT use henna unless I could see the genuine spec sheet or CofA for that particular batch – so many henna dyes are contaminated these days) :-/

          Reply
          • Shal

            June 12, 2014 at 1:13 PM

            What are some henna brands that you can vouch for? or that you would feel comfortable recommending?

          • Jessica Evans

            November 14, 2014 at 12:33 PM

            I know Mehandi says it is labratory certified. So it is possible they will send you the lab reports?

            https://www.mehandi.com/Ancient-Sunrise-Henna-for-Hair-Black-Kit-s/257.htm

  5. Rachel

    June 20, 2012 at 8:59 AM

    Indigo should only be used with or after applying henna or it will turn your hair blue! Also, henna can only add red to your hair, with shades ranging from orange through to dark auburn depending on your natural hair colour. Any henna product that claims to turn your hair any other colour is not pure henna, but a compound containing metallic salts and other nasties which are very bad for your hair. It should also be noted that henna is permanent and no amount of washing will get it out, so be very sure before you proceed! I have been using henna on my hair for the past year and have to say the colour is fantastic and the condition great 😀

    Reply
    • Pamela Thomas

      August 28, 2012 at 9:04 AM

      I have bought some henna when I was in the USA for my hair but I did not know of the indigo. I am now back home in Jamaica; where can I get indigo? Ideas anyone?

      Reply
    • Allyson Turner

      June 22, 2013 at 3:53 PM

      will indigo and henna cover grey?

      Reply
      • Michelle Auz

        December 13, 2013 at 7:46 PM

        Yes! It’s a two step process that works beautifully to produce various shades of brown (even to black if that’s what you want).

        Reply
        • corey

          April 25, 2014 at 11:24 AM

          Henna is permenant FYI, i have used it for years, red and black for the underneath

          Reply
  6. Rebecca dockrey

    June 10, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Do you have any natural ideas for sunless tanning ?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      June 10, 2012 at 11:45 PM

      Really strong brewed black tea (like lipton) sprayed on evenly and let dry completely. Lasts for a few days 🙂

      Reply
      • sara

        July 15, 2014 at 8:45 PM

        Hi mama my mum has got grey hair she used to use hair dye before but now she started having elegies to it as soon as she applies her face and hands and head becomes itchy and swells up starts getting sore kind water comming out from where the dye touches wat can I do if u can suggest anything

        Reply
        • Chrissy

          November 20, 2015 at 9:11 AM

          Sounds like she might, might have PPD allergy if this is at all close to true. U need to do more research. Ppl have died from this allergy. Please be cuz if u use any more chemical dyes!

          Reply
      • Suhana Karim

        November 7, 2019 at 10:57 AM

        Last for few days ? Even if youvtake shower in between?

        Reply
    • katie

      February 6, 2014 at 8:48 PM

      Nature’s gate makes a sunless tanning lotion that is much healthier than the typical brands in drug stores. It works great and smells sort of like lemon soap.

      Reply
      • Kiki

        June 21, 2014 at 11:26 AM

        I checked the Nature’s Gate products for sunless tanning and realized that they are not so healthy as they look like at first glance. Here it is the ingredients list:

        Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Dihydroxyacetone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Algae Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopherol, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance*.

        *Natural Fragrance

        So the main harm ingredient in sunless tan products is added also here. It is “Dihydroxyacetone”. Therefore if one wants a healthy tan maybe the proposal with the black tea is the right choise.

        Reply
        • Cristina Rangel

          August 5, 2015 at 9:46 AM

          fragrance can be nearly 3000 chemicals which have not been tested on how they react to each other

          Reply
  7. Kristen

    June 7, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    If purchasing the supplies from Mountain Rose Herbs, does it matter if I use the powder or the leaf?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      June 7, 2012 at 12:36 PM

      Nope… though the added benefit with the powder is that it can actually be made into a paste and left on the hair for a while for faster color..

      Reply
      • Madeline

        July 12, 2012 at 1:32 PM

        Thanks for the very helpful post. I bought the black walnut powder and after steeping it realized that I didn’t have anything to strain it with. I tried putting in in spray bottles but they got clogged up right away. Turned into a huge brown mess all over my bathroom. ai am looking to cover grays. How would I make the paste? Just boil down until it’s thick? And then leave on overnight?

