Buzz
Using chemical dyes or bleaches to lighten hair can often lead to dryness. In contrast, honey has long been a natural ingredient used to restore hair's moisture, balance its health, and subtly lighten its shade. This article will guide you on how to use honey to both lighten and nourish your hair color.
Steps
Lightening Hair with Honey
Prepare the hair-lightening mixture. Due to honey's sticky consistency, you'll need to dilute it with a bit of water to make it easier to apply. Mix honey with water or apple cider vinegar (which acts as a hair conditioner) in a 4:1 ratio in a bowl until well combined.
- For a more noticeable color change, you can add a capful of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. Hydrogen peroxide reacts to lighten the hair by a few shades. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on black or dark brown hair as it may result in an orange tint.
- If you desire a reddish-golden hue, consider adding Henna powder, cinnamon, or coffee grounds to the mixture. Adding artichoke leaves can give your hair a pinkish-yellow tone.
Let the mixture sit for 30-60 minutes.
Apply the honey mixture to your hair. Wrap a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes, then pour the honey mixture onto your hair and massage it in with your fingers. Continue applying and massaging until your hair is fully coated.
- You may want to place an old towel or cloth on the bathroom floor to catch any drips, as honey is sticky and difficult to clean.
- If you’ve added red-tinting powder to the honey, avoid wearing clothes or using towels that could stain easily.
Cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave it on. You can use a shower cap or plastic wrap to cover your hair. Leave the honey on your hair for at least 2 hours to achieve a lighter shade.
- For very long hair that’s hard to cover completely, you can twist and clip it up before putting on the cap.
- Leaving the honey on overnight will result in an even brighter color. Honey also acts as a deep conditioning treatment. Place a towel over your pillow and sleep with the cap on.
- There’s no need to use a hairdryer for heat. Honey works effectively at room temperature.
Rinse the honey out of your hair. Wash your hair with warm water, followed by shampoo and conditioner as usual. Towel-dry your hair and let it air dry or use a blow dryer. Your hair will now have a honey-like tone.
Honey-Based Color-Locking Conditioner
Mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of conditioner. You can use any conditioner you prefer, as long as its scent complements the honey. Combine the honey and conditioner in a bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Store the honey-conditioner mix in a bottle for future use.
- Maintain the same ratio if you want to prepare a larger batch of the honey-conditioner mixture.
Use the conditioner after every wash. Once your hair is clean, apply the honey-conditioner mix just like a regular conditioner. Spread it evenly through your hair and rinse after a set period.
- Leave the conditioner on for 5-10 minutes during your shower to enhance its lightening effect.
- This method is excellent for maintaining previously lightened hair!
Tips
- If you don’t have a shower cap, a regular plastic bag tied around your head works just as well, though it may not look as stylish.
- Adding a bit of lemon juice to the mixture can speed up the lightening process.
- Cinnamon can give your hair a reddish tint, while lemon juice accelerates lightening.
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results immediately; it may take several applications for the conditioner to show its effects.
- Honey is less damaging than hydrogen peroxide and bleach but takes longer to lighten hair. While bleach works in one session, honey may require 10-15 applications.
- For darker hair, achieving a lighter shade may take more time. If you’re patient, honey is an excellent natural option.
- The longer you leave honey on your hair, the lighter it will become.
- Ensure you rinse the honey out thoroughly after treatment.
- Adding vitamin C to the mixture can speed up the lightening process.
- Repeat the honey application as many times as needed to achieve your desired hair color.
Warnings
- Avoid using lemon juice on chestnut-colored hair as it may turn your hair orange (only use it if you desire an orange tint).
What You'll Need
Lightening Hair with Honey
- Honey
- Water or apple cider vinegar
- Plastic shower cap or plastic bag
- Hair clips
Honey-Based Hair Conditioner
- Honey
- Conditioner
