Lightening your hair with some highlights or throughout is a fun way to get a new look. But bleaches and lighteners can sometimes be harsh on your hair, with lasting effects. What some people don’t know is that there are some effective natural lightening methods that work on all types of hair. Get the lighter look you want with these healthier ways to lighten ethnic hair.
Prepare Your Hair for Lightening Before lightening your hair, some advanced preparation is necessary. Make sure your hair is clean, dry, and does not contain any product. This way, the lighteners will not react with any of the ingredients that your regular hair products contain. It is recommended to shampoo only with a good shampoo to remove all oils and other residue. Leave conditioning for afterward, as the conditioner may also interfere with the process. Be sure to wear clothing that you don’t mind being damaged, as some of these lighteners may have a bleaching effect on clothing as well. Lemon Juice Hair Lightening Spray This mixture can lighten your hair significantly. Therefore, it is recommended to only use this method if you are looking for a dramatic lightening effect. For naturally dark shades, expect this to create a light brown to brownish blonde highlighted look. The lighter your hair is when you start, the lighter it will be when you finish the process. If your hair is colored or lightened, measure the results by the tone of the current color. To prepare this lightening spray, you will need one spray bottle, a bottle of distilled water, and a bottle of lemon juice from concentrate. Blend the water and lemon juice half and half in the spray bottle. Shake to mix it thoroughly. Once the mixture is made, spray it onto dry hair and brush through until the hair is saturated. Leave it on until the hair is lightened as desired. Going out in the sun will help speed the process. Leave the hair down so that it is exposed to the elements. Do not leave the mixture on for more than a couple hours, to avoid excessive dryness. Rinse the hair thoroughly. Do not shampoo. Apply a good conditioner to the hair and scalp and use only oils to soften and style for the first 24 hours. After this, you can style as usual. This is to help seal in moisture and avoid dryness and irritation. Do not use this method on hair that has been chemically treated recently, as it may cause dryness and breakage. Hydrogen Peroxide Hair Lightening Spray Much like the lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide can also have dramatic lightening results. Expect to see light brown to blonde hair when using this mixture. The lighter your hair is at the start of the process, the lighter it will be at the end. If you start with a blonde tone, be aware that your hair may turn a lighter blonde to a white, silver, or gray tone. You will need one spray bottle, a bottle of distilled water, and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Mix the water and hydrogen peroxide half and half in the spray bottle. Saturate the hair by spraying it evenly and brushing it throughout. You can go out in the sun to speed the process. Keep an eye on the hair and rinse thoroughly as soon as you reach the desired lightness. Do not leave this on your hair for more than an hour, to avoid damage. Once the hair is rinsed thoroughly, deep condition the hair and scalp and use only oils to soften and style for 24 hours. Then, style as usual. If your hair is especially sensitive to breakage, this method is not recommended. Do not use this method if your hair has been chemically treated or exposed to chlorine recently. Doing so may cause the hair to turn green instead and it may also cause excessive dryness and breakage. Remember that hydrogen peroxide is a chemical. It is simply the better alternative to more harsh chemicals. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Lightening Rinse The effects of this lightening rinse can vary from person to person. On darker hair, it may simply result in bringing out natural highlights. For the best results, the recommended distilled water is a must. Vinegar is good for deep cleansing and softening your hair. Therefore, this method has added bonuses. To create this hair lightening rinse, combine half apple cider vinegar and half distilled water in a large bowl. After your hair has been shampooed and conditioned, rinse it with this mixture, rubbing and making sure that it gets into all of the hair. Leave the rinse on the hair, as it is a rinse and not a solution. Do this frequently to slowly lighten your hair or bring out natural highlights. Style as usual, paying extra attention to your usual moisturizing process. Chamomile Tea Hair Lightening Rinse When lightening your hair with chamomile tea, expect to bring out natural highlights. The effects will occur most obviously in areas that are naturally lighter. This is simply a way to further highlight what you already have naturally. On some people, other areas may lighten slightly as well. To create this lightening rinse, make a pitcher of chamomile tea (any brand will do, as long as it is 100% chamomile tea). Once the tea is brewed well, chill it until it’s cold. After shampooing and conditioning the hair, rinse thoroughly with the tea. Do not rinse the tea off. Repeat regularly for the best results over time. Style as usual, making sure to moisturize well. Hair Lightening After-Care Remember that lightening your hair is an extra process your hair is being put through, even when the process is natural or healthier than other options. Even though alternative methods may be safer, you should still give extra care to your hair to help avoid dryness and breakage. Follow the after-care styling and conditioning instructions included with each method for the best results. Be sure to also condition the ends and provide extra oil on them to help prevent breakage.  Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved Ever want to eat your hair conditioner? You just might if you try these green homemade hair conditioner options. These concoctions are all better for the environment than many commercial products and also easy to make with a tasty scent.
