How To Dye Hair With Walnut Shells

You can dye hair with walnut shells.
 
This natural dyeing method has been used for centuries to achieve rich brown tones without harsh chemicals.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself “how to dye hair with walnut shells,” you’re in the right place.
 
Walnut shells contain juglone, a natural pigment that binds to hair proteins and creates deep, lasting color.
 
The process of dyeing hair with walnut shells is simple, affordable, and completely natural.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to dye hair with walnut shells step by step, plus tips for getting the shade you want.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Dye Hair with Walnut Shells

Dyeing hair with walnut shells works by extracting the natural pigment from the hulls and applying it to your strands.
 
Here’s how to dye hair with walnut shells in a way that actually gives you results.
 

1. Gather Your Walnut Shells

To dye hair with walnut shells, you’ll need the green outer hulls, not the hard inner shells.
 
If you’re using black walnuts, the hulls are the fleshy green parts that surround the nut.
 
You can use fresh hulls or dried ones, though fresh hulls contain more juglone.
 
About two cups of chopped hulls is enough for medium-length hair.
 

2. Simmer the Hulls to Make the Dye

Place your walnut hulls in a pot and cover them with water.
 
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
 
Let it simmer for about an hour until the water turns a deep, dark brown.
 
The longer you simmer, the stronger your dye will be when you dye hair with walnut shells.
 
Strain the liquid and discard the hulls.
 

3. Prep Your Hair

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove oils and product buildup.
 
When you dye hair with walnut shells, clean strands absorb the pigment much better.
 
Towel-dry your hair so it’s damp but not dripping.
 
 

Why Dye Hair with Walnut Shells

People choose to dye hair with walnut shells for several good reasons.
 

1. It’s Chemical-Free

Unlike commercial dyes, dyeing hair with walnut shells doesn’t expose you to ammonia or peroxide.
 
This makes it a gentle option for anyone with a sensitive scalp.
 

2. It Gives Natural Brown Tones

When you dye hair with walnut shells, you get warm, earthy brown shades.
 
The exact color depends on your starting hair color and how long you leave the dye on.
 

3. It Strengthens and Conditions

Walnut hulls contain tannins that can add shine and body to your hair.
 
Many people find that dyeing hair with walnut shells leaves their strands feeling softer over time.
 

4. It’s Affordable and Accessible

If you have walnut trees nearby, the hulls are free.
 
Even if you buy them, dyeing hair with walnut shells costs far less than salon visits.
 

Applying the Walnut Shell Dye

Now that your dye is ready, here’s how to apply it to dye hair with walnut shells effectively.
 

1. Saturate Your Hair

Pour the cooled walnut dye into a bowl and apply it generously to your hair.
 
Work it through from roots to tips and make sure every strand is coated.
 

2. Cover and Wait

Put on a shower cap to trap heat and keep the dye from drying out.
 
Leave it on for at least an hour, or longer if you want a deeper result.
 
Some people leave walnut shell dye on for several hours to dye hair with walnut shells and get darker shades.
 

3. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear.
 
Don’t shampoo right away, as this can strip some of the color you just applied.
 
 

Tips for Best Results When You Dye Hair with Walnut Shells

Getting the results you want takes a little practice, so here are some helpful pointers.
 

1. Do a Strand Test First

Always test the dye on a small section before applying it all over.
 
This helps you see how dyeing hair with walnut shells will look on your specific hair color.
 

2. Repeat for Deeper Color

Walnut shell dye is cumulative, so you can dye hair with walnut shells multiple times to build intensity.
 

3. Wear Gloves

Juglone stains skin and nails, so wear gloves when you dye hair with walnut shells.
 
 

So, How to Dye Hair with Walnut Shells?

You can dye hair with walnut shells by simmering the green hulls in water, straining the liquid, and applying it to clean, damp hair.
 
The natural juglone in walnut hulls binds to your strands and gives you rich brown tones without chemicals.
 
Whether you want to cover grays or just try a natural alternative, dyeing hair with walnut shells is a simple, affordable option.
 
Just remember to do a strand test, wear gloves, and be patient with the process.
 
With a little effort, you can dye hair with walnut shells and enjoy beautiful, natural color.