Buzz
If you want to hide your gray strands with coffee, there are various approaches you can try. Immerse your hair in freshly brewed black coffee after it has cooled down to color all your gray hair, or blend coffee with conditioner and leave the mixture in your hair while it works its magic. For a more potent solution, apply coffee-based henna to your hair. Whichever method you opt for, expect to repeat the process several times to achieve the desired darkening effect on your gray hair.
Steps
Coffee Immersion
Brew 1-2 pots of robust, dark coffee. After inserting a fresh filter into your coffee maker, transfer the coffee grounds from the container to the filter. Fill the machine with water and follow the manufacturer's instructions for brewing coffee.
- If you don't have a coffee maker, you can brew coffee by boiling water and then adding the coffee grounds to it.
- Use 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 ml) of coffee to make 1 cup (240 ml) of coffee.
- Select your preferred brand of dark coffee for coloring your hair.
Allow the coffee to steep for 15 minutes in a large bowl or basin. Let the coffee cool to a safe temperature before dipping your hair. Once cooled, transfer the coffee to a container big enough to submerge your head, ensuring it reaches your roots.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes to cool the coffee before use.
Submerge your hair in the coffee and leave it for several minutes. Bend over the bowl and dip the gray sections of your hair into the coffee. After dipping, maintain the position for at least 3 minutes to allow the color to absorb. Note that dipping brown or black hair in coffee may darken it slightly, while the effect on blonde hair will be more noticeable.
- Protect your clothes with a towel and old T-shirt.
- If dyeing specific sections, secure the rest of your hair away from the coffee with clips or ties.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the coffee. Lift your head from the coffee slowly. For long hair, gather it on top of your head to prevent drips. Rinse your hair under cool water, ensuring all coffee residue is washed out. Once the water runs clear, the rinsing is complete.
Repeat the process to darken your hair with each application.
If your gray hair isn't as dark as desired after the first treatment, repeat each step to soak your hair in coffee again. Multiple applications will result in progressively darker gray hair.
Coffee Infusion with Conditioner
Blend 2 sachets of instant coffee with 1 cup (240 ml) of conditioner. Exact measurements aren't crucial for this adaptable coffee conditioner recipe. Combine the coffee and conditioner in a bowl.
- If you lack instant coffee packets, substitute with 3–4 tablespoons (44–59 ml) of coffee grounds.
Thoroughly mix to ensure even distribution of the coffee. Use a spoon to blend the coffee grounds and conditioner. Stir until the coffee is evenly dispersed, giving the conditioner a brown tint.
- Don't fret if you spot visible coffee grounds in the mixture.
Wrap a towel around your shoulders to prevent staining your clothes. Opt for a towel you don't mind staining. Consider wearing an old shirt that you don't mind getting messy as an additional precaution.
Apply the conditioner to cover gray hair using a dye brush. Use a dye brush to apply a small amount of the coffee conditioner. Ensure each gray hair section is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
- If a dye brush isn't available, wear gloves and use your fingers to spread the conditioner.
- You can purchase a dye brush from a local big box or beauty store.
Allow the conditioner to remain in your hair for 1 hour. Use a timer to track the 1-hour duration for leaving the conditioner in. This timeframe allows your hair to absorb some of the coffee's darker hues, effectively dyeing your gray hairs.
Wash off the conditioner with cold water. After an hour, rinse your hair under cold running water, gently massaging to remove the conditioner. Once the water runs clear, your hair should be free of conditioner and coffee.
- Rinse your hair in the sink or shower, whichever is more convenient for you.
Repeat this process multiple times to deepen the tint of your grays. You may need to apply the coffee conditioner several times to effectively cover your gray hairs. Continue this process the following day for even darker tints.
- Once you achieve the desired color, you'll only need to use the coffee conditioner twice a month.
Henna Infusion with Coffee
Place 0.25 cups (59 ml) of henna powder into a bowl. Measure the henna using a measuring cup and transfer it to a ceramic or plastic bowl. This quantity is suitable for touch-ups on gray hairs. If you plan to dye your entire head, use more henna.
- Seek hair-specific henna powder at big box stores, beauty shops, or online retailers.
Gradually add warm black coffee to the henna. Brew a fresh batch of strong black coffee. Once it cools slightly but remains warm, slowly pour it into the henna, avoiding adding too much at once.
- For instance, add the coffee to the henna 2 tablespoons (30 ml) at a time.
Mix the henna and coffee blend until smooth. Combine the coffee gradually with the henna, stirring with a spoon. Add coffee in small portions, mixing thoroughly until achieving a pancake batter-like consistency.
- Aim to eliminate any lumps by stirring the henna and coffee mixture thoroughly.
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let it rest for 4-6 hours. Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Press the wrap down on the sides or secure it with a rubber band. Allow the henna and coffee blend to sit for 4-6 hours before use.
- Some henna packages may recommend longer resting periods, such as overnight. Follow the instructions provided with your henna for proper usage.
Apply the blend to your gray hair using fingers or a dye brush. Wear gloves if using fingers to prevent staining. Take small amounts of the blend with fingers or a brush, rubbing it onto gray strands. Ensure all gray hair sections are covered for effective dyeing.
- You can target roots, specific strands, or the entire head.
- If covering the entire head, divide hair into manageable sections with clips.
- Dye brushes are available at beauty stores, big box retailers, or online.
Protect your dyed hair with a shower cap for 6 hours. Securely cover the dyed hair with a shower cap or plastic bag. Set a timer for 6 hours to remind you to remove the cap and rinse the blend out.
- If unsure about the blend's effects, reduce the duration of application.
Rinse out the coffee and henna before shampooing. Remove the shower cap and rinse the blend out with cool water until clear. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual, reveling in your newly dyed gray hair!
Helpful Tips
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If by chance your scalp gets tinged brown from the coffee dye, despite its mild nature, simply shampoo your hair to rectify it.