Blend mayonnaise and avocado. Take 3 spoonfuls each of mayonnaise and mashed avocado. Mix it together well. Apply this paste to hair after shampooing and rinsing. Be sure to thoroughly cover all of the hair. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. This is a deep conditioning treatment that helps with shine, manageability, and breakage. It's also green because these foods are naturally biodegradable. Make an oatmeal bath for your hair. This may seem odd, but don't worry. The actual oats are not going into your hair. Take an infant sock (or the toe portion of an adult sock) and fill it halfway with whole oats. Old-fashioned oats work better than instant. Tie the sock in a knot Place the knotted sock in ½ cup water and let it soak for a few minutes. Squeeze out the mixture into the water. Soak again and repeat a few more times. The water should be filmy and thick. Rinse the hair with that solution after shampooing to increase moisture and shine. The oatmeal is naturally green. But to be even more eco-conscious, rinse out and reuse the sock next time. Homemade hair conditioner custard soothes and moisturizes. Take a small container of yogurt and blend it with a couple items to make a green conditioner for your hair that you'll actually want to eat. But this custard is not going on your dessert plate. For extra conditioning, add a tablespoon of almond oil to the yogurt and blend evenly. Apply to hair in a paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Mix up a green homemade hair smoothie. Who doesn't enjoy a smoothie? This one's for your hair. Although, it might taste good as well. Add one cup of milk, one banana, and one tablespoon of almond oil to a blender. Blend until you have a thick paste. Smooth onto hair after shampooing and let it sit 15 minutes. Then, rinse. Repeat for extra conditioning. Make a banana almond whip. This is similar to the above concoction. However, this offers even deeper conditioning and thicker consistency. Blend 2 pints of heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of almond oil, one banana, and one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in a blender. Prepare to the thickness of a whipped topping for pies and other baked goods. Like the above conditioner recipes, apply this mixture to the hair evenly and let it set for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the hair thoroughly. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network  If you're a green-conscious mom like me, you may be concerned with what your teen is using to care for her hair. If not for the green factor, you may instead be concerned about her health. Hair styling can do some serious damage to the hair, especially if the styling products aren't natural. They can also wreak havoc on the environment, including animals. One way to ensure your teen is caring for herself as well as the environment is to teach her natural hair styling tips. These tips can be useful for both boys and girls.
