How to Lighten Your Hair With Chamomile Flowers

Chamomile has long been used to lighten and accent golden tones in blond hair, providing a natural alternative to chemical bleaching and highlighting. If you have red or light brown hair, chamomile may also help bring out your natural highlights. With some standard kitchen equipment and a few hours, you can create a simple rinse to bring more brightness to your hair. And because the rinse is all-natural, you can use it as often as you'd like.

Things You'll Need

• Nonmetal medium cooking pot
• Plastic or nylon strainer
• Pitcher or large cup
• Nonmetal bowl
• Towel

Instructions

1. Combine 1 cup of chamomile flowers and 2 cups of water in a medium-size nonmetal cooking pot. An enamelware pot will work best. Slowly heat the mixture to just below boiling, and allow it to simmer gently for 30 minutes.

2. Remove the pot from the stove, and set it aside for two to three hours. During this time, you can wash your hair with a mild shampoo to make sure it's clean.

3. Strain the mixture through a plastic or nylon strainer into a pitcher or large cup that will be easy to pour. If you don't have the appropriate strainer, you can use a couple layers of cheesecloth.

4. Stand over a sink and pour the liquid over your hair, catching it in a nonmetal bowl. You can do this several times.

5. Squeeze excess water from your hair and wrap your head with a towel. Leave the chamomile mixture in your hair for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Tips & Warnings

• Drying your hair in the sunlight will improve the lightening effect of the chamomile mixture. Use this rinse regularly to achieve and maintain the color you want.

• Do not use a metal pot, bowl or strainer to create your rinse. Metal, particularly aluminum, can cause a chemical reaction with the chamomile that will compromise the rinse's effect.

References

• "Back to Basics;" Reader's Digest; 1981
• HairRecipes.Homestead.com