How to lighten your hair naturally

Summer is right around the corner, and with the change of seasons, we’re all about changing our hairstyle and hair color. Whether it is going a few shades lighter, or even getting highlights for that sun-kissed look, having to do so will expose our hair to chemicals and further damaging our strands.

So look no further. You may be able to get that sun-kissed look after all by doing the following home remedies.

But before you move forward, you need to keep these facts in mind:

  1. You may be able to see quicker and more visual results if you have fair hair with a fine texture.
  2. When you are working with darker hair, you are dealing with red and orange undertones, so these will be the first colors to be exposed.
  3. If you have blonde hair, it will get blonder.
  4. If you have light brown hair, you might end up with some dark blonde peeking through.
  5. If you have red hair this will potentially transform to strawberry blonde.
  6. If you have dark brown or black hair, there is a possibility of not seeing any results from these natural lightening recipes, because your hair is filled with dark pigment and the color will be extremely hard to lift.

Here are a few ways you can lighten your hair with things you can find around the house:

1. Lemon Juice

You can use lemon juice to lighten your hair, but you need to do it cautiously. Lemon is acidic, so it could be a little dangerous on your hair. The best way to use this method is to mix it with conditioner or coconut oil. The conditioner or the coconut oil provides hydration while the lemon is lightening your hair.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is considered an effective hair-lightening agent for having citric acid.

You can either crush up vitamin C if you do not have a vitamin C powder. Add the powder and some water into a spray bottle, then spray your hair. It brightens your hair and it also removes mineral build-up.

3. Saltwater

Mix water with a bit of salt and spray your hair at the beach. This will open up the hair cuticles slightly and expose it to the sun.

But keep in mind, if you have color-treated hair, no matter what color your hair is, the sun will factor in fading the color, of course along with your hair getting exposed to pool or ocean water. To help protect your color from fading, always use UV protecting shampoo and conditioner for the “just-stepped-out-of-the-salon” status color.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is amazing for hair. Not only will it gently lighten your hair, but it will also dissolve oil and residue buildup from products in your hair and scalp. It also helps to detangle and defrizz your hair.

All you have to do is mix one part apple cider vinegar and six parts water to take off build-up (such as chlorine). You may have to repeat a couple of times to get results, as this is a gentle way to lighten your stands to not cause any damage to your hair.

5. Cinnamon and Honey Mask

This delicious smelling mask will help you lighten your hair naturally and hydrate your hair at the same time. Why does this mask work? Well, when combining honey and cinnamon, the trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in the honey are activated by the cinnamon, which will help lighten up your hair up to two shades if the mixture sits on your hair long enough - leave 30 to 40 minutes.

Combine:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil ( to hydrate your hair)

6. Chamomile

This easy at-home remedy can easily be done in two different methods. As a chamomile rinse or mask. These methods will lighten your hair naturally over time.

Chamomile rinse:

  • Chamomile tea bags
  • Hot water

Steps:

  1. Leave the tea bags steeping in hot water until it cools down.
  2. Get into the shower and wash your hair normally with regular shampoo and conditioner.
  3. Get the cooled down chamomile tea and apply it to your hair. Don’t wash your hair afterward; instead, just let it air-dry.

Chamomile mask:

  • Chamomile tea bags
  • Yogurt
  • Hot water

Steps:

  1. Let the chamomile tea bags steep in hot water until cool.
  2. Add in plain yogurt to the mix. Combine well.
  3. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
  4. Use a comb to spread the mixture to your clean, damp strands.
  5. Leave the mixture on your strands for 30 to 60 minutes.