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How to Lighten Your Hair Without Bleach

Thankfully, you can get lighter hair without bleach or damaging UV rays; all it takes is just to look for ingredients that have a similar effect on melanin. Even more, an effective hair lightener might be already within your immediate reach.

#1: Honey and Cinnamon

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Cinnamon is possibly the most effective natural hair lightener and it works great with honey, which naturally contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide and has a host of benefits for hair (this is why honey hair masks are so popular). Thus, used properly, this combo can actually help lighten, soften and condition your hair.

To make your own honey and cinnamon mask, mix 2 tablespoons of organic raw honey, one tablespoon of cinnamon, and one tablespoon of olive oil for extra hydration. If the mixture tends to be too thick, add a bit of distilled water or conditioner. Mixing in white vinegar (the same amount and honey) is also a popular choice, which makes the solution even a more powerful lightener.

Advertisement Let it sit for about an hour for the ingredients to fully mix (cinnamon needs some time to fully activate hydrogen peroxide in raw honey). Then, apply it to damp hair for a few hours or, better yet, overnight. A dramatic change in brown hair can be achieved through about 10 or more uses.

#2: Chamomile

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Chamomile contains an enzyme — quercetin — that inhibits melanin production, making this the perfect choice for those who want to lighten darker hair over time or keep naturally blonde hair on the bright side. Overall, lightening hair with chamomile tea rinse is rather a long-term solution than a quick fix and it may be a bit drying to the hair, too.

To make your own natural lightener, brew several bags of chamomile tea in hot water, let it cool, and transfer to a spray bottle. Spritz it thoroughly through your hair and leave it on till your hair dries. Letting hair air dry in the sun will help chamomile tea lighten your hair faster. Then, wash and condition as normal.