How to Make Homemade Brown Dye to Go on Blonde Hair

Walnut hulls make a natural brown dye.

There are several recipes for homemade brown hair dye that you can try, all of which work well on blonde hair. Homemade dyes give hair a natural look so if you are looking for a drastic change, a store-bought dye may be a better choice. Brown hair dye made at home will be a more subdued color and semi-permanent. Homemade dyes also allow you to protect your hair from harsh chemicals. Test your dye on a small strand of hair the day before you want to dye your hair to check for an allergic reaction.

Things You'll Need

• Small pot
• 2/3 cup dried sage
• Lavender essential oils
• Walnut hulls
• Plastic bag
• Meat mallet
• 2 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

Walnut Dye

1. Place 2 cups walnut hulls in a plastic bag and crush with the meat mallet. Walnut hull dye offers a more drastic change to blonde hair though it does take longer to prepare than a sage tea rinse.

2. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a small pot.

3. Add the walnut hulls and soak in the pot for four hours on medium-low heat. You will need to add fresh water during the simmering process as the water steams.

4. Remove the hulls from the water and boil again to reduce liquid. You should have one-quarter to one-third of the water you started with.

5. Pour into a bowl and stir in 2 tsp. cinnamon.

6. Chill for one week in the refrigerator.

7. Apply to damp hair as a final rinse. Wait at least one day before washing your hair after using the dye.

Sage Rinse

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small pot.

2. Add 2/3 cup dried sage to the boiling water. The sage will create a subtle change in hair color, darkening the blonde over several weeks.

3. Turn the heat off and steep the sage for 10 minutes.

4. Apply sage rinse to hair and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Rinse and reapply on a weekly basis for a natural brown hair color.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a natural brown hair dye to make roots less noticeable as hair grows out, maintaining a natural appearance.

• Add lavender essential oils -- five to six drops -- to soothe the hair and scalp as you dye it.

• Wear gloves to keep your hands from being dyed as well.

• Don't bother with tea or coffee hair dyes. Coffee and black tea rinses are non-permanent and have to be reapplied so often that it isn't worth trying them.

References

• "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances"; Julie Gabriel; 2008
• "Jeanne Rose: Herbal Body Book: The Herbal Way to Natural Beauty & Health for Men & Women"; Jeanne Rose; 2000
• "Naturally Healthy Hair: Herbal Treatments And Daily Care for Fabulous Hair"; Mary Beth Janssen; 1999
• "Herbs & Spices"; Jill Norman; 2002