How to Mix Organic Hair Colour for Grey Coverage
Getting beautiful colour on grey hair starts before the colour ever reaches your hair.
The way you prepare and mix your Desert Shadow Organic Hair Colour can make a significant difference to colour uptake, depth and grey coverage.
This guide explains how to mix our brown Desert Shadow shades for grey coverage, including how much product to use, how to activate Step 1 and Step 2, processing times, how to split a pack and what to do with leftover colour.
This grey-coverage mixing method applies to:
- Caramel Shadow
- Chestnut Shadow
- Deep Chestnut Shadow
- Honey Shadow
- Walnut Shadow
- Chocolate Shadow
If you are using one of our red, blonde or Indigo shades, please follow the mixing instructions specifically for that colour.
Before You Start
Botanical hair colour is different from conventional hair dye.
Desert Shadow colours are made from plant ingredients that need to be prepared and activated correctly before application.
Think of it a little like cooking from a recipe. Once you're familiar with your Desert Shadow colour, the process becomes simple—but for your first few applications we recommend following the instructions carefully.
For grey hair in particular, preparation matters.
Before mixing your colour:
- Read the instructions supplied with your Desert Shadow colour.
- Make sure you have enough product for your hair.
- Allow enough time for Step 1 to activate.
- Start with clean hair that is free from oils and product build-up.
- Have gloves, mixing bowls, measuring equipment and your liquids ready.
If this is your first application, we recommend mixing enough colour to thoroughly cover your hair. It is better to have a little extra than to run out during application.
How Much Desert Shadow Hair Colour Do I Need?
The amount of colour you need depends on the length and thickness of your hair.
As a general guide:
Short hair or root touch-ups: approximately ½ pack
Medium-length hair: approximately 1 pack
Long hair: approximately 1- 2 packs
Very long hair: approximately 2–3 packs
If your hair is particularly thick, you may need additional product.
As a guide, allow approximately:
- an extra ¼ pack for short, thick hair
- an extra ½ pack for short-to-medium, thick hair
- an extra ¾ pack for long, thick hair
These quantities are a guide. Hair density, length and the size of the regrowth area will affect how much colour you need.
If you're unsure, send the Desert Shadow team a clear photo of your hair and we can help estimate the amount required.
Can I Split a Pack of Desert Shadow Hair Colour?
Yes—but brown Desert Shadow colours contain Step 1 and Step 2, and both sachets need to be divided proportionally.
Do not simply use half of one sachet and estimate the other.
Different shades can contain different quantities of Step 1 and Step 2, so the most accurate method is to weigh each sachet separately using digital kitchen scales.
Example: splitting Chocolate Shadow
If your pack contains:
Step 1: 40 g
Step 2: 60 g
For half a treatment, divide each separately:
Step 1: 20 g
Step 2: 30 g
Together, this gives you the equivalent of half the original colour pack.
Example: splitting Chestnut Shadow
If your pack contains:
Step 1: 50 g
Step 2: 50 g
For half a treatment:
Step 1: 25 g
Step 2: 25 g
Seal the unused dry powders securely and store them according to the product instructions.
Remember to adjust the amount of liquid you use to match the amount of powder being mixed.
How to Mix Step 1 for Grey Coverage
For grey coverage, we recommend activating Step 1 with diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and warm water.
Use:
30% Apple Cider Vinegar + 70% warm water
or
1 part Apple Cider Vinegar + 2 Parts warm water
For example, to make 100 ml of liquid:
30 ml Apple Cider Vinegar + 70 ml warm water ( you can be accurate if you want using 33ml of ACV + 66ml of warm water but it is ok to be close enough)
The water should feel comfortably warm, similar to bath water.
Do not use boiling or very hot water. Excessive heat can interfere with the colouring properties of the botanical ingredients.
Mix Step 1 according to the liquid measurements supplied with your particular Desert Shadow colour.
How Long Does Step 1 Need to Activate?
Prepare Step 1 approximately 6–12 hours before you intend to colour your hair.
Keep the mixture covered while it activates so it does not dry out.
During activation, you may notice the surface of the paste darkening or changing colour. This is a normal part of the botanical activation process.
