Say goodbye to harsh hair dyes and welcome a natural solution that’s taking the beauty world by storm. More and more people are seeking healthier ways to cover their gray hair without damaging their scalp or draining their wallets. The answer might just be sitting in your kitchen: cocoa powder.
This simple ingredient, long celebrated for its antioxidant-rich qualities in food, is now proving to be a gentle and effective alternative for masking those stubborn gray strands while nourishing your hair at the same time.
How cocoa powder covers gray hair naturally
Instead of turning to chemical-laden dyes that often cause scalp irritation and leave you with brittle strands, cocoa powder offers a softer and safer approach. Its natural pigments gradually darken gray hair, giving you a refreshed look without harsh ingredients.
The process is straightforward: mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder with a few tablespoons of an oil-free conditioner to create a nourishing hair mask. Applying this mixture to clean, slightly damp hair and letting it sit for around 15 to 20 minutes allows the cocoa’s fine pigments to stain the hair shaft gently.
Rinse off thoroughly and repeat this routine a few times per week. With consistent use, you’ll notice not just a covering of gray hairs but softer, glossier locks that feel deeply hydrated.
Benefits beyond just hair color
The magic of cocoa is not limited to its ability to temporarily darken hair. Rich in antioxidants and nutrients, it actively hydrates and revitalizes your scalp, combating common issues like dryness and dullness that frequently accompany aging hair.
Unlike conventional dyes that can accelerate hair damage, cocoa powder supports the overall health and strength of your hair. Many users report improved texture, less frizz, and noticeably healthier strands alongside the reduction of visible gray hairs.
This aligns perfectly with the growing trend of prioritizing natural self-care routines—where beauty results don’t come at the cost of your well-being.
Easy steps to make your own cocoa hair mask
If you’re curious about trying this DIY beauty hack, here’s a quick guide:
– Start with a tablespoon of pure cocoa powder.
– Add two to three tablespoons of an oil-free conditioner to form a smooth blend.
– Apply generously to clean, damp hair, ensuring every gray strand is coated.
– Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
– Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
– Repeat two to three times a week for the best coverage and hair nourishment.
It’s a simple ritual that feels like a treat, combining the pleasure of sweet cocoa scent with the benefits of a hair revitalizing treatment.
Real stories and lasting results
As someone who has battled with chemical dyes for years, I was skeptical about swapping out expensive salon visits for kitchen experiments. But after regularly applying a cocoa conditioner mask for just over a month, not only did my grays soften in tone, but my hair felt stronger and more vibrant than ever.
The process takes patience—results accumulate gradually, but the trade-off is worth it. No burning scalp, no harsh chemicals—just a natural glow that feels authentic.
Many people have shared similar experiences, praising cocoa powder for delivering subtle yet effective gray coverage alongside deep conditioning benefits. It’s an empowering way to embrace aging hair with grace while keeping it full of life.
If you’ve been searching for a less toxic, more holistic method to tackle your gray hair, this might be your new go-to. Could cocoa powder be the next beauty staple in your routine?
Try it yourself and share your results. Have you experimented with natural hair masks or other unconventional remedies? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—join the conversation and help spread this exciting trend!
Thank you will give it a try.
Hope it works on blondes 👱♀️?
Clove oil itself is great for the hair, just use “ground cloves” it will give you the blonde color
Saw your post ill give it try. Mix olive oil with cloves?
What if you have red hair?
Me too, do you think its ok to pré mix enough to use for the week?
Hmmmm me too should be interesting. I have been hair so it should blend well.
It’s not going to work on blonde hair, not really sure if it will really work on black hair. But then I’m just a hairdresser since 1980.
It would have been nice if they showed some examples of people who have used it.
I am blonde and I wondered about that… But some people believe everything the read on the internet we’re in a self-published book by someone on Amazon lol
I was blonde when I went to prison and while there started getting a lot of gray. We made a solution with the instant coffèe and VO5 conditioner. My hair is now brow with gold and red in the sun 5 yesrs later I’m starting to get a few grays again. I washed my hair with the VO5 shampoo put some hot water with the coffee and conditioner to make a pasteand added some toothpaste to act as an activator. Applied to hair. Put a trash bag over my head and skeptical with it on till i showered in the morning.