        Reply
        • Wellness Mama

          July 12, 2012 at 1:33 PM

          You could just strain through a coffee filter, cheesecloth or even strong paper town and then just pour through hair in the shower before a final rinse. It will make a mess if you leave it on overnight!

          Reply
      • Amy Reimers

        May 15, 2013 at 9:39 AM

        how would you go about making a paste like that? Do you just boil it down a bit more until it becomes pasty?

        Reply
  8. Catherine Crow

    June 6, 2012 at 12:38 AM

    Will have to give these a try!!

    Reply
    • Dora

      June 29, 2014 at 3:29 PM

      hello:

      can you or someone please tell me where do i get indigo, but totally natural 100%?

      thanks,

      DL

      Reply
      • Kim

        July 1, 2014 at 4:02 AM

        The Henna Guys on Amazon carry both, individually or in kits for the color you want to achieve, as well as good instructions for use.

        Reply
  9. Geri Charles

    June 5, 2012 at 10:11 PM

    I’m surprised Indigo wasn’t included. Indigo turns hair jet black and keeps hair niche and shiny.

    Reply
    • pat

      February 5, 2015 at 2:12 AM

      Isn’t indigo a blue color, does it really turn hair black? Where do you buy it and how is it sold?

      Reply
      • Jen

        April 14, 2015 at 12:08 PM

        Yes, indigo is what is used to dye fabrics blue. On hair it does turn it black, BUT you have to first do an application of plain (red) henna immediately before doing the indigo. WIth the two-step process, you get black hair. See hennaforhair.com for more information and products. (No, I am not affiliated with this company in any way, shape, or form. I have been a customer for years and found their products to be far superior to anything at the natural foods stores, AND the woman who runs it has spent YEARS researching henna and its history and chemistry; she got her PhD in it! And they laboratory test every batch of henna that they sell. Seriously, check out the site, you’ll learn so much!)

        Reply
  10. Vader

    June 5, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    Do these cover gray hair?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      June 5, 2012 at 9:16 PM

      The darker ones will but it will take a few days to start being really noticeable. The black walnut works especially well…

      Reply
      • Lata

        February 9, 2014 at 1:48 PM

        what are the herbs that you are using?

        Reply
        • Katie - Wellness Mama

          February 9, 2014 at 10:58 PM

          Chamomile and calendula.

          Reply
          • mandy

            February 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM

            are you using the whole flowers or the flower powder from mountain rose herbs?

          • Dan

            March 7, 2015 at 7:51 PM

            What about your eye brows, arm hair, leg hairs? Also, this will permanently lighten your hair forever?

          • Katie - Wellness Mama

            March 8, 2015 at 8:38 PM

            It will lighten hair, but the new hair that grows in will be your natural color.

          • Mila

            January 22, 2016 at 9:12 PM

            Hi Katie! Do you have a recipe to lighten hair that is naturally very dark brown? I think your recipe to lighten hair works well for people with lighter hair color. Lemon on dark hair will make it red, not blondish…

          • Cali

            July 19, 2019 at 12:56 PM

            How long does this usually stay in?

      • cristina

        October 7, 2014 at 10:51 AM

        Hi,

        I love your website but, when down to the practice, your recipes sound not so easy to make:-(
        I need to use natural dying solutions for my black hair, but I have a problem with Henna…in that it turns my grey hair turns red! and not black again. It’s very unpleasant so I am still searching for natural solutions to dye my hair into its natural color which has always been black.

        From what I read above, your black powder and black tea solutions are just a week-for-week remedy? I did not quite understand the “dry in the sun” part. It won’t work with a normal hair dryer?

        Is there any other option to the Henna alternative?

        Thank you for the feedback and thanks for the thorough postings.

        Cristina

        Reply
        • Honora

          October 9, 2014 at 1:23 AM

          My sister used to use henna to dye her hair and added coffee powder to make the shade browner. If you google coffee henna hair, you might find out the recipe.

