Lightening your hair at home can be an excellent way to maintain highlights or switch up your color. Just remember: all lighting methods remove existing pigmentation from strands, so moisturize your locks regularly before beginning this journey.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, an effective natural bleaching agent. In addition, it provides essential hair nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all essential elements for treating dandruff and encouraging hair growth.
Spritzing with Lemon Juice: Try spritzing your scalp or hair with a lemon mixture and then exposing it to sunlight. This can result in a subtle but lighter shade. Repeat this process several times, rinse, and deep condition afterward for best results.
Mixing with Conditioner or Coconut Oil: Mix lemon juice with conditioner or coconut oil and apply directly to your hair. Use a shower cap for sunlight protection and reparative benefits. This method is safer and more effective than applying directly.
Vitamin C
Try vitamin C treatments instead of lemon juice for a more permanent solution. Crush vitamin C tablets and mix with baking soda and anti-dandruff shampoo for a nourishing and effective solution for faded dye.
Natural-Based Lightener: Instead of using chemical-based lighteners like Sun-In, try natural-based ones that contain gentle ingredients like chamomile and honey. These lighteners gently lighten hair over time to achieve a sun-kissed glow.
Clarifying Shampoo with Vitamin C: Use a clarifying shampoo formulated with vitamin C, sulfates, honey, and cinnamon. These ingredients improve hair health post-dyeing and provide some degree of brightness post-wash. For further lightening, it is advisable to visit a salon.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help lighten hair by dissolving product build-up and revealing natural highlights. However, it won’t drastically lighten dark hair colors, so limiting the application is essential.
Spray Bottle Method: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the solution directly onto your hair. Rinse with cold water after completion, and repeat if necessary.
Sun Exposure Method: Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with two cups of lukewarm water and apply it to your hair. Sit out in the sun for one hour before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat as necessary.
Honey
Honey has long been part of ancient Indian Ayurvedic haircare. It contains natural peroxide that acts as a mild bleaching agent when combined with other ingredients. Honey also acts as a humectant, drawing water molecules to lighten hair.
Honey and Water/Vinegar Mixture: Mix honey with equal parts distilled water or apple cider vinegar in a 4:1 ratio. Apply the mixture evenly to wet hair, cover it with a shower cap, and leave it on for at least an hour. Rinse off as usual.
Repeat Twice Weekly: For best results, repeat this procedure twice weekly for several months. Remember that this method does not lead to permanent lightening, and your hair may eventually return to its original dark shade over time.
These natural methods provide a safer alternative to chemical hair bleaching products. They won’t permanently damage or alter the color of your locks. They are also safe enough for dyed hair, helping lighten it without exposing your skin and eyes to harsh chemicals.
