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Herbal Hair Dye: Everything You Need to Know

Herbal hair dyes are entirely natural hair dyes, containing no chemicals. Many people don’t realize that individual plants and foods in your home can double as hair dyes. Herbal hair dyes are gaining popularity as more people become aware of the damage that chemical-laden dyes can leave on your hair.

If you want to dye your hair but aren’t keen on the chemicals that come with a box dye or getting a dye job from your local salon, consider trying a herbal hair color to keep your hair healthy while still changing the color.

herbal hair dye

Herbal dyes will also save you money and can even stimulate hair growth. The benefits of herbal dyes can far extend past color only!

Herbal dyes will work differently depending on the color and type of hair that you have! If you already have a darker color, it will be easier to go darker than to go lighter. It’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for everyone!

Best Herbal Hair Dyes

Sage

sage leaves for dyeing hair

Sage leaves, when added to tea, can make your hair darker. By adding the leaves to boiled water, letting it seep, straining the leaves, then pouring on your hair, and letting soak, your hair color will change.

Reapply the mixture each day until you achieve your desired color. The color is especially suitable for those looking to darken their hair. Those with lighter hair should be careful, as the color will be more drastic on their paler hair.

Henna

henna hair dye

Henna is a beautiful option for herbal hair dye as it’s common for tattooing and painting on the skin. It’s well known for its use as intricate hand and body art in different parts of the world. Due to this, henna must have a dark and deep color that can stain and hold color well.

Henna is perfect for getting a dark red color for your hair. Mixing with other herbs and natural dyes can change the color as well. 

Mixing the powder with water and leaving it overnight to set will provide a paste that you brush into your hair. Leaving the mixture in for a few hours before rinsing will produce a vibrant new color for you to enjoy. You can get some henna hair color ideas here.

Black Tea

black tea for dyeing hair

Applying black tea to your hair can darken it and keep it healthy. Letting the tea sit in your hair for a while is perfect for letting the color sink in. Adjusting the ratio of tea to water and the number of times applied can alter the color. 

This is a perfect option for someone looking to darken their hair and achieve a rich color.

Rosemary

rosemary for dyeing hair

Another excellent option for those looking to go darker is rosemary, promoting growth and a healthy scalp. Rosemary will not darken as deep as black tea or sage may, so if you’re looking for a tamer color, consider this.

Three teaspoons of rosemary into 1 cup boiled water should do the trick. Altering the amount of time applied and the number of days following the routine will change results. For a more profound and darker color, use the treatment for multiple days in a row.

Hibiscus

hibiscus flower's water

Hibiscus is a great way to add a reddish tint to your hair. This is an excellent way to get a red-toned hair color that looks effortless and natural. Red can be difficult to switch to at a salon as it can often look unnatural, but using a natural dye fixes that.

Using a combo of hibiscus flowers and water, you can achieve that effortless redhead look you’re after. The color will eventually wash out, so no fear if you don’t end up liking it.

Marigold

marigold for hair color

Marigold is the perfect option for blondes or lighter-haired people that want highlights. Marigold dyes will produce a beautiful and vibrant golden blonde color for the hair. It also works in ways to hide grey hairs for those who are worried about them.

Applying on the scalp and hair can transform forming greys to a lovely light blonde color. If you’d like to update your aging hair naturally, consider marigold.

Catnip

catnip for coloring hair

Not something you may have thought, catnip is a great option to help lighten your hair. Catnip is especially helpful for turning any greys blonder. Of course, the dye from the catnip is not permanent and will gradually wash out of your hair, making it ideal for those looking for temporary options.

If you want to conceal some greys, consider trying catnip in your hair routine. Different routines may require boiling catnip and applying the mixture to your scalp and hair.

Saffron

saffron for hair color

Saffron is an excellent option for those looking for a golden blonde color. After mixing with boiling water, letting sit, and straining, apply the saffron to the hair. Continually pour the mixture into your hair multiple times before wringing out. The color is excellent for those with lighter hair, helping bring out a golden hue.

Saffron works well as a highlight for the hair or a pop of color. It may be difficult for those with already dark hair to see any benefits from saffron, as the color is so light. Blondes, though, should consider saffron when wanting to update their natural look.

Carrots

carrot juice for dyeing hair

If you’re looking for a reddish color for your hair, try carrots! Juicing carrots and mixing them with concoct or olive oil, apply to your hair, letting sit for a while, then rinsing with vinegar will produce a beautiful result.

Adjust the ratios depending on how vibrant or dulled down you want your look.

Why Use Herbal Dyes?

Little did you know, you can dye your hair with ingredients from your kitchen. Most herbs require boiling with water or altering in some way to work well on your hair.

Using herbs and other natural substances to dye your hair has many benefits. Not chemicals will make your hair and scalp healthier than a salon-brand dye. The price, of course, is another bonus.

Gathering a few herbs on your hair will save you a pretty penny compared to hundreds at the hairdressers. The timeframe of these dyes is a plus as well. Many of them can wash out within a few weeks, so using herbs and natural dyes can help those trying to experiment.

When using boxed or salon dyes, you risk ending up with an artificial color. Using herbal dyes guarantees that your hair will look natural, as no artificial colors are added. Remember to research the color and products you’d like to use to dye your hair to find an accurate and efficient dye recipe.

Keep in mind; different herbs will produce different results for each person. Depending on the amount you use and how you apply it, your color may vary from someone else. While a hair dye made from sage may look a certain way on one person with brown hair, it may look slightly different on your blonder hair. Be cautious when dyeing your hair in any instance, as even if the color washes out, it will not be instant.