“Food dye as toner” has become a trendy DIY hair experiment. Many seek affordable, accessible beauty hacks.
Traditional hair products can be costly. Food dyes offer a range of vibrant colors. Yet, the method’s effectiveness and safety are topics of debate.
This article dives into its pros, cons, and best practices.
History and Popularity
You may think of food dye as a modern invention, but using coloring agents for food dates back to ancient times. These natural ingredients were a great choice to add color to foods:
- Saffron
- Carrots
- Pomegranates
- Berries
- Turmeric
Synthetic food dyes emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. they provided manufacturers with new ways to color their products.
In recent years, the popularity of DIY toners has grown. Many people turn to food dye as a way to experiment with hair color at home.
While these DIY methods can be fun, they might not always be as effective as professional hair dye treatments.
Why Food Dye?
People are now looking to kitchen items for beauty, leading to an interest in food dye as a DIY hair toner. One reason is its immediate availability and cost-effectiveness.
With various food dye colors available, you have a wide palette of choices for DIY toning.
Using food coloring can neutralize unwanted undertones and transform brassy locks with ease.
Synthetic food coloring works well for this purpose. They offer vibrant results on lightened or bleached hair.
Experimenting with food dye is friendly, fun, and creative. As you become more comfortable with this method, you’ll find it easier to achieve the desired shade. You’ll be able to do this without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Using Food Dye as Toner
Using food dye as a toner has several benefits, including:
- Providing unique colors
- Being environmentally friendly
- Safe for skin
Unique Colors
Food dyes are useful for creating a wide range of colors for hair toners. They allow you to experiment with creative shades that may be difficult to find in commercial hair toner products.
This is helpful if you want to try out a temporary, unconventional color. Also, if you want to mix colors to create your perfect shade.
Environmentally Friendly
Food dyes are an alternative to chemically-based hair toners. Toners based on chemicals can be harsh on the environment.
Using food coloring reduces the number of chemicals released into the environment.
Safe for Skin
While some conventional hair toners can result in scalp and skin irritation, food dye is generally safe to use on your skin.
This makes it a great alternative for those with sensitive skin. They are also a great choice for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals in their hair care routine.
Drawbacks and Concerns
Using food dye as a hair toner may seem like a fun idea, but there are some drawbacks and concerns you should be aware of:
- Reduced absorption
- Color bleeding
- Uneven fading
Reduced Absorption
Food dye isn’t designed for hair absorption, so the results might not be optimal. This could lead to uneven color distribution or poor absorption rates.
Color Bleeding
Color bleeding is another issue with using food dye. When you shower or get caught in the rain, the dye might bleed out of your hair and onto your skin or clothes. This can be quite a mess and a hassle to clean up.
Uneven Fading
Uneven fading can be a major concern when using food dye as a toner. Over time, the color might fade in an uneven manner, leaving some parts of your hair with unwanted shades.
This might require more frequent touch-ups to maintain the desired color.
How to Use Food Dye as a Hair Toner
To make your own homemade hair toner, you need a few simple ingredients:
- Food coloring
- White conditioner
- Hollyhock herbal toner (optional)
- Virgin olive oil (optional)
- Petroleum jelly (optional)
Step 1
Select the food coloring shade that complements your hair color. You can use a liquid or powdered food dye, depending on your preference.
Use a non-toxic and safe food coloring for this process.
Step 2
Mix the food coloring with white conditioner in a small bowl. The ratio of food dye to conditioner will affect the intensity of the final color. You can experiment to find the perfect shade for your hair. Doing a strand test on a small piece of hair first can give you a good idea of the final color.
If you desire a stronger toner, add more food dye; for a more subtle effect, use less food dye.
You can also add a few drops of Hollyhock herbal toner to enhance the vibrancy of the color. A teaspoon of virgin olive oil adds moisture and nourishment.
Step 3
Protect your skin from staining by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline.
Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands as well.
Step 4
To apply the DIY hair toner, use a brush, sponge, or your gloved fingers to distribute the mixture throughout your hair evenly.
Cover all the strands for the most consistent results.
Step 5
Leave the toner on your hair for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired color intensity.
Step 6
Once you have achieved the perfect shade, rinse your hair with cool water, making sure to remove all the remaining toner.
Avoid using hot water, as it may strip the color away from your hair.
Step 7
After rinsing, condition your hair as usual to help seal the color and maintain its freshness.
Hair Colors and Undertones
When it comes to hair color, understanding undertones is essential. For blonde hair, unwanted yellow tones may appear, making your hair look brassy. This is also known as brassy hair.
Platinum blonde and ash blonde are cooler shades that can neutralize the yellow.
To tackle this issue, you can use a homemade toner with food dye.
- For platinum blonde and ash blonde hair: mix shampoo with violet food coloring (like purple shampoo
- For brown hair or darker hair with red undertones: mix shampoo with green food coloring (like green shampoo)
Natural Color Options
Here’s a list of natural food colorings that can help to achieve different shades:
| Color | Natural Source |
|---|---|
| Blue | Indigo powder |
| Purple | Beet juice mixed with a small amount of baking soda |
| Orange | Turmeric |
| Green | Spirulina or matcha powder |
| Red | Beet juice or pomegranate |
To use these natural color options, mix the chosen food coloring ingredient with water or a carrier oil like coconut oil.
Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing out.
Remember that natural dyes may need many applications to achieve the desired shade. The effect of natural food coloring may fade over time as you wash your hair.
How To Remove Food Dye from Hair
Here are some effective ways to remove food dye from hair:
- Dandruff shampoo & baking soda mixture
- Clarifying shampoos
- Hair masks for color-treated hair
- Precautionary measures
Dandruff Shampoo & Baking Soda Mixture
Take the following steps:
- Mix equal parts of dandruff shampoo and baking soda.
- Apply to damp hair, ensuring thorough coverage from roots to ends.
- Leave the mixture on for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse out with warm water.
Clarifying Shampoos
Opt for brands like Head & Shoulders or other dye-free shampoos. Ensure the shampoo is devoid of additional dyes that might counteract the process.
Hair Masks for Color-treated Hair:
Apply a mask specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Such masks help counteract the effects of the food dye while nourishing the hair.
Precautionary Measures
Avoid using excessive heat from hair dryers or straighteners. After each dye removal attempt, use a deep conditioner to maintain and strengthen hair health.
Alternative Temporary Hair Coloring Methods
Commercial hair toners neutralize unwanted tones in colored hair, like brassiness or yellow tones. They work by adding pigment to your hair that counteracts and balances the unwanted color.
These toners contain chemicals that bond with your hair’s cuticle. This allows the new pigments to penetrate the hair shaft, resulting in a more even and desired tone.
The methods you use have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on:
- Your hair type
- Desired results
- How long you want the color to last
Here is a comparison of food dye with other natural toning methods:
| Product Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hair chalks & colored sprays | Easy to use, washes out easily, available in a wide range of colors, no damage to hair. | Can be messy, may not show up well on dark hair, could transfer onto clothing or skin. |
| Commercial hair toners | Effective at neutralizing unwanted tones, available in professional-grade formulas, long-lasting results. | Can contain harsh chemicals, may cause hair damage, more expensive than other temporary methods. |
| Food dye | Inexpensive, easily accessible, fun DIY approach. | Results can be unpredictable, may not provide desired color or toning, could cause hair staining or damage if not used with caution. |
Addressing Common Challenges in Hair Toning
When using food dye as a toner, you might face some challenges in achieving the desired hair color. Here are a few tips to help you tackle common issues:
- Brassy Hue: To neutralize a brassy hue, mix a few drops of blue and red food coloring with two cups of vinegar. Rinse your hair with this solution to counteract yellow tones in blonde hair.
- Unwanted Warm or Cool Tones: To change unwanted warm or cool tones, experiment with different food dye colors. Use green to counteract red tones, purple for yellow tones, and blue for orange tones.
- Overused Toner: If the toner is too much, your hair may appear gray. To fix this, mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to your hair. This will help remove excess toner.
- Normalize Hair: To normalize your hair after toning, use a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture.
Care and Maintenance of Toned Hair
Caring for your hair after using food dye as a toner is crucial to keep your toned hair looking vibrant. Here are some tips for maintaining the color and health of your hair:
- Choose sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulfates strip the color from your hair.
- Comb gently: Be gentle when combing your hair to avoid breakage, especially if your hair is prone to tangling.
- Limit product build-up: Too many products can lead to residue on your hair and affect the color. Stick to essential hair care items like shampoo, conditioner, and a heat protectant for styling.
- Avoid cuticle damage: Damaged cuticles can cause hair breakage and color fading. Protect your hair from heat and chemical treatments.
Safety and Allergy Concerns
Some food dyes contain common allergens, so before applying the dye to your hair, always do a patch test.
A patch test will help you gauge if the dye causes any skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Food dyes may sometimes cause hyperactivity or health risks. To reduce such risks, it’s crucial to research and choose dyes that are FDA-approved. They ensure the safety and consistency of the product.
Remember, the expense of a safer dye is a worthy investment considering potential adverse reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the results of using blue food coloring to neutralize brassy hair?
When you use blue food coloring to neutralize brassy hair, it can help counteract the unwanted warm undertones. It works by following the color theory, where blue offsets the orange color, resulting in a more balanced and natural-looking tone.
How can I create an at-home hair toner with food coloring and developer?
To make a DIY hair toner using food coloring and developer, mix a few drops of the food coloring with the developer. Depending on the cooler or ashier tone you want to achieve, you can choose blue or violet food coloring. Apply the mixture to your damp hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse it out.
Is it safe to mix food coloring with shampoo for toning?
Yes, it is safe to mix food coloring with your shampoo for toning your hair. Combine a few drops of the appropriate food coloring with your shampoo, then wash your hair as usual. The solution can help neutralize unwanted warm or cool tones. It’s an inexpensive and temporary option for achieving a customized hair shade.