That’s a nice candid reply – and helpful for blondes like me. How resourceful of you to use what was available in that circumstance! Hope things are better for you, these days. X
You can buy a 100 plastic shower caps on eBay for $2
I’m wondering about the blondes too, anybody have info?
I have strawberry blonde. I read that crushed cloves work.
Hey Vee, love that you are Strawberry blond! I am also and was always told how special and more rare our hair color is. My hair is getting more and more blond as I age with white hair roots. I would love to have my born with Strawberry blond back. I might dabble with some of these suggestions. Good luck to you!
Will certainly try the cocoa blend. Thank you.
Can I get the real stuff from you to put on my hair that will help with gray hair
I am definitely going to give this a try.
So silly. Cocoa? Really? Nice’ n ‘ Easy provides level 3 coverage for less than $10/month. The more gray you have the lighter you go ending with 8G or Golden Blonde. If your hair is way darker step up the color with an Auburn. If you are afraid start with Natural Instincts, a level 2. After the first application just mix a tiny bit to paint the roots every 10 days for perfection. Leave on 90 minutes for stubborn grays. Vacuum, do laundry, watch TV while you wait. Go push the lawn mower, chat on the phone. So much better than making an appointment. Go to the hardware store and buy a chip brush to paint on the dye mix.
Wow! My hair has gone through a major transformation this past year. Having moved to a rural location, I am washing my hair with well water. The grays became so resistant to hair dye, that I purchased a good quality filler for my shower head. At this time, my L’Oréal Medium Brown, within a week has A LOT of blonde highlights. I do get a lot of compliments, but blonde is not for me! Beside the color issue, the texture is different. My hair has gone from soft waves to pin straight- doll looking hair😳 I cannot wait for the supermarket to open and buy me some Nestles Coco powder!!
I don’t think they mean that type of cocoa. It is cacao in the natural food stores. It doesn’t have preservatives etc
I would say Costco’s cocoa powder in z big bag would be good for a try. It’s high quality.
Do you mean like cocao nibs?
Get a shampoo for hard water. Or use vinegar rinse once or twice a week.
All these boxed dyes
Cause scalp irritation and have toxic chemicals !!
Best to use natural products !!
Henna will do the trick followed by indigo or a different plant powder to get the color you want. Ditched dies years ago
Doesn’t henna make your hair red?
Light brown and medium
brown henna work well. It isn’t red.
I used henna years ago and luv’d it!!! I thought it went off the market Is it back?
What if your hair is blonde and your roots are gray
Agree 👍🏻
Nice and Easy ended up sending me to the hospital with a severe scalp allergy. My scalp and forehead were so swollen it was hard to sleep it hurt so bad. I cannot wait to try this healthy, inexpensive alternative!!!
Me too b4.but I tried the brand,which is advisable to cancer patients.the brand name is naturtint.quite expensive but I didnt feel ichy and burn in my scalp.theres also one name phyto.its more organic.I bought in dublin pharmacy I think the name is Allcare pharmacy,the one near actross the conolly statue.I tried this two and no bad effect on me
Find something better to do with your life Susan. This is not it! Do not impede on others searching for a better way. Spin you around Lazy Susan until you dizzy like a Kacklin Karen…. Bye Felicia!
Amen!
Yo sista, You go! Cuz you knows it all!
You’re pushing chemicals on an article to free us from all that?!
The whole idea is to forego the chemicals in hair dyes. Cocoa is natural. The at home do it yourself products you reference contain
chemicals similar to if not harsher than professional salon products.
Hellllloooooo did you not read the part about not using hair dye love. And the product you mentioned tests on animals where are your ethics.
