Q&A for How to Lighten Dark Hair

Generally, bleach doesn't need to sit on the hair for any longer than 45 minutes to an hour. It will stop processing after that time. Refer to the instructions that came with your bleach kit for the exact recommended time.

Sunlight naturally lightens hair. If you spend 1-4 hours out in the sun for a few weeks, you should notice a change in your hair's shade. Consider using honey or cinnamon to lighten you hair also.

If you don't have any dye on your hair, you can lighten your hair with box color. However, box colors aren't the safest method for lightening, due to many chemicals that are in them.

The salt and water process works differently for everyone -- better for some than others. It doesn't hurt to try it and see if it works for you, though.

Since you have already "damaged your hair," you may want to stay away from the hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice methods to prevent further damage. It may be best for you to try other methods such as vitamin C or honey, instead.

Semi-permanent colors stain the hair instead of changing it chemically, so they tend not not respond to traditional lightening methods. The best way to lighten a semi is to wash it away. Use a clarifying shampoo twice a week and massage it along the entire length of the hair shaft. This should speed up the fading process.

Honey is capable of lightening hair, as it has trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in it. It should be diluted with water or vinegar prior to being applied to your hair.

If you're trying to lighten your dark hair, it could take a few color services, depending on the level of lightness you want to achieve, especially if your hair is pre-colored.

Tell your stylist if your hair is natural or if it has been pre-colored. If it's been pre-colored, let them know how long it's been since you last had it done, and whether you used a box dye. This is important because the stylist will have to fight unwanted pigment to achieve their goal.

Honey with water works really well.

It works great! I have dark brown hair and lightened it to dirty blond after 3 treatments.

It will make your pillow sticky, which you probably wouldn't want.

Eggs haven't shown any results for lightening hair, but they have shown results for making hair stronger and shinier.

Crush vitamin C tablets and mix the powder with Head and Shoulders shampoo, one tablespoon of honey, and a few drops lemon or lime juice. Wet your hair and lather the mixture in, then put on a shower cap and let the lather sit for about an hour. Rinse your hair out and use a good conditioner. You may need to do this a few times.

Use beet juice. Just let it soak in water and then strain it so all of the juice comes out. You can also crush it and squeeze it like a lemon. It has lots of pigmentation in it.

Once or twice a week, depending on how well the treatment goes and how light your desired shade is.

Any hair lightening treatment is permanent until your hair grows back with your natural color.

Yes, you can dye your hair, as long as it is in the med brown level.

It will not lighten your natural hair color, but will fade the color of dyed hair.

It eventually lighten ups by shampooing. Try shampooing your hair on a daily basis, and you'll see the dye getting lighter.

Use the hydrogen peroxide method. It will lead to your desired color. Just don't use too much or else it could be too light or ruin your hair.

Chemically, the fastest way is bleaching your hair. However, the easiest way is to mix lemon juice, olive oil, and hydrogen peroxide. If you use this mixture, use a moisturizing hair mask or deep condition afterward to repair your hair.

Lemon juice and sun is probably the quickest way to lighten your hair without bleach.

Bleaching your hair can cause hair loss while you are brushing it, but this method still works and should not harm your hair.

It's probably best to do it once a week with a deep conditioning in between sessions so your hair does not get damaged.

Mix apple cider vinegar, salt, and lemon juice. Spray it in your hair. Stay in the sun for 1 hour, and then rinse it out. This should make your hair lighter/blonder.

You might experience more dryness and breakage in your hair, but that's about it.

Use hydrogen peroxide. Black hair is usually thick, so if that is your case, peroxide is the best. Even though it is damaging, it is the most effective. Condition your hair regularly to lessen the damage.

It won't lighten your hair instantly, but it will give it an earthy shade in about a week.

Yes, but unless you use a dye made for dark-colored hair, the color will come out very subtle, if at all. Whether or not you dyed your hair that dark in the first place will also make a different. For more information, read How to Dye Dark Hair Without Bleach .