Before combining it with Step 2, check the consistency. If necessary, add a small amount of liquid so the paste has a smooth, yoghurt-like consistency.
Can I Use Lemon Juice Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Diluted lemon juice can be used as an alternative activation liquid for Step 1:
30% lemon juice + 70% warm water
However, lemon can be more irritating for sensitive scalps and can make the hair feel dry, so Apple Cider Vinegar is our preferred option for most customers.
If you have sensitive skin or scalp concerns, always follow the product instructions and strand/patch-testing guidance before use.
Can I Use Herbal Tea in My Hair Colour?
You can replace the water portion of your Step 1 liquid with a suitable cooled herbal infusion if you enjoy incorporating herbs into your hair-care ritual.
For example:
Chamomile tea can be a gentle, soothing addition.
Rosemary tea is traditionally used in hair and scalp care.
Hibiscus tea can complement botanical hair treatments.
Prepare the tea first, allow it to cool to a comfortably warm temperature, and then add the required Apple Cider Vinegar using the same 30% ACV / 70% liquid ratio.
Herbal tea is optional. It is not required for effective grey coverage.
Can I Prepare Step 1 in Advance?
Yes.
Once Step 1 has completed its activation, it can be frozen if your colouring plans change.
Place the activated Step 1 paste in a suitable sealed container and freeze it.
When you're ready to use it, allow it to thaw naturally.
Do not microwave or directly heat the paste.
Direct heat can damage the botanical colouring properties.
Activated Step 1 can generally be frozen for up to approximately 3 months.
How to Mix Step 2
Step 2 should be mixed much closer to application time.
Use warm water only for Step 2.
The ingredients in Step 2 respond best to water, so do not substitute Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon juice, tea or other liquids unless your individual product instructions specifically tell you to do so.
If your instructions include salt, add it at the same time as the warm water.
Again, use comfortably warm—not hot or boiling—water.
Prepare Step 2 approximately 15 minutes before you intend to apply your colour.
Keep the mixture covered while it activates.
Important: Don't Mix Step 2 Too Early
Once Step 2 has been activated with water, it needs to be used.
Unlike Step 1, activated Step 2 cannot be frozen and saved for another application.
Its colouring strength reduces with time, so only prepare Step 2 when you're ready to colour your hair.
If you know you won't need a full pack, divide the dry Step 1 and Step 2 powders before activation rather than trying to save leftover mixed colour.
Combining Step 1 and Step 2
Once both steps are ready:
- Check that Step 1 has a smooth, yoghurt-like consistency.
- Check that Step 2 is fully mixed.
- Combine Step 1 and Step 2 in a non-porous mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until the two pastes are evenly combined.
- Adjust with a small amount of the appropriate liquid only if necessary to achieve an easy-to-apply consistency.
Once combined, the colour can sit covered for approximately 10 minutes before application.
Do not allow the mixture to dry out.
Watch: How to Mix Your Desert Shadow Hair Colour
Prefer to see the process? Watch our video guide to preparing and mixing your Desert Shadow Organic Hair Colour before application.
What Consistency Should Organic Hair Colour Be?
Your mixed Desert Shadow colour should be smooth, creamy and easy to spread through the hair.
A good comparison is thick yoghurt or cake batter.
It needs to be wet enough to thoroughly coat the hair but not so runny that it drips excessively.
If the mixture remains lumpy after thorough hand mixing, an electric mixer or beater can be used briefly to create a smoother paste.
Applying the Colour for Grey Coverage
For best grey coverage, apply the colour generously. You can watch our application video here: How to apply your hair colour at home
and you can reda our guide on How to colour grey hair here: How to Colour Grey Hair with Desert Shadow
Work through the hair in sections and make sure the grey areas are completely coated, paying particular attention to:
- the hairline
- temples
- grey roots
- resistant areas
- areas with a higher concentration of grey
Once applied, wrap or cover your hair to help retain moisture.
Do not allow the botanical paste to dry on the hair during processing, as this can reduce colour uptake and make it difficult to wash out.
How Long Should Desert Shadow Stay on Grey Hair?