Be mindful of your teen's habits. It's possible to respect your teen's current habits while also informing them of ways to naturally care for their hair. Instead of trying to make them change their entire routine, provide natural hair product alternatives to replace what they usually use. For instance, if your teen likes to use hairspray, find a natural product that has the same effect. If your teen son likes to solidify his style with gel, there are plenty of natural alternatives that work just as well or better. You may even be able to make one yourself. Talk about chemicals vs. natural items for healthy hair. Teens may be using their products simply because they like what they do. They may not realize the harm the chemicals in them may be doing to the earth, as well as their hair. Many chemicals can give off the appearance that they are improving the look of the hair, when in reality, they are causing damage. Give your teen valid examples of natural hair care that increases strength, shine, and growth. Also, teach him to be aware that packaging as just as important as what's inside. If a product claims to be earth friendly, yet the packaging is not recycled or recyclable, the product is not completely green. Never order, only instruct. While telling your teen about natural hair care, it's important that you do not force a choice one way or another. Teens can be sensitive about being given direct orders because they are at that stage where they're almost adults. Teens also like to rebel. Don't give them a reason to, especially when it's an area like this that could affect their health. Instead of making your teen feel like things need to go your way, simply let the hair care facts speak for themselves. Information with reliable proof is more attractive than an empty order. I've always taught my kids that natural products are best. But at the same time, I give those of age the responsibility of deciding for themselves which hair styling products to use. Give her natural ingredients to experiment with. Supply your teen with recipes, as well as prepackaged natural products to experiment with. You may even want to teach her how to grow her own ingredients or find them at a local market. Be sure your teen has access to plenty of options. This way, if one natural hair care method fails, he can easily try another. Teens like to experiment and try new things. So this gives them an opportunity to do so while also being more responsible when it comes to caring for the planet. Use the natural products yourself. Teach by example. If you expect your teen to believe in natural hair care, you should practice what your preach. Let your teen see you using the products. If they are keeping your hair beautiful and healthy, your teen is more likely to want to use the same thing. You may not think she cares what you are doing. But even though she may not be vocal with it, she is very likely at least observing from the sidelines. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Go green in a whole new way, and consider trading commercial hair-care products for natural, eco-friendly alternatives. I've always been into doing things the natural way and have experimented with many natural hair-care solutions over the years. I'm also very frugal, probably what some would refer to as cheap. With more and more people deciding to go green, I decided to share some of my personal tips on how women can go green with natural hair care that is also eco-friendly.
Go Green With Eco-Friendly Highlights To highlight your hair the natural way, try a mixture of 1/3 lemon juice, 1/3 vinegar, and 1/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the hair and sit in the sun for a few minutes. Rinse the hair and let it air dry naturally. The highlights should look natural. This is a great eco-friendly alternative to chemical-ridden hair dyes. Any of the mixture not used on hair can be used as an all-purpose household cleaner for counters, linoleum floors, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and more. There are many benefits in using this eco-friendly hair care product to go green. Natural Shiny Hair Care To go green with hair and still get shine, women can try mixing 1 egg, 1 tsp tea tree oil, and 1 tsp honey together. Use this mixture to wash the hair. Let the hair dry with natural air. The result will be super-shiny hair. If there is any of this natural eco-friendly mixture left over, use it as a facial cleanser. It will remove buildup, while adding moisture. In both cases, rinse with lukewarm water. Hold Your Hair With Eco-Friendly Hair Spray or Gel If you have picky hair that does not like to stay in place, try this all natural and eco-friendly method. This is an alternative to hairspray or hair gel. Mix 1 tsp honey with 2 tsp tea tree oil. Apply to the hair with fingertips in the area in need of hold. This eco-friendly hairspray alternative should not only hold the hair in place, but gives it shine and can help repel insects, such as mosquitoes. Green Curl Care for Women Curly hair can