How To Lighten Hair Naturally: 8 Best DIY Tips

Lightening hair naturally has been a popular beauty trend for decades, with many people coveting the look of sun-kissed, beachy locks or wanting to cover up grey hair. While chemical treatments can be effective, they can also be expensive and harsh on your hair, causing damage and dryness. Fortunately, many natural remedies can lighten hair without resorting to harsh chemicals. By using ingredients that are easily accessible and often found in your kitchen, you can achieve the desired level of lightness while also nourishing and strengthening your hair.

This article will explore some of the most influential and popular natural remedies for naturally lightening hair. We will also provide tips for achieving the perfect shade of blonde or light brown without damaging your hair. Natural remedies can be a safe and effective option, whether you’re looking to lighten your hair for a special occasion or change your look.

8 Best Natural hair lighteners and how to use them

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice works best on light brown or blonde hair and typically lightens by one or two shades. If you notice yellow or brassy tones, use purple shampoo to neutralize them. Purple shampoo balances the color by neutralizing yellow and orange tones, leaving a natural, even result. Ok so, knowing that, let’s see how to use

First, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a small bowl. The lemon juice’s acidity lightens the hair, while the water dilutes it, reducing the harshness. To create highlights, apply the mixture with a clean spoolie or mascara wand. Section the hair where you want highlights, and then use the wand to apply it evenly. This ensures a natural, blended effect.

For total hair lightening, pour the lemon-water mixture into a spray bottle. Spray it all over your hair and massage it into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.  After applying the mixture, wait 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water and shampoo. Cool water prevents damage and preserves natural oils. For dry hair, consider using a conditioning treatment or hair mask to maintain healthy ends.

2.

To use apple cider vinegar as a lightener, mix 1 cup (240 mL) of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup (240 mL) of water in a small bowl. After shampooing and conditioning your hair to remove any dirt or buildup, pour the mixture over your hair in the shower, ensuring all strands are saturated.

Let the mixture sit in your hair for about 15 minutes before rinsing it with cool water. Remember that apple cider vinegar will only lighten your hair by a shade or two, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a dramatic change. If you notice any brassiness in your hair after using apple cider vinegar, try using purple shampoo to neutralize yellow tones.

In addition to lightening hair, apple cider vinegar can also help to balance the scalp’s pH and remove product buildup. Some people find that using apple cider vinegar as a rinse can leave their hair feeling soft and smooth. However, diluting the vinegar with water before use is important to avoid potential irritation or damage to the hair and scalp. After using apple cider vinegar, following up with a moisturizing conditioner is a good idea to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide offers a less damaging alternative to bleach for lightening hair. To start, rinse your hair in the shower and gently pat it dry, leaving it slightly damp. Next, pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the sections of hair you want to lighten. For more control, use a cotton ball to apply the peroxide to 1-inch sections of hair.

Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse it with cool water. Afterward, your hair may feel a bit dry, so follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture. Remember, hydrogen peroxide typically lightens hair by just 1 to 2 shades. If you notice yellow or brassy tones, use purple shampoo to neutralize them and create a more even, natural look.

Additionally, hydrogen peroxide is a gradual lightener, so results may not be instant. You may need to repeat the process several times for noticeable changes. It’s essential to monitor your hair’s condition closely to avoid over-drying, especially if you have delicate or sensitive hair.

4- Honey

Honey is a natural and gentle way to lighten your hair, thanks to its trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Mix 4 tablespoons (86 g) of raw honey into 1/4 cup (59 mL) of water until well blended to use honey as a lightener. Then, massage the mixture into your hair, making sure to saturate all your strands. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the honey mixture sit for 2-3 hours—the longer you leave it in, the lighter your hair will get. After the time is up, rinse the honey mixture with cool water, and use a conditioner if your hair feels dry.

To prevent your hair from drying out, add 1 to 2 teaspoons (4.9 to 9.9 mL) of olive or coconut oil to the honey-water mixture for extra hydration. Honey can be applied all over your head for an overall lighting effect, or it can be used to target specific areas where you want to add highlights, like the ends.

