How to Naturally Lighten Hair

I love having my hair highlighted, but dislike the cost and the chemicals. I have bought the home kits and had horrible results so I thought I would do some research into doing it naturally. I thought I would pass my findings along to you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lemon Juice
• Chamomile flowers
• Henna
• water
• bucket or a large bowl

1. For blond to light brown hair the best way to highlight is with lemon juice. Using straight lemon juice will work fastest but can damage your hair and make it brittle. So mix one tablespoon of juice with one gallon of water. Rinse your hair in this solution daily until desired shade is achieved.

2. The sun is another alternitive. Go outside when its sunny with wet hair and let it dry. This will eventually lighten your hair. To speed this process up pour some of the lemon juice solution into a spray bottle and spritz your hair before going outside.

3. Another way is to use chamomile flowers. They brighten hair and add color. Steep 1/2 cup chamomile flowers in one quart of boiling water for thirty minutes. Strain and let cool. Wash and towel dry your hair then pour the mixture over it. Catch the solution in a bucket or large bowl and repeat 10 to 20 times. After the last rinse leave it in your hair for at least fifteen minutes then rinse it out completely.

4. If you have dark hair use henna powder. This stuff is powerful so do a test strip on your hair first. Henna powder can be found in health food stores. This will also make your hair feel thicker because it coats and protects you hair.
   
   Mix Henna powder with chamomile and boiling water to make a really thick paste. Let it cool slightly and then either comb it through your hair or streak it in to add highlights. Fit a shower cap or plastic bag over your hair for thirty minutes to two hours. Remove and Rinse completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to do a test strip before using any of these methods. Each body's chemistry is different and will react different.

[bellerose]

on 9/23/2009 Thanks, excellent tips! I completely forgot about chamomile for hair. Being out in the sun does have an effect. My hair gets lighter if I drive around a lot on sunny days. 5*

[anarticle]

on 8/17/2009 I did not know this. sounds like better alternatives to the chemicals that are used these days. thanks for the information.

[edieness]

on 7/29/2009 Great tips.

[lotsnmore]

on 1/25/2009 Thanks for the ideas. 5*s

[beachmom]

on 1/24/2009 Excellent article! I never knew that Henna would lighten your hair:) Thanks! 5*