Turning white or gray hair back to its natural black color can be done naturally without the use of harsh chemical dyes. Several home remedies, derived from traditional practices, use ingredients rich in nutrients that nourish the hair and may gradually restore its natural pigment. While these remedies may not provide instant results, they are safer, healthier, and more gentle on the hair. Here are some natural remedies that may help turn white hair black:
1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and Coconut Oil
Amla is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help prevent premature graying and restore natural hair color.
How to Use:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of dried amla powder until the mixture turns dark.
- Let it cool and massage it into your scalp and hair.
- Leave it on for at least an hour (or overnight) before washing it off with mild shampoo.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week for the best results.
2. Black Tea Rinse
Black tea is rich in antioxidants and tannins, which can darken hair over time and give it a shiny appearance.
How to Use:
- Boil 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves in water.
- Let it cool and strain the tea.
- Rinse your hair with the tea after washing, and leave it in for about 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water (no need for shampoo after the rinse).
- Use this treatment 2-3 times a week.
3. Curry Leaves and Coconut Oil
Curry leaves are known for their ability to restore melanin in the hair follicles, promoting natural pigmentation and preventing graying.
How to Use:
- Boil a handful of curry leaves in 1 cup of coconut oil until the leaves turn black.
- Let it cool, strain the oil, and massage it into your scalp.
- Leave it on for 1-2 hours before washing it out.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
4. Onion Juice
Onion juice contains catalase, an enzyme that helps reduce hydrogen peroxide buildup in hair follicles, which is believed to cause graying.
How to Use:
- Blend 1 onion to extract the juice.
- Massage the juice into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week for noticeable results.
5. Henna and Indigo
Henna is a natural dye that gives hair a reddish-brown hue, while indigo can darken it to a deep black. When used together, they create a natural black dye.
How to Use:
- Mix henna powder with water to form a paste and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for 2-3 hours, then rinse.
- After rinsing, mix indigo powder with water to form a paste and apply it to your hair. Leave it for 1-2 hours before rinsing.
- This method can provide a long-lasting natural black color.
6. Bhringraj Oil
Bhringraj is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known to promote hair growth and prevent graying. It is often used in the form of bhringraj oil for hair nourishment.
How to Use:
- Warm bhringraj oil and gently massage it into your scalp.
- Leave it on for at least an hour or overnight before washing with mild shampoo.
- Use this remedy 2-3 times a week.
7. Sesame Oil and Carrot Juice
Sesame oil has properties that may help darken hair, and when combined with carrot juice, it provides extra nutrients for hair growth and pigmentation.
How to Use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of sesame oil with 2 tablespoons of fresh carrot juice.
- Massage the mixture into your scalp and hair, and leave it for an hour.
- Rinse with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
8. Sage and Rosemary Rinse
Sage and rosemary are herbs that can darken hair naturally when used regularly. They also help stimulate hair growth.
How to Use:
- Boil 1/2 cup of sage and 1/2 cup of rosemary in 2 cups of water.
- Let the mixture cool and strain it.
- Rinse your hair with this mixture after shampooing, and leave it in for 30-60 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
- Repeat this 2-3 times a week for best results.
9. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are believed to help darken gray hair by promoting melanin production in the body.
How to Use:
- Eat 1 tablespoon of black sesame seeds daily as a snack or add them to your meals.
- You can also mix black sesame seed oil with your regular hair oil and massage it into your scalp.
10. Aloe Vera and Hibiscus
Aloe vera, combined with hibiscus, can nourish the scalp and hair, restoring shine and promoting natural hair color.
How to Use:
- Blend 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel with 2 hibiscus flowers to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, leaving it on for 30-45 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Conclusion
While natural remedies may take time to show visible results, they are a gentle, non-toxic way to restore the natural color of your hair and improve its health. Consistent use of these treatments, along with a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, can slow down the graying process and potentially turn white hair back to black over time. Remember that patience and regular application are key for achieving the best results.