Looking for ways to darken your highlights without using dye? As a hair care expert and hairstylist, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks on how to get the desired results using natural ingredients and products.
One of the most common questions I get from clients is how to darken highlights without using dye. There are a few reasons why someone might want to do this.
Maybe they want to go back to their natural hair color, or maybe they just want to tone down their highlights a bit. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you can do to darken your highlights without using dye.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite tips and tricks for darkening highlights naturally. I’ll also recommend some products that can help you achieve the desired results.
At A Glance:
- If you find that your highlights look too “bright” you can tone them down (without using dye) by using a color depositing conditioner like Overtone, Keracare Klenditioner and more. There are several health risks associated with dyeing your hair too often so these are better alternatives.
- You can also opt for a red shampoo to remove the cool undertones underneath to make your highlights seem warmer and darker.
- A purple shampoo can also turn a bright brassy balayage into a more subdued champagne color look.
- Some also prefer to use natural methods like soaking hair in coffee, cocoa bean water, berry juice among others to get a darker hue. However, these methods give uneven results and wash away easily.
- If you want to remove hair highlights altogether it isn’t possible without either dyeing it over or using a chemical hair color remover.
How to Darken Highlights Without Using Dye?
There are a few natural ways to darken highlights without using dye. One way is to use coffee. Simply brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool. Then, apply the coffee to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it out. You can repeat this process as needed until you achieve the desired results.
Another way to darken highlights is to use a toner. Toners are semi-permanent hair colors that can be used to adjust the tone of your hair. To use a toner, simply apply it to your hair according to the package directions. Toners are available in a variety of shades, so you can choose one that is closest to your natural hair color.
Read on to get detailed instructions on how to darken highlights using different natural ingredients and products (minus the hair dye!)
How to darken highlights using coffee?
To darken highlights using coffee, follow these steps:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool completely.
- Apply the coffee to your hair evenly, using a brush or a spray bottle.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap.
- Let the coffee sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for darker results.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and condition as usual.
You can repeat this process once or twice a week until you achieve the desired darkness.
Here are some tips for using coffee to darken highlights:
- Use strong, brewed coffee. The stronger the coffee, the darker your highlights will become.
- Let the coffee cool completely before applying it to your hair. Hot coffee can damage your hair.
- Apply the coffee evenly to your hair. You don’t want some sections to be darker than others.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. This will help to trap the heat and moisture, which will help the coffee to penetrate your hair shaft.
- Let the coffee sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for darker results. The longer you leave the coffee on, the darker your highlights will become.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and condition as usual. Conditioning will help to restore moisture to your hair and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
Coffee is a natural and inexpensive way to darken highlights. It is also gentle on the hair and scalp. However, it is important to note that coffee will not produce permanent results. The coffee color will gradually fade over time, especially if you wash your hair frequently.
How to darken highlights using color-depositing conditioner?
To darken highlights using color-depositing conditioner, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will help to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup from your hair.
- Apply the color-depositing conditioner to your hair, focusing on the highlighted areas.
- Comb through your hair to distribute the conditioner evenly.
- Leave the conditioner on for the amount of time specified on the package.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and condition as usual.
You can repeat this process every other day or as needed until you achieve the desired darkness.
Here are some tips for using color-depositing conditioner to darken highlights:
- Choose a color-depositing conditioner that is one shade darker than your natural hair color. This will help to gradually darken your highlights without making them too dark.
- Apply the color-depositing conditioner to damp hair. This will help the conditioner to absorb into your hair more easily.
- Focus the color-depositing conditioner on the highlighted areas of your hair. This will help to ensure that your highlights are darkened evenly.
- Comb through your hair after applying the color-depositing conditioner. This will help to distribute the conditioner evenly and prevent it from clumping.
- Leave the color-depositing conditioner on for the amount of time specified on the package. This is usually around 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with water after using the color-depositing conditioner. This will help to remove any excess conditioner and prevent it from making your hair heavy.
- Condition your hair as usual after using the color-depositing conditioner. This will help to hydrate your hair and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
Color-depositing conditioners are a gentle and effective way to darken highlights. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to use. However, it is important to note that color-depositing conditioners are not permanent. The color will gradually fade over time, especially if you wash your hair frequently.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution for darkening your highlights, you may want to consider using a toner or hair dye. However, it is important to consult with a professional stylist before using any type of color treatment on your hair.
