Written by: layla • August 27, 2024• Hair Care Hair Color

Vegan Hair Dyes: Top Benefits and Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Use

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Vegan hair dyes are herbal medicines that color hair without using chemicals. They use vegetable elements such as carrots and beetroot to color hair naturally and without causing damage. These natural hair dyes are gentler on the hair and are generally regarded non-toxic. However, their effects are not permanent, and your hair will require monthly touch-ups to keep the color fresh. Vegan hair dyes are cruelty-free and contain no animal-based or derived ingredients. They are natural and safe for use on the hair and scalp.

What are vegan hair dyes?

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Vegan hair dyes are herbal remedies used to color hair without using chemicals. They are made with vegetable ingredients like carrots or beetroot to color hair naturally without causing damage. These natural hair dyes are gentler on the hair and scalp. But their effects are not permanent, and your hair would need regular touch-ups to keep the color fresh. Vegan hair dyes are cruelty-free and made without any animal-based or animal-derived products. They are natural and safe to be used on the hair and scalp.

It is important to know that not all vegetable hair dyes are vegan. While some vegetable hair dyes use dairy products, vegan products, by definition, are dairy-free. Double-check the ingredients list before making a purchase.

Benefits Of Using Vegetable Hair Dyes

Promote Hair Health: Natural ingredients like vegetables are not only safe for your hair but also help strengthen your tresses and repair damage. They keep your hair naturally moisturized and nourished with essential nutrients.
Prevent Damage: Regular hair dyes contain chemicals that can lead to hair breakage, loss, and dryness. Vegan hair dyes, however, prevent damage from harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, parabens, and ammonia.
Protect Hair Structure: Chemicals in regular dyes can break down the hair structure by penetrating the cuticles. Vegan hair dyes, on the other hand, protect the hair structure and minimize damage.
Are Pregnancy-Safe: Regular hair dyes may be harmful during pregnancy, as many women believe their chemicals could affect the fetus. Vegan hair dyes are a safer alternative, as they don’t contain harsh ingredients.
Moisturize Hair: Vegan hair dyes often contain oils that replenish and moisturize the hair. This leads to less hair fall, improved texture, and shinier, softer hair.
Treat Scalp Issues: Natural ingredients like aloe vera found in vegan dyes may help soothe scalp conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, unlike regular dyes, which could potentially worsen these issues.
Are Temporary: Vegan hair dyes are temporary and non-damaging, allowing you to experiment with different plant-based colors without the worry of long-term hair damage.
Are Skin-Friendly: Unlike regular hair dyes that may contain allergens like nuts or soy, vegan hair dyes are generally safer for the skin, causing fewer allergic reactions unless you are sensitive to a particular plant ingredient.

Vegan hair dyes are available in several types. Check them out below!

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Plant-Based: These cruelty-free hair dyes are primarily derived from plant parts such as leaves, stems, bark, fruits, and vegetables. The most effective vegan dyes are often made from these natural sources.

Mineral-Based: Some vegan hair dyes incorporate minerals like salt and iron to help lighten hair. However, these types are less common.

Oil-Based: Vegan hair dyes often use oil as a base, combined with ingredients like green tea or coffee, to achieve various shades of hair color.

Ingredients Used in Vegan Hair Dyes to Achieve Different Hair Colors

Onion Skin: Rich in quercetin, onion skin imparts a natural yellow color to the hair. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also help improve scalp conditions and address hair loss.
Chamomile: Chamomile provides a yellowish tint and enhances light reflection and shine in hair, making it a popular choice for vegan hair dyes.
Henna: A common ingredient in vegetable hair dyes, henna contains lawsone, a non-oxidizing coloring agent that imparts a reddish-orange hue. It is frequently mixed with other ingredients to achieve darker shades such as brown or black.
Indigo: Indigo adds a bluish tint to the hair and is often combined with henna to produce black or dark brown shades.
Beetroot: Containing betalains, beetroot is used for its natural food coloring properties and can color hair without causing damage.
Carrot: Carrots are used to strengthen, shine, and thicken hair due to their high vitamin A content. They may also provide a light orange color, particularly in the red and orange varieties.
Muskroot: Muskroot (Nardostachys jatamansi) is used to darken hair, resulting in a black color.
Coffee: Coffee is added to natural dyes to create brown shades, ranging from reddish-brown to black-brown.
Tea: Tea has been used as a hair colorant in Ayurveda. Black tea can darken hair, while green tea, with its high catechin content, can lighten hair and give it a yellowish tint.
Salt: Anecdotal evidence suggests that salt may lighten hair.
Baking Soda: Baking soda or toothpaste containing baking soda can be used to lighten hair.
Cinnamon: Known for its skin-lightening properties, cinnamon may also help lighten hair. It contains vitamins A and C, which can act as lightening agents.
Lemon: Lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, naturally lightens hair by reducing melanin pigmentation. Applying lemon juice in the sun can accelerate the lightening process.
Rhubarb: Rhubarb’s oxalic acid can make hair light brown or blonde and extend the life of hair color. Combined with chamomile, it can give a golden hue.

