I love experimenting with my hair color. Through the years, I’ve probably gone through all the colors of the rainbow and now I am starting to look for natural ways to maintain beautiful nuances and keep my hair safe from damage.
Some time ago, I came across an article describing the process of using coffee to dye hair. I decided to try it since I have some premature gray hairs and I was really happy with the outcome.
Learning how to dye hair with coffee is simple, it is inexpensive and chemical-free. Here is what I do – you can follow the steps to see whether you will experience the same effect.
A Few Notes: To Whom This Method is Suitable for
① I have naturally dark hair and this is why I benefit from the coffee method. It makes browns softer and more vibrant.
② Recommended only for hair that is its natural color (“virgin” hair) or has been colored only with natural vegetable dyes or pure, natural products such as 100% pure henna or herbs.
③ Ladies that have blond hair should attempt another hair color procedure. Coffee dye will also be UNSUITABLE if you have completely white or very gray hair. Try something a bit stronger first and you can rely on coffee to touch up the color every now and then.
④ If you have stray grays (from roots), you’ll want to do this two or three days in a row to get full coverage initially.
⑤ Mixing this with henna would probably work amazingly well too, and probably help the color to last longer.
⑥ This method of coloring your hair is suitable for pregnant ladies. To decrease all kinds of risks for your baby, you should simply use decaffeinated coffee. You will enjoy the results without worrying about the chemicals contained in commercial hair dyes.
Ingredients You will Need
This easy DIY home remedy will also help to cover stray grays and peek-a-boo light roots. If you’re a natural-born brunette, you might notice your hair getting mousy over time. There are two essential ingredients you will need to dye your hair this way.
① Coffee is obviously the most important ingredient. You will need 3 to 4 tablespoons of instant coffee (depending on the length of your hair). You can go for the organic variety and you can also pick decaffeinated coffee, if this possibility sounds better.
Update!!
Try using the freshly brewed coffee instead of instant coffee which I normally used. The freshly brewed coffee is more strong and can enhance your dark hair just as easily — and just as naturally.
** Important Tip for Adding Extra Ingredients:
Grab some fresh paste of henna and add 3 tbsp Amla powder (Indian Gooseberry) and 1 tbsp freshly brewed powder. Mix the ingredients to create a paste-like consistency while adding water gradually and apply it on the hair.
Let it sit for 2 or more hours and wash it off with your favorite shampoo. This hair pack not only yields color but nourishes the hair by making them super silky soft and shiny.
② You will also need 1/2 cup of conditioner (or you can use plain yogurt).
You can go for the one that you use on a regular basis, and that is right for your hair. I used a conditioner for damaged hair, the same one I apply when I shower.
Mix the two ingredients together. All of the coffee should be dissolved before you begin the process.
How to Dye Your Hair
You will need a dark towel to keep your skin and your clothes dye-free. Use a brush or your fingers to spread the coffee and conditioner from the roots to the tips of your hair.
I prefer applying the dye with my fingers. I have long hair and this application method enables better control. You simply need to make sure that your hair is evenly coated with the dye, regardless of the application method that you choose.
① This is it! Comb through. Style your hair into a bun if possible, and cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap to prevent drips.
② Let the coffee penetrate each hair for approximately one hour. If you want to get a darker tone, you can extend the duration of the procedure.
③ Once you feel like you are done, you will simply need to rinse (but don’t wash) the conditioner and the coffee off.
④ Continue rinsing your hair until the water starts running clear. This is an indicator you can get out of the shower and style your hair in any way that you like.
⑤ The first time you do this, you’ll probably want to do it two or three days in a row (if you have to cover stray greys and peek-a-boo light roots.)
Laura says
04/28/2018 at 8:42 amHow much henna paste and amla powder should be used? Also metioned to add water, not conditioner as mentioned later in the post. Can you please confirm recipe?
Lagean 'Gena' Ellis says
08/04/2017 at 8:56 amDo you have any suggestions for Auburn hair?
Marie-Hélene Paquin says
12/06/2016 at 6:40 pmhi. you mentioned that it is recommended for hair that has not be colored or only with vegetable dyes. I have been using vegetable dues for a year, but I have long hair, so I have a mix of both standard and vegetable dyes. Do you know what would happen to the part with standard dyes ?
aakansha says
09/04/2016 at 10:29 ambut l have heard that conditioner should not be applied on scalp..so is it okay to start applying it from the roots?
@Aakansha,
Hair conditioner is used to protect your hair from the extra dryness after wash. But even if it touches the scalp, its fine as long as you rinse it properly.
We only use conditioner when using this trick, but in your regular shower routine, you don’t put conditioner on the scalp.
xoxo,
Calleigh
Lobsang dolma says
08/17/2016 at 12:46 amCan you explain me about one freshly brewed powder. Are you talking about coffee or something else? Please make it clear. Thank you..
hi Lobsang Dolma,
Yes, I was talking about the freshly brewed coffee powder but you can try the instant one and see how it works for you.
Calleigh
sunil vishwakarma says
08/14/2016 at 7:58 pmI have a white hair will coffee be effective on my white hair