How to Brighten Blonde Hair Without Using Chemicals

Does your blonde hair look a bit dull and washed out? Here's how to brighten blonde hair naturally.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Whether you have hair that's naturally blonde or hair that's been lightened, sometimes the color can start to dull, or even worse, become brassy. If you want brilliant blonde hair that shimmers and catches the light, there are a variety of natural ways to give your hair color a lift without resorting to the use of hair color. If you're ready to pump up the blonde a bit, here's how to do it naturally.

2. Rediscover Lemon Juice.
   
   It's one of the oldest ways to subtly lighten and brighten blonde hair. Buy two fresh lemons at the grocery store and squeeze the contents into a bowl. Add a small amount of your favorite conditioner to the juice and stir well. The conditioner will help to soften and protect your hair from drying out in the sun. You can also use olive oil in place of conditioner which will not only condition but has subtle lightening powers of its own. Gently comb the juice/conditioner mixture through your hair and sit outside for an hour in direct sunlight. Be sure to wear a sunscreen so you won't damage your skin while brightening your hair. After an hour, wash off the lemon juice. Your hair should look subtly lighter and brighter. You can enhance the effect even more by repeating it on a weekly basis for several weeks.

3. Chamomile Tea.
   
   Prepare a strong batch of chamomile tea by adding fresh chamomile flowers to boiling water. Allow the tea to cool and add the juice of half a lemon before using it as a rinse on your hair. It should subtly brighten blonde hair after a single use, but using it repeatedly will enhance the brightening effect.

4. Discover the Power of Purple.
   
   If you color your hair and notice that your blonde hair turns a golden or brassy color after a few washings, buy a special color shampoo with a purple base specifically made to control brassiness. The purple helps to neutralize any yellow or gold tones and your blonde hair will look brighter after one shampoo.

5. Clarify.
   
   Sometimes blonde hair becomes dull because of the build-up of hair color products. To remedy this problem, use a clarifying shampoo for a few days until you notice your hair starts to brighten. Follow up with a deep moisturizing treatment to help smooth down the hair follicle so your hair will better reflect the light.

6. Make Your Hair "Pop" by Wearing Complimentary Colors.
   
   Another way to visually lighten your hair is to wear colors that are opposite to yellow on the color wheel. Try wearing a purple or bright blue top and you'll notice your hair looks brighter instantly. If a bright top is too overwhelming for you, add a purple or royal blue scarf to your outfit to enhance your hair color.

[hairwizard]

on 4/20/2009 The minerals which collect on our faucets

[zahzel]

on 4/13/2009 Good article re Natural Hair COlorsI will do this.Always looking 4 new hair do's.