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 colorant.
 
This homemade walnut hair dye is one of the oldest plant-based coloring methods and works beautifully to cover grays while adding deep brown tones.
 
If you’ve been curious about how to make walnut hair dye without harsh chemicals, you’re in the right place.
 
The process is simple, affordable, and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry or backyard.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make walnut hair dye step by step, plus tips for getting the best results.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Make Walnut Hair Dye?

Walnut hair dye offers a natural alternative to commercial dyes that often contain ammonia and peroxide.
 
Here’s why so many people are switching to this method:
 

1. It’s Chemical-Free

When you make walnut hair dye at home, you avoid the harsh chemicals found in most box dyes.
 
The main ingredient, black walnut hulls, contains juglone, a natural compound that binds to hair proteins and creates lasting color.
 
This makes walnut hair dye a gentle option for those with sensitive scalps or allergies.
 

2. It Provides Natural Brown Shades

Walnut hair dye produces warm, earthy brown tones that look incredibly natural.
 
Depending on how long you leave it on, you can achieve anything from light chestnut to deep espresso.
 
This is why walnut hair dye is especially popular for covering gray hair, as it blends seamlessly.
 

3. It’s Affordable and Accessible

Learning how to make walnut hair dye costs just a few dollars.
 
You can forage black walnuts in the fall or buy dried hulls online or at herbal shops.
 
Compared to salon visits, making walnut hair dye at home saves a ton of money.
 

How to Make Walnut Hair Dye: Step-by-Step

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to make walnut hair dye.
 
You’ll need about two cups of black walnut hulls, four cups of water, and a few optional add-ins like coffee or rosemary.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

To make walnut hair dye, start with dried black walnut hulls.
 
If you’re using fresh hulls, wear gloves because they stain everything they touch.
 
You’ll also want a stainless steel pot, since aluminum or iron can react with the tannins.
 

2. Simmer the Hulls

Place your walnut hulls in the pot and cover them with water.
 
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour.
 
The longer you simmer, the darker your walnut hair dye will become.
 

3. Strain and Cool

After simmering, strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
 
Discard the hulls and let your walnut hair dye cool to room temperature.
 
You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to help the color adhere better.
 

4. Apply to Your Hair

Pour the walnut hair dye into a spray bottle or bowl.
 
Work it through clean, damp hair, making sure every strand is saturated.
 
For a deeper color, cover your hair with a shower cap and let the walnut hair dye sit for one to two hours.
 

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear.
 
Don’t shampoo for at least 24 hours so the walnut hair dye can fully set.
 
Your new color will deepen over the next few days.
 

Tips for Using Walnut Hair Dye

Getting the most out of your walnut hair dye takes a little practice.
 
Here are some helpful pointers:
 

1. Do a Strand Test First

Before applying walnut hair dye all over, test a small section of hair.
 
This helps you see how the color develops on your specific hair type.
 
Everyone’s hair absorbs walnut hair dye differently, so a test is always smart.
 

2. Repeat for Darker Results

One application of walnut hair dye gives a subtle brown tint.
 
If you want richer, darker results, reapply the walnut hair dye weekly until you reach your desired shade.
 
Each session builds on the last, deepening the color gradually.
 

3. Protect Your Skin and Surfaces

Walnut hair dye stains skin and fabric, so wear old clothes and gloves.
 
Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline to prevent staining.
 
Cover your workspace with towels or plastic before you start.
 

4. Store Leftovers Properly

Any extra walnut hair dye can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
 
Just pour it into a sealed jar and label it clearly.
 
This way, you can touch up roots without making a fresh batch.
 

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 natural, chemical-free way to achieve beautiful brown tones and cover grays.
 
With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, learning how to make walnut hair dye is easier than you might think.
 
Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, earthy color that only walnut hair dye can provide.