(Tiny Tips) – Coloring your Hair, Naturally – Do you want to change your appearance with a new hair color, but don’t want to use harsh chemicals on your hair? Try natural products and green DIY tips to beautify and transform your hair.
Hair coloring is a popular form of self-expression. According to Statista, an estimated 64 million Americans dyed their hair in 2019—far more than registered with any political party in the United States. However, there are downsides to using commercial hair color products. The chemicals used in many products can damage hair, causing it to lose its natural color and sometimes even its strength and texture. Beyond that, consider the cost of maintaining color over the long term. If you go to the salon once a month to color your hair, the average annual cost is between $600 and $840.
When hair dye flows down the drain and into the water supply, the chemicals that damage your hair also damage nature. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) found in dark hair dyes can cause severe dermatitis, eye irritation, asthma, kidney failure, and seizures. PPD in the environment can harm fish and wildlife.
Another common ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic to aquatic life, including algae and phytoplankton, and can reduce oxygen levels in the water. Wastewater treatment plants cannot effectively filter out these chemicals, so they inevitably end up in rivers or oceans, and often in drinking water.
What can we do? Of course, it’s a good idea to avoid products containing PPD, hydrogen peroxide, and other environmentally harmful chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting parabens. If we want to boldly change our appearance, we can start by switching to natural and environmentally friendly products.
But for many groomings, natural options can be found on the counter or in the refrigerator.
Natural Way
There are many types of natural hair dyes. Look for dye products that are vegan, ammonia- and paraben-free. Remember to test the color on a section of hair before use, as some people’s skin may be sensitive to natural ingredients such as dyes.
- Lemon juice combined with sunlight is a natural bleaching agent that you can easily use to lighten your hair during the summer. Mix one cup of water with two tablespoons of lemon juice and spray it into your hair using a spray bottle. Let it sit in the sun for an hour or two, then wash and care for it as normal.
- Chamomile mixed with lemon juice is vlogger Jessica Lee’s choice for naturally lightening her hair. Mix 2 cups of strong chamomile tea with 1/4 cup of lemon juice and sit in the sun until your hair dries. This method may dry out your hair. Therefore, be sure to take good care of your hair after washing it.
- Carrot juice can add extra sizzle to red hair or turn brunette hair auburn. Use store-bought or homemade carrot juice mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil to give your hair a reddish tint. Apply to hair and wrap in plastic; let sit for at least an hour, then rinse off with apple cider vinegar.
- If you want a darker red color, beet juice is another option. As with carrot juice, you’ll want to mix it with a carrier oil before applying it to your hair. Leave it on for an hour and then wash your hair as usual.
- Coffee is a tonic for gray or dark hair that needs a darker tone. That’s right; your favorite drink can color your hair. Mix 1/2 cup of black brewed coffee (the other half is fine), then mix with 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds and 1 cup of leave-in conditioner. Apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for an hour, then wash. Repeat this method several times to get the desired shade.
- Henna is known as a natural hair dye that can darken hair to brown. Combine ½ cup of henna with ¼ cup of water and stir until completely combined. Add more water as needed until the consistency resembles mashed potatoes. Let the mixture sit for 12 hours before applying. You may need to add a little more water to apply it to your hair. Make sure your hair is clean and unconditioned before use. Apply coconut oil along your hairline and use a bandana to ensure it doesn’t stain your skin. Divide it into small sections until your hair is covered, then wrap it in plastic wrap and let your hair sit in the mixture for two to six hours before washing.
Choose a hair color that makes you look naturally beautiful
Assuming you still want to use box dye. In this case, we recommend Naturtint or Clairol Natural Instincts. Both of these famous vegan brands minimize the environmental impact when coloring their hair. Another smaller brand that you may not find locally is Khadi, which uses traditional methods to produce dyes in different colors. Khadi does not come with a whitener, which means the results depend on the color you start with, not necessarily the color stated on the package.
We know that many people prefer bright colors that may not be possible naturally. If you want to dye your hair a natural color, try natural products and methods first. Let’s not sacrifice a healthy ecosystem for self-expression.