6 Homemade Hair Dyes You Can Try

Hair dyeing practices have been employed for a long time to cover up graying of hair. However, nowadays, hair dyeing is not just done by the aging group but is also used by younger people as a fashion expression.

Hair dyeing can, therefore, be classified as a cosmetic procedure that color your hair, be it to restore the original hair color or give it a different appearance.

The procedure is usually professionally done at salons, but hair dyeing kits are also available for use at home. In fact, 66%–74% of women use hair-coloring products.

# Henna

Henna is an age-old dye traditionally used for temporary body art. It has also been long used to dye and condition the hair at the same time.

There are different varieties of henna powders, which vary in quality and color, ranging from dark burgundy to orange. The resulting color from a henna dye generally lasts longer than that of other natural dyes.

Besides coloring the hair, henna helps condition and strengthen your hair, improving its vitality and helping prevent breakage. In addition, the use of henna can help control oil production, thus helping avoid an oily scalp.

- Mix henna powder in coconut oil and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (ACV). You may also make a paste of henna powder using only water.
- Add 1–3 tsp of ginger, clove, or cinnamon powder to the henna paste to mask its smell.
- Cover the mixture and allow it to sit overnight or for a few hours.
- Cleanse your hair and detangle it.
- Part your hair in the middle and apply henna to your hair section by section. Make sure to wear gloves to avoid staining your hands and nails.
- Spread the paste evenly in your hair, and wrap it with a shower cap or plastic wrap.
- Leave the hair dye on for 5–6 hours or overnight.
- Use cool water to rinse your hair. Avoid shampooing for up to 32 hours.

# Jatamansi powder

Jatamansi herb, commonly available in powder form, can dye your hair black or make it appear darker.

The rhizomes of the herb are also useful in improving hair growth. They are used in treating male-pattern baldness by improving hair follicle size, making the hair grow thicker and stronger.

- Make a paste of jatamansi powder with water or argan oil or olive oil.
- Cleanse your hair with shampoo and pat it dry.
- Apply the paste to your damp hair.
- Rinse off the dye after an hour and condition your hair as usual.

# Coffee

Coffee is rich in black-colored compounds known as tannins. Rinsing your hair with coffee allows your hair to pick up the dark color of the tannins. Therefore, using coffee as a dye can help cover your gray hair.

Moreover, the caffeine content of coffee can help treat alopecia-related hair loss.

How to use

- Steep a strong cup of coffee for about 10 minutes.
- Once the coffee is cold, add in 2–3 tsp of leave-in conditioner. Optionally, add some coconut oil, especially if you have dry hair.
- Wrap a towel around your shoulders or use an old t-shirt to avoid staining your clothes.
- Soak your hair using the coffee mixture by pouring the solution in a tub or container and bending your hair down into it.
- Cover your coffee-soaked hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 60–80 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with plain water and condition it. Avoid using shampoo.

# Black walnut powder

Black walnut appears dark due to its juglone, tannin, and plumbagin content. Using black walnut can impart a deep brownish color to your hair.

How to use

- Boil 2 cups of water and add 6–10 tbsp of black walnut hull powder to it.
- Steep the solution for about an hour.
- Let the solution cool, and use it to rinse your hair.
- Allow your hair to air-dry or rinse out the solution with water after 15–20 minutes.

# Sage

Sage is a potent herbal treatment widely used for gray hair. It works by darkening the hair color, restoring the color of grey hair, and also preventing further graying of hair.

How to use

- Boil ½–1 cup of dry sage in water and allow it to steep for half an hour. The longer you allow the solution to steep, the darker the color becomes.
- Filter the solution once cool.
- Shampoo your hair and rinse the damp hair with the sage water.
- Wrap your hair with a shower cap or a plastic bag.
- After 40 minutes, rinse and condition your hair.

# Black tea

Black tea can also dye your hair into a dark color. It can also add shine to your hair, thus revitalizing dull, lifeless hair.

How to use

- Steep a cup of black tea and allow it to cool.
- Apply the cooled tea to your hair.
- Rinse your hair with cold water after about an hour.
- Avoid shampooing your hair for up to 24 hours.