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The ultimate guide to lighten or bleach your hair at home
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If you want to make your hair blonder, you can choose from natural lightening ingredients or chemical lightening products. Exposure to the sun lightens your hair, so spend as much time as you can outside! In addition, you can use ingredients like lemon juice, vitamin C, and saltwater to lighten your hair with sunlight. Choose a product, apply it to your hair, and soon your hair will lighten in color.
Best Ways to Lighten Your Hair
- Use a lightening spray or lightening shampoo.
- Spend time in the sun to naturally lighten your hair.
- Spray lemon juice in your hair before stepping outside.
- Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar and water.
- Apply a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste.
- Coat your hair with honey, cinnamon, olive oil, and vinegar.
Steps
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Soak up the sun for 1-4 hours a day, especially in the summertime - but be sure to wear sun protection people with blonde hair are highly susceptible to melanoma. Sunlight exposure naturally lightens the hair follicles, which makes your hair blonder. The more time you spend in the sun, the lighter your hair will turn over time. Spend as much time as you can outside, and you’ll notice your hair change shades in 1-3 weeks. Make sure you wear sunscreen to protect your skin! [1] X Research source- Try to go outside every day, weather permitting. While this may not be possible every day, the more sun exposure your hair receives, the more blonde it becomes.
- You can go for a walk, lay out on the beach, or ride a bike, for example.
- If you live somewhere that is warm and sunny year-round, you can do this at any time of year, not just in the summer.
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Apply lemon juice to your hair if you want a natural lightening agent. Lemon juice is made up of citric acid. When it heats up, lemon juice causes the cuticle of your hair to open and the pigment to lift from your hair. Pour a dime-size amount in your palms, rub your hands together, and run your hands through your hair. Do this right before you go outside, and you’ll notice your hair get even lighter! Wash your hands with soap and water after you apply the lemon juice. [2] X Research source- You may need more lemon juice for longer hair. An easy way to apply lemon juice to long hair is to put the juice in a spray bottle. Mist your hair before you leave the house.
- Additionally, lemon vodka works in similar ways. You can use this as a substitute for lemon juice. Simply pour 1–3 US tbsp (15–44 mL) into your hands, and spread it over your hair.
- Alternatively, you can mix lemon juice with your conditioner and rinse your hair with it. This lightens your hair over time, instead of only when you are in the sunshine.
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Spray your hair with a saltwater solution to lighten color-treated hair. Pour 1-2 tbsp (14.8 g - 29.6 g) of salt into a spray bottle, and fill the rest with water from your faucet. Then, spray the salt water solution over all of your hair. Do this before you go outside on a sunny day, and within a few weeks you'll notice your hair pigment turning lighter and lighter. [3] X Research source- Saltwater helps lighten hair that is already color-treated because the salt opens up your hair cuticle, making it easier for the sun to penetrate the follicles and lighten the pigment.
- This is a great option if you already have blonde or light-brown hair and want to go even lighter.
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Rinse with apple cider vinegar if you want to gently lighten your hair. Apple cider vinegar is great for your hair because it gets rid of oil and residue buildup from your scalp, and it also lightens your hair gently and gradually. To use, grab a spray bottle and pour in 1 part of apple cider vinegar and 6 parts of water. Spray the mixture over all of your hair. Then, shampoo and condition your hair as normal. [4] X Research source- Alternatively, you can use white vinegar as well. Apple cider vinegar works the best, but any vinegar will have similar results.
- Apple cider vinegar also helps detangle and defrizz your hair.
- While this helps lighten your hair, it may take several rinses before you see results.
