How to Lighten Hair Naturally at Home

Many women and men prefer to dye their hair.

Sometimes, this is just for a change, and others, it is to cover gray hairs or other colors you may not prefer.

Nearly half of all women regularly dye their hair, and most women report feeling more attractive after they have done so.

If you are looking for ways to update your appearance or cover some gray hairs, many natural treatments can help you accomplish your goals.

Our guide shares many hints and tips on how to alter your hair color naturally so that you can skip expensive salons and harsh chemicals.

Dyeing of hair seems to begin sometime around age 27 for both genders (1).

People have been looking for ways to change their hair color for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt.

Today, most people opt for lightening their hair rather than making it darker, and there are many natural ways you can achieve lighter locks.

Understanding Hair

To understand how to change your hair color, you need to know a little bit about the composition of hair.

Each of your strands of hair is made of keratin, which also composes your finger- and toenails.

Each hair grows from a follicle, which is located under the skin on your scalp.

Proteins in your body create the pigment of your hair strands.

The pigment eumelanin creates darker hair colors, which gives you black or brown hair, depending on the concentration of pigment.

Pheomelanin gives red tints, which yields auburn to yellow hues depending on its concentration.

Gray hair is actually the absence of all pigment (2).

When you dye your hair, you are only changing the appearance of strands after they exit the follicle, which is why your hair grows back to its original color.

Lightening Your Hair Conventionally

When you lighten hair, you are essentially bleaching each strand, removing the pigmentation from your hair.

Conventional hair bleaches use hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals to strip hair follicles of their pigment, and these chemicals can sometimes be harsh.

Peroxide and other hair chemicals are often toxic at higher temperatures, give off noxious fumes, and can damage your hair follicles in significant ways.

Even hair dye that is meant to darken your hair will often contain peroxide or other lightening chemicals.

Most hair dyes work by first stripping your hair of pigment, then replacing your natural pigment with the new hue.

But, in addition to removing color from your hair, you are also stripping it of natural oils that create healthy hair, which means you are left with strands that are prone to breaking, splitting, and becoming unhealthy very quickly.

The harsh chemicals used in hair dyes and bleaches are potentially dangerous to your health when not handled appropriately.

Some hair treatments and chemicals contain formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen, while others contain peroxide and other chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other health problems (3).

Many products include strong warning labels that indicate they are not safe for pregnant women or others with possible immune problems, so imagine what they are doing to your body (4).

If you are interested in lightening your hair but don’t want to expose yourself to these harsh and unnecessary chemicals, try one of the many natural treatments that can successfully lighten your hair at home.

Lightening Your Hair Naturally

There are many natural ingredients that will give you the same results as chemical hair dyes, without the negative side effects.

People have been using plants and other natural ingredients for centuries to change their hair’s color and appearance, and these eco-friendly methods will not expose you to the harsh and possibly dangerous chemicals of conventional hair products (5).

Here are our favorite natural methods for lightening your hair at home.

Chamomile

This method is lauded by many as an effective way to create lighter hair at home.

The natural properties of chamomile can lighten your hair easily.

First, brew a strong cup of the tea, and allow it to cool.

Next, apply it to your hair, then sit in the sun for at least 30 minutes, allowing your hair to dry.

After you are finished, shampoo and condition your hair as you normally would.

Just a few applications should yield noticeably lighter hair.

Baking Soda

You may use baking soda to lighten your teeth, and it is also effective at lightening your hair.

Use warm water and baking soda to make a paste.

The amount you use will depend on the length of your hair.

Once you have created the paste, apply it to your hair, starting at the roots.

Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse your hair, then wash and condition it as you would normally.

Henna

If you have darker hair and are looking for auburn or red highlights, then henna can help you.

First, you will need about three tablespoons of henna powder.

Add this to one-half cup of boiling water.

This mixture should sit overnight for maximum effectiveness.

Apply to your hair, and allow it to soak in for at least two hours, longer if you have more patience.

Rinse well, and admire your new look.

Lemons

This method has been used for decades to provide natural, sun-kissed locks.

The citric acid in lemons naturally lightens hair, especially when it is exposed to the sun.

Spray lemon juice mixed with water on hair while outdoors, then wash and condition normally.

You will notice a color change quickly.

You do not need much of this treatment to alter hair color so use sparingly.

The best ratio is one tablespoon of lemon juice to one-half gallon of water.

If you have lemon essential oil, you can mix a few drops of this with water for a similar result.

Changing the ratio of water to lemon juice will alter the effects.

Sea Salt

Natural salts in the ocean will lighten your hair when you spend time at the beach.

To simulate this effect at home, dissolve one tablespoon of natural sea salt into the one-half cup of warm water.

Spray or pour this onto your hair, and leave it for approximately 20 minutes.

Sit in the sun for an even more dramatic difference. Rinse and wash your hair normally.