For stronger grey coverage, allow the full processing time recommended for your chosen Desert Shadow colour.
For many of our brown shades, this is approximately 3 hours.
Some individual shades or desired results may have different processing recommendations, so always follow the instructions for your specific colour.
Leaving botanical colour on for significantly longer than the recommended processing time does not necessarily produce a better result. After around 5 to 6 hours the colour will not have any more effectiveness.
What If My Grey Is Resistant?
Some grey hair accepts botanical colour readily; other grey can be more resistant.
If you have mixed and applied your colour correctly but the grey isn't taking enough colour, don't immediately assume you need a different shade.
First make sure:
- the hair is thoroughly clean
- there is no oil, silicone or product build-up
- you are using the grey-coverage mixing method
- the grey is generously coated
- the paste remains moist
- you are allowing the full recommended processing time
If your grey remains resistant, the Desert Shadow Pre Colour Wash Bar or Peachie Clean Shampoo Bar may help prepare the hair immediately before colouring.
You can read more on how to colour grey hair here: https://www.desertshadow.com.au/complete-organic-hair-beauty-blog/how-to-colour-grey-hair-with-desert-shadow/
For stubborn grey when using Chocolate Shadow or Deep Chestnut Shadow, a Red Shadow or Copper Shadow base may also be recommended if the standard grey-coverage method and additional preparation do not provide sufficient depth.
A high percentage of grey alone does not automatically mean you need a red base.
If you are using Indigo Shadow on grey hair, follow our dedicated Indigo instructions—a red base is required.
Can I Add Essential Oils?
Essential oils are not necessary for colour activation or grey coverage.
If you choose to add essential oils for aroma, use them sparingly and only after Step 1 and Step 2 have been combined.
Always check suitability and contraindications before using essential oils.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, sensitive to essential oils or unsure whether an essential oil is suitable for you, seek appropriate professional advice before use.
What Should I Mix My Colour In?
Use a clean, non-porous bowl.
Suitable materials include:
- stainless steel
- glass
- non-porous ceramic
- plastic
Be aware that botanical colour may stain pale plastic or porous surfaces.
Wear gloves and protect benches, clothing and surrounding surfaces before mixing and applying your colour.
What Should I Do With Leftover Colour?
The answer depends on which part of the colour has been activated.
Activated Step 1:
Can be frozen after activation and thawed naturally for later use.
Activated Step 2:
Must be used and should not be stored for another application.
Step 1 + Step 2 already combined:
Use the mixture for the current treatment. Do not save it for a future application.
If you regularly have excess colour, divide the dry powders proportionally before mixing your next treatment.
Colour Build-Up and Root Applications
Desert Shadow Organic Hair Colours build with repeated applications.
Over time, your colour can become richer and in some cases darker.
Once you have achieved the colour you like through the lengths, concentrate most future applications on your regrowth.
You can refresh the full length periodically—approximately every fourth or fifth application, or whenever the lengths need refreshing.
This can reduce unnecessary colour build-up while saving both time and product.
Quick Grey Coverage Mixing Checklist
Before you start, check that you have:
- read the instructions for your individual colour
- enough product for your hair length and thickness
- mixed Step 1 approximately 6–12 hours beforehand
- used the correct Apple Cider Vinegar/water ratio for Step 1
- used warm water only for Step 2
- mixed Step 2 approximately 15 minutes before application
- thoroughly combined both steps
- started with clean hair
- enough paste to completely coat the grey
- covered the hair so the paste remains moist
- allowed the full processing time for your chosen colour
And remember: always strand test when using a new colour or method.
Need Help Mixing Your Desert Shadow Colour?
If you're unsure how much colour you need, which mixing method applies to your hair, or why your grey isn't taking colour as expected, we're happy to help.
Send the Desert Shadow team:
- a clear photo of your hair in natural daylight
- your approximate percentage of grey
- your natural and current hair colour
- the Desert Shadow shade you want to use
- your hair length and thickness
- details of previous chemical or botanical colour
- details of any previous Desert Shadow applications and results
We can then help guide you towards the most appropriate mixing and application method for your hair.