Hair coloring has been existing since ancient civilizations. In early history, coloring was used by both men and women to cover white strands.

Did you know elite Greeks and Roman prostitutes preferred a blonde shade as they believed it represented sensuality? History also suggests that perhaps Romans were the first people ever to lighten their hair.

Today, hair coloring or lightening is a medium to tell the world about yourself. It is used to shatter existing style trends, express your opinion on world matters, and as a way to embrace your advancing age.

No matter the purpose behind your hair coloring, you can always try some natural methods to find out if you like the effect. If you are lightening your hair, then try these natural ways before you book an appointment with your stylist.

Table of Contents:

• Why Try Natural Hair Lighteners?
• Ways to Lighten Your Hair Naturally
• Lemon Juice
• Vinegar
• Sea Salt
• Chamomile
• Baking Soda
• Lightening Aftercare

Why Try Natural Hair Lighteners?

Hair lightening is an extensive process that involves altering the natural color of your hair. Much goes behind the hands of the stylist working on your hair.

Whether you are using a bleaching kit from your local store or visiting an expensive salon, lightening takes time to show effect.

Modern lightening treatments use peroxide to lighten the natural color. The process involves the opening of the hair cuticles – the protective layer of hair – to lighten the existing color. Bleach is used to gain entry into the hair follicle and lighten strands from within. Peroxide works along with bleach to fade your hair’s existing color.

Once the required lightening effect is obtained, cuticles are sealed to lock in the effect.

Though modern chemicals are safer than the ones that are used in earlier times, they are not without drawbacks. Using higher amounts of peroxide can leave the hair damaged. Application of bleach leaves strands brittle.

The use of chemical-based hair lightening treatment can cause skin irritation or lead to eczema. They can also irritate the body’s airways and trigger asthma attacks.

The use of natural hair lightening products minimizes the risk of hair damage. They also allow you to get an idea of the lightening effect you would like to achieve on your hair.

Ways to Lighten Your Hair Naturally

The good news is that the natural products that can lighten your hair are readily available, either in your kitchen or your bathroom. Apply different products to understand the effects they produce, and choose the product that works the best for you.

• Lemon Juice

It’s one of the oldest tricks in hair coloring books. However, this method works best on lighter hair. On darker strands, it tends to produce an orangish hue. Lemon juice works because it is naturally acidic. When applied to hair, it acts on the pigments, which give your hair its natural color.

To use this method, mix a part of lemon juice with two parts of water. For the best effect, pour the mix into a spray bottle. Wet your hair with the sprayer. Allow hair to sun-dry or use a blow dryer at the lower level. The combination of heat helps break the pigments more effectively, giving you a stronger lightening effect.

• Vinegar

This is another household product that can lighten your hair deeper. Vinegar is more acidic when compared to lemon juice. You may want to use white vinegar on darker hair as it does not leave a dark orange color on strands. Apple cider vinegar is best for lighter hair.

Dilute vinegar as it is highly acidic before applying it to your hair. Use 50/ 50 proportions of vinegar and water. Soak your strands in the mix. Leave the application for an hour. Wash it off later. If you are looking for a stronger lightening effect, then you can use a toning shampoo after vinegar application.

• Sea Salt

The most natural way to lighten your hair using sea salt and water is to spend a day in beach waters and let the hair dry in the sun. If this is not possible, then make your own lightening mix at home.

Take warm water to the limit of half a cup. Add a tablespoon of sea salt to it. Allow it to cool. Soak your hair wet in the mix. Allow your hair to dry naturally in the air, or use a blow-dryer for faster drying.

You can also use the kitchen staple – table salt – for the lightening effect. Mix salt with water in a 50/50 ratio. Leave the mix on your hair for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off, or air-dry as it is for a beach-blown hair effect along with lightening.

• Chamomile

These bright yellow and white flowers are quite popular as tea. However, they are also useful to lighten your hair.

Chamomile has apigenin - a yellow pigment that possesses the ability to lighten the hair.

You may not get the desired lightening effect from chamomile if you have darker hair. But you can still use it on your hair because chamomile has wonderful moisturizing properties, which can make your hair smooth and healthy.

Prepare tea using chamomile flowers. Let the brew cool before you soak your strands in it. Allow hair to air-dry. You can use a blow-dryer for faster and deeper results.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the ingredients in tooth-whitening hacks. The lightening property of baking soda extends to hair as well.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water, measuring two-thirds of a cup. Mix well till the ingredients reach a paste-like consistency.

Use a toothbrush or a paintbrush to apply the paste to your hair. Keep the paste away from your skin through the application.

Tie your hair with a cloth and allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes. Wash off the paste with shampoo. Use a conditioner after the wash.

You can try a combination of the above substances. As they are natural, they will not damage your hair. Sometimes, combinations may yield a deeper lightening shade that you may simply love!

Lightening Aftercare

A good aftercare routine is crucial to keep your hair and scalp healthy after a lightening treatment. Use haircare products with natural ingredients rather than chemicals to prevent hair damage.

Regular shampooing followed by deep conditioning is essential. Follow up with hair masks periodically to nourish hair with nutrients and moisturize strands and scalp. Massaging your hair with essential oils is also a great way to nourish strands and improve the blood circulation of the scalp.

WOW Skin Science has a range of haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. The haircare line also includes essential oils in their purest forms as well as in blended formulations. All products are thoughtfully packaged to preserve the efficacy of natural ingredients.

There are also convenient shampoo-conditioner sets that you can add to your routine.

All products are made from natural plant extracts. They do not contain sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, or silicones. These hair care products are completely vegan and gluten-free and have been dermatologically tested as well to ensure complete safety.   

Different materials, including a combination of sulfur powder and saffron, henna, and charred eggs, were used by people in early history. Sometimes, dangerous products such as sulfuric acid were also used to lighten the hair.

Thankfully, modern methods are much more advanced and safer. Apply the above natural products to lighten your hair. Don’t forget to apply the ingredient to a strand first to test for allergic reactions.

If the results do not satisfy you, you can always visit a salon. 

Whether you are lightening your hair naturally or at a salon, follow it up with efficient aftercare. A good haircare routine keeps strands and scalp strong, smooth, and resistant to infections. Strong hair is also an essential base if you want to color or style your hair again.