be tough to manage, but with the right natural products, your curls can be defined, conditioned, shiny, and manageable in no time. For all of that, as well as strength and split-end protection, add a quarter-sized amount of tee tree oil to your palm. Rub the palms together and rub the tea tree oil through your curly hair. This is a simple way to wear your curls natural, rather than damage them with straightening devices and products. The eco-friendly tea tree oil keeps the hair under control all day. The tea-tree oil also acts as a natural insect and mosquito repellent, while most over-the-counter hair care products contain scented ingredients that attract insects. Manage Frizzies and Flyaways the Green Way If you have frizzies or flyaways, don't reach for alcohol-filled gels and sprays that add to the problem in the long run. Instead, reach for the tea tree oil. I have tried this method on many different hair types and it has worked on hair that is straight, curly, short, long, wavy, and pretty much everything in-between. For this eco-friendly and natural alternative to hair care products for women, first wash and condition the hair. While the hair is still wet, fill the palm of your hand with tea tree oil. Run the palms together and then finger-comb and rub the tea tree oil through the hair. Let the hair dry naturally. This will leave the hair soft and untangled throughout the day. It also gives shine and control. *Note that these natural, eco-friendly hair care tips all are straight from personal experience and may not have the same results for everyone. Try at your own risk. **I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network Simple Shampoo Recipes You can be green and healthy with natural homemade shampoo. It's actually quite simple to use everyday ingredients to cleanse your hair and enhance its natural beauty. As a green conscious person and a member of a largely diverse family, I've experimented with many hair care options. If your hair is looking dull, dry, or has become unmanageable, these simple and naturally green solutions could be your answer. All of these natural shampoo recipes are environmentally friendly and work on all hair types.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Shampoo and Rinse If your hair has buildup or you just need an extra freshening shampoo, try washing with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar prior to the water rinse. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of water. You'll have a paste-like substance. Rub that into wet hair and scalp. Note that it will not be like a regular shampoo and will not produce any suds. This is normal. The suds in other shampoos are actually caused by the chemical composition and aren't a necessary component for this natural hair cleansing solution. Once you've rubbed in the baking soda paste, it's time to rinse with a vinegar and water solution. Put half water and half vinegar into a cup or recycled container. Pour that through the hair to rinse out the baking soda. Rinse once more with lukewarm water. This will strip out all the build-up and also increase softness and manageability without adding harmful chemicals or weighing down the hair. Mayonnaise and Avocado Natural Shampoo with Conditioner Like the baking soda shampoo above, this natural shampoo is not going to suds up like commercial shampoos. But again, this does not take away from the efficacy. Blend together an avocado and ½ cup of mayonnaise. It will be easier if you use a blender. But you can also smash the avocado and stir the ingredients together. Apply the past substance to wet hair. Allow this natural conditioning shampoo to sit in the hair for a few minutes. Be sure you have covered all of your hair from root to tip. Rinse with water. This will have a cleansing and conditioning effect on the hair. Avocado and mayonnaise are both great for shine, manageability, and for providing essential nutrients your hair may be lacking. Homemade Egg White Shampoo This is a very simple homemade shampoo. Simply crack an egg and drain out only the whites. Save the yolks for another purpose, so as not to be wasteful. When the hair is wet, apply the egg white to it. It may lather some, like traditional shampoo, but not quite as much. If your hair is longer you may need two or three egg whites for the best results. This homemade shampoo will add shine and nutrients to your hair. It also works great on many pets. Ask your vet first, of course. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image (c) Lyn Lomasi, All Rights Reserved In terms of healthy hair, what first may come to mind is what you put into your hair, not necessarily your stomach. However, if you want your hair to look its best, a diet for healthy hair must also be considered. Protein and certain vitamins and minerals are all required to create the best diet for healthy hair. This is not a complete list, as the required nutrients can come from many sources. However, the below foods should be a great start to a healthy diet for healthy hair.