Repeat as often as desired for the effect you want.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar can give your hair a natural shine, and it also can have a lightening effect on your tresses.

Combine one-half cup of apple cider vinegar with one-half cup water.

Spray or pour this onto your hair, and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.

Rinse and wash as usual.

Honey and Olive Oil

These two natural ingredients can not only lighten hair but also can make your hair feel softer.

Start by warming one-quarter cup of honey, then add the same amount of olive oil.

Stir your mixture well, then apply it to your hair where you want to see highlights.

Leave the mixture on your hair for up to one hour.

Just before you wash your hair, work the mixture into all your follicles and strands, focusing on the ends of your hair.

Rinse and wash your hair as normal.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for a long time to create lighter hair.

Use one-half cup of your regular conditioner, and add enough cinnamon to create a paste.

Apply this to your hair. Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight.

You can wear a shower cap to sleep if you want to leave the mask on overnight.

Rinse and wash as you normally would.

This will leave your hair well-conditioned and provide a nice, rich color, as well.

Cinnamon can help protect your hair from sun damage, and the overnight or extended conditioning will benefit your hair, as well.

Rhubarb

Many swear by rhubarb’s potential for lightening hair.

Start with fresh rhubarb root. Chop about one-half cup up and place it into a saucepan.

Simmer this with one quart of water for about 20 minutes.

Allow this mixture to sit overnight in your pan, then strain the rhubarb from the water in the morning.

Wash your hair, then pour the steeped water onto clean, wet hair.

Be sure to catch the liquid in a container, then repeat this step several times.

Do not rinse your hair after the final application, and allow it to air dry naturally.

Vodka

You can use this spirit to lighten as well as perk up your hair’s color.

The natural alcohol in vodka can lighten your hair and improve any brassiness your tresses may have.

Use by diluting one part vodka in two parts water or seltzer water.

Spray onto your hair and sit in the sun for at least 30 minutes.

You can even use lemon-infused vodka to improve the process and provide a different look.

Vodka will lighten your hair and also tames frizz, makes your hair shinier, promotes hair growth, and can be used to treat dandruff.

Vitamin C

Not only can Vitamin C help lighten your hair, it can also strengthen it and promote growth.

Vitamin C builds collagen, which is vital for hair growth.

Because it has antioxidant properties, it also protects your hair from damage.

To use Vitamin C to lighten your hair, you will need Vitamin C tablets, such as the 500-milligram ones.

Crush them with a rolling pin or heavy can to make a fine powder, then mix with your regular shampoo.

Lather up your entire head, then cover your hair with a shower cap.

Wait for at least one hour before rinsing your hair and allowing it to air dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide

If you are looking for dramatic results, you can use an at-home peroxide treatment to lighten your hair.

Start with freshly-washed hair, but do not use conditioner. Allow your hair to air dry.

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle.

Spritz until saturated any hair you wish to lighten.

You can use clips to separate strands if you only want to lighten certain sections.

You can also use a cotton swab or small paintbrush to apply the mixture to specific sections of hair.

Allow the mixture to rest on your hair for 30 minutes.

Sitting in the sun during this process will intensify the results.

You can leave it on for longer if you have not achieved your desired results after 30 minutes.

Wash and condition your hair as normal when you are ready.

Repeat this process every few weeks to achieve your desired results.

While peroxide is harsher than the other natural treatments listed above, it will lighten your hair significantly and is safer than the harsh chemicals used in conventional hair products.

Natural Hair Lightening Formula

Combine one-third cup of baking soda, one tablespoon of sea salt, five drops of chamomile essential oil, and enough warm water to create a paste.

Be sure all the ingredients are well-blended.

You can apply this to individual strands or your entire head, depending on how much hair you want to lighten.

Massage it into the scalp near all the strands you want to lighten, then allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes.

You can also sit in the sun to intensify the effects. Rinse and wash as you would normally.

You can repeat this several times if you want a lighter effect.

Precautions

Many natural ingredients can help you achieve lighter hair.

Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, you can use lemon juice, chamomile, henna, sea salt, cinnamon, vodka, rhubarb, or any other ingredients to create lighter tresses.

When combined with the sun’s natural lightening effects, many of these natural treatments can help you achieve hair several shades lighter than your natural color.

Each person is different, so your results may differ from others.

When using natural ingredients, it is always a good idea to start small or with less intensity, then amplify if you are looking for different results.

Everyone’s hair reacts differently, so don’t expect the same results as someone else using the same method.

It’s a good idea to test a small section of hair if you are unsure of a treatment’s results.

Avoiding the harsh chemicals used in conventional hair products is a good idea, especially when so many are carcinogenic and can cause severe damage to your hair.

Using natural ingredients to lighten your hair is an excellent way to change your look without the need for chemicals and harsh dyes.