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How can I lighten my hair naturally?

05/13/25 5:04pm

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wikiHow Editorial Team

05/13/25 5:06pm

There are a few things you can try to lighten your hair naturally, but proceed with caution! Natural methods can be a little unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to visit a hairstylist for the best results. If you’re set on lightning your strands on your own, here are some of the most common natural options:

Lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a spray bottle, then fill the bottle up the rest of the way with water to dilute the juice. Spray the mixture on your hair, then let it dry in the sunlight for about 45 minutes.
Chamomile tea: Brew the tea then let it cool. Next, add the tea to a spray bottle with a teaspoon of honey, and apply it to your hair. Leave the mixture in for about 30 minutes, then rinse it out.
Honey and cinnamon: Mix a few tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of cinnamon, and add in a bit of olive oil or a small squirt of your conditioner for hydration. Apply the mask to your hair and let it sit for 2-4 hours before rinsing it out.
Apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray it onto wet hair. Leave the mixture on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out.

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Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist

05/13/25 5:29pm

Unfortunately, the only way to naturally lighten hair is sunlight, which I don’t recommend as a professional. For example, you would need sun exposure for lemon juice to actually lighten and brighten the hair, but just like the skin, hair should be protected from the sun. The mixture of lemon juice and too much sunlight can open the cuticle and oxidize and break down the hair shaft.

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