Hair dyes found at the salon or on drugstore shelves contain harsh chemicals that can dry and damage hair. If you want to give your hair color a little lift, or cover up some gray, there is no need to subject your hair to chemical treatments. A sage rinse provides a subtle but effective result at a minimal cost without harming your hair.

Put a pot on the stove and fill it with a quart of water. Chop up 1/2 cup of dried or fresh sage and add it to the pot.

Set the heat on medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the herbs to simmer for thirty minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and set it aside for three or four hours to let the herbs steep.

Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a sieve and dispose of the sage pulp.

Wash your hair as usual. After rinsing thoroughly, pour the cool sage infusion over your hair. Wring out your wet hair and leave it in for 10 to 20 minutes. The longer you leave in the rinse, the darker it will be.

Rinse your hair again until the water runs clear.

Repeat weekly, or as often as desired, to continue to blend grays and darken your hair. The effect may seem subtle at first, but the results will be cumulative with subsequent rinses.