Do blondes have more fun? Of course they do. But before you go and have a lot more fun, you should know that going blonde is a major decision. Because blonde hair comes with a ton of upkeep. You’ll have to start using purple shampoo and special deep conditioning masks. And you’ll make lots of trips to the salon just to maintain your color and fix all the damage. So how can you spruce up your blonde hair color yourself without doing any damage? Learn how to bleach your hair at home using nothing but natural ingredients you can find in your pantry. Here are the DIY hair lightening recipes you you can try at home.
How to bleach your hair at home with lemon juice
If life gives you lemons, give your hair some badass natural highlights. But can lemons really help you bleach your hair naturally? Yes, but it works best on light brown and dark blonde hair. So before you start slathering your hair with this lightning mask, you need to know what results you might be getting if you have brown, red, or black hair:
• If you’re already working with light blonde hair, your hair will get lighter.
• If you’re dealing with medium blonde hair, lemon juice can lift your hair tone two or three shades lighter.
• If you have dark brown hair, you might get some sun-kissed light brown highlights, depending on your hair’s undertone.
• If you’re starting with red hair, you could potentially lighten your color with time and end up with some strawberry or copper blonde highlights.
• If you’re a brunette with dark hair, this method might leave you with brassy copper highlights.
If you’re ready to try this at home, there are two lightning methods you can try:
Lemon juice and distilled water
First, pour equal parts lemon juice and distilled water into a spray bottle. Spray your locks with this mix and let your hair dry out in the sun. Be careful about getting lemon on your scalp because lemon can dry it out. Avoid lemon juice on your face and skin, or you could get burned.
Lemon juice and conditioner
Lemon juice is really strong and acidic, so in order to protect your hair, mix it up with your favorite conditioner to keep your locks healthy and protected.
How to bleach your hair at home with chamomile
Chamomile is known for its sedative and muscle relaxant properties. But it’s also great for reducing stress, treating wounds, cuts, and psoriasis, reducing acne and, yes, even lightening hair. Chamomile contains quercetin, a flavonoid that can gradually lighten your hair.
Best of all? It’s really easy to prep. Just brew a batch of chamomile tea the way you would if you were making yourself a cup, only this time use five tea bags. Then wait for the tea to cool down before rinsing your hair with it. You can dip your hair in a bowl of cold chamomile tea in the shower. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes while you scroll on your phone. Wring out any excess liquid from your hair and let it dry. Leave the chamomile overnight, then shampoo and condition the next day. Repeat this process as often as needed.
How to bleach your hair at home with a honey-infused concoction
Honey isn’t just a healthy sugar substitute. It also helps moisturize your skin, balance out the bacteria on your face, and clean out your pores. But did you know you can also use honey to highlight your hair at home?
Honey contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that generates hydrogen peroxide when it comes into contact with water. Which means honey has bleaching properties.
On its own, honey would take a long time to visibly lighten your hair. But when combined with a strong spice like cinnamon, it adds an extra kick to the peroxide in the honey, giving your hair surfer chick blonde highlights. Here’s how you can use honey to make your own hair lightening mix at home.
Honey and cinnamon mask
Take 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of honey and mix together. If you want an extra layer of protection, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for an extra moisture or 1 more tablespoon of honey if you don’t have any olive oil. If the mask is too thick, drop some conditioner and mix. Lather damp hair with the mask. Put it up in a bun and secure the hair and cover with a shower cap. Let the mask sit on your hair for at least 4 hours or more.
Honey and water or vinegar
Add 2 tablespoons of raw organic honey (don’t use pasteurized or the mix won’t work) to 1 cup of water and mix together. Spray the mix to your hair and distribute it evenly. Leave it on for one hour and shampoo. If you want to get lighter highlights, swap the water for 2 cups of white vinegar, which will also leave you with shiny glossy hair.
How to bleach your hair at home with vitamin C tablets
Are you hunting for new ways to lighten your hair naturally but don’t want to use lemon or vinegar on your hair? Try vitamin C, then. People have been using lemon juice, which is full of vitamin C, to lighten their hair without bleach for years and years.
Why vitamin C? Well, hydrogen peroxide gives you the best results possible, but it can damage your hair within an inch of its life. Lemon juice and honey works wonders. At least it does if you have virgin hair that has never been dyed before. But if you have colored hair or a darker shade of brown, then vitamin C might be exactly what you need. Here are two different ways to lighten your hair with it.
Vitamin C pills and shampoo mask
Crush some over-the-counter vitamin C tablets until they turn into fine powder. In a plastic bag or bowl, mix the powder with enough shampoo to coat your entire hair, (a 1:1 ratio works best). Lather your locks with the mix and cover your hair with a shower cap. After about an hour or so, wash it off completely. Let your hair dry fully and repeat this process two or three more times if you want to lighten your hair up to two or three levels.
Vitamin C pills and water mask
Crush some over-the-counter vitamin C tablets, put the powder mix inside a bottle with some water and spray your hair with it. The ascorbic acid found in vitamin C will instantly brighten your locks, and if you want to skip crushing the pills, you can just get vitamin C powder. Be careful when using vitamin C on your scalp and hair. If you notice any itching or burning, wash it off immediately.