How to darken highlights with shampoo?
To darken highlights with shampoo, you can use a color depositing shampoo or a purple shampoo.
Color depositing shampoo:
Color depositing shampoos are shampoos that contain a small amount of hair dye. They can be used to gradually darken or tone your hair. To use a color depositing shampoo, simply follow the instructions on the package.
Purple shampoo:
Purple shampoos are shampoos that contain purple pigment. Purple pigment helps to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair. While purple shampoos will not directly darken your highlights, they can help to make them look less brassy and more natural.
To use a purple shampoo, simply apply it to your wet hair and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out. You can use a purple shampoo once or twice a week to maintain your highlights.
Here are some tips for darkening highlights with shampoo:
- Choose a shampoo that is designed for your hair type and color.
- Apply the shampoo to damp hair.
- Massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp, focusing on the highlighted areas.
- Let the shampoo sit on your hair for the amount of time specified on the package.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and condition as usual.
Related: How To Tone Brown Hair To Ash
How to darken highlights naturally in the sun?
If you’re looking for a natural way to darken your highlights without using any dye, there’s one method you can try: lying out in the sun. Sun exposure is a great way to darken your highlighted locks without resorting to store-bought chemicals or hair dye.
It’s important to remember that sun exposure alone won’t darken highlights as easily as a store-bought dye. This method requires patience and repeated long-term sun exposure.
When going out into the sun, keep in mind that the UV rays will also dry out and damage your hair, so it’s vital to keep your locks hydrated throughout the process.
The best way to start darkening your highlights in the sun is to stay out for about an hour and a half, doing something like basking in the sun, swimming in the pool, or playing in the pool.
Make sure to wear a hat to protect your scalp and use a leave-in conditioner in your hair. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and healthy while also increasing the chances of your highlights darkening.
It’s also a good idea to apply a hair protector spray or serum to your hair before heading outside. This will help to prevent sun damage and keep your highlights from overdeveloping or frying in the sun.
Darkening highlights in the sun is not an immediate process, so you’ll need to repeat these steps multiple times over the course of a few weeks.
Can I use purple shampoo to darken highlights?
Yes, you can use purple shampoo to darken highlights without using dye. Oftentimes, when highlights become too bright, it can look unnatural and unflattering.
Purple shampoo acts as a corrective color, neutralizing brassy tones and subtly diminishing the brightness of lightened hair.
It’s worth noting that purple shampoo is not a permanent solution – it simply works to tone down the color while also cleansing and conditioning your highlights. It’s also important to remember that to get the desired results, you may need to use purple shampoo multiple times.
When using purple shampoo to darken highlights, start with just one use. Afterward, assess the color of your highlights to decide if more toning is required. If the color is still too bright, give it a second or even third treatment.
Also, remember to use the purple shampoo very sparingly – it should only be applied for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Too much can darken highlights beyond the desired result and leave you with an undesired purple hue.
Related: How Long Does It Take To Lighten Hair With Honey
Natural home remedies to darken highlights on hair without using dye:
1. Chamomile Tea – Steep chamomile tea and use it as a rinse on your hair to help darken your highlights.
2. Henna – Mix henna with a liquid like coffee or tea and apply it to your hair to help re-darken your highlighted hair.
3. Black Tea – Heat black tea and use it as a rinse on your hair to help darken your highlights.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar – Rinse your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water, as this helps to clarify the hair and darken any highlights.
5. Cocoa Powder – Mix cocoa powder with some conditioner and apply it to your highlighted hair to find some darker color.
6. Blackberry Leaves – Boil blackberry leaves for 15 minutes and make a rinsed with it, as this also helps darken highlights.
Throughout this article, I have explored a variety of methods to help darken highlights without using dye.
Whether it be utilizing deep conditioning treatments to cover the color, styling with dark shampoos, or using product buildup, there are a plethora of techniques to help you reach your desired shade.
With a little practice and dedication, you can restore your hair’s tone without needing to use harsher dyes.
Also Read:
What To Do If Hair Dye Is Too Dark
Do Hair Darkening Shampoo Bars Work
How To Choose the Right Toner for Your Highlighted Hair
To Summarize