Fortunately, there are some natural remedies if you’re looking for alternative ways to colour your hair.

Carrot Juice 

Try carrot juice if you want to give your hair a reddish tint. Depending on the colour of your hair, the tint can last for a few weeks.

To dye your hair with carrot juice:

  1. Mix carrot juice with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
  2. Apply the mixture liberally to your hair.
  3. Wrap your hair in plastic, and let the mixture set at least an hour.
  4. Rinse with apple cider vinegar. You can repeat this the next day if the colour isn’t strong enough.

    Henna

    Henna is a natural plant-based dye that’s traditionally used to create temporary tattoos directly on the skin. It can also be used to dye your hair red.

    Henna comes in powder form and is probably the longest-lasting, most vibrant natural hair dye option. The color can last as long as four to six weeks.

    To use henna to dye your hair:

    1. Mix about 1/2 cup of henna with 1/4 cup of water.
    2. Stir the mixture until it’s completely combined and feels like the consistency of mashed potatoes, adding more water if necessary.
    3. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, and let it sit for about 12 hours. (You may need to add more water after the 12 hours so that it can be applied to your hair.)
    4. Wash your hair without conditioning it.
    5. Wear a headband and apply an oil like coconut oil along your hairline. This is so the henna won’t stain your skin.
    6. Apply the paste mixture to small sections of your combed, damp hair until all of your hair is covered.
    7. Wrap your hair in plastic and let the colour develop at least two hours (and up to six) before washing it out.

    Beets

     Beet Juice 

    If you want a deeper red tint with cooler undertones, choose beet juice instead of carrot juice.

    To use beet juice to colour your hair:

    1. Mix beet juice with a carrier oil.
    2. Apply the mixture liberally to your hair, and then wrap your hair.
    3. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour before washing it out.

    Lemon Juice 

    Lemon juice can help strip your hair of its pigment slowly, lightening it over time. It’s best used to achieve sun-kissed highlights naturally.

    Unlike the other methods described here, which achieve temporary color changes, the results of using lemon juice are permanent. 

    To use lemon juice to colour your hair:

    1. Pour lemon juice into a spray bottle.
    2. Spray the juice liberally onto your hair.
    3. Use a comb to spread and separate the juice evenly through your hair
    4. Sit outside in the sun for optimal results.
    5. Leave the lemon juice in for at least an hour, and then wash it out.

    You can do this several times to get the desired effect if necessary. 

    Coffee

    To dye your hair with coffee:

    1. Brew a strong cup of dark-roast coffee.
    2. Mix about 1/2 cup of coffee with 2 tbsp. of coffee grounds and 1 cup of leave-in hair conditioner.
    3. Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair.
    4. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour, and wash it out when you’re done.
    5. Repeat if necessary.

    Coffee won’t provide a drastic change to your hair, but if you need a quick and affordable boost, it’s a good option to try.

    Our Verdict

    Traditional hair dyes are full of chemicals that can have toxic effects on your body. According to the American Cancer Society, both semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes can increase cancer risk, particularly for bladder cancer and blood cancers. Even if the cancer risk is minimal, the harsh chemicals in commercial hair dyes can cause skin irritation and damage your hair. If it’s possible to use a more natural alternative, your hair will certainly thank you. Have you tried any of these techniques before? What was your experience? Let us know in the comments.