Like many natural hair dyes, beet juice works with the original (or dyed) hair colour. As a result, it gives different results on different-coloured hair. Pale blonde or silver hair will acquire pinkish-purplish tones, while darker hair will take on plummy notes.
Unlike henna, beet juice is a very weak non-permanent dye – it must be applied every few weeks to maintain colour and will produce subtle results rather than brilliant colour. Beet juice is used as a dye by those who are allergic to chemical dyes or wish to avoid them due to pregnancy or environmental concerns.
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Mixing Beet Juice to Dye Hair
Unless you own a juicer, the simplest way to get beet juice is to drain a can of tinned beets. Mix half a cup of beet juice with a few teaspoons of sugar and half a cup of carrot juice. Warm the mixture slightly if desired – this will help activate the mixture and will also make it more pleasant to apply.
How to Apply Beet Juice as a Hair Dye
Beet juice should be applied to damp, preferably warm hair. Start by dipping the length of your hair in the mixture. Then used gloved hands and a spoon to carefully pour the remaining juice over your scalp, covering all the roots. Alternatively, pour the dye into a spray bottle and carefully spray over sections of hair and scalp. To prevent staining, smear Vaseline around your ears and hairline.
Setting and Rinsing the Beet Juice Mixture
Cover the hair and scalp with a plastic bag. The dye will take better with some heat. Sit in the sun, cover the plastic bag with a towel or use a hot wheat bag to warm the hair and scalp. Leave the mixture on for at least half an hour. Rinse out under cool water. Shampoo can be used if necessary, but the dye will last longer if you simply rinse with plain water.
Repeat the dyeing process every week or two. Once the desired shade is achieved, you may be able to maintain it by dyeing only every two or three weeks. However, as beet juice is a weak dye, the colour may be affected by clarifying and cleansing treatments. For a vivid, permanent red, henna is a better option.
4 Tips for Dyeing Hair with Beet Juice
- Pureed beets can be used in place of juice; this mixture is easier to apply but harder to rinse out.
- To thicken the mixture for easier application, add a small quantity of pectin. This will “gel” the mixture.
- Beet juice will stain hands, skin, counters, sinks and floors! If possible, try to apply the mixture outdoors (on the grass, not the deck!) wearing old clothes.
- Beet and carrot juice do not commonly cause allergic reactions; if in doubt, try a patch test first.
