5 Natural Ways to Lighten Your Hair

Lemon Juice: The All-Natural Hair Lightener

Lemon juice is a popular and effective natural hair lightener. The acidity in lemon juice helps to lift the hair cuticle and break down the melanin pigment, resulting in lighter hair. Here’s how to use lemon juice to lighten your hair:

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle or bowl.
2. Dilute the lemon juice with equal parts water to avoid damaging your hair.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten.
4. Sit in the sun for 30-60 minutes to activate the lightening properties of the lemon juice.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly and condition as usual.

Note that lemon juice can be drying to hair, so it’s important to use a moisturizing conditioner after rinsing. Additionally, lemon juice may not work as well on darker hair colors or hair that has been chemically treated.

Honey and Cinnamon: A Sweet Solution for Lightening Hair

Honey and cinnamon are two natural ingredients that can help lighten hair. Honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can lighten hair. Cinnamon, on the other hand, contains peroxide-like compounds that can also help lighten hair. Here’s how to use honey and cinnamon to lighten your hair:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together in a bowl.
2. Add enough conditioner to create a paste-like consistency.
3. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mixture on for at least 30 minutes.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly and condition as usual.

Repeat this treatment once a week until you achieve the desired level of lightening. Note that this treatment may not work as well on darker hair colors.

Chamomile Tea: The Gentle Lightening Treatment

Chamomile tea is a gentle and natural way to lighten hair. It works by gradually lightening the hair over time, rather than producing dramatic results like some of the other methods on this list. Here’s how to use chamomile tea to lighten your hair:

1. Brew a strong pot of chamomile tea and let it cool.
2. Pour the cooled tea into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the tea onto your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten.
4. Sit in the sun for 30-60 minutes to activate the lightening properties of the chamomile.
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly and condition as usual.

Repeat this treatment once or twice a week until you achieve the desired level of lightening. Chamomile tea is safe for all hair types and is unlikely to cause any damage. However, it may take several applications before you start to see noticeable results.

Olive Oil: A Natural Lightener for Dark Hair

Olive oil is not only great for cooking, but it can also be used as a natural hair lightener, especially for those with dark hair. The vitamin E in olive oil can help to lighten hair while also moisturizing and nourishing it. Here’s how to use olive oil to lighten your hair:

1. Heat up 1/2 cup of olive oil until it is warm but not hot.
2. Apply the warm oil to your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.

Repeat this treatment once a week until you achieve the desired level of lightening. Note that olive oil may not work as well on lighter hair colors. Also, be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause burns to the scalp.

Rhubarb: An Unexpected Ingredient for Brighter Hair

Rhubarb may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of natural hair lighteners, but it can be surprisingly effective. Rhubarb contains natural acids that can help to lighten hair over time. Here’s how to use rhubarb to lighten your hair:

1. Chop up 2-3 stalks of rhubarb and boil them in 2 cups of water for 20-30 minutes.
2. Let the mixture cool and strain out the rhubarb pieces.
3. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture (optional).
4. Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the areas you want to lighten.
5. Leave the mixture on for at least 30 minutes.
6. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water and condition as usual.

Repeat this treatment once a week until you achieve the desired level of lightening. Note that rhubarb may not work as well on darker hair colors. Also, be aware that rhubarb can stain clothing and surfaces, so it’s important to be careful when using this treatment.