          Reply
        • Jessica Evans

          November 14, 2014 at 12:17 PM

          Are you using indigo as well as henna on your hair? To get a jet black color indigo is used after henna in a two step process.

          http://www.hennaforhair.com/indigo/

          I usually use henna hut thought because it is less time cosuming. https://www.hennahut.com/natural_black_hair_dye/

          Reply
        • vinnu

          December 10, 2014 at 3:57 AM

          actually i am using Nupur henna ……i have grey hair ,,,because of henna whole grey hair is becoming dark brown which i don t like so..would u like to give me suggestion that hair should not turn tool dark brown …and it should become black…plzzzzzzz

          Reply
        • Rhonda

          January 14, 2015 at 4:38 PM

          If you want the henna to cover the gray you need to add 2tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar along with coffee for darker color and longer coverage. Remember coffee has caffeine and you are putting it directly on your scalp, in case anyone is sensitive. Also to make it easier to wash out, add 2tbsp of olive, coconut or almond oil to the mixture as well.

          Reply
        • andrea

          May 22, 2015 at 9:35 PM

          If you’re wanting to reach a true black with natural ingredients and you already use henna, I suggest research into Indigofera powder from the indigo dye plant. I just ordered some from a vendor on eBay and it came with papers documenting its natural components as derived from the plant (fancy!). I apply the powder as a paste after an application of henna. The red tones of the henna combine with the blue tones of indigo to create a thick and healthy dark black (after several applications, the stronger the black is depending on your original hair lightness)

          Do some research on henna/indigo dyes and I hope you find success in its use! Personally I love the smell of indigo as well, and it stays in my hair for quite a while.

          Reply
        • Sophia

          June 23, 2015 at 6:42 PM

          I am pretty sure sun dried means, let the sun dry you hair, not a blow dryer. Otherwise, she would have said “dry you hair”, not sun dry your hair.

          Reply
        • Ashley

          November 7, 2015 at 10:06 PM

          My mom has had great success with Hairprint. She’s been using it for the the last few months.

          Reply
      • Charlotte

        February 24, 2015 at 5:09 PM

        Hi Katie!

        If I have medium to dark brown hair, will chamomile and calendula turn my hair red? I would really like to have my hair blonde naturally, but with my previous experience with hair dye (unless bleach is added) my hair has always turned red. I would love to know if you know of any natural options to go blonde if you have brown hair.

        Thanks! 🙂
        Charlotte

        Reply
        • Niva

          March 14, 2015 at 4:29 PM

          Just a tip, your hair will always have to go through the red/orange levels before turning blonde when it is dark from the beginning. So to get your hair blonde you will have to lighten it quite a bit, yours have probably turned red because you haven’t lightened it enough. When you get it close to something like orange/yellow you can use toners in blue or purple to correct your hair color and turn it cooler.

          Reply
          • Priscilla

            January 12, 2020 at 9:54 AM

            How do you make natural blue or purple toners?

          • Priscilla

            January 12, 2020 at 10:08 AM

            Hi!
            I have natural darkish dirty blond hair (Was blond as a kid and my hair turns lighter in the sun) with kind of a blonde ombré.
            The blonde ombré = I was getting salon blonde highlights, but haven’t done it since the last 1.5-2 years.

            I want to naturally lighten my hair. Get that blond vibe black. I find my hair colour looks dull and too dark.

            I read the chamomile, lemon, calendula. Sounds great. But :
            I’m afraid to damage them with that. Isn’t lemon harsh??
            Or that they would turn red-orange.

            And I also read in he comments you were talking about blue or purple toners if it turns red.
            How do you make that?

            Thanks a lot!
            Wishing you a wonderful day!
            Priscilla

        • Chrissy

          November 20, 2015 at 9:05 AM

          Yes your hair dependin on the level of darkest probably has red undertones and any time someone lightens hair ur hair will show warm untones in Ur case red.

          Reply
      • Sandy

        March 5, 2015 at 9:12 AM

        I have black hair and started to become white. I tried black walnut hull powder receipe with abolutely not results. Or will it take few applications daily to get some black colour. I do not want to use any store bought dye. Please help me with some solutio. With henna, my white hair turn orange and look like corn husk sometimes.

        Reply
        • Mandy

          April 9, 2015 at 8:25 AM

          You need to repeat this process. It may take a long while before it gets really dark.

