One of the fun benefits of summer (besides the warm weather, grilling, and spending all your time outdoors) is that the sun naturally brightens your hair. Any blonde who spends time outdoors knows that sunlight can brighten it up, creating natural-looking (and free!) highlights. Of course, spending every day outdoors isn't realistic, but luckily, there are ways to lighten your hair without using bleach.
However, while there are some natural ways to lighten your hair, Shvonne Perkins, director of training at Madison Reed, an at-home hair coloring system, says your expectations shouldn't be too high.
"The thing to know about any of these methods is that they all have very subtle results," she told Bust. "You can repeat these a few times throughout the summer and by the end, you'll probably have more sun-kissed size than you would if you did nothing, but don't expect huge results from using these ingredients."
She also explained that besides not seeing results, there are some drawbacks. “Remember, natural doesn’t mean unresponsive or even completely safe,” she says. "People have sensitivities and allergies to many natural things. Try the shortest possible treatment first. Then, if your hair responds well, you can always extend the treatment."
Whitening hair at home doesn't just come with warnings about reactions and allergies. Ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are other often-mentioned ways to lighten strands, but experts strongly warn against using them because they can be harsh on your hair.
With those caveats in mind, if you just want a little bleach-free shine, here are four natural ways to lighten your hair this summer.
1. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is one of the easiest and most common ways to lighten hair, but there are a few caveats to the process, says celebrity colorist Sherry Ratay of Salon Ratay. She explains that lemon juice only works on light brunettes and blondes—if you're a brunette or a redhead, you either don't have a light color at all, or your hair will turn brassy. This is because lemon juice contains citric acid, which opens up your hair's cuticle and removes the first layer of color when your hair is exposed to heat, such as the sun. On blondes, this will create a lighter effect, but brunettes are more likely to experience an orange tint.
If you're a brunette or blonde and want to give this DIY method a try, Perkins recommends mixing two parts leave-in spray conditioner with one part lemon juice and applying to wet hair using a spray bottle. Once you're done, get enough sun exposure to warm up your hair and wash the lemon off after a few hours. She warns, though, that you shouldn't expect major results: "It's not bleach," she says. "So it's not going to be the result of bleaching."
After a shower, Rattay recommends using an extra moisturizing mask, as lemon's acidity can dry out hair. It's also important to note that while lemon is a common and highly regarded method for whitening hair, not all stylists believe it's the right method. Acids like lemon juice are corrosive and can damage hair follicles, says Rex Jimieson, a color educator and colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
2. Honey and cinnamon
Perkins says cinnamon and honey are the ultimate combination for a DIY approach. When mixed with cinnamon, the small amount of hydrogen peroxide in honey is activated and acts like a whitening agent like lemon, by removing the first layer of color from your hair. To use them, you'll need to make a hair mask, and the recipe usually calls for coconut oil or olive oil as a mix-in for easy application.
She says to combine honey, hot water, conditioner and olive or coconut oil in half a cup, then add a tablespoon of cinnamon. Leave on for half an hour and then wash off. The more frequently you use this mixture, the lighter your hair color will be, says Perkins.
3. Chamomile tea
For those looking for a gentler approach, chamomile tea is one of the best options, but like lemon juice, it only works on light brunettes or blondes. Perkins explains that chamomile "contains certain flavonoids that are known to affect melanin. They also help produce brighter pigments, which create blonde and yellow tones, which often results in better reflectivity in the hair. ”
To try it, Perkins says, "Just like making strong tea, let it cool and then soak in the water—literally putting your hair in a bowl or bucket so it's completely saturated—and then place it on the lid Leave it on for about an hour. Or you can dilute it with water, spray it on your hair and wear it throughout the day. When done, wash and rinse your hair as usual.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Jimison says apple cider vinegar works similarly to lemon juice: With repeated use, apple cider vinegar begins to lower your hair's pH, opening the cuticles slightly. Then, when exposed to sunlight or heat, the first layer of underlying color is stripped away. "For most of us, if your hair is dark, it's red, and if you have medium-toned hair, it's orange," he says, "but if you're naturally blonde , it will appear yellow, thus achieving more of a 'pure brass' effect."
To apply, use a spray bottle filled with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spray throughout the length and ends. Jimison warns, however, that apple cider vinegar — just like lemon juice — can cause direct damage to your cuticles, which may cause them to unexpectedly lighten due to heat and sun exposure.
"Scientists in the cosmetic industry have spent decades giving us amazing products that contain some of these ingredients, but they're balanced with other very important ingredients," he tells Bustle. "You will never see vinegar, lemon juice, lemon extract, other vinegars, or hydrogen peroxide as the main or first few ingredients listed in over-the-counter hair products because it does not help the appearance or quality of your hair. "
