Dye Your Hair Naturally Red with Henna vs Brown with Coffee vs Lighten Your Hair with Honey
Edited by Rebecca Kelsey Sampson, Eng, Doug Collins
I absolutely love changing up my hair, but the thought that hair dye is dangerous to use when pregnant makes me not want to use hair dye... ever. So, how do I change up my color? Here are a few temporary and semi-permanent ways to change up your hair color without the chemicals.
Method 1: Red with Henna
Red hair is one of the hardest to maintain, whether you are using traditional hair dyes or not, but thankfully with time I've been able to develop a method that works well with minimal annoyance. This recipe is made to gradually increase your red intensity and from then on, maintain the red hair until you stop using the product.
For this project you will need:
- Henna
- Tub of hair conditioner
- Honey
- Chamomile tea
- Olive oil (optional)
- 1
The tea will soften the henna. Chamomile tea helps brighten the hair.In a separate container, mix 1/2 a cup of hot chamomile tea with a few tablespoons of your henna powder. - 2Add in the tea slowly.With a conditioner tub that is half-full (either take out half the conditioner and transplant it somewhere else or add conditioner to an empty container), start slowly mixing in the tea with henna you mixed in step one.
- 3It is also antimicrobial, which is good to have in home-made products.Then, mix in a few tablespoons of honey to help aid in opening up your hair (as it's a natural peroxide) to be more easily penetrated by the henna.
- 4Olive oil will help moisturize the hair more than the conditioner alone.Lastly, add half a tablespoon of olive oil.
- 5It should be thick and not overly runny.Keep adding ingredients until you get the consistency that is desirable to you.
- 6Apply to damp hair and let sit for a few hours during the first use, to help show results quicker. Then afterward, use this in place of your normal conditioner whenever you shower.Now you are ready to use the mixture!
- 7Once you get your desired color, use the conditioner once a week or so for maintenance.
- 8Replace the mixture every two-three weeks to prevent mold.
Method 2: Brown with Coffee
Deep brown tones are fairly easy for those that already have brown hair, but this method can also work with blonde hair. This is the most temporary of the three dying methods shown, but it's safe enough to be done frequently on the hair.
For this project you will need:
- Coffee
- Conditioner
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Container for storage
- 1
Start by making coffee for yourself, then put a few tablespoons aside for this recipe. - 2In a jar, combine the coffee with your regular conditioner until you get the desired consistency.
- 3Optionally, add some cinnamon to make a more custom brown hue.
- 4In the shower, use this mixture as you would your normal conditioner.
- 5Repeat two-three times a week to get desired color effect.
- 6Remake the mixture every two weeks or so to maintain freshness and prevent the recipe from molding.
Method 3: Lighten Your Hair with Honey
For brown hair, lighting with honey is really easy. If you have black or red hair, this method will work as well but you may need to use toning products as honey can create a brassy look for certain kinds of hair.
For this project you will need:
- Honey
- Chamomile tea
- Conditioner
- Container for storage
- Olive oil (optional)
- 1Tea helps brighten the hair and works well with these ingredients.Brew chamomile tea.
And there you have it, three natural ways to enhance or change your hair color over time.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