          Reply
        • Jen

          April 14, 2015 at 12:04 PM

          To get black hair, you have to do an application of henna, immediately followed by an application of indigo.
          ACTUAL henna comes in ONLY ONE color: red. Any brand that is selling “henna” in a variety of colors is actually selling blends of various botanicals such as henna, indigo, walnut, cassia, etc. The “dark brown” and “black” shades in these brands are blends of henna and indigo BUT they do not work that well when blended together. You have to use the henna and the indigo separately to get the black shade. This is because henna works best when you mix it with something acidic and let it sit at room temperature for some hours, until the dye molecule is released, before applying it to your hair. Indigo works best when mixed with plain water and used immediately after mixing. So, in trying to make it easier by putting the two botanicals together, these companies end up selling a product that may be simpler to use, but gives very poor results! Go to hennaforhair.com for very detailed instructions and good quality products. I used to use henna and cassia from them to make my hair red, but these days I am embracing my salt-and-pepper natural color.

          Reply
        • Kristyne

          June 3, 2016 at 11:22 AM

          I had dark golden brown hair that is now 50% white/grey, I used a strong sage tea with black walnut powder (dried the green walnut husks and blended to a powder) and my hair turned a lovely mixed shade of dark brown with lighter brown highlights where it had been white/grey. I think as we’re talking here, many of you are expecting the same kind of results you get out of a chemical hair dye and it just isn’t going to be that way. For me, to tone down the white/grey and have a blended more natural color was just perfect.
          I did it like this, 3/4 cup dried sage leaves, 2 TBS. black walnut powder; pour 2 cups of boiling water over it and let it steep together until cool. You get a dark, strong ‘tea’. Then strain out the plant matter. I added 2 TBS. of apple cider vinegar to the ‘tea’. Then, over a bowl in the sink, I poured the tea through my hair 3-4 times then sat in the sun for 30 minutes and then rinsed and conditioned my hair with a little coconut oil melted in my hands and run through it.
          Like I said, it didn’t drastically change my color, it improved the contrast and made it golden/brown instead of white/grey.

          Reply
      • Jennifer

        April 4, 2015 at 8:00 PM

        Thank you, I was also looking to color gray. I have let my natural color grow completely out and I am way too young to have this much gray! It is time for a change! I will try your dark walnut one as my hair (not the gray part is black).
        Jen

        Reply
      • shreshtha

        April 26, 2015 at 11:54 AM

        I applied Wallnut Hull powder dye number of times to cover my grey hair but this liquid doesn’t color on white hair at all……. When you dry your hair and rinse out with normal water the color comes out and thereafter white hair remain as before. it doesn’t color white hair even 1%…

        Reply
      • SHAIK.

        May 9, 2015 at 6:15 PM

        Black wall nut powder used for dyeing grey hair on beard and mustache cause any allergic reaction like chemical hair dyes? I am afraid as I developed allergic reaction to chemical hair dyes.
        please reply with details.

        Reply
      • Kris

        October 10, 2015 at 6:42 PM

        Hello-

        I just found this article, but I’ve referred to your wonderful blog before for helpful tips and recipes.

        First may I say, your hair color is lovely using natural herbs & teas!

        I really didn’t know who to ask this about, so I hope you don’t mind me picking your brain.

        I have a natural hair color of a sort of ash medium brown with muted blondish accents. It’s hard to find pics of someone with the same color, but this is close; https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2941803216/9edfb7f867bb8dd664313c6c16fd1a37.jpeg

        Can I mix a tea used for brown hair (like black tea) with say chamomile or lemon juice to match my natural hair color? Or will they sort of cancel each other out?

        I’m a bit remiss on how I can naturally & permanently cover grey (a few hairs) without chemicals, match my natural hair color, & subtly “highlight” the golden tones without making everything too complex.

        Thanks so much for any help!

        Reply
        • Julie

          February 15, 2016 at 6:02 PM

          Kris, if you don’t mind your grey hairs becoming blond highlights you’re in luck. My hair color is similar to yours and I use Light Mountain Henna in Light Brown (it colors my medium brown hair a tad darker). To the henna powder add 3 TB vinegar (white is best as ACV will give brassy tones) and use strong calendula tea instead of water. Cure for the henna for 4 hours and leave in hair for 2 3/4 hours. This should give you medium brown hair with blond highlights. The greys will all be dyed blond.

          Reply
      • Diana

        May 22, 2016 at 9:36 AM

        What to use that is natural for dying dark (golden chestnut) brown hair. I have gray showing.

