Whether you’re in a region that’s still poised to face some downright frigid temperatures, or you’re already feeling the warmth of the sun, it’s time to start thinking about adding some sunny warmth to your hair. 

Don’t worry, if you thought going all-natural while also focusing on healthy hair meant no more color–think again. It’s true. There are perfectly natural and healthy ways to change the color of your hair without damaging it. Sunkissed charm is still possible.

Ways to naturally color your hair

Whether you’re looking for all-over color or just some highlights, you can do it at home without using harsh chemicals. One big note before you dive in, supporting hair health with proper nutrition and all-natural hair care products will give you the best results. 

Some of these non-chemical hair color options can dry out your hair, so starting with and maintaining optimal hair health is key.

Lemon juice

If you have relatives who were alive in the ’70s, ask them if they used lemon juice to lighten their hair. This was a huge trend in that era, and many people turned to lemons to add red and/or blonde highlights to their hair. 

A basic recipe for making a lemon juice hair spritz calls for lemon and warm water in a ratio of two parts water to one part lemon. We recommend adding a few drops of Organic Moroccan Oil to the spritz to counteract drying effects of the acid in lemon. If you want to add more moisture, a hair mask (homemade or commercial) can help soothe dry strands.

Spray the juice directly on your hair and then head out to spend some time in the sun. Lemon needs heat to activate it. It also typically takes more than one sun session to get a noticeable lightening effect from lemons, and even then, it will be subtle. 

While the color change is subtle, it is permanent and won’t “fade” back to your original color.

Chamomile 

Chamomile is a natural hair lightener, and it works almost exactly like using lemon juice. Make strong chamomile tea and let it cool. Spritz it onto your hair or soak your hair in the vat of tea, and then sit in the sun and enjoy the warmth and highlights. 

Chamomile provides a warmer highlight than lemon juice. If you’re looking for more warmth and depth, then the chamomile is for you. If you want a bright blonde and really sunkissed look, try lemon juice.

Henna

Many people think henna is a dye, and it is, but it is derived from leaves that are crushed and turned into a paste. It’s not a chemical dye but rather a natural hair dye that has a dramatic effect. You can find henna that’s designed to create darker brown colors, red hues, and blondes. 

Henna is particularly good at creating bright red colors that play off your natural color. A brunette will end up with a deeper auburn color, while a blonde can get a coppery or vibrant red hue. Redheads will love how it colors their greys.

Henna tends to fade after four to six weeks, and it often fades in a natural way that makes it grow out easy and subtle. The only drawback to henna hair coloring is that the color results cannot be guaranteed, so you might need to practice a little until you find a shade you really like.

Beet juice and carrot juice

Love the look of red? Both beets and carrots can be used to give your hair a red tone. The beet will be darker and richer, while the carrot will be more subtle and have a coppery look. 

Whether you want a beet or carrot juice dye, the process is the same. Mix the juice with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and then apply it to your hair. Cover with a shower cap or wrap in plastic, and let it sit for an hour. Rinse with apple cider vinegar and then warm water. 

Coffee

Want to warm up your hair with some depth and dark tones, then coffee is an excellent way to get this look. Coffee dye is not permanent, and unlike some of the other rinses, it does not remove the color from your hair, so when it fades, your hair will return to its previous color.

To make a coffee dye, select a dark roast or an espresso, and brew 1-2 cups of strong coffee. If you have long or thick hair, then you may want more coffee, but two cups are usually enough for most people with long hair. Let the coffee cool then mix it with your favorite conditioner. 

Apply the dye to your hair and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before rinsing. Dyeing your hair with coffee is messy, so you might want to do it in the shower or use many rags. As an added benefit, coffee can add softness and shine to your hair.

Now that you’ve created hair color you love, the best way to maintain it is by using all-natural products that focus on nutrition and hair support. Hair La Vie’s Shampoo and Conditioner are the perfect pairing of a gentle cleanser and moisture-adding conditioner that give your hair the nutritional support it needs to hold color and stay healthy. 

If you find you need extra moisture, the ingredient list on Hair La Vie’s conditioner gives you the best starting point. Use coconut oil with keratin to create your own homemade mask to keep your hair nourished, strong, and full of moisture.

Final thoughts

While all-natural ingredients create hair dyes that can give you the color you want without harmful chemicals, they can still dry out your hair. It’s best to start your color journey with healthy, well-nourished hair. Then keep your attention on using only the best all-natural products for the best results.

There are a number of interesting ways to create a customized hair color that works with your base color and skin tone. Because most of these natural hair dyes are gentle, you can do treatments one day and then again on the next day for more dramatic results. The only one to really be wary of using too often is the lemon juice rinse because it’s acid-based.