How to Use Vegan Hair Dyes

Using vegan hair dyes is straightforward and similar to traditional hair dyes. Follow these steps for best results:

Prepare Your Dye: Mix the necessary ingredients for your vegan hair dye. You can enhance the mixture with nourishing oils or agents like avocado or aloe vera.
Apply the Mixture: Thoroughly apply the dye to your hair.
Processing Time: Leave the dye on your hair for about one to two hours, checking the color periodically.
Rinse: Once you achieve the desired color, rinse your hair with cold water and your regular shampoo. If the color isn’t as expected, keep the dye on longer. If you experience any discomfort, rinse immediately and consult a doctor.

DIY vegan hair dyes can be just as effective as store-bought options, allowing you to experiment with natural ingredients at home.

How To Make Vegan Hair Dyes?

1. Carrot Mask

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Carrot Juice Hair Dye

You Will Need:

1 cup carrot juice
2 tablespoons aloe vera (optional)

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Procedure:

Mix the carrot juice and aloe vera (if using) in a bowl.
Apply the mixture evenly to your hair.
Leave it on for 1.5 to 2 hours.
For better color retention, cover your hair with plastic wrap.
Check periodically to ensure you reach the desired color.
Rinse your hair with cold water and apple cider vinegar to lock in the color.

Processing Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

How Often: Once a week

Henna Mask

You Will Need:

½ cup henna
¼ cup water

Optional Add-ins:

1 tablespoon cinnamon (for a browner hue)
1-2 tablespoons beetroot powder (for a pinkish or rose-gold tint)

Prep Time: 12 hours

Procedure:

Mix henna and water to create a smooth paste.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 12 hours.
Wash your hair without conditioner.
Apply the henna paste to your hair and cover it with plastic wrap to help the color set.
Leave the paste on for 4 to 6 hours.
Rinse your hair once you achieve the desired color.

Processing Time: 4 to 6 hours

How Often: Every 2 to 3 weeks

Beth McCormack, a blogger, shared her experience with a DIY hair mask made from cloves, seaweed, and henna. She advises, “I prefer a slightly thin paste for easy application on dry hair. If you want to wet your hair beforehand, you can make the paste thicker.” Beth used the mixture to cover gray hair and was thrilled with the result, noting, “It’s incredibly shiny with a deep brown color and very subtle warm red highlights. I love it!”

3. Coffee Mask

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Coffee Grounds Hair Treatment

You Will Need:

3 tablespoons coffee grounds
1 cup water
2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Procedure:

Boil the coffee grounds with water.
Apply warm coconut or olive oil to your hair.
Add the coffee mixture to your hair as well.
Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours.
Rinse with cold water.

Processing Time: 1 to 2 hours

How Often: Once a week to maintain color freshness

Lemon Lightening Mask

You Will Need:

1 cup fresh lemon juice

Prep Time: 10 minutes to extract the juice

Procedure:

Apply the lemon juice thoroughly to your hair, using a comb to spread it evenly.
Leave it on for 1.5 hours.
Stay outside in the sun to help the lemon juice oxidize and lighten your hair.
Rinse with cold water.

Processing Time: 1.5 hours

How Often: Once a week

Tips for Prolonging Vegan Hair Dye Color

Vegan hair dyes generally don’t last as long as traditional dyes, but you can extend their lifespan with these tips:

Avoid Heat: Heat can cause color to fade quickly. Refrain from using styling tools and hair dryers, or use a heat protectant if necessary.
Protect from Sun: Cover your hair with a thin cotton or silk scarf when outdoors to prevent frizz and color fading.
Avoid Swimming: Chlorine in pools can lighten hair color.
Wash with Cold Water: Cold water helps to prolong the life of your hair color.
Regular Touch-Ups: Keep the color fresh with regular touch-ups.

Pro Tip: Use conditioners formulated for colored hair to nourish, hydrate, lock in cuticles, and help the color last longer.

Regular Hair Dyes vs. Vegan Hair Dyes – Risks

Regular hair dyes often contain chemicals that can cause adverse reactions, particularly during pregnancy. These chemicals can also damage hair health and worsen existing scalp issues.

In contrast, vegan hair dyes are generally safer, with the main risk being potential allergic reactions to specific vegetables, oils, plants, or fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vegan hair dye PPD-free?

Not all vegan hair dyes are guaranteed to be free from PPD (paraphenylenediamine). If you specifically need a PPD-free vegan hair dye, it’s best to consult with a hair specialist.

Can vegan hair dye affect your liver?

While hair dyes in general can impact liver health, further research is needed to determine if vegan hair dyes have the same effect.

Does vegan hair dye affect the brain?

Hair dyes have not been conclusively linked to brain issues such as glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma. More research is required to assess if vegan hair dyes may contribute to such conditions.

Is henna hair dye an eco-friendly option?

Yes, henna is considered an eco-friendly hair dye. It is derived from crushing the leaves of the henna plant, making it a sustainable choice for hair coloring.