        Reply
      • Von Kennedy

        August 3, 2016 at 1:36 AM

        Hi Katie, Thank you for sharing your natural hair colours. I’ve finally tried using coffee as a final rinse after shampooing & conditioning my hair. This is now my fourth time in using this method, after reading more & more about what chemically dying, does to our hair & what damage it does to our waterways. I’m almost 60 and tired of colouring my hair because of lack of body, becoming thin and limp. My natural colour is brown and my hair is gradually darkening to my natural hair colour now. It’s been 4 weeks since I last dyed it chemically. I’m very happy with the results so far. Even my husband has said that it’s a lovely shade of brown now and very healthy looking. I still have a few grays mainly on the sides, but I’m sure with a few more mixes of natural color recipes to pick from, it will become more natural looking than chemically treated hair. Better for me and the environment. Anybody who wishes to try this for a gradual brown shade shouldn’t be disappointed. Just make sure you use old towels, when rinsing your hair with coffee and clean up any spillages straight away. Yes, there is the coffee smell while your hair is damp, but while the hair dries naturally, the smell is not noticeable. Your hair will be better for it. My hair always went a coppery red colour after a couple of weeks from dyeing my hair, but now I don’t have to worry about that anymore. So thank you so much for the advice and I hope others receive the same benefit as I have. 🙂

        Reply
    • Kaye

      October 11, 2014 at 8:28 PM

      I love this idea so much I decided to dive in head first!
      I have light/medium brown hair with growing out highlights (turning a little orange now) and slight greys at temple and part-line. It’s time to redye but I got a terrible rash last week from Sauve Keretin Conditioner and it was a chemical wake up call.
      First I boiled a handful of dryed sage and some rosemary twigs and let steep in a bowl until cool to open the hair shaft as recommended.
      Also boiled a handful of Calendula and Chamomile flowers with a lemon and let steep in seperate bowl.
      Strained seperately through coffee filters into Ball Jars and labeled each.
      Washed/conditioned hair (with natural product!) and put Sage/Rosemary on with a squirt bottle. Squeezed out. Sat in the sun in an old dress to partially dry.
      Then I leaned over the sink and rinsed with generous portion of the Calendula/Chamomile.
      Went back in the sun, got a hand mirror to watch.
      Decided to try covering grays at the same time but didn’t want a whole head rinse, so steeped 3 black tea bags in 1 inch water and let cool.
      While sitting in the sun, rubbed the tea bags onto temples and part-line only alternating and putting them back in the water, squeezing and reapplying.
      The black tea is actually sort of reddish but I kept going.
      Bonus discovery: I noticed the tea bags were turning the skin on my temples a bronzy color, so I held them on my eyebrows to let the dye work, it did. Then I just surrendered and rubbed the tea bag all over my face. The result was a pleasant ruddy tan color, like a face bronzing powder. They use tea in facials and lotions so I knew it was safe. Evened out my pink cheeks from sitting in the sun. Might wear gloves next time, dyed fingernails!
      Hair result: Overall I see my hair color is slightly enhanced and ever so slightly richer. The tea bag worked best on my right temple as I was probably doing that most. Not so much on part-line. I might try a coffee ground paste on part-line grays in future. The Calendula/Chamomile did seem to cut some of the orange-ness out of my chemical highlights, so bonus!
      Having extra in jars in fridge is a good way to do this more often. I also thought of trying to mix it with natural gelatin and/or yogart to make a paste.
      Super fun experiment, Thanks!

      Reply
    • Jules

      December 27, 2015 at 12:45 AM

      PRECAUTIONS –
      whether you picked up some black walnuts off the ground or bought black walnut hull powder, be very aware that it WILL STAIN EVERYTHING. wear clothes you don’t care about, wear 2 latex gloves on each hand (in case you get a pin prick somewhere), use a stainless steel or enamelware pot, slather whatever natural oil you have on hand all over your ears, forehead, neck, etc., to protect it from the dye, and do NOT stand up in the shower to rinse it out (unless you want dye blotches all over your body lol). i would also suggest you do this outside in the grass or on concrete/etc, so you don’t accidentally dye your floors and bathtub. (side note- you can dye clothes in brown shades with this same dye if you’d like!)

      Reply
      • Lisa

        March 6, 2023 at 3:58 AM

        5 stars
        Thank you for this warning!!!

        Reply
    • beti

      January 22, 2016 at 4:43 PM

      hi dear can i use the light hair color on my 2 years daughter ?

      Reply
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