Want to dye your hair red? Try this DIY Henna Hair Dye recipe and dye you hair red, without chemicals!
We’re looking at an auburn red, one that will give your hair a nice reddish hue. This recipe is for suitable for shorter hair, that’s less than shoulder length. But if you have longer hair, increase the quantity of ingredients accordingly.
Ingredients
Henna Powder – ½ Cup
ACV – 1 Tsp.
Coffee – ½ Cup
Coconut Oil – a few drops
Cinnamon Powder – 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
If you have used coffee grounds, add ½ cup of boiling water to it and then strain it. Alternatively, you can prepare fresh coffee too!
In a mixing bowl, add the Henna Powder, Cinnamon Powder, Coconut Oil and ACV.
Now, slowly introduce the coffee (while it is hot) into this and keep mixing.
When there are no lumps and you have a fine paste, set aside.
Wrap the bowl with a plastic wrap and let it sit for a couple of hours.
Remove the wrap and use a spatula to remove the top layer and see if underneath looks lighter than the layer on top. If yes, you’re good to go!
How to Apply the Dye?
Henna sticks better if you apply it after you wash off your hair. You can wash it and let your hair air dry, before you apply the paste.
Wrap a headband around your forehead to prevent staining.
Mix the mixture well and now, use gloved hands or brush to apply the Henna mixture evenly.
Henna can stain; so wear clothes that you don’t hold dear ☺
Once you finish apply the paste all over your hair, wear a shower cap.
Depending on the quality of Henna and other factors, it could take anywhere from an hour to a couple of hours. Many leave this on for 3 hours, or even overnight. If you leave long than 3 hours, the color begins to go deeper and darker.
You can also wear a turkey towel over the shower cap to warm up and open hair follicles. However, it is your choice. You can just leave it at the shower cap.
Rinse out and air dry. Since you are apply Henna after you wash your hair and Henna also has cleansing properties, you don’t have to use a shampoo while washing Henna off your strands.
How to Check the Shade?
Like we mentioned in our other post, Henna color or the result of Henna with other compounds can vary. So, it is a good idea to apply the paste a few strands, check the shade and then decide if you can go ahead or need modifications.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
We have used Coffee in this recipe, though you can also use Tea. Make sure it is hot when you add to the recipe.
Like mentioned earlier, unlike Coconut Oil, some oils tend to alter the results of Henna. That’s a reason for avoiding Essential Oils here.
You can even use Herbal Teas, like Rosemary or Rosehip. However, be warned, it can alter the shade.
Remember
Wait for 2 – 3 days before washing your hair with a shampoo. That way you color will last longer.
Avoid using shampoos that have SLS or other harsh chemicals and switch to a coloring-friendly shampoo or an herbal shampoo.
Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Try HY Vitamins Hair Care Range for your hair care requirements, or their SLS, Salt and Alcohol-free but mild shampoo that can retain your hair color longer.