If you have thick hair, divide it into upper and lower sections to ensure that the honey mixture is evenly distributed throughout. Remember that honey will only lighten your hair by a shade or two, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a dramatic change.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective and natural way to lighten hair at home due to its gentle exfoliating properties. When mixed with water, it creates a paste that can help remove buildup from hair products, environmental pollutants, and even minerals from hard water. By cleansing the hair thoroughly, baking soda allows your hair’s natural highlights and lighter tones to shine through, making it appear subtly lighter over time.

To use baking soda for lightening, create a paste by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with water. Apply this mixture to damp hair, ensuring it is evenly distributed from roots to ends. Leave the paste on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Baking soda’s natural abrasiveness can also help lift darkened areas of your hair, giving it a brighter and more even appearance without harsh chemicals.

However, it is essential to use baking soda sparingly. Overuse can strip the hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and potential damage. After baking soda, always follow up with a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture and restore softness. While it can lighten hair, the results are typically gradual and may not be as dramatic as bleach, making it an excellent option for those looking for subtle, natural lightening effects.

6. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a natural and gentle way to lighten hair. When used as a rinse after shampooing, its properties can gradually lighten the hair over time. The process of lightening hair with chamomile involves infusing the tea into the hair shaft, which can result in subtle, sun-kissed highlights. This natural brightening effect is especially noticeable on lighter hair shades but can also add warmth and dimension to darker hair tones.

The lightening properties of chamomile are attributed to a natural compound called apigenin. It can subtly interact with the hair’s melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. When chamomile is used regularly as a hair rinse, it can gradually lighten the hair by imparting a gentle, golden hue.

This gradual lightening effect is often favored by those seeking a more natural and subtle approach to hair lightening, as it avoids the harshness and potential damage associated with chemical bleaching agents. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can help calm the scalp and promote overall hair health.

7. Cinnamon

When combined with honey or conditioner, cinnamon’s active compounds help open up the hair cuticle, allowing the natural lightening properties to penetrate. This gentle process gradually lightens hair without the harsh effects of chemicals. It works best on lighter hair tones, where the natural warmth of cinnamon can enhance highlights and provide a sun-kissed look.

To lighten hair with cinnamon, mix ground cinnamon with honey and conditioner to form a paste. Apply the mixture generously to damp hair, ensuring that each strand is coated. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to lock in heat and let the treatment sit for 1-2 hours. The heat helps activate the cinnamon’s natural lightening properties, giving you a brighter and more radiant look once the treatment is rinsed out.

While cinnamon is not as powerful as bleach, it is a safe and gradual alternative for those looking for a subtle, natural lift. Multiple applications can be necessary to see noticeable changes, so patience is key. Additionally, cinnamon adds shine and texture to the hair, leaving it with a healthy and soft appearance.

8. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is an often-overlooked natural ingredient that can be surprisingly effective for lightening hair. The plant contains anthraquinones, compounds that, when heated, release properties that gently lift hair color. When used as a hair rinse, rhubarb works to gradually lighten the hair, especially for those with blonde or light brown hair. It’s a gentler alternative to chemical hair lighteners, making it an excellent option for people looking for a natural solution.

To lighten hair with rhubarb, start by boiling chopped rhubarb stalks in water to create a concentrated rhubarb infusion. Once the mixture has cooled, strain the liquid and apply it to your damp hair. You can leave the rhubarb rinse in for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how light you want your hair to become. The more frequently you use this treatment, the more noticeable the lightening effect will be over time. For best results, sit in the sun while the rinse works, as sunlight enhances rhubarb’s natural lightening properties.

Although rhubarb provides a gradual lightening effect, it’s important to note that it may take several applications to achieve noticeable results. It is a safe and chemical-free method that adds shine and highlights to your hair, leaving it with a natural, sun-kissed appearance.