Going to the hairdresser can be expensive and use many chemicals. If you want to try a new look at home instead, you can follow these tips to naturally lighten your hair at home.
Changing up your hair is a fun way to break up the monotony of everyday life. However, going to get your hair lightened at a salon is usually very expensive, and also uses many chemicals that you might not be comfortable with. In addition to damaging both your skin and hair, conventional chemical lighteners may cause other health issues such as respiratory issues. If you would like to avoid these issues, you can try using these natural methods to lighten your hair instead.
How to Lighten Your Hair Naturally With Lemon Juice
The classic trick to naturally lighten your hair is by using lemon juice. The naturally acidic juice helps to break down the pigments in your hair, especially when combined with heat. In order to use this method, add 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts water into a sprayer, then spritz your hair until it is damp. Let your hair dry naturally in the sun or blow dry it lightly for some added effect from heat. Keep in mind, however, that this method works best for light hair since it tends to bring out an orange tone in darker hair.
Vinegar for Lighter Hair
Vinegar is another kitchen staple that can easily be used to naturally lighten your hair. For those with darker hair, white vinegar may be more suitable, since it can bring out less orange, cool tones. If you have blond hair, try apple cider vinegar for warm tones.
Vinegar is much more acidic than lemon, and so you will have to be careful not to over-apply it.
- Make sure to dilute it thoroughly, with at least a 50/50 balance of vinegar and water.
- Then soak your hair and let sit for about an hour before rinsing out.
Depending on how much you lighten your hair, you may want to use a toning conditioner to get your desired color. Make sure to choose a natural skin care product, if possible. Certifications you can look for include “EWG Verified” and “Leaping Bunny“.
Baking Soda Can Lighten Your Hair Naturally
If you have ever tried a homemade tooth-whitening trick, you will likely have come across baking soda as one of the ingredients. This substance can lighten your hair in a similar way. To try this method:
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with ⅔ cups of warm water and mix until you achieve a pasty consistency.
- Apply to your hair using a paintbrush or a toothbrush, making sure to keep away from skin.
- Cover your hair in an old T-shirt that you don’t mind getting dirty, and let rest for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would.
Not Just Tea: Chamomile
You may only be familiar with this flower as a herbal tea, but in fact, chamomile can also be used for cosmetic purposes. The plant contains a pigment called apigenin, which is naturally yellowish in color and can lighten hair. Although this method likely won’t have a visible effect on darker hair, it is worth giving it a shot anyway, since chamomile has moisturizing properties.
To use chamomile to naturally lighten your hair, simply brew yourself a pot of chamomile tea and let cool before dipping your hair inside. Let it air dry, or add some heat to enhance the lightening process.
Sea Salt Naturally Lightens Hair – at the Beach or at Home
Last but not least, sea salt may also lighten your hair naturally — this is where coveted beachy highlights come from. If you live near a beach (and if it’s warm enough), the easiest way to reap the benefits of this method is by having a beach day and letting the sun and the sea work their magic on your hair.
If this isn’t an option for you, you can always create your own hair-lightening product.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt with ½ cup of warm water.
- Let cool before dipping your hair in.
- Let air dry, or again, speed up the process by blow-drying your hair.
Read more:
- Four Ways to Use Shea Butter For Your Hair
- Easy Tinted Eyebrows You Can Easily Do at Home, All Natural
- Easy DIY Sea Salt Spray for Textured Waves
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