How to Lighten Hair Without Bleach

Inga Myesha
5 min readFeb 5, 2021

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Are you ready to go blonde but afraid of bleaching your hair?

That is one of the most common fears of women with dark hair colors that want to switch to lighter hair color. Bleaching is effective in lightening hair color, but it is also known for its damaging effects.

Suppose you are looking for ways on how to lighten your hair without the need to use bleach. You are on the right page!

This article will teach you how to lighten hair without bleach, the side effects of using bleach on your hair, and many more!

What is Hair Bleaching

Hair bleach is used to prepare hair to accept new colors. Bleach lifts the hair cuticle that allows hair to absorb the new hair color.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Hair Bleach

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to lighten hair and is readily available at home. However, it is not the best bleaching option. Hydrogen peroxide produces a flat and pale looking color that does not look natural. Hydrogen peroxide also damages your hair strands, making them challenging to style.

How to Lighten Hair Without Bleach

Since you want to know how to lighten your hair without bleach, here are some natural ways to achieve the light hair color you desire.

  1. Lemon juice

There is a big chance that you have lemons sitting on your kitchen counter right now. Lemon juice can lighten your hair when it is activated by the sun. It opens the cuticle in your hair and lifts its color.

You can mix lemon juice with water along with a teaspoon of olive oil and place it in a spray bottle. Mix it well and spray it into your hair before going outdoors. It usually lightens hair in brunettes for about two to three shades.

2. Chamomile

Just like the tea, chamomile can lighten hair strands naturally. It does not give noticeable highlights, but your lightened hair tone can be noticed in natural daylight. It is one of the most gentle ways to lighten your hair.

You can brew chamomile and let it cool before applying it to a spray bottle. Spray evenly to your hair from root to tip and cover for about 30 minutes only. After the 30 minutes is done, wash and condition your hair and use a hair mask afterward if necessary.

3. Honey

Honey is also a good natural lightening ingredient, but it might take a little more time compared to others. It might also not give a dramatic lightening effect but is noticeable outdoors.

You can evenly apply honey to your hair and cover it with a shower cap to activate lightening.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda is known as a good cleaning ingredient. Baking soda is also used to lighten the hair. However, you will need hydrogen peroxide for this but be careful in adding too much hydrogen peroxide as it can cause hair damage.

You can mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste that you can apply to your hair using a brush. Leave it for 30 to 45 mins and no longer than that, then rinse and condition your hair afterward.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the most common detoxifiers out there. It can gently lighten hair strands as well. It might not give a very noticeable effect, but you can add either honey or chamomile to lighten your hair. Apple cider vinegar can smooth your cuticle, leaving glossy hair.

You can mix apple cider vinegar with water with a 1:1 ratio and apply it generously to your hair using a spray bottle. Cover your hair for 30 minutes, then rinse and condition thoroughly. This works better for people with naturally light hair and can give brunettes an orange hair glow.

6. Salt

Salt

Remember the highlights you get from spending time on the beach?

Sea salt from home can work in lightening your hair too! Although, consistency is the key!

You can mix sea salt with hot water and wait for it to cool before spraying it on your hair. Rinse and condition your hair to wash it out. It is recommended that you condition or apply a hair mask to your hair since salt can be drying. Do this process consistently to achieve a lighter hair color.

7. Henna powder

Henna powder for lightening hair is effective for brunettes as it can turn your hair to a red or orange tone. People with naturally lighter hair color, on the other hand, will have darker hair. Henna powder is traditionally used to darken hair.

Henna can be very powerful, so be careful in applying it to your hair as it is difficult to correct. You can mix henna powder and water and use it on your hair.

8. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is also effective in lightening hair color, especially if it is mixed with honey and lemon. It works best with people who have virgin hair.

You can mix cinnamon with lemon juice and honey until you have a runny consistency. Use a brush to apply it to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Shampoo, rinse and condition afterward.

Final Thoughts

Changing your hair color is one of the best ways to express yourself. It gives you a different look immediately. In this era where everyone is switching to more natural ways, these tips and tricks on lightening your hair naturally are perfect for you! Now that you know how to lighten hair without bleach, nothing will stop you from getting the hair color you desire! Let me know what you think!

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