This is worth giving a go as you and I well know the stuff they put in our hair most of the time is not good for it
1. Chamomile
If you thought benefit-rich chamomile was only for tea, guess what? It can safely lighten your hair too. Just brew a strong cup or two, then allow it cool. Once cooled, apply it to the hair for an all over lightening effect. Then hang out in the sun for about a half an hour while it dries. Shampoo and condition as usual.
2. Henna
While henna is usually known to darken hair, it can lighten very dark brunettes by providing some reddish highlights. It takes about three tablespoons of henna powder combined with a ½ cup of boiling water. Then allow this mixture to sit overnight. The next morning, apply to your hair, letting it sit for around 2–3 hours. Rinse well.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda can whiten your teeth, but if looking for how to lighten hair, it can help. Make a paste using a little warm water and about a ⅓ cup of baking soda. (You may need more if you have long hair). Once you have formed a thick paste, apply it to the hair and leave on for about 15 minutes. Rinse, shampoo, condition and style as usual. You can even try my baking soda shampoo for added results.
4. Lemons
Lemon juice in hair is probably the most popular and has been for years because it contains bleaching properties. It works because of the citric acid in the lemon fruit, which can be used while out in the sun to naturally lighten the hair. This method seems to work best on lighter shades of hair. Regardless, you don’t need much.
To gently lighten the hair, combine one tablespoon of lemon juice with about a half gallon of water. If you want stronger bleaching effects, you can dilute far less by mixing three tablespoons of lemon juice with about two cups of water. If you prefer, you can use lemon essential oil to do the trick. Just a few drops blended with water will create the perfect concoction.
Want a shine boost? Use apple cider vinegar for hair by simply adding two tablespoons for a great hair rinse. To use, apply after a good shampoo. Simply rinse your hair with the lemon mixture. Make sure it has been evenly distributed. Massage it into your hair. Allow it to sit for five minutes to one hour, and for a lighter effect, sit in the sun with the mixture in your hair. Then, apply conditioner and rinse. You can repeat this technique for two to three weeks until desired color is reached.
5. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
As mentioned above, vinegar can offer some shine, but it also can offer a lightened affect. Just combine a ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with a half-cup of distilled water. Either spray it on or apply to strands using a cotton ball or brush. Leave on for about half an hour, then rinse.
6. Sea Salt
When swimming in the ocean, the salt from the sea can lighten your hair, especially since you are out in the sun. You can simulate that effect using sea salt and warm water. Just dissolve one tablespoon of sea salt with about a ½ cup of warm water. Apply it to your hair, leaving on for about 20 minutes. Rinse and wash for that sexy beach look!
Natural Hair Lightener Recipe
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil
- warm water (enough to make a paste)
In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and sea salt. Mix well. Baking soda is a great home remedy because it helps removes residue caused by other products, helps remove chlorine (which is useful if you spend time in the pool), and it even promotes hair growth! (9)
To apply, choose either strands of hair or apply it to your full head of hair for an all over lighter effect. Either way, make sure to massage into the scalp area at the base of the hair you are working with. Allow it to sit on the hair for about half an hour. To achieve a blonder affect, sit in the sun during this time. After half an hour, rinse thoroughly, shampoo, condition and style as usual. If you want your hair to be even lighter, repeat the next day.