Dark Green Vegetables Dark green vegetables are on the list for the best healthy hair diet because they produce Vitamins A and C. These both help the body to create sebum, which is a natural hair conditioner. While we're mentioning Vitamin A, we can't leave out carrots, which also have a healthy dose. Egg Whites Egg whites are an excellent source of protein and can be prepared in many ways. In the morning, try this diet for healthy hair by scrambling an egg white. For lunch or dinner, add a diced, hard-boiled egg white to a fresh salad. Nuts Many nuts contain nutrients that are optimal for healthy hair. Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for smooth and shiny hair. Zinc is an important ingredient contained in many nuts. Did you know that not including enough zinc in your diet can actually cause your hair to shed? Be sure to eat plenty of nuts daily as part of your healthy hair diet to avoid this. Whole Grains Zinc, iron, and the B vitamins all can be found in whole grains. Cereal, whole grain rice, and whole grain breads all are great sources for these. Depending on the time of day, choose which go best with your meal for a healthy diet. Including these items can help prevent hair shedding and increase shine and strength. Bonus Tips Don't just eat these food items. Some also can be used directly in the hair. Milk is a great rinse for extra condition and shine. Egg whites can be used as a shampoo for shine and strength. To get the most out of the healthy diet foods for healthy hair, be sure to blend them with each other -- and other food items -- to create well-balanced meals. Healthy hair also comes from a healthy body. Part of having a healthy body includes eating right. *The author is not a licensed nutritionist or medical professional. Always contact your licensed doctor for your specific dietary needs. **I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network  Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved Tired of trying endlessly to get your to grow and be strong? It can be a difficult and grueling task with sometimes less-than-positive results. Because I believe in natural beauty, I am always finding things from nature to keep my hair long and healthy. The regimen below has kept my hair healthy, happy, and helped it grow too. Perhaps it will work for you as well. Thoroughly cleanse with vinegar and baking soda. First, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water. Massage it through the hair and scalp and rinse thoroughly with a 50/50 solution of lukewarm water and vinegar. Some may need to do this twice to remove dirt and buildup. The baking soda acts as a scrubbing and softening agent. The vinegar helps remove buildup and provides a clean rinse. Also, when the two blend together, it creates a bubbling action that helps remove residue. Do this about once per month to remove buildup. Follow up with an egg wash. Get one egg and a small container. Separate the egg white from the yolk. You can save the yolk for food or other purposes, so as not to waste it. If you have thick or long hair, you may need to use more than one egg. The egg white is your wash. You can add a drop of pure almond oil to the egg white for extra shine. Saturate the hair with the egg white wash. Leave it on for about a minute. Then, rinse thoroughly. Mask your hair with a homemade minty avocado strawberry conditioner. This step gives the hair some deep conditioning and also helps with shine. Saturate the hair completely with this conditioner, as you would any hair mask. Apply a shower cap to the head to hold in the moisture. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly. You will likely notice shine and manageability right away. Do this regularly for the best results. Keep up the egg wash and avocado conditioner mask. In order to maintain this healthy look, be sure to repeat the egg wash and avocado mask regularly. I recommend doing this 3-4 times per week. It should replace your normal shampoo and conditioning routine. You will probably notice that over time, the hair starts to look healthier and healthier. The protein in the egg whites helps the hair shine and also adds strength and helps prevent breakage. The avocado mask helps moisturize, strengthen, and seal split ends. It also contributes to the shine and manageability. Avoid heat and chemicals. For the best results when using this regimen, avoid any heated styling products. This means blow dryers, hot combs, curling irons, hot rollers, and any other such devices. While these products may help you achieve certain looks, they also contribute to split ends, breakage, dull hair, and other issues. Chemicals do the same thing, but in a different way. There is no need to use chemicals on the hair. Hair can dry naturally. Plastic and foam curlers can be used instead of heated ones. To make the hair more straight, wet it and comb in homemade minty avocado strawberry detangling conditioner. Leave it on the hair and comb through slowly while blow drying the hair on the cold setting. This may take longer than the heated option. But your hair will thank you for it. *The information herein is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of a licensed medical professional. Always consult an appropriately-licensed specialist when it comes to your health. **I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network LAST UPDATED 2/23/2022 |
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans Content Community. Services include ordained soul therapy and healing ministry, business success coaching, business success services, handcrafted healing jewelry, ethereal and anointing oils, altar and spiritual supplies and services, handcrafted healing beauty products, and more!
Lyn is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! While rescuing civilians from boring business practices and energy vampires, this awesomely crazy family conquers evil and creates change. They live among tigers, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and other fantastic energies, teaching others to claim their own power and do the same. By supporting us, you support a dedicated parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to several causes. Profits from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature support these causes and our beautiful family! HIRE OR SHOP WITH LYN | CONTACT LYN Archives
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