How To Make Walnut Hair Dye

You can make walnut hair dye at home by simmering black walnut hulls in water to create a rich, natural dye.
 
This old-fashioned method has been used for centuries to darken hair without harsh chemicals.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make walnut hair dye, the process is simpler than you might think.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make walnut hair dye step by step, plus tips for getting the best color results.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why Make Walnut Hair Dye?

Making walnut hair dye is a natural way to cover grays and add deep brown tones to your hair.
 
Black walnut hulls contain juglone, a compound that binds to keratin in your hair and creates lasting color.
 
Here’s why so many people choose to make walnut hair dye at home:
 

1. It’s Chemical-Free

When you make walnut hair dye, you skip the ammonia, peroxide, and synthetic dyes found in commercial products.
 
That means no scalp burning and no harsh fumes in your bathroom.
 

2. It Deepens Naturally

Walnut hair dye doesn’t lighten your hair, it darkens it.
 
So if you have brown, dark blonde, or black hair, walnut dye will add depth and richness.
 

3. It Covers Grays Gently

Many people make walnut hair dye specifically to blend gray strands into darker hair.
 
The result looks natural rather than flat or artificial.
 

4. It’s Cheap and Easy

Learning how to make walnut hair dye costs very little because the main ingredient is just black walnuts.
 
You can forage them in autumn or buy hulls online for a few dollars.
 

How to Make Walnut Hair Dye Step by Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to make walnut hair dye.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make walnut hair dye, you’ll need about ten to fifteen black walnut hulls, four cups of water, and a stainless steel pot.
 
Avoid aluminum pots because they can react with the juglone.
 

2. Simmer the Hulls

Place the hulls in the water and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
 
Let it simmer for about an hour until the liquid turns dark brown, almost like strong coffee.
 
The longer you simmer, the stronger your walnut hair dye will be.
 

3. Strain and Cool

Strain out the hulls and let the liquid cool to room temperature.
 
Your walnut hair dye is now ready to use.
 

4. Apply to Your Hair

Pour the walnut hair dye over clean, damp hair and work it through from roots to ends.
 
Massage it into your scalp so the color reaches every strand.
 

5. Let It Sit

Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the walnut hair dye on for thirty minutes to an hour.
 
The longer you wait, the darker the result.
 

6. Rinse Well

Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear.
 
Don’t shampoo right away, since the color needs time to settle into your hair.
 

Tips for Getting the Best Results When You Make Walnut Hair Dye

Getting great results when you make walnut hair dye comes down to a few key details.
 

1. Wear Gloves

Walnut hair dye stains everything it touches, including your hands.
 
So wear old clothes and gloves while applying it.
 

2. Do a Strand Test

Before you make walnut hair dye your go-to, test it on a small section first.
 
Everyone’s hair absorbs the dye differently.
 

3. Repeat for Deeper Color

If you want richer results, make walnut hair dye and apply it several times over a week.
 
Each session builds on the last.
 

4. Add Coffee for Extra Depth

Some people add brewed coffee to their walnut hair dye for an even darker shade.
 
A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can also help the color cling better.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Make Walnut Hair Dye

Even when you make walnut hair dye properly, a few missteps can ruin your results.
 

1. Using Aluminum Pots

As mentioned, aluminum reacts with walnut dye and can discolor your hair.
 
Always make walnut hair dye in stainless steel or glass.
 

2. Skipping the Rinse

If you don’t rinse thoroughly after you make walnut hair dye, leftover residue can rub off on pillows and clothes.
 

3. Expecting Lightening

Walnut hair dye won’t lighten dark hair.
 
It only adds or deepens color, so don’t make walnut hair dye hoping for a blonde shade.
 

So, How Do You Make Walnut Hair Dye?

You make walnut hair dye by simmering black walnut hulls in water, straining the liquid, and applying it to your hair.
 
It’s a simple, natural way to darken your hair and cover grays without chemicals.
 
Just remember to wear gloves, do a strand test, and repeat as needed for the shade you want.
 
Now that you know how to make walnut hair dye, go ahead and give it a try.