Everything you need to know before dying your hair naturally.

Whether you're looking to get <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/golden-nude-hair-color-trend-for-fall" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlights</a>, cover gray hairs, or simply try out a new look, dyeing your hair is always the way to go. Although dyeing your hair and trying out different color variations can be fun, it can also be extremely harmful for your hair. Chemical dyeing and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/hair-care-routines-maintain-glowing-blonde-color-purple-shampoo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bleaching</a> your hair can result in hair damage and scalp sensitivity, making damage irreversible; you'd have to wait until your natural hair starts growing out to reverse back into its healthy state, which can take up to two to three years. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/henna-healthy-alternative-hair-dye" target="_blank" rel="noopener">natural hair dyes</a> make for a great alternative for synthetic dyes as it is less damaging to your hair and safer to use. But if you think this is too good to be true, it just might be. Scroll down to see the pros and cons of natural dye.

Natural dye, as the name suggests, contains plant-based ingredients that are a safer and less damaging alternative to traditional dyes. Common natural dyes include <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/henna-healthy-alternative-hair-dye" target="_blank" rel="noopener">henna</a>, rhubarb root, and indigo powder. Natural dyes are most advantageous to pregnant women, vegans, or perhaps to people who want to shop sustainably. However, the term "natural" is not regulated and therefore consumers should wary of unwanted ingredients on natural dyes.

Yes, natural dyes do work. However, certain substances besides henna can transform the shade of your hair permanently. Additionally, natural dyes tend to be more gentle compared to chemical dyes, therefore natural dyes can fade quite faster. If you have dark hair and are looking to go blonde, natural dyes might not be for you.

What should I know before using natural dye?

If your are suffering from having dry hair, plant-based dye is the way to go. According to Olivia Crighton, professional hairtylist and director of Glasshouse Salon, "Most traditional hair colors use ammonia, resorcinol, paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and para-toluenediamine (PTD), these [ingredients] can raise the pH level of your hair beyond normal and the ammonia can damage your hair condition."
Additionally, traditiona synthetic hair dyes are known for damaging the protein in your hair that wicks away moisture. "This prevents the cuticle from effectively closing, which could result in lacklustre hair that can appear dull, has reduced colour retention and you may find your colour fade quicker." says Crighton.
An ingredient in synthetic hair dyes called ammonia and resorcinol are extremely toxic in nature and these chemicals have been linked to causing skin and eye irritations as well as extreme cases of respiratory issues.

Can I naturally dye my hair at home without buying dye?

Certainly! There are everyday household items that can be used to naturally dye your hair. This can include lemon juice, coffee, chamomile tea, sage, beetroot juice, and more.

<ul>
 <li>Minimal impact on the environment&nbsp;&ndash; Natural dyes are usually plant-based and come from natural sources, which is less harmful to the environment. Additionally, natural dyes are biodegradable which can appeal to many.</li>
 <li>Softer Color&nbsp;&ndash; Because of the lack of harsh chemicals in natural dyes that give color pay-off, natural dyes deliver a good amount of color pay off that gives a softer hue compared to traditional dyes. Depending on the effect you're going for, the more subtle approach may be a better fit.</li>
 <li>Safer alternative&nbsp;&ndash; As mentioned, natural dyes do not contain harsh ingredients that can cause lasting damage to your hair protein.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
 <li>Minimal color pay-off compared to traditional dyes&nbsp;&ndash; The color pay-off from natural dyes fades much faster than synthetic dyes. Additionally, it can be evident that the color quality may not be the same as traditional dyes.</li>
 <li>Availability&nbsp;&ndash; Naturals dyes are still very limited in the market, and with the word "natural" being unregulated, one might find difficulty in sourcing a good natural dye brand.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Harmful Effects&nbsp;&ndash; Though natural dyes don't contain harsh chemical ingredients, its natural ingredients can also be harmful to an extent. Some natural dyes can contain ingredients called logwood, hematein, and hematoxylin that have harmful effects when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.</li>
</ul>

Naturtint contains no ammonia, no artificial fragrance, no parabens; is cruelty-free and safe for vegans.
Naturtint, $9.99, <a href="https://naturtintusa.com/shop/fall-hair-colors/?gclid=CjwKCAjwh5qLBhALEiwAioods6FH1BitR_KYz5Msw4_qJEuNp5XuvRGHo5SEpu9KAfUyzziOl6vFEBoCpMQQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naturtint</a>

Naturtint

Herbatint uses plant-based extracts and is best used for covering gray hairs.
Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel, $13.99, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Herbatint-Permanent-Herbal-Haircolor-Chestnut/dp/B000H5HY7A/ref=asc_df_B000H5HY7A/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=312123925601&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=18275976275374938912&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9067609&amp;hvtargid=pla-493791839473&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=&amp;ref=&amp;adgrpid=58868506501&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvadid=312123925601&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=18275976275374938912&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9067609&amp;hvtargid=pla-493791839473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>

Herbatint

It's Pure Organics is Certified Organic by the Soil Association. The henna-based dye this is henna-based dye is free of para-phenylenediamine (PDD), ammonia, peroxide and parabens, used to darken grays.
It's Pure Organics, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FQRMUK0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>

It's Pure Organics

Best for root-touch ups between salon days, Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel is free from ammonia, peroxide, oxidants, resorcinol, PPD, silicones, and SLS.
Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel, $35, <a href="https://www.sephora.com/product/temporary-color-gel-P434541?country_switch=us&amp;lang=en&amp;skuId=2132363&amp;om_mmc=ppc-GG_13747609399_122963869903_pla-443106184994_2132397_531290558135_9067609_c&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwh5qLBhALEiwAioodswyDNsQDDwPift3hpXIf3CC7Y2MzdHCOgx_ASvHB8AnSpMCx-LpnLxoCU7sQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Sephora</a>

Do Natural Hair Dyes Really Work?

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