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Mix vitamin C pills with shampoo to lighten your hair as you wash it. Smash 3-5 500 mg vitamin C pills with a can of soup or a rolling pin, and crush the pills until they make a fine powder. Squeeze a moderate amount of shampoo into your bowl, and pour in the powdered vitamin C. Mix the ingredients together, work the mixture through your hair, and cover your hair with a plastic shower cap for at least 1 hour. Rinse your hair thoroughly and apply conditioner. [5] X Research source -
Try rinsing your hair with beer after you shampoo it. The proteins and vitamins in beer nourish your hair while opening up the cuticle. To use, open a can or bottle of beer, and leave it out until it is flat and at room temperature. Before you shampoo your hair, pour the beer over your head and massage it through your scalp. Rinse your hair thoroughly, then shampoo and condition as normal. [6] X Research source- Beer is known to help lighten pigment over time, and it also makes your hair extra shiny.
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Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to lighten your hair 1-2 shades. The chemical reaction that takes place when you mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can lighten your hair several shades. To use, mix together 1 cup (236.6 g) of baking soda with 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl, and apply it to your hair from root to tip. Leave the mask on for 30-60 minutes, then rinse it out completely with shampoo and conditioner. [7] X Research source- After you rinse, your hair may look 1-2 shades lighter!
- Do not leave the mix on your hair for more than 60 minutes. This will cause excessive dryness, and it can damage your hair.
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Mix honey, cinnamon, olive oil, and vinegar to lighten hair overnight. Combine 1 tbsp (14.8 g) of cinnamon, 1 c (240 mL) of honey, 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 c (470 mL) of distilled vinegar in a bowl until you have a smooth paste. Let the ingredients sit for 30-60 minutes, then apply it to wet hair. Cover your head with a plastic bag or hair cap, and let your hair process overnight. In the morning, shampoo your hair as normal, and your hair may look lighter in color. [8] X Research source- Comb through your hair to spread the mixture evenly, or apply it wherever you want highlights
- Alternatively, you can wash out the mixture after 1-3 hours. This will gently lighten your hair, and you won’t have to worry about sleeping with a plastic covering on.
- You may have to try this a few times before you see major lightening.
- If you don’t have cinnamon, you can use cardamom instead.
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Rinse with 1/2 cup (118.3 g) of rhubarb to lighten dark hair. If you have fresh rhubarb, chop up about 1/2 cup (118.3 g) into small pieces. Place your rhubarb in 2 cups (0.5 L) of water, and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pot as the water starts to boil, and remove the pot from heat. Let the ingredients steep for about 10 minutes, and then use a strainer to get rid of the rhubarb pieces. Pour the rhubarb mixture through your hair after you shampoo it, and let your hair air dry. [9] X Research source- After several applications, your hair will start to lighten.
- This works well for medium to dark brown hair.
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Make a chamomile tea hair mask if you want to brighten up light hair. Put 1 tea bag in 1 cup (236.6 mL) of hot water for about 10 minutes. Let the tea cool down to room temperature, then rinse your hair with the tea. Leave the tea on your hair for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat the tea rinse 2-3 times before you shampoo to maximize your lightening potential. [10] X Research source- Chamomile is said to lighten hair that is already blonde or light brown.
- Alternatively, you can use black tea.
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Quiz
wikiHow Quiz: What Color Should I Dye My Hair?
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Apply a lightening spray for an effortless lightening option. There are several brands of lightening products that create a chemical reaction when activated with sunlight, and this reaction lightens your hair. To use, simply spray it on your hair, and go out in the sun! In just a few hours, your hair will begin to lighten. [11] X Research source- For example, try Sun-In.
- This method lightens your hair, but this is not a natural option. It may cause damage and breakage to your hair over time.
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Try using a lightening shampoo when you wash your hair. If you want a lightening method that will gradually lift your hair, purchase washing products made for blonde hair or advertised as “lightening.” Then, apply a moderate amount to all of your hair, and leave it on for 1-3 minutes before rinsing out. [12] X Research source- In about 2 weeks of daily use, your hair may start to lighten.
- Additionally, many companies offer lightening conditioners to supplement with your lightening shampoos.
