Photo by Andrea Drugay
To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.
Red is a temperamental hair color! It likes to make a bold entrance, but doesn’t like to stick around.
If you’re a natural-born redhead, you might notice a gradual fading of your vibrant hue over time. And if you color your hair red, you might notice that it often fades quicker than other colors.
There are a couple of easy home remedies to perk up your fiery hues, without slathering your head with chemicals.
The first, and perhaps most well-known, option is to use henna instead of hair dye. Henna is a plant that’s been used since ancient times ~ think Cleopatra ~ to impart a red luster to locks. It’s an excellent all-natural choice if you’re looking to dye or to replace chemical dyes with something simple and time-tested. However, be aware that it’s a commitment, usually taking several hours from start to finish. Hairdressers claim it coats your strands, making it impossible to ever be stripped, so if you’re a commitmentphobe, stay away.
However, if you’re looking for all-natural, easy ways to enhance any naturally existing red tones or to brighten up fading color, look no further! It’s extremely simple to make your own red-highlighting hair rinse using just tea. If you’ve tried my homemade hair lightening spray, you already know how easy that one is. This one is just as easy ~ even more so because it only contains ONE ingredient!
This DIY spray will impart warm, red highlights. You can use it on individual strands or chunks, or on your entire head for an allover refresh. When used over time, it will keep your color vibrant, bright, and fiery!
If you are a blonde or have blonde highlights, be sure to check out my post on DIY hair lightening spray. If you’re dark-haired, stay tuned. I’ll be posting tips for you, as well! (My hair has been just about every shade in the book, so believe me, I’ve done them all.)
Stuff to Know:
- This rinse is recommended only for hair that is its natural color or has been colored only with natural products, such as henna or herbs. If your hair has been chemically treated or if you go to a salon for highlights or coloring, please talk with your stylist first.
- Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
- This rinse can be stored in a cool, dark, dry spot for up to 1 week.
For a container, I used a small plastic spray bottle from the drugstore, which cost $0.99. I had all other ingredients on hand.
Photo by Andrea Drugay
Hibiscus Hair Rinse for Red Highlights
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers OR 3-5 bags of hibiscus tea **NOTE: Celestial Seasonings Zinger teas ALL have hibiscus as the first ingredient! You can use any one of the zinger teas for this hair rinse, but Red Zinger, Raspberry Zinger, or Tropic of Strawberry are your best choice.
- 2 cups purified water
- pinch of paprika (optional)
Steps
- Boil the water in a saucepan. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
- Add your tea bags or flowers to the steaming water. Steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger your rinse will be.
- Strain the flowers or tea bags and allow the water to cool completely.
- As an optional step, you can add a pinch of paprika to the tea. Mix well until incorporated.
- Transfer to your container. Store the remaining tea ~ or drink it!
To use:
- Spray on dry, clean hair, either all over or in small sections for targeted highlights.
- Comb through. Leave on for one hour, then rinse and shampoo as usual.
- For expedited red highlights, blow dry your hair while the spray is still on it, or sit in the sun while your hair air dries. The heat will speed the highlighting process.
Do you have red hair or red highlights?
Have you ever used henna or other natural hair coloring?
