To lighten hair we can try to do without chemical dyes or bleaches and use some natural ingredients instead. Here's how to get the most out of it. We often resort to chemical hair dyes to adjust the color or lighten it. The problem is that these products, because of the ingredients they contain, are aggressive to the skin and hair which contributes to their dryness and damage. In some cases they can even lead to allergic outbreaks (it is no coincidence that on the packaging it is always written to test the product first on a restricted area of the head).
Therefore, it would be good, when possible, to use them instead natural products with lightening power but much gentler on skin and hair. There are several DIY beauty recipes for lightening hair that you can comfortably prepare at home without going to the hairdresser.
However, we specify that, being natural ingredients, you can not expect the effect of a traditional blond dye or chemical lighteners. The result will depend very much on thebasic hair color , if these are black or dark brown, you cannot expect to lighten them with all-natural products, while blond and light brown hair are more likely to get a good final effect even with homemade recipes.
You may be wondering what are the natural ingredients with which it is possible to lighten hair. Well, these are plants such as Cassia (the so-called neutral henna), chamomile, turmeric, cinnamon, but also lemon, honey and even beer. However, it is essential to know the DIY recipes and the correct procedures to use them in the best way.
Natural methods and ingredients to lighten hair
For lightening hair naturally you can use different methods and especially ingredients. We present you the most effective and commonly used ones.
1 Natural Henna
Using henna is an excellent way to give your hair golden highlights. In herbal medicine it can often be found under the name of neutral henna and can be used alone or in combination with other lightening herbs or plants such as turmeric, chamomile or rhubarb (in combination with these plants the lightening effect will be greater). The advantage of cassia is also to strengthen the hair and make it shinier. To experience the effect of henna you will need: Hot water and henna.
Put the amount of powder in a bowl and slowly pour hot water until the cassia is completely dissolved (no lumps) and the mixture has the consistency of yogurt. Once ready, apply it to dry hair and then leave it on for at least an hour with the help of a cap or a tightly fitting film over the hair. After the time has elapsed, rinse your hair and wash normally with gentle products. To maintain the lightening effect, repeat the operation every month.
2 Turmeric
With turmeric, a spice capable of giving blonde highlights or intensifying your natural light color, you have to be a little careful because you run the risk of getting a too yellow effect. If you want to experiment with this ingredient you will only need: Turmeric powder (minimum 1 teaspoon maximum 1 tablespoon) and water (1 cup).
Dissolve the turmeric well in hot water, let it cool a little and then apply on dry hair. The shutter speed varies from 20 to 120 minutes depending on whether you want a more or less strong effect. To keep the mixture in place better put a cap or film on your head. Rinse and then wash your hair as usual. The application should be repeated every month.
The doses of turmeric that can be used vary both according to the length of the hair and the effect you want to achieve. We recommend that you always start with a single teaspoon of powder by first testing a hidden area of the hair.
3 Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most classic lightening remedies and we can further enhance its effect by leaving the hair to dry afterwards in the sun (of course this can only be done in summer). You will need: 3 or 4 sachets or loose dried Chamomile flowers and water (a saucepan).
Bring the water to a boil and infuse the sachets or dried flowers, covering with a saucer. Let it cool and then pour the solution all over your hair. Finally, you can let your hair dry in the sun (for at least half an hour) or naturally without using a hair dryer. An alternative is to put the chamomile tea in a spray bottle and then spray it all over the length of your hair. Finally, proceed with washing as usual.
4 Lemon
Even lemon can be an ingredient with a lightening power on already light hair. However, it should not be used pure but diluted in water. You will need: 2 lemons and 1 cup of water.
Squeeze the fresh juice and dilute it in water. At this point, apply it to the entire length of the hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. After this time, rinse with water, apply conditioner (lemon tends to dry the hair) and rinse again. Also in this case you can put water and lemon in a spray bottle so that the solution spreads more comfortably on the hair. Let it dry naturally.
5 Honey
Honey mixed with conditioner is a remedy that can help to lighten your hair. In this case you will need: 3 tablespoons of acacia or wildflower honey and 2 tablespoons of neutral conditioner.
Mix the two ingredients and spread the mixture on your hair as a restructuring mask, keeping it for at least 30-40 minutes. Then rinse well and let your hair dry naturally. For a more lightening effect, add a little lemon juice to the mixture.
6 Cinnamon
To activate its lightening power, it is recommended to use cinnamon mixed with a neutral hair conditioner. The ingredients you need are: Cinnamon powder, Balsam and Honey 2/3 tablespoons (optional).
Add the cinnamon powder to the conditioner, mixing until the two ingredients are uniform and reach the right consistency. If you want to have a stronger, even softening effect, add a little honey. Then apply on the hair, put on a cap and leave on for a few hours or even overnight. Finally rinse and proceed with normal washing.
7 Rhubarb
From rhubarb you get a powder with yellow coloring power. Therefore, you can try to make your hair blonder and lighter by using: rhubarb powder (1-2 teaspoons) and Hot Water.
Mix the rhubarb powder and water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then apply to hair for anywhere from 30 minutes to about 2 hours, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Cover everything with a cap or cling film. After this time, rinse your hair. Rhubarb can be used in combination with cassia and should be applied with some consistency to maintain the results obtained.
8 Beer
If you want to lighten your hair with beer all you need is a can of beer. Simply pour it into a container and place your hair (if it's long) inside, or use it on all lengths pouring it from the top. Leave it on for at least an hour and then wash your hair. For good results, the beer application should be repeated every week.
How do you naturally lighten your hair? Which method do you think works best? Let us know in the comments.
