Q&A for How to Lighten Black Hair

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  • Question
    What hair color will lighten dyed black hair?
    April Ferri
    Professional Hair Stylist
    April Ferri is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Co-Owner of Widows Peak Salon, a hair salon based in Los Angeles, California. With over ten years of experience, April specializes in hair coloring and enhancing and transforming natural tones into vibrant shades for beautiful and low maintenance hair. Her work has been featured in Voyage LA Magazine, and she has worked as a stylist for LA Fashion Week.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you have hair that's been dyed dark brown or black hair, you can't just put a lighter dye on it and achieve the results you want. You'll have to remove that color first with a lightener. In that case, I usually recommend seeing a professional.
  • Question
    Is there a fast natural way for dark brown hair?
    Community Answer
    There is a natural way, but it isn't fast. It's been said that lemon juice will lighten hair. Soak yoir hair in lemon juice, then sit out in the sun for about 30 minutes. This is a long process and should be done over the course of months.
  • Question
    If I have black hair and naturally lighten it to brown, is it possible to lighten it more to a blonde color?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can gradually lighten your hair in a number of different ways, just make sure whatever process you're using doesn't damage your hair when done frequently.
  • Question
    Would cinnamon give me chemical burns?
    Community Answer
    No, cinnamon won't give you chemical burns, but it might irritate your skin. If you experience any itching, redness, or other signs of skin irritation, do not continue to put it on your skin.
  • Question
    I have natural jet-black hair, and I want to lighten it to a medium brown so I can color it. I was thinking of using a lemon, cinnamon, and honey mixture. How long will it take?
    Community Answer
    If you use a spray of 1 -2 squeezed lemons, a drop of honey, and a tsp of cinnamon (be careful with cinnamon, too much can make your hair brittle). Spray on and go out in the sun for 2 - 3 hours, and you'll have brown, sun-kissed hair! Be sure to rinse it out afterwards.
  • Question
    Can I use a tea other than chamomile?
    Community Answer
    No; chamomile tea is the only tea known to lighten hair. Lemon juice can also lighten hair, but you have to use caution as it's very acidic and excessive use could eventually cause harm to your hair and scalp.
  • Question
    I have natural black Asian hair. I want to achieve a caramel brown to blond ombre look without it being orange. Lemon juice made my hair brassy. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    As a temporary measure, you can use hair chalk to create an ombre effect. There are many videos on how to do an ombre effect using hair chalk.
  • Question
    What if I use lemon but there isn't any sun outside?
    Community Answer
    Sun exposure activates lemon, although you can try using a hairdryer with hot air.
  • Question
    How long will it last?
    Autumn Smith
    Community Answer
    It lasts for about 6-12 washes. You will have to reapply it unless you use color removal. Make sure to use protective shampoo to keep your hair from breaking off.
  • Question
    If I use lemon, will it reduce the volume of my naturally thick hair?
    Community Answer
    No, lemon is usually used to reduce dandruff for a few months, as well as to lighten hair. Visit a salon or use your own thinning shears if you want to thin your hair.
  • Question
    Can I use apple cider vinegar to lighten my jet-black hair to brown?
    Community Answer
    You probably can't use apple cider vinegar as it may burn your hair. I recommend using lemon juice.
  • Question
    Does it have to be cardamom powder, or simply cardamom when I want to lighten my black hair?
    Community Answer
    It has to be cardamom powder; the non-ground seeds won't help you lighten your hair.
  • Question
    Can I naturally get lighter hair color without my family members knowing?
    Community Answer
    You can use a gradual process, and then it won’t be a shocking change if your family suddenly see you blond straight from a dark colour.
  • Question
    How long does it take to lighten my black hair?
    Community Answer
    This depends on the technique you use. Generally, you can lighten black hair to a medium brown color over one or two months, but it's quite difficult to lighten it to a blonde color. If you want to achieve a lighter brown color, you can use a lightening shampoo. I recommend cycling among several of the techniques listen in this article to avoid damaging your hair. Lastly, be patient! If it doesn't seem to be working at first, just give it some time.
  • Question
    If I have black hair and put honey mixed with conditioner together, can it lighten? If so, how many months or weeks does it take?
    Belle K.
    Top Answerer
    How long it will take depends on how well your hair takes the honey; some people's hair takes longer to bleach than others, so there is no set date.
  • Question
    Will these methods work on my black hair?
    Kevin Johnson
    Community Answer
    The best method I found on virgin level 1 black hair is using light blonde hair dye. Apply on roots last, cover with shower cap and you should get medium to light brown hair.
  • Question
    Can I lighten my black hair quickly?
    Community Answer
    Unless you use chemicals (bleach, box dye), which will lighten your hair in minutes, the process can take anywhere from one to six months depending on the methods and your hair.
  • Question
    Does the lemon work if I have black hair? If it does work, then how long will it take to get it to be strawberry blonde or light ash brown?
    Sreenithie SaravanaPerumal
    Community Answer
    Yes lemon will work on black hair. Make sure to mix the lemon juice with all-day conditioner to prevent drying out. If you want your hair to be really light though, it may take a few months. Put the treatment on every day.
  • Question
    Can I use lime juice instead?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Limes, just like lemons, have natural lightening properties when applied directly on your strands. Use the juice from at least one lime in a spray bottle with water and spray each day before bedtime to noticeably lighten hair without the sun.
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