Yes! I didn’t see them pushing chemicals anywhere
All I can say is people better stop using all chemicals on their hair dye relaxes and perms. You want to burn your follicles and cause alopecia for good permanently keep using those chemicals. I don’t use chemicals I don’t use braids or weaves I am a black woman and I refuse to put my scalp through that torture. I wear my hair natural and it’s just wavy. Women have destroyed their follicles and their scalps. But to each their own
The point is it is natural these dyes you meantioned are toxic and your body abosbs all the chemicals
This is a true statement!
Hair dye is toxic and carcinogenic
I had not heard it was carcinogenic, but I colored my hair for 55 years, and three years ago I had breast cancer.
Why use chemicals though when you can use something so much safer?
Yeah leave toxic chemicals on your head for 90 minutes. Hello cancer.
I agree with you it’s just worth the time for some. There’s also henna as an alternative for those who want a natural hair dye. It’s been around for centuries! Give it a try.
I can’t imagine leaving color on for 90 minutes, if I leave it on for 10 or 15 minutes longer than the directions say my scalp is so sore 🤐
She said if you wanted a more NATURAL approach.
Susan, the point of using cocoa is to get away from using chemicals & unhealthy products on our body. That is the point of this entire article.
Lol the whole point of the article is going dye free.
The whole point is to avoid harsh and potentially dangerous and damaging chemicals. The second point was to achieve beautiful glossy dark hair. You’re on a completely different wavelength
I think the ehole point was not having to use chemicals
This is hilarious ! What about regrowth ? Do you just keep doing the roots till it matches the rest of it ? And oh the mess when you shampoo your hair….nasty brown drips all over the place…and the smell ! I don’t want to smell like a Fredo bar thank you ! Nope , this is certainly not for me, I will use a product that’s meant for the job and leave the cocoa for a nighttime drink.
Beng a chocolate addict, if I smelled like my favorite food, I’d never be able to keep my hands out of a bag of Lindt!
So you don’t get brown drips , as you call it, when you use hair chemicals to dye your hair? You must either be a hairdresser or a seller of hair dye.
Surely this is only going to be any good for dark hair,not blonde!
Blonde too
I’m definitely giving this a try; this seems similar 🤔 to a Henna hair dye but even more natural. Thanks, SHIRLEY
Why would you think it’s more natural than henna? Henna is just a plant that has been pulverized. Cocoa is a plant pod that’s been pulverized. Not sure why you think it’s more natural. Generally curious, not trying to start an argument.
Also people buying cocoa. I saw somebody mention Nestle, that might not be pure cocoa. Make sure to read the label. Health food stores can sell you pure cocoa and probably I would imagine that cacao would work faster as it’s more natural but it’s not as alkaline so not sure on that score. Would love to hear from somebody if they know.
Just melt a Hershey bar and put it on. Hahaha !!
Waaao! Will give it a try. And for how long will I see changes ??
Very unrealistic. Why take time to post this. Take the same time to post realistic one
Sounds great, will give it a try.
Thanks using cocoa 2 too 3 times a week is too time consuming I will stick to hair dye using it once every 8 weeks.
Be careful using real cocoa it’s poisonous to Pets
The cost of cocoa is on the rise, this just seems like a suggested hack that may or may not work but will get the unfortunate folks with greys to buy and try. Good luck… words of wisdom : You can’t trust the internet!
I’m going to try this
Thank you for sharing infi
Please let me know which cocoa powder is best and after how many weeks I may see results.
I came here to tell you that there’s nothing at all wrong with grey hair. My hair is almost 100% grey now and I get compliments everywhere I go. Be bold and decide YOU are ENOUGH! ❤️💯
I could not agree more
😑
Go girl. I have been Grey for 4 years now and also get compliments. I even have young girls asking how to get the same color hair.
Amen sister, I have learned to embrace the gray hair 😁
What is “oil free conditioner” do you have specific brand names ? Will this work on full head of grey or just touch ups ? Thank You !
I would like to know if the cocoa powder is for all hair types particularly kinky textured hair.
