No matter your age, it’s natural to want to look your best. And for some, that means covering up any signs of aging, including the appearance of gray hair.
Coffee has been used as a natural dye for hair for years and is said to be an effective way to cover up gray strands.
But does it really work? And is it worth the hassle?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at using coffee to dye gray hair, including the pros and cons and my analysis about whether it really works or not.
Coffee: The Explanation Behind This Natural Dyeing Remedy
The caffeine in coffee is said to be the active ingredient that helps dye gray hair. Caffeine is a natural pigment enhancer, which helps open up the hair shaft and allows for better absorption of color. This is why coffee is often used as a natural remedy for darkening hair – not just gray hair.
Additionally, coffee contains other beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants and vitamin B-complex. These nutrients can help to strengthen hair and add shine. So, not only does coffee dye gray hair effectively, but it also nourishes the hair shafts – making your overall color more even and vibrant.
When used to dye gray hair, coffee can help to temporarily cover up the white strands while also imparting a subtle brown tinge. The results will not be as drastic as using a commercial hair dye product – your hair will get a shade or two darker overall. But, for some, this may be a desirable outcome. And unlike store-bought dyes, coffee is relatively affordable and easy to obtain.
How to Dye Gray Hair With Coffee
Before you can begin dyeing your gray hair with coffee, there are a few things to consider. First, what type of caffeine is in the coffee? Caffeine comes in various forms – natural or synthetic – and some types may not work as well on hair.
For optimal results when using coffee for dying gray hair, it’s recommended to use 100% pure, organic coffee. You can either make your own coffee or purchase it from a health food store.
Step 1: Brew Up Some Fresh, Double Strength Coffee
When using coffee to dye gray hair, make sure that you always use freshly brewed coffee instead of coffee that has been sitting in a pot or French press for hours. Old coffee may not work as well on hair.
You also want to brew the coffee stronger than you would drink it – some suggest making it Double strength. This will increase the amount of coloring agent in the coffee increasing your chance of success.
Step 2: Mix Your Dye Solution
Once you have the right type of coffee and it has cooled, it’s time to mix up the dye. To do this, simply combine one cup of hot coffee with two tablespoons of baking soda.
The baking soda will help lighten the coffee, which means it will work better on gray hair. You may also want to add a small amount of shampoo or conditioner, as this will help the mixture go on easier.
Step 3: Wash and Dry Your Hair
Before applying the mixture to your hair, make sure that your hair is clean and dry. This is because coffee is a natural dye and can be absorbed by the hair. If your hair is dirty, wet, or oily, it may not take to the coffee as much. You can see my list of the best shampoos and conditioners for gray hair here.
Step 4: Apply the Coffee Dye To Your Hair
Finally, apply the coffee mixture to your gray strands, working it in from root to tip. Because the color may not absorb immediately, you’ll want to wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing the dye with water. Hold off on shampooing as long as possible to let the dye set in.
While this method can help cover up gray hair, it’s important to know that the color will not last forever. In fact, you’ll need to reapply this mixture every few weeks to maintain the desired color.
Some alternative methods of using coffee to cover up gray include:
- Soaking your hair in coffee for 30 minutes according to WikiHow.
- LeafTV suggests adding strong coffee to a spray bottle and spraying directly on hair.
- Healthline offers a method that uses conditioner and coffee grounds.
Warnings and Risks When Using Coffee Hair Dye
Below are some additional tips to help ensure your success:
If your hair gets excessively wet afterward (in heavy rain), some of the coffee dye may leach out of your hair onto your clothing.
Be sure to wear an old t-shirt or cloth around your shoulders when applying this mixture; it will stain clothes and be difficult to remove.
You may want to section it off into smaller parts if you have long hair to make the application process easier. Use clips to hold the sections in place.
If you have light hair, consider using a darker roast of coffee to get better results.
You can also use this method to cover up gray roots – simply apply the coffee mixture to your scalp and allow it to set for a few minutes before rinsing.
Don’t forget to condition your hair after using this dye – it will help keep the color fresh and your hair feeling soft.
Pros and Cons of Using Coffee to Dye Gray Hair
Although coffee is a natural dye with relatively few side effects, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Pros:
- Inexpensive and easy to obtain
- Convenient and easy to use
- Leaves hair feeling soft and healthy, not dry or brittle
- Gives a subtle brown tinge
- Temporarily covers up gray hair
- Relatively safe to use
Cons:
- Results may not be as drastic as store-bought dyes, especially for people with really dark hair
- Not recommended for light hair tones
- Can stain clothes and skin
- May require multiple, frequent applications to achieve desired results
Does Dyeing Your Hair With Coffee Really Cover Up Gray?
I could not find any research or demonstrations showing that this worked for most people. Many of the sites claiming that it definitely works (like Death Wish Coffee) are promoting coffee, and even then, that site offers several exceptions. A few others (More.com and this YouTube Video) flatly say that it didn’t work for them.
So, does dying your gray hair with coffee really work?
After reading about this for (too many) hours, it seems that this method will work if your natural hair color is within several shades of the color of coffee and you have some small amount of gray creeping in. But, if you lie outside that range, you are probably wasting your time.
Coffee does seem to work as a general hair dye, though, if you are looking to darken the overall shade of your hair, a shade or two.
Wrapping Up
Overall, coffee is a safe and affordable way to cover up gray hair temporarily. It’s easy to use and leaves your hair feeling healthy and soft. Dyeing hair without harsh chemicals requires very minimal effort when using coffee as a natural dye.
However, remember that the results may not be as drastic as store-bought dyes, and you’ll need to reapply it frequently to maintain the desired color. Also, wear old clothes when applying this mixture, as it can easily stain!