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Dye your hair blonde if you want a permanent blonde style. If you have darker hair or if you want to commit to a brighter blonde permanently, consider dying your hair. For best results, hire a stylist to create your ideal look. They can add highlights, tone your existing color, or bring your dark color to a lighter hue. [13] X Research source- Alternatively, you can dye your hair yourself. However, the bleaching process can greatly damage your hair, and it takes much time and knowledge to bring dark hair to light tones. Research online before you decide to dye your hair yourself. Always ensure you use quality dyes and bleaches to avoid excessive damages.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan lemon juice ruin your hair?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Anything that lightens your hair—bleach, salt water, peroxide, lemon juice—does so by opening the cuticle and breaking down the natural pigments. Any of these methods can cause damage if they're over-used, but lemon is less harsh than many other lightening options.
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QuestionCan saltwater lighten your hair?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.Yes, saltwater helps to break down the pigment in your hair, which can produce a strong lightening effect, especially when combined with sunlight. It can be drying though, so use it in moderation.
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QuestionHow long do you keep hydrogen peroxide in your hair?Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.You should never leave hydrogen peroxide in your hair for longer than 1 hour at a time. It usually takes 20-30 minutes to achieve any lift.
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Tips
- If you have dyed blonde hair, you can keep it as blonde as possible by covering your hair in the sun. Use a hat, scarf, or headband, for example. [14] X Research sourceThanks
- Blonde hair can also fade quickly in saltwater and chlorine. To keep your hair vibrant, rinse your hair with fresh water before and after you jump in the ocean or pool. [15] X Research sourceThanks
- Always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioning products to keep your blonde hair as healthy as possible. [16] X Research sourceThanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you naturally have very light blonde hair, make sure that you wash your hair after swimming in a pool because the chlorine in the water will give your hair a green tint. It's happened to me before!
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Warnings
- Avoid getting these ingredients in your eyes. They cause irritation.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.brit.co/lighten-hair-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2081/how-to-get-blonde-hair/?slide=1
- ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-the-sun
- ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-the-sun
- ↑ https://www.diyncrafts.com/2312/homemade/10-ways-to-lighten-your-hair-naturally/2
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/hair-rinses/#slide-7
- ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-the-sun
- ↑ https://www.diyncrafts.com/2312/homemade/10-ways-to-lighten-your-hair-naturally
- ↑ https://www.diyncrafts.com/2312/homemade/10-ways-to-lighten-your-hair-naturally
- ↑ https://www.diyncrafts.com/2312/homemade/10-ways-to-lighten-your-hair-naturally/
- ↑ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-the-sun
- ↑ https://intothegloss.com/2013/11/natural-hair-lighteners/
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2081/how-to-get-blonde-hair/?slide=2
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2081/how-to-get-blonde-hair/?slide=3
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2081/how-to-get-blonde-hair/?slide=4
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2081/how-to-get-blonde-hair/?slide=5
- ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g2081/how-to-get-blonde-hair/?slide=6
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you want to naturally make your hair blonder, spend 1-4 hours in the sun a day, especially in the summertime, but be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin! For additional lightening, rub or spray lemon juice into your hair right before you go into the sun. If your hair is color-treated, spray it with a saltwater solution before you go outside to lighten it gently. If you don’t want to use the sun to lighten your hair, try rinsing with apple cider vinegar or beer when you wash your hair. Keep reading to learn how to use hair dye to get blonder hair!
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Reader Success Stories
- "The natural dyes method really helped and worked well on my hair. I've used the lemon juice method before when I was younger, and it still works! This really helped!" ..." more
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"The natural dyes method really helped and worked well on my hair. I've used the lemon juice method before when I was younger, and it still works! This really helped!"
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"The lemon juice worked great. I do say, though, you do not want to get the lemon juice on your skin because it hurts very badly."
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"Loved the things about the natural dyes, but could you please add more about how to do it it you have light brown hair?"
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"Putting on the lemon juice and staying out in the sun helped quite a lot. Thank you for the tips and help."
"It was fun to see all those alternative ways. For me they all take too long, but they are nice anyway."
