How To Lighten Hair Naturally Without Bleach

To switch up your look, lightening your locks can be a fun option. What’s less fun, though, are the horror stories we’ve all heard about bleach.

While bleach may be the simplest, most surefire way to lighten hair, it often comes at a cost. That’s because, while removing your strands’ pigment molecules, bleach strips away the natural fatty acids on the hair shaft. This can lead to weakened, brittle hair and, in extreme cases, even hair loss — which is why bleach, when needed, is best applied by an experienced colorist, this guide will help you how to lighten your hair without bleach naturally.

How To Lighten Hair Without Bleach

Our recommendations on how to lighten your hair naturally in an effective way, which ingredients to use depending on the final look you’re hoping to achieve, and what kind of hair lightener is best for your hair type.

1. Lemon juice

You’ve probably heard of the DIY lemon juice solution before, but does it actually work? Maybe, but it’s not necessarily better than bleach. Lemon juice is high in citric acid and almost acts like a bleach for the hair.
Instead of mixing lemon juice with conditioner, try mixing it with your favorite gentle leave-in. That way, whenever you’re exposed to the sun or use a blow dryer, it’ll activate the Vitamin C in the juice to turn your hair a bit lighter.

2. Purple shampoos & conditioners

It’s important to note that purple shampoo and conditioner should be kept for those with already lightened hair. If you have light hair already, purple shampoos and conditioners can color-correct brassiness—thereby making the appearance lighter, even if it’s not actually lighter. If you have brunette strands, you’ll want a blue shampoo and conditioner to color-correct orange hues.

3. Chamomile tea

Last but not least, we have chamomile tea. Some claim this ingredient can gently lighten the strands, but experts disagree. It may be a healthy addition to your hair routine functionally, but it’s not going to mimic bleach.

4. Add Apple Cider Vinegar

Not only will a dose of apple cider vinegar help gently lighten hair, but it will also dissolve oil and residue buildup in your hair and on your scalp, promoting growth. Plus, apple cider vinegar helps detangle and defrizz your hair. All around, it’s a hair care winner.

Because apple cider vinegar is so much gentler than, say, lemon juice reacting to direct sunshine, you can do this as often as twice a week without risk of drying out or damaging your hair. Simply apply the mixture throughout your hair, leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, and rinse it out thoroughly in the shower.

5. Make a Cinnamon and Honey Mask

Create a mask by combining two tablespoons of honey (raw is best), one tablespoon of cinnamon, and one tablespoon of olive oil for extra hydration. Mix it all together and add a bit of conditioner if it’s too thick. Then, let the mixture sit for half an hour, giving the cinnamon and honey a chance to mix and the hydrogen peroxide time to activate. Apply the mixture to your hair, secure it in a bun, and top it off with a shower cap. Leave it on for at least four hours. It’s even better if you can let it sit overnight (just remember to put a towel over your pillow so you don’t stain your pillowcase!).