How to Make Homemade Hair Coloring

Henna powder has been used in Asian cultures to make homemade hair coloring for thousands of years. It's capable of achieving several different hair colors, depending on the duration the dye is left in the hair. It can take up to 6 or 7 hours to fully dye the hair. Most commercial dyes involve harsh bleaching agents and harmful chemicals, but homemade hair coloring can be prepared in a short time using all-natural ingredients.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Henna powder Pure vinegar Mixing bowl Powdered goldenseal root Double boiler Plastic gloves

1. Combine 2 cups henna powder with 1 cup warm water in a mixing bowl and mix until a thick paste is formed. Mix in 1 tsp. vinegar and 1/2 tsp. powdered goldenseal root.

2. Allow the paste to stand for 1 hour. Pour the mixture in the top of a double boiler and stir continually until the bottom pot comes to a rolling boil.

3. Remove the double boiler from the heat and let the mixture stand for 1 hour. Replace the double boiler onto the flame and heat again rapidly.

4. Put the plastic gloves on your hands, and begin to massage the heated hair coloring into the hair. Ensure a thorough coat is covering all of the hair, and wrap a linen towel around your head.

5. Wait 3 to 4 hours for brown hair color, up to 5 hours for auburn hair color, or up to 6 hours for darker colors. The longer the dye is allowed to remain in hair, the darker the hair color will become.

6. Wash hair thoroughly, and comb the hair as you rinse. Continue until the water becomes clear and no more dye is washing out. Combat drying by massaging drops of oil into the scalp.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash hair before treating with the homemade hair coloring to remove any dirt, debris or oils that might interfere with the process. Wear gloves at all times while handling henna. It's very potent and can stain hands and fingernails. Before using henna, lightly coat the scalp with safflower or corn oil. Otherwise, it may cause mild irritation to sensitive skin.