Henna works. It’s all natural, lasts about 3 months, smells great, inexpensive and you can do it yourself. My hair dry, thin and damaged from years of hair dye and highlights repaired itself. I am going on my 2nd application with no hair loss and the shine and body are back. The Henna Color Lab has a color chart depending on your natural color, which henna to order.
Unfortunately, henna isn’t good for your hair either. And, never apply henna or hair that has been previously dyed, or apply dye over hair that has been henna’d. It causes dryness and breakage.
I agree, I have multicultural hair and Henna dries my hair out, There was ridiculous frizz.
And if you try to go lighter, it’ll turn your hair bright green. Had to chop off half my hair..thanks henna
Thanks, this is the best suggestion I’ve read in the comments.
I’ve use henna with no problem all my year.Im trying now to embrace my full gray hair
For some, it only lasts 6-8 weeks, depends on the individual hair.
Does the Henna work well for covering grey in blonde dyed hair? I’m just finding the hair salon expensive.
I will give it a try
Thanks
Too much bother for me, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have the patience for to do that workout with my hair.
Will try on weekend. Thank you
Natural henna powder is very effective and if mixed with beetroot powder, gives reddish tint too.
You need to leave it for a while before applying, for the colour to come out properly.
What would I use for white, gray and some dark hair? I like colors. Is there a natural way to dye my hair a different color besides red, brown or black? I would like to get away from box dye.
Just wondering if the cocoa powder method comes off on your pillow or your satin pillowcase.
I have sle Lupus. I can’t wait to try this cocoa with hair oil treatment/mask. I had major surgery this past March with a lot of noticeable shedding. My crown was thin before the surgery but a lot worse now. It’s been years since I used a salon or box dye because of the harsh chemicals. Can you recommend an oil to mix with the cocoa powder, please? Thank you.
Someone needs to create this blend in a squeeze bottle so it’s ready to apply. Include a reusable cap.
I live in a retirement home and I admire the beautiful heads of white hair on a lot of the ladies who live here,why not just be happy to have lived long enough to be gray
Where can I get the henna
My mother wanted a natural hair dye. She switched to henna. It’s amazing!! Naturally perfect. And lol no I wasn’t paid for this comment.
Be well my good people!
I love my gray hair.
I am going to try this. Hope it works for blonde hair!
Can I use my Ancient and brave cacao powder and what oil free conditioner should we be using please?.
Nicely said. Sweet Affirmations.
Where do you get Henna does it really work?
I’m worried… Won’t my scalp absorb the cocoa and make my head gain weight?
I don’t want my head to be too top heavy. My shoulders will be so sore.
That’s truly, really funny, I do hope you are joking otherwise your a naturally funny person… lol ! Go grey girls! It’s cool! put some blue streaks and white streaks, with your grey, people love it. Eventually your hair will have white & grey streaks anyway.
My whole head is gray. Very resistant to any box of color. What will cocoa do for my hair?
Most likely nothing.
I tried this today and it kinda works! 😆. I will try it again in a couple days. I smell like a candy bar mmmm 😂
I’ve been using Fanci full by Roux
No ammonia No peroxide and once a week I get out of the shower apply with a cotton ball to hairline and along my part and the air dry or blow dry and it’s done. Easy peasy. Lasts a week or a week and a half. It’s super gentle and it comes in an array of shades including blonde!
I started to use a natural product called Liaisons to get back my hair natural color. It states that massaging this in the gray hair roots will take eight weeks to see results. I hope it works and forget about chemical dyes for good!!
My hair is black have a spot or two with grey mostly on the side not much
I AM WHAT I AM. I AM MY OWN CREATION.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES-Broadway
What about red hair?
I’m a man reading all the comments. You gals are just hilarious. K
Worth a try I wash my hair every other day anyway so putting cocoa in it going to make everyone crave chocolate. Hope it works.
I was a hairdresser for several years. Giving so many chemical treatments, I often wondered what it was doing to my lungs because I could see the results on my hands.
I’m definitely going to try the cocoa. I don’t want my sparkles showing at a wedding next month but I didn’t want to use chemicals.