Buzz
Black hair is stunning, but occasionally, you might want to add a unique twist to your look. There are plenty of options for refreshing black hair at home. Subtle dye shades and natural lightening methods can create a gentle transformation. However, if you desire a more striking change, consider bleaching your hair at home for a completely new style. Once the process is complete, you’ll have a head-turning new look.
Steps
Hair Dyeing
Opt for a warm-toned dye to achieve a reddish hue. For black hair, choose a shade slightly lighter than your natural color unless you’re aiming for a dramatic change through bleaching. Select a dye that’s only a bit brighter than your natural tone, such as a chestnut brown, to avoid an overly stark contrast. Black hair often has underlying red and copper tones.
- If you want a reddish-brown look, go for an auburn dye. This choice leverages the natural copper tones in your hair to achieve the desired color.
Choose a cool-toned dye to avoid red undertones. If you prefer not to have a chestnut brown shade, opt for a dye that’s cooler than your natural hair color. This method lightens your hair without introducing copper tones.
Protect yourself from the effects of hair dye. Before starting the dyeing process, it’s crucial to ensure your safety. Hair dye can cause skin irritation and stain clothing. Therefore, wear gloves and drape a towel over your shoulders to prevent dye stains.
Mix the dye with a developer. Use the mixing bowl and brush included in the dye kit to blend the dye and developer until you achieve a smooth, even mixture. Typically, the dye and developer are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, but always check the instructions first. The exact ratio may vary depending on the brand.
Divide your hair into four sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Then, create a horizontal part from one ear to the other. Use hair ties or clips to secure the four equal sections.
Apply the dye to each section one at a time. Begin with the back section and work your way forward. Apply the dye from top to bottom, using the brush provided in the kit to coat small sections of hair, about 0.65 - 1.2 cm wide. Continue until the entire section is evenly covered. Move on to the next section after completing the first.
Leave the dye on your hair for the specified time. Typically, you should leave the dye on for about 45 minutes. However, this depends on the brand, so always check the product instructions. Ensure the dye remains on your hair for the recommended duration.
Rinse out the dye thoroughly. Gently use your fingers to remove the dye while rinsing your hair with warm water. Make sure all traces of dye are washed out. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Using Natural Products
Use honey, vinegar, olive oil, and spices. Mix 1 cup (240ml) of honey with 2 cups (475ml) of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of cardamom powder until you achieve a smooth mixture. Apply this evenly to your hair, then cover with a shower cap. Leave the mixture on overnight and rinse it out the next morning.
- For best results, use raw, unprocessed honey, which can be found at health food stores.
Rinse your hair with chamomile tea. Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea using tea bags or loose leaves. Once the tea has cooled to a warm temperature, use it to rinse your hair. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner as usual. This will leave your hair noticeably lighter.
- This method is ideal for morning use. Brew a cup of tea, rinse your hair, and follow your regular shower routine.
Treat your hair with baking soda. Mix warm water and baking soda until you achieve a thick paste. The amount of ingredients will vary depending on your hair length. Apply the mixture to your hair, leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual.
Add cinnamon to your conditioner. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon into the appropriate amount of conditioner for your hair. Use your fingers or a comb to distribute the mixture evenly. Gather your hair and secure it with a towel or shower cap. Leave the mixture on overnight and rinse it out the next morning. These steps will leave your hair noticeably lighter.
Use rhubarb. Summer is the season for rhubarb, making it a great natural option for lightening hair. Mix ¼ cup of chopped rhubarb with 2 cups (475ml) of water. Boil the mixture, then strain the liquid. Rinse your hair with the rhubarb water and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Brighten your hair with lemon water. Combine 1 cup of lemon juice with 2 cups of water and use it to rinse your hair. Allow your hair to dry completely. The lemon juice will naturally lighten your hair over time.
Bleaching Hair
Divide your hair into 4 sections. Ensure the sections are equal, with two at the front and two at the back. Use hair ties or plastic clips to secure each section.
Mix the hair bleach according to the product instructions. Bleach kits typically include bleach powder and developer cream. These must be mixed in specific proportions before application. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct ratio, which is usually one part powder to three parts developer.
- Always wear gloves when handling bleach.
Apply the bleach to all hair except the roots. Work through each section by applying the bleach to small subsections. Start at the ends of each section and work your way up, stopping about 2.5cm away from the roots. The roots will be bleached last because the heat from your scalp accelerates the bleaching process.
- Work quickly to ensure even bleaching. Consider asking someone to assist you during this step.
Apply bleach to the roots. After covering the rest of your hair, use the brush from the kit to dab bleach onto the roots. Use a tail comb to lift sections and ensure both the inner and outer layers of the roots are treated. Start at the back of your head and move forward.
- Be careful to avoid getting bleach on your scalp. Apply it close to the roots but not directly onto the skin.
Leave the bleach on for the time specified in the instructions. Read the guidelines carefully to determine how long to wait before rinsing. Wrap your hair in a plastic bag to prevent mess and speed up the bleaching process. Check your hair every few minutes to monitor the change.
- Bleach stops working after an hour, so leaving it on longer will only damage your hair without increasing its lightness.
Rinse the bleach out thoroughly with warm water. Ensure all traces of bleach are completely removed from your hair. While rinsing, use your fingers to help wash out the bleach, and continue until the water runs clear.
Shampoo and condition your hair. After rinsing out the bleach, wash and condition your hair as usual. If your bleach kit includes shampoo or conditioner, use those products instead of your regular ones.
