Step-by-Step Directions for Lightening Hair With Chamomile Tea

Use the natural properties of chamomile tea to lighten your hair.

Lemon juice has been used as a common at-home hair lightening treatment for many years. However, applying concentrated lemon juice to your hair can cause the hair to become dry and brittle over time, increasing the risk of breakage and losing the luster and shine inherent in healthy hair. Chamomile tea offers similar results to the lemon juice, but on a slightly lesser scale. With just a few simple tricks, you can achieve the same lightening effects of concentrated lemon juice treatments without the dry and brittle hair.

Things You'll Need

• Chamomile tea bags (2 to 6)
• Heat-resistant cup or bowl
• Lemon juice (1 1/2 tablespoons to3 1/2 tablespoons)
• Spray bottle
• Funnel
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Towel

Instructions

1. Boil water in the kettle or in a pot on the stove. Use 1 cup of water for short hair. For medium-length hair, use 2 cups of water. For long hair, use 4 cups of water.

2. Place two chamomile tea bags in a heat-resistant cup, bowl or teapot and pour the boiled water over the tea bags. Use two tea bags for short hair, four tea bags for medium-length hair or six tea bags for long hair. Let the tea steep for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Place the chamomile tea in the refrigerator to cool for 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Add the lemon juice to the chamomile tea. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons for short hair, 2 1/2 tablespoons for medium-length hair or 3 1/2 tablespoons for long hair. Stir thoroughly.

5. Remove the spritzer top from the spray bottle, place a funnel in the opening of the bottle and slowly pour the chamomile tea and lemon juice mixture into the bottle. Replace the top.

6. Wash your hair using your regular shampoo. Use a towel to squeeze out the excess water from your hair.

7. Spray the contents of the spray bottle onto your hair, thoroughly saturating every strand. Brush the mixture through your hair if your hair is thick.

8. Spend some time in the sun, at least 20 to 30 minutes. Let your hair air dry out in the sun to help with the lightening process.

9. Rinse the mixture out of your hair and apply your favorite conditioner.

10. Repeat the above steps on a regular basis -- as often as daily -- to increase and then maintain lightening effects.

References

• "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self"; Stephanie L. Tourles; 2007
• Beauty Tips: How to Lighten Your Hair