How to Lighten Hair Without Bleach

When the temperatures perk up, most people start thinking about lightening their hair.

Whether you have naturally blonde hair or darker hair, the goal is to get the hair lighter.

However, most people don’t want to apply bleach to their natural hair color.

Obviously, when you lighten hair with bleach, you’re going to have some level of damage. Who wants that?

Surprisingly enough, you can be successful at lightening hair without using bleach.

Yes, it’s possible - albeit it may take longer than bleach, and you won’t be able to get too light (platinum blonde, for example).

Keep reading to find out how to lighten strands naturally.

How to Lighten Hair Without Bleach: Six Ways

It’s true - you can have lighter hair by using any one of these incredible techniques.

The best part is that there are no hydrogen peroxide traces, so your hair will remain in tip-top shape.

1. Sunshine

When some people go to their hair stylist to bleach hair, they’ll say something along the lines of “I want sun-kissed highlights” or “make my hair look like I spent the day at the beach.”

That’s because most people are well aware that the sun can lighten your hair color naturally. But how?

The rays of the sun mix with oxygen in the air, which the hair’s pigmentation reacts to.

This causes the hair to appear lighter, brighter, highlighted, and “sunkissed.”

So, consider stepping outside in the sun a lot this summer. Just make sure you double up on the sunscreen. We want sun-kissed hair and skin!

2. Lemon Juice

If you want to bleach your own hair naturally, consider using lemon juice.

This type of juice is highly acidic and will reduce the pigmentation of your natural hair, causing it to appear lighter.

To lighten your hair using this juice, simply apply the liquid to your locks and step outside.

Like the regular beach, this juice must be heated up to work as an effective hair-lightening product.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Is there anything that apple cider vinegar can’t do? Those with light and dark hair will appreciate the fact that ACV can quickly and effectively make their hair look brighter.

But how?

Like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar is acidic with the added benefit of being pH-balancing.

It removes dirt, grime, and buildup from your hair strands, which leads to a subtle lightening effect.

Dilute a cup of ACV with four cups of water and use it after shampooing.

Lather it into your locks for approximately 30 seconds before rinsing and finishing your hair care routine.

4. Baking Soda

Another common household ingredient is baking soda, and people use it for everything. Well, it can be used as a stellar hair mask on blonde and brunette hair.

Baking soda cleanses the locks of impurities, allowing it to be brighter (and fuller!).

All you need to do is mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste. Then, apply it to your strands and cover it with a shower cap.

Leave the mask on your locks for around 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

You might consider applying some deep conditioner after this treatment. This ingredient can dry your scalp and mane, and nobody wants that.

5. Honey

Did you know that honey has small traces of hydrogen peroxide in it? This makes it such a viable option to lighten your hair naturally.

Honey also has the added bonus of anti-bacterial and hydrating properties that will keep your hair healthy, making it an all-around excellent natural method for lightening.

To use honey, simply mix honey with a couple tablespoons of warm water and one tablespoon of cinnamon.

Apply it to your full head and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing it out.

6. Super-Lightening Color Dye

People with darker manes, such as dark chocolate brunette hair or black hair, may struggle to naturally lighten their locks.

Does this mean they’re all out of luck? No way!

Your best bet is to use a super-lightening color dye to reach a lighter shade without using bleach or other harmful chemicals.

The super-lightening color dye can get your hair 2-3 shades lighter, and you won’t have to worry about brittle hair when you’re done.

The lifting process starts by opening the cuticle to allow the color to penetrate.

Then, oxygenated water eliminates the natural pigment so the color can settle into the follicle.

The result is stunning, and you won’t end up with dry hair when you’re done.

If you find that your hair is a tad dry after using a super-lightening color dye to lighten your hair, you can use a conditioner or apply olive oil to damp hair to restore hair health.

FAQ

How Can I Lighten My Hair Fast Naturally?

All of the above-mentioned expert tips for lightening hair without a salon or stylist will work wonders.

However, a few other options to consider are crushed-up Vitamin C tablets, a saltwater solution, or chamomile tea.

People have found success with these treatments!

How Can I Lighten My Hair With a Developer and Shampoo Without Bleach?

There is a way to lighten your hair with developer and shampoo without the need for bleach.

All you need to do is mix four parts baking soda with three parts developer.

Then, add one part of shampoo and conditioner. Mix well before applying it to your mane for 30-40 minutes.

Does Lemon Juice Damage Hair?

This juice won’t damage hair, but spending mass amounts of time under the sun can be damaging.

Since you need the sun and fresh lemon juice to lift color, the best thing to do is care for your hair afterward.

Olive oil and coconut oil make great hair masks!