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Meet the Experts

Keep scrolling for some of the best natural ways to dye hair.

Of course, always do a strand test before applying all overespecially if your hair is chemically treated.

latina with pink hair

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However, before opting for henna, Tardo says to keep in mind that the method is usually permanent.

“Henna can not be removed from hair with any hair color or bleach,” Tardo explains.

The more time spent in the sunwith plenty of SPF, of coursethe more noticeable your color will be.

honey

Irina Shatilova/ Getty Images

But the more often you use it, the more noticeable your highlights will be.

“ensure you condition,” reminds Hazan.

We like Kapuluan’s Cold Pressed Coconut Oil.

lemon juice

FotografiaBasica / Getty Images

Begin by brewing a strong batch of chamomile tea.

For a deeper color, use multiple bags of chamomile.

verify the tea completely cools before you add it to the spray bottle.

chamomile flowers

Sofiâ Isaeva / EyeEm / Getty Images

After a strand test, apply to any sections of hair you would like to lighten.

Take in some sun, and voila!

Cinnamon

Cappi Thompson/ Getty Images

Cinnamon is another natural ingredient with potential lightening properties.

cinnamon sticks and powder

Cappi Thompson/ Getty Images

For best results, put on a shower cap and let the solution sit overnight.

Kool-Aid

SCREEN MOMENT/ Stocksy

Want a boost of color without much commitment?

This option works best for lighter strands that want a hint of color.

juice still life

SCREEN MOMENT/ Stocksy

Pick any color you want from red to blue, purple, and everything in between.

Create a paste using the Kool-Aid mix with your color of choice and your favorite conditioner.

Paint the paste on and wait at least an hour before rinsing to reveal your new color.

coffee graphic

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The longer you wait, the higher intensity the color.

Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour before rinsing to reveal darker strands.

Repeat the process until the desired darkness is achieved.

cut beets with knife on board

Winslow Productions / Getty Images

“Coffee grounds can also be used as a great scalp scrub,” says Bryant.

Simply soak strands with beet juice found in any grocery store and wait a few hours.

This process is a bit messy, and the staining potential is real.

Sage tea is another option for coloring grays naturally.

Avoid washing your hair every day and give a shot to wash it every two to three days instead.

Burlando B, Cornara L.Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review.J Cosmet Dermatol.

2014;4(4):10.3402/jchimp.v4.25090.

doi:10.3402/jchimp.v4.25090

American Cancer Society.Hair dyes.

Updated September 8, 2020.