In this blog post, we will show you how to lighten African American hair naturally with some simple tips and tricks. When it comes to beauty trends, one of the most popular methods of changing up your look is by lightening your hair. Whether you’re looking to go blonde, add some highlights, or simply brighten up your current color, there are a variety of ways to achieve the desired result. In addition to traditional hair dyes, options such as bleaching and highlights can provide a more natural-looking result. When done correctly, lightening your hair can help you create a whole new look that is sure to turn heads. However, it’s important to keep in mind that lightening your hair can also be not that easy, especially when you want it to look natural. This is especially true for African American hair, which is often more resistant to lightening agents.
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6 methods to lighten African American hair naturally
There are a number of ways to lighten African American hair naturally. Here are 10 of the most popular methods:
Exploit sunlight
One of the easiest and most natural ways to lighten your hair is by spending time in the sun. The ultraviolet (UV) rays will help to bleach your hair, making it lighter in color. However, it’s important to keep in mind that too much sun exposure can damage your hair, so notice the time and use some sunscreen or coconut oil to protect your hair.
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Lemon juice
Lemon juice is often used as a natural way to lighten the hair. The citric acid in lemon juice bleaches hair, just as it does fabrics. When used on hair, lemon juice can lighten it a few shades. It will also add shine and diminish greasy build-up. You can use lemon juice alone or mix it with water, Conditioner, baking soda, or honey to create a paste.
To use lemon juice on your hair, first, combine equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of olive oil to help condition your hair. Spray the mixture onto your hair, making sure to cover all of your hair. You can also apply the mixture with your hands if you prefer. Once your hair is saturated, sit in the sun for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help speed up the lightening process. After the allotted time has passed, rinse your hair with cool water and shampoo as usual. Be sure to use a deep conditioner afterward because lemon juice can be drying to your hair. You can repeat this process every week or two until you achieve your desired shade of blonde.
Just keep in mind that lemon juice will only lighten already light hair colors; it cannot go from black to blonde.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has long been used as a natural way to lighten the hair. The simplest way to use chamomile tea for this purpose is to brew a cup of tea and then pour it over your head after shampooing.
You can also steep chamomile flowers in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain the liquid, and then use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Chamomile tea can also be combined with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for an extra lightening boost.
When using any of these methods, it is important to spend time outdoors in the sunlight to activate the lightening agents in chamomile tea. With regular use, chamomile tea can help to naturally lighten the hair.
Honey and vinegar
Honey and vinegar are both natural ingredients that can be used to lighten the hair. When used together, they can create a paste that can be applied to the hair.
Simply mix equal parts honey and vinegar, stir it well to make a paste, apply the mixture to your hair, and then cover your head with a shower cap. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes
This method can be repeated once or twice a week until the desired results are achieved.
Cinnamon and honey
Cinnamon and honey are two popular ingredients that can be used to naturally lighten the hair. Both cinnamon and honey contain compounds that can help to brighten hair and give it a more vibrant appearance. When used together, these two ingredients can be even more effective at lightening hair.
To use cinnamon and honey to lighten your hair, simply mix the two ingredients together, stir them well to make a paste, and apply them to your hair. Leave the mixture on for about an hour, then rinse it out with shampoo. You should notice a difference in the color of your hair after a few treatments. For best results, repeat this process 2-3 times a week.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are two common household ingredients that can be used to lighten the hair. When mixed together, they create a chemical reaction that produces oxygen. This oxygen breaks down the melanin in the hair, making it appear lighter. The amount of time that the mixture is left on the hair will determine how light it becomes. Baking soda can also be used on its own as a gentle abrasive to remove build-up from the hair, which can also help to make it appear lighter. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, so it will lighten hair more quickly than baking soda. However, it can also be drying and damaging to the hair if used too frequently. When using either of these methods, it is important to use a conditioner afterward to help protect the hair from damage.
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Final thoughts
All of the methods listed above can be used to lighten hair naturally. Some methods, like chamomile tea and honey & vinegar, are gentle and can be repeated regularly until the desired results are achieved. Other methods, like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, are more aggressive and should only be used occasionally to avoid damaging the hair. No matter which method you choose, it is important to use a conditioner afterward to protect the hair from damage. Now you know how to lighten African American hair naturally, with patience and persistence, any of these methods can help lighten your hair over time.