We all want to change our hair color at some point in our lives. Whether it be during your teenage years or after a life-changing experience, dyeing your hair a different color can help you feel better.
For dyeing it another color or just lightening it, the first step in changing your dark hair color is making it lighter. You can use hair lightener and hair bleach of course, but we decided to explore natural ways in this post. Whether you're aiming for a subtle sun-kissed look or a bold transformation, we've got you covered with these natural hair-lightening techniques.
Why Should You Try Natural Techniques First?
While bleach is often seen as the easiest and most effective way to lighten hair, it comes with some drawbacks. Bleach works by removing the pigment molecules from your hair, but it also strips away the natural fatty acids that keep your hair healthy. This can leave your hair weak, and brittle, and in some cases, even cause hair loss, especially if it's not a quality bleach and done unprofessionally. That's why it's best to have bleach applied by a professional colorist who knows how to minimize damage.
If you're looking for a more natural approach to lightening your hair, there are DIY options available. However, some of these methods, like using lemon juice, may sound a bit questionable. Let's take a look at natural dark hair lightening techniques:
When Life Gives You Lemons... Use It on Your Hair?
Lighten your hair with lemon juice, but be careful—it can be harsh. To make it safer, mix it with conditioner or coconut oil for added moisture. Squeeze a fresh lemon into a spray bottle, add a little water to dilute it, and mix in conditioner or coconut oil. Spray it onto your hair and head outside to let the sun work its magic for 30 to 45 minutes. Then, rinse it out and
remember to wear sunscreen.
Vitamin C for the Win
Using vitamin C is a great way to lighten your hair because of its citric acid content. Simply crush some vitamin C tablets and mix them with water in a spray bottle. Then, spritz it onto your hair. This method not only brightens your hair but also helps to remove mineral buildup. If you have vitamin C powder, you can skip the crushing step and add it directly to your water bottle for some natural immune system support!
Saltwater Solution is The Solution
Jokes aside, it is proven that saltwater has many benefits for both skin and hair. Saltwater is usually used if you've dyed your hair but still want it to lighten up further. You can try using a saltwater solution combined with sun exposure.
Mix mostly water with a bit of salt and spray it onto your hair when you're at the beach. This helps to open up the hair cuticle slightly, allowing the sun to lighten your hair. However, keep in mind that sunlight can fade hair color, just like how it fades car paint. To maintain vibrant color and protect your hair from UV damage, use shampoo and conditioner with UV protection. And if you're aiming for platinum blonde, it's best to leave it to the professionals.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar to lighten your hair, too! Not only does it help lighten hair, but it also removes oil and buildup from your hair and scalp, promoting hair growth. Additionally, apple cider vinegar helps to detangle and reduce frizz, making it a great all-around hair care product.
To use apple cider vinegar on your hair, mix one part vinegar with six parts water to create a solution. This mixture can help remove buildup, such as chlorine, from your hair. While it may take a few applications to see results, apple cider vinegar is much gentler on your hair compared to lemon juice in direct sunlight. You can use this treatment up to twice a week without risking damage to your hair. Simply apply the mixture to your hair, leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly in the shower.
Cinnamon and Honey Works Wonders
You can create a natural hair-lightening mask using cinnamon and honey. When these two ingredients are combined, they activate the small amounts of hydrogen peroxide found in honey. This reaction, along with honey's glucose oxidase enzyme, causes your hair color to lighten by one or two shades, especially if you have light brown hair.
To make the mask, mix two tablespoons of honey (raw honey is better), one tablespoon of cinnamon, and one tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture. Blend everything and add a bit of conditioner if the mixture is too thick. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the cinnamon and honey to combine and the hydrogen peroxide to activate. Then, apply the mask to your hair, tie it up in a bun, and cover it with a shower cap. Leave the mask on for at least four hours, or preferably overnight. To prevent staining your pillowcase, place a towel over your pillow while you sleep.
For Healthier Hair
Now that you've lightened your hair, it is normal for your hair to be a bit rougher than before. To bring its natural glow and life back to it, include hair oils and hair power shots in your routine. Remember to eat healthy and drink plenty of water.