We’re not going to argue with the statement that “Blondes are more fun”, but we will tell you that blondes tend to have more damage. This damage is usually caused by bleaching, the process of lightening hair. There are natural alternatives to bleaching your hair.
But not so fast. We have some tips from professionals before you rush to the store to buy hair-lightening products. You can read their tips on how to lighten your hair safely and naturally at home.
Lemon Juice
Experts recommend the age-old method of boosting blonde hair color, but only when you are already using lighter strands. Lemon juice’s acidity can lift hair color by altering the pH levels. However, it needs to be heated up for maximum effect. Anja Burton, a colorist based in LA, suggests that lemon juice be applied as follows:
“Squeeze lemon juice into a spray and spray on the hair strands to simulate natural highlights. Let the strands air dry in the sunlight. She warns: “Avoid getting lemon juice on your body; it can burn when exposed to the sun.”
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great way to remove buildup from your hair.
Use caution as too much product or leaving it in your hair for too long could damage your hair. If your hair is fine or brittle, this may not be the best option for you. If your hair is thick and healthy you can use ACV and water in a 50/50 mixture.
Ashley Schafer, a colorist in NY, says that brunettes tend to have orange tones. White vinegar can be used by brunettes to achieve cooler tones and avoid unwanted warmth. Apple cider vinegar will work best for blondes who want cool tones. If you prefer more warmth, apple cider vinegar should be your first choice. You’ll need to add toner in order to achieve the desired result.
Honey
Honey can be used for more than just a morning tea sweetener. It can also lighten hair. We know, it’s surprising. Honey contains a component called glucose oxidase that is responsible for lightening your hair. It breaks down sugars and prevents the honey from spoiling. If you add water, the glucose-oxidase will create tiny amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which can lighten your hair.
Honey can be slow to work. If you want to speed things up, add a little cinnamon or cardamom.
Apply it to damp hair. The water will help kick-start the process. Twist the hair into a bun, and cover it with a shower cap to keep it wet. You can keep your hair covered for anywhere between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the color you want to achieve. Heat can speed up the process, so use the blowdryer to direct hot air at your shower cap every now and again while you leave it on.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can also be used to brighten hair. The recipe for both is the same – combine one tablespoon of baking powder with 1/3 cup warm water.
Try DIY balayage with a paintbrush or color brush. Wrap your foil around the highlights you paint on. Schafer advises to focus on the face and ends and avoid the scalp. As with all the other methods we have learned, heat helps speed up the process.
Sea Salt
The sea salt method is popular for whitening hair. Burton explains that sea salt can be used to lighten hair, as well as natural bases. Burton says that if we need another reason to go to the beach, “let your hair dry naturally by letting it air-dry with the salt water of the ocean.”
Chamomile
Apigenin is a pigment found in the petals of this delicate flower. Apigenin produces a golden color that can adhere to hair shafts when applied.
Cara Craig, a NY-based colorist, advises to “dilute the product with water and spread it evenly throughout damp hair using a wide-toothed comb.” You can use the hair dryer or the sun to activate the lightening agent. It’s also possible that chamomile has conditioning properties, which will make your hair feel soft and shiny.
Do not be afraid to combine the above treatments. These treatments are all natural. In some cases, you may find that the extra effort increases your chances of getting lighter strands. If you are unsure or nervous about DIY, it’s best to schedule a consultation. It should go without saying that you won’t get the same result by dipping your strands into tea or sitting out in the sun while rubbing lemon juice on your hair. Instead, you will need something more powerful like bleach, in the hands a professional.