Are you looking to lighten your hair without harsh dyes, chemicals, and raising the risk of damage? If so, you’ve come to the right place because there are a lot of natural ways to lighten your hair. Despite what most people think, getting natural highlights without visiting a salon isn’t impossible. In this article, we’ll discuss all of the different methods, tips, and tricks you can use to achieve natural-looking, lighter hair. So, if you’re looking to save some money and DIY, read on!
Why Would You Choose Natural Alternatives for Hair Lightening?
When it comes to hair lightening, there are two main options – chemically-based products or natural methods. Chemically-based products are typically easier, faster, and more reliable than natural methods. However, there are many reasons why you would opt for the latter.
• You want to avoid the harsh chemicals and potential hair damage associated with chemical dyes.
• You don’t want your hair to turn orange, yellow or another unnatural color.
• You want something more gentle on your hair.
• You want subtle, natural-looking highlights.
• You are looking for something far less damaging, less expensive, and slower to show results.
Natural Hair Lightening Products & Ingredients
When it comes to natural hair lightening, there are several options available ranging from ingredients found right in your kitchen to products available in stores. Here are a few natural ingredients and products you can use:
• Lemon – Lemon juice is one of the most popular natural lightening agents. This is because it contains citric acid, which acts as a natural bleaching agent.
• Baking soda – Baking soda is an effective lightening agent as it has an abrasive quality making it an ideal ingredient for exfoliating and lightening the skin.
• Honey – Honey is a great natural lightening ingredient due to its natural bleaching abilities. It helps to lighten the hair and also helps to reduce any red or orange tones.
• Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a great natural lightening agent as it helps to reduce any yellow or brassiness in the hair.
• Coconut oil – Coconut oil is an excellent natural treatment for lightening the hair. It helps to nourish the hair while lightening it.
• Henna – Henna is a natural plant-based dye that can be used to lighten the hair. It also helps to add shine and strength to the hair.
• Shampoo – Another great natural lightening agent is shampoo. Look for a shampoo that contains natural lightening ingredients such as lemon juice or manuka honey.
Methods for Natural Hair Lightening
If you’re looking to lighten your hair naturally, here are some of the easiest and most effective ways.
Method 1: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is one of the most popular methods of lightening the hair. This is because it contains citric acid which acts as a natural bleaching agent. To use lemon juice, you’ll need to squeeze lemon juice onto your hair and make sure it’s evenly distributed.
• Put on a pair of plastic gloves and squeeze the juice of 2 lemons into a bowl.
• Dip a cotton ball in the bowl and apply it to your hair, making sure to cover all areas.
• Leave the juice in your hair for up to an hour and then rinse off with cold water.
• Instrumental in a conditioner and apply an SPF of 15 or higher when exposed to the sunlight.
Method 2: Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective lightening agent and exfoliant. To use baking soda for lightening your hair:
• Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 cups of water.
• Apply the mixture onto your hair and leave it for 15 minutes before washing it out with cold water.
Method 3: Honey
Honey is a great natural lightening ingredient due to its natural bleaching abilities. To use honey for lightening your hair:
• Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of water.
• Apply the mixture onto your hair, making sure to cover all areas and leave it in for 30 minutes.
• Rinse it out with cold water and apply a deep conditioning treatment afterward.
Method 4: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural lightening agent as it helps to reduce any yellow or brassiness in the hair, while promoting an overall healthy shine. To use apple cider vinegar, you’ll need:
• Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water.
• Apply the mixture onto your hair and let it sit for up to an hour.
• Rinse it out with cold water and apply a deep conditioning treatment afterward.
Method 5: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent natural treatment for lightening the hair. It helps to nourish the hair while lightening it. To use coconut oil for lightening your hair:
• Rub a generous amount of coconut oil onto your hair, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
• Wrap your hair in plastic wrap or a shower cap and let it sit for up to an hour.
• Rinse it out with cold water and apply a deep conditioning treatment afterward.
Method 6: Henna
Henna is a natural plant-based dye that can be used to lighten the hair. It also helps to add shine and strength to the hair. To use henna for lightening your hair:
• Mix 2 tablespoons of henna powder with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to form a paste.
• Apply the paste onto your hair and let it sit for up to an hour.
• Rinse out with cold water and apply a deep conditioning treatment afterward.
Method 7: Lightening Shampoo
Another great natural lightening agent is lightening shampoo. Look for a shampoo that contains natural lightening ingredients such as lemon juice or manuka honey. These shampoos typically need to be used daily for several weeks for them to work their magic.
Tips for Lightening Your Hair
When it comes to lightening your hair, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
• Invest in a good-quality deep conditioning treatment that contains ingredients such as Moroccan or Argan oil. This will help to nourish and protect your hair while it’s lightening
• Avoid using heated tools to style your hair such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons as they can damage your hair while it’s lightening
• Always wear an SPF of 15 or higher on your hair every time you go out in the sun as it will help protect your hair from any harmful UV rays
• Avoid washing your hair too often as this can strip your hair of its natural oils which can cause the hair to become dry and brittle.
If you are looking for an easy and natural way to lighten your hair, then there are a lot of options available. You can use lemon juice, baking soda, honey, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, henna, or a lightening shampoo. Just keep in mind that natural lightening agents are far slower and less reliable than chemical products and can take several weeks to show any results. But they are much less damaging to the hair and can be done without spending much money. So if you’re looking for an affordable, natural, and low-risk approach to lightening your hair, give one of these methods a try.
