Lighten Your Hair Naturally with Essential Oils

Have you ever wanted that perfect sun-bleached hair color after spending the summer on the beach? Unfortunately, few of us actually have that kind of time to spend out in the sun. Lucky for you, we’ve found some natural ways for you to get lighter hair quickly without damaging your hair with harsh chemicals and dyes.

Many men and women today are dying their hair regularly in order to make it look lighter or give it some highlights. Others shy away from a change they may want because of the harsh chemicals involved in hair dye. However, there are natural ways to give your hair a lighter color without using hair dye. