How to Naturally Darken Your Hair

You can darken your hair without the need for harsh chemicals and dyes. There are several natural methods to achieve darker hair using ingredients you likely already have at home – such as coffee or tea. While some treatments, like amla powder and mustard oil, may be harder to find, most natural remedies gradually darken your hair. If you're looking for a more dramatic change, henna leaves are a popular natural dye choice.

Buy some mustard oil. You can find mustard oil at stores that sell spices or shops specializing in products from India or South Asia. Be sure to purchase cooking oil (preferably cold-pressed) and not essential oil: mustard essential oil can irritate the skin.

• Stop using it immediately if you experience skin irritation. It’s a good idea to test it first by applying a coin-sized amount behind your ear 48 hours prior to full use.
• You can also find mustard oil in international food sections of grocery stores.

Note that mustard oil is for external use only. Mustard oil is banned for internal consumption in the EU, USA, and Canada. It contains a high amount of erucic acid, which can lead to heart diseases, anemia, and an increased risk of lung cancer.

Warm the mustard oil. Before applying the mustard oil to your hair, pour some into a small bowl and heat it in the microwave until it's warm, or pour it into a small pot and heat it on the stove. Be careful not to overheat it; just warm it slightly above room temperature.

• If you don't warm the oil in the bowl, you can transfer it to a bowl after warming and bring it to the spot where you plan to apply it to your hair.

Protect your clothes, skin, and seat from stains. Mustard oil can stain clothes, skin, and the area where you apply the oil. Take precautions as follows:

• Wear old clothes or at least drape a towel over your shoulders to protect your clothes.
• Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
• Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or moisturizer to your neck, ears, and hairline to protect those areas from staining.
• Cover the seat where you'll be applying the oil with newspaper or an old towel.

Apply the mustard oil to your hair. Start with the tips of your hair. Once the tips are saturated with oil, gradually work your way up to the roots. Make sure to distribute the oil evenly by using your fingers and/or hands to gently massage it into your hair.

• You can apply the oil with your hands or use a hair dyeing brush. Hair dyeing brushes can be found at pharmacies or beauty supply stores.

Massage the mustard oil into your scalp. Once you reach the roots, begin massaging your scalp. The massaging motion will help moisturize your scalp. Many believe that applying mustard oil to the hair can stimulate hair growth, although there is little to no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Ensure the oil is applied evenly. Use your hands to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, making sure every strand is covered. Using a wide-tooth comb will help spread the oil more evenly.

Use a shower cap to cover your hair. You can also turn a plastic food storage bag into a makeshift hair cap in a flash.

Leave the oil on for at least two hours. Alternatively, you can leave it overnight.

Shampoo your hair. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to remove the greasy feeling. Since there will still be a bit of oil left in your hair, you might want to skip the conditioner to prevent greasiness.

• If you do want to use conditioner, apply a small amount only to the lower half of your hair, towards the ends.

Repeat this process up to three times a week. You can apply mustard oil to your hair a maximum of three times a week.

Purchase amla powder. Amla powder, made from the Indian gooseberry fruit, is often easy to find online, but it can be challenging to locate in stores. If you prefer to shop in-store, check specialty shops selling Indian products or natural/herbal items.

Make a paste from the amla powder. Add two teaspoons (10 ml) of amla powder to a bowl. Then, add one teaspoon (5 ml) of any oil – coconut oil is a popular choice. Pour in just enough warm water to cover the oil and powder. Mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste.

Add conditioner to the amla-oil-water mixture. Make sure to add enough conditioner to thoroughly coat your hair. If your hair is long, you may need to double or even triple the amount of the amla-oil-water mixture.

Remember to wear protective clothing. Amla powder has darkening properties, so make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained. Alternatively, you can simply drape a towel over your shoulders if you're confident you won't spill the mixture onto your clothes or pants.

Wet your hair and divide it into two sections. There's no need to shampoo, as you'll rinse the mixture out afterward.

Apply the mixture to your hair. Spread the amla-oil-conditioner mixture onto your hair just like you would with regular conditioner. Make sure to apply it evenly, paying special attention to the scalp and hair tips.

• Amla has powerful antioxidant properties that are great for your scalp, so take a moment to massage your scalp as you apply the mixture!

Leave the mixture on for 30 to 90 minutes. You can wear a shower cap or plastic bag to protect your surroundings and clothes.

Repeat once a week. Amla powder only has a very subtle hair-darkening effect and takes time to show results. In general, amla powder is more renowned for its moisturizing and hair-thickening properties.

• Amla is often used in combination with henna to help darken hair and moisturize it.

Purchase henna hair dye. You can buy henna dye from retailers either in stores or online. Most natural food stores, and even pharmacies, carry henna dyes. Many people believe that henna purchased from shops selling Indian products is purer.

• If buying henna from food stores or pharmacies, be sure to read the label to ensure it only contains natural ingredients. Some manufacturers mix henna with harmful chemicals typically found in regular hair dyes.
• Note that henna powder will dye your hair a reddish-brown color. If you want your hair to be a dark brown or black, the product might include other herbs (like indigo). Be sure to read the label carefully to ensure all ingredients are natural!

Prepare other materials. You will need a clean bowl, a whisk for mixing the henna powder, and hair clips to section your hair when applying the paste. Gloves are also necessary to protect your hands, along with a comb specifically for applying hair dye.

• You will need to cover your hair after applying the henna. A stretchy shower cap is a popular choice, but you can also use a shower cap or plastic bag.

Protect your clothes, skin, and workspace. The henna dyeing process can be quite messy. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained. At the very least, you should throw an old towel over your shoulders. To prevent henna from staining your skin, apply petroleum jelly or a thick layer of moisturizer around your forehead, neck, and ears. Cover your workspace with newspaper or an old towel to protect it from stains.

Prepare the henna paste. The method for preparing henna paste depends on the manufacturer's instructions, the amount of henna needed, and the desired color.

• The basic ingredients for henna paste are hot or boiling water, lemon juice, and henna powder. The paste should have a consistency similar to mashed potatoes.
• Some henna brands require the paste to be mixed several hours before applying it to your hair. Be sure to check the instructions on the package to see how long the mixture should sit.

Section your hair. Use hair clips to divide your hair into sections. The number of sections will depend on your hair's thickness and length. Try to divide it into at least six sections: two at the nape, two around the middle of the head, and two on top.

Apply henna paste to your hair. Put on gloves and start applying the henna paste from the nape of your neck. Work through each section, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Once you've finished one section, clip it up to leave space for the next.

• Make sure to apply a generous amount of paste to each section, ensuring your entire head of hair is thoroughly coated.
• You may find that using a dye brush is very helpful for applying henna. If the paste is too thick and hard to apply with a brush, don't worry! You can also use your hands (with gloves) to apply it.

Cover your hair. Many people suggest using plastic wrap to cover the henna after applying it. If you're not comfortable with that, you can use a shower cap or a plastic bag. The key is to keep the paste pressed against your head.

Wait. The amount of time you should leave henna on your hair depends on the manufacturer's instructions and how dark you want the color. You may need to leave it on for at least a few hours. Many people even leave it overnight for a richer color.

Rinse thoroughly. Be sure to wear gloves during this step if you don't want your hands to be stained. Once the henna is completely rinsed out, you can proceed with shampooing and conditioning your hair as usual.

• You may find that washing your hair at the sink or under the tub faucet works best. The henna paste can be messy, which is why many people prefer not to wash under the showerhead.

Be cautious of stains. In the first few days after applying henna, your pillowcases and clothing may get stained, so be careful when lying down until you've washed your hair a few times!

Buy shampoo and conditioner for brown hair. Choose the darkest shade available. These products will enhance the color and make your brown hair even darker if it's already naturally brown.

• You can find these products at most pharmacies. Some hair salons may offer more effective (but pricier) versions.

Shampoo and condition as usual. Use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for brown hair for regular washing.

Repeat several times. The more frequently you wash your hair, the quicker you'll notice results. If you wash your hair every day or every other day, you should see changes within one or two weeks.

Add cocoa powder to your shampoo. If you don't want to buy a special shampoo for brown hair, many people suggest darkening your hair by mixing cocoa powder with shampoo at a ratio of about 1:1.

• Fill a bottle halfway with shampoo and halfway with cocoa powder, then shake vigorously until the two ingredients are fully blended.

Steep a strong batch of black tea. Allow the tea to cool down to a temperature where you can comfortably dip your hand in and stir it without feeling discomfort.

Repeat daily for two weeks. It may take up to two weeks for your hair to become darker. After that, you can maintain the color by soaking your hair once a week. The hair may return to its lighter color sooner, depending on your hair type.

Try a different variation. One variation of this method is: steep 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of loose black tea leaves and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of rosemary leaves in 960 ml of boiling water for about 45 minutes, then let it cool.

• After washing and conditioning your hair, pour the mixture onto your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, covered with a hair cap, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Make a strong batch of coffee. Add water until you have approximately 720 ml of coffee. Use at least twice the amount of ground coffee you typically would for your regular brew.

Pour the coffee over your hair. Lean your head over the sink or stand under the shower and pour the coffee over your hair at least 3 times.

• Alternatively, you can pour the coffee into a large bowl, dip your hair into the bowl, and leave it submerged for a few seconds.

Repeat several times. You will notice that your hair darkens by a few shades with each application of this method.

Try a different variation. Mix 480 ml of conditioner with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of organic coffee grounds and 240 ml of brewed coffee (make sure the coffee has cooled down!). Pour this mixture over your hair and leave it for an hour before rinsing it out.