Healthier Ways to Lighten Ethnic Hair

byLyn Lomasi; Owner & Ordained Shaman atIntent-sive Nature &Brand Shamans Content Community LLC

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 non-chemical 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 still 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.

Article last updated 5/5/2023