How to Naturally Lighten Hair
There’s no easier way to lighten hair than with hair dye. Bleach, which is used in blonde and lighter hair dyes, reacts with the hair’s melanin, removing the colour in an irreversible reaction. While bleach doesn’t get rid of melanin altogether, it oxidises it, so while it’s still there, it no longer has its colour.
But in a few cases, hair dye might not be the solution for you. If you have a very sensitive scalp, for instance, and every hair dye your hairdresser has used on you has caused an immediate painful rash, you might be better off looking into natural alternatives.
These natural approaches to lightening hair are obviously not as effective as hair dye, but a number of bloggers and YouTubers have had some success with a few of these methods. Feel free to do your own research into each of the hacks and tricks we’ve shared on this post; there are plenty of videos and real accounts from people who have tried them themselves.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is made up of citric acid, a natural bleach that can whiten things – hair included, making it appear lightened. It’s a great solution if you’re a blonde looking for golden highlights, but it’s not so good for brunettes, who may notice a yellowing of their hair.
It’s thought that the acid in lemon juice accelerates natural lightening of the hair, which takes place when hair is exposed to the sun. There’s an issue with this, though; when the sun’s rays come into contact with lemon juice, a chemical reaction causes hair to dry out. This is because citric acid attacks the outer layer of the hair, exposing the follicle.
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
When you combine hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic for skin, with baking soda, the solution has proven effective at lightening hair about 1 to 2 shades in a single treatment. When you’re carefully controlling your amounts, 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda shouldn't damage your hair. But if your hair has been dyed or treated with chemicals, or if your hair is naturally dry, it may cause some dryness and breakage.
It’s best to do a strand test before dying your whole head of hair with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. If all looks well after 12 hours, apply the paste to your whole head and leave it on like a mask. Personally, we wouldn’t recommend this hack, as it has more chance of damage than anything else.
Honey
Many people on hair forums have been discussing how using natural honey on their hair has caused it to naturally lighten. They simply add the honey to their conditioner and shampoo and use it weekly or twice weekly to moisturise hair in a natural way. Honey won’t lighten hair dramatically; it has more of a subtle lightening effect, but the added bonus is that it’s also a fantastic natural hair product for overall hair health.
Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, as well as iron, which oxidises the oxygen free radicals that are released by the hydrogen peroxide, leading to lighter, brighter hair. The amount of lightening that is possible on your own hair depends on how well it absorbs the honey, or how porous it is.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has bleaching properties which will leave your hair with reddish highlights while lightening. White vinegar is the same, but it’s more effective at bringing out blonde highlights, so decide whether you’d prefer an auburn or blonde look this summer if you’re not sure which one to go for!
Not only does apple cider vinegar help gently lighten hair, it can also dissolve oil and residue build-up on your scalp, helping to promote healthier hair in the process. Simply rinsing your hair in vinegar before shampooing is thought to do the trick, though we’re not sure how effective this one really is.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is another natural hair lightener, and has a more gradual, less damaging effect than lemon juice and is also considered to be better for brunettes. Chamomile contains three flavonoids: apigen, quercetin, and azulene. Apigen, a natural chemical, has been found to brighten hair when combined with azulene, an extract naturally found in chamomile. Quercetin lightens the hair by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is responsible for melanin production — the chemical that darkens skin and hair.
When these flavonoids are applied to hair repeatedly, they have proven effective as a gradual lightener, making small changes per application. Just brew a batch of chamomile tea, then leave it to cool before rinsing your hair with it, preferably after washing your hair in the shower.