How To Lighten Your Hair Without Bleach

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS Dermatologist
Written by Anjali Sayee
How To Lighten Your Hair Without Bleach

If you have darker hair, you know the importance of bleaching it when it comes to hair coloring. Bleach lightens the natural hair color, so synthetic colors can be added to give your hair a total makeover. But bleaching agents like ammonia peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are detrimental to the hair.

Fret not! You can also lighten your hair without using bleach – with natural ingredients. This article lists the better alternatives for lightening your hair without any damage. Scroll down for more information!

How Does Bleaching Work?

The color of your skin and hair is determined by melanin pigments called eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin (1). These pigments decide whether you will have light or dark hair. If you have naturally dark hair, bleaching can make it lighter.

Bleach contains oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide that penetrate the hair and break down the melanin granules to lighten the hair color (2). But this damages the protein content of the hair. Chemical processes like bleaching also makes the hair dry and brittle.

But there is no need to worry, as there are natural ways to bleach your hair without any damage. The process uses natural hair colorants that are gentle and safe on the hair. Let’s take a look what they are in the following section.

Lightening The Hair Naturally At Home

  1. Cinnamon: Cinnamon has skin lightening properties (3). Cinnamon contains vitamins A and C, which are used as lightening agents (4). This suggests that it may also help lighten hair color.
  2. Salt: Anecdotal evidence suggests that salt can be used to lighten the hair. Sodium chloride can help break the melanin pigments and lighten the hair color.
  3. Swimming: Research shows that chlorine can impact hair color, especially in the presence of UV light (5).
  4. Sunlight: You have probably noticed that your hair color becomes lighter in the sun. This happens because UV rays boost free radical production in the hair, causing a reduction in melanin production. The more you are outdoors, under the sun, the lighter your hair will become.
  5. Honey: Honey contains glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide (6). Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent used in bleach. This suggests that honey can be used to lighten the hair.
  6. Lemon: Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightener by reducing melanin pigmentation (7). It is acidic and contains vitamin C, which penetrates the hair and oxidizes the hair color.
  7. Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used in hair dyes. Ascorbic acid oxidizes the hair pigmentation and lightens the hair color.
  8. Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps lighten hair color to a yellow or blond shade (8). Anecdotal evidence suggests that using any type of vinegar with honey, lemon, or chamomile can lighten the hair.
  9. Rhubarb: Rhubarb root contains oxalic acid, which can make the hair light brown or blonde (9). It can also prolong the life of your colored hair. Rhubarb used with honey and chamomile imparts a golden hue the hair (10).
  10. Chamomile:  Chamomile is a commonly used natural hair lightener. It boosts light reflection and leaves the hair with a yellow hue (11).
  11. Baking Soda: Anecdotal evidence suggests that using baking soda or toothpaste containing baking soda can help lighten the hair.
  12. Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate. EGCG acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, which affects melanin biosynthesis (12). It also has antioxidant properties that affect melanin production. Thus, green tea can help lighten your hair naturally.
  13. Licorice Extract: Glabridin is a compound found in licorice extract that helps reduce melanin pigmentation in the skin (12). Similarly, it may also be effective in lightening hair color. However, there is no scientific backing for this method.
  14. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera contains aloesin, which is a bioactive compound. Aloesin inhibits enzyme activity in melanin biosynthesis, which limits melanin production (12).
  15. Grapeseed: Grapeseed contains polyphenols like proanthocyanidins and procyanidins that may lighten melanin of the hair.

Here’s how you can use different ingredients to lighten your hair at home.

How To Lighten The Hair At Home Without Using Bleach

1. Lemon Juice

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Processing Time: 2 hours

How Often: Once a week 

You Will Need

  • Fresh lemon juice – 1 cup
  • Warm water for normal hair
  • Conditioner for dry hair – 1/4 cup

Procedure

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. If you have dry hair, opt for the conditioner instead of water.
  3. Apply the blend to your hair thoroughly.
  4. Sit under the sun for 2 hours.
  5. Shampoo and condition your hair.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Processing Time: Overnight

How Often: Once a week

You Will Need

  • Apple cider vinegar – 1 cup
  • Honey – 1/2 cup
  • Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons
  • A towel

Procedure

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to form a smooth paste.
  2. Apply the paste thoroughly to your hair.
  3. Wrap your hair with a towel and leave it overnight.
  4. Shampoo and condition your hair the next day.

For more DIY hair lightening remedies, check out this article.

The next section lists the ways to lighten your hair without using bleaching agents. Keep scrolling!

What Are The Different Techniques To Lighten The Hair?

  • Color Erasers: Color erasers remove unwanted brassiness and help lighten your hair. They do not contain any bleaching agents. Over a period of multiple processes, your hair becomes lighter.
  • Natural Remedies: You can use natural remedies like green tea, vinegar, and baking soda to lighten your hair naturally. Use these ingredients over a period for effective results.
  • Sun And Swimming: The chlorine in swimming pools and the UV rays lighten your hair color. Exposing your hair to the sun and swimming regularly can lighten your hair gradually.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Adding hydrogen peroxide to your hair products or masks may help lighten your hair. But consult a doctor before using this ingredient as an overdose of hydrogen peroxide may cause adverse effects.

Is It Possible To Lighten The Hair Without Bleach?

Yes. You can lighten your hair without using bleach in many ways, but they are not permanent solutions. The alternatives mentioned above to bleach the hair require regular upkeep. They will not lighten your hair instantly, and you need to use them frequently for substantial results.

Final Thoughts

Although not permanent, these natural solutions will not only the lighten your hair but also maintain its health. The natural hair colorants mentioned above have multiple hair care benefits. But patience is key. So, go ahead! Lighten your hair with these techniques and save it from the harmful effects of bleach.

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.

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Anjali Sayee

Anjali Sayee is a writer and an introvert. From studying Aeronautical Engineering and wanting to design her own airplane to writing articles on hairstyles, she has been on quite a journey. She believes that hair is one of the key factors that define a woman’s personality. To quote her, “What’s the first thing they do in the movies to show a personality change? Change the hair – because it has a life of its own.” She’s here to help you find the hairstyle you need. This bookworm is a self-professed Wholocker, a talented drummer, and an amateur photographer.