Q&A for How to Lighten Hair Naturally With Honey

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  • Question
    What does honey do to your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    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.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Honey has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, This lightens your hair by breaking down the natural pigment, much like bleach.
  • Question
    How long does it take to lighten your hair with honey?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    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.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You may notice a slight lift after a single application. How long it takes to get to your desired shade depends on how many levels you are trying to lift and how dark your hair is start with. You should notice 1-2 levels after 3-4 applications on virgin hair.
  • Question
    How many times should I use the Honey Conditioner?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You should use the honey conditioner as often as needed. It provides a greater lightening effect.
  • Question
    Can honey really lighten your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    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.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, honey is a great natural lightener. Only raw honey will work though, so make sure you buy the right kind."
  • Question
    Will this turn my hair red?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your natural hair color. For example, if you have dark brown hair, honey will only turn it lighter. If you have black hair, the honey might turn it more coppery.
  • Question
    How long does it take to lighten hair with honey?
    Community Answer
    It would take at least two hours. However, if you want it lighter, leave it in for more than two hours or even overnight.
  • Question
    Can I cover my hair with a towel in the first method?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but be sure to use plastic shower cap or a plastic bag underneath first, or the towel will absorb some of the mixture.
  • Question
    Can honey change black hair to white or blond?
    Community Answer
    No. Honey will only lighten your hair to brown or copper. If you'd like to lighten your hair that much, consider getting it professionally bleached, and then using a toner to remove the brassy undertones. Keep in mind that bleaching is very damaging to hair.
  • Question
    Does shampoo that contains honey lighten hair?
    Community Answer
    No. When you shampoo, you just wash and rinse. You have to leave it on so the honey can do its thing and really lighten your hair.
  • Question
    Are there other ways to lighten hair?
    Community Answer
    You can put lemon juice on your hair -- see How to Use Lemon Juice to Lighten Hair for advice.
  • Question
    If I add lemon to this mixture, how long should I leave it on?
    Community Answer
    As long as you like, depending on previous colour history. On undyed hair, you can leave it in for 5-6 hours.
  • Question
    Can I add conditioner to the honey liquid?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you may add conditioner to the honey.
  • Question
    Can you leave the conditioner and honey in your hair all night?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely. I also wrapped my head in cling film, then a scarf, and left it over 8 hours. My hair has been dyed dark brown and there was little change, therefore I plan on doing it again today!
  • Question
    Will this automatically change my hair color from dark brown to a lighter brown in one use?
    Community Answer
    It really varies between individuals. It might, or it might take a few tries to get noticeable results.
  • Question
    Will this method permanently lighten my hair?
    Community Answer
    The lengths that have been lightened will stay permanently lightened, but your roots should grow out in your natural hair color.
  • Question
    Do you need to sit in the sun for this mixture? Will sunlight have any effect on lightening?
    Community Answer
    Sunlight is always helpful for lightening hair, but is not required for this lightening method, as the ingredients of cinnamon and honey use each other to lighten hair, not really the sun.
  • Question
    Will this process work on hair that was dyed several months ago?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will work unless your hair is very dark.
  • Question
    How many shades can honey lighten hair?
    Community Answer
    They honey doesn't lighten hair drastically and may only make a small difference.
  • Question
    I've dyed my hair dark blue, and it's almost like black. Will this method make my dyed hair lighter?
    Community Answer
    Probably yes, but only to a lighter blue.
  • Question
    How many times do I have to do this in a week for a great result (my hair is light brown)?
    Community Answer
    In my experience the highlights were barely noticeable at first, but over time the difference really started showing. So if you want immediate results, I would say to do this 2 times per week, overnight.
  • Question
    Will this lighten red henna-dyed hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Keep in mind that it has more of an effect if you expose it to the sun.
  • Question
    Do I have to use apple cider vinegar?
    Community Answer
    Putting apple cider vinegar is optional, but you can if you want to.
  • Question
    Do I have to use the conditioner to keep it blonde?
    Community Answer
    It is recommended to use a conditioner that is designed for color-treated hair.
  • Question
    Can I do the first treatment 4 days in a row, or would that be damaging? Would it also be more effective?
    Community Answer
    Do it as often as you like, you will not harm hair with natural products. I used it for week straight and just ended up with super soft hair.
  • Question
    Does honey damage hair like bleach does? Or is this a healthier alternative?
    Community Answer
    Unlike bleach, honey moisturizes hair, encourages growth, and contains vital nutrients. It will not damage your hair.
  • Question
    Will my hair smell like honey after I do this?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will smell very good.
  • Question
    What kind of honey should be used?
    Community Answer
    Any kind will work.
  • Question
    Can I use this method on color-treated hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but results may vary in comparison to using it on undyed hair. You might need to leave it on longer on dyed black hair vs. naturally-black hair.
  • Question
    Will the hair turn green in chlorine, like with hydrogen peroxide?
    Community Answer
    It depends. The amount of hydrogen peroxide you use for this method is rather small, so you wouldn't get drastic lightening results (meaning your hair would still probably be too dark for the chlorine to turn it green).
  • Question
    Will this work on very dark brown hair?
    Community Answer
    It will, but you'll have to repeat the process many times to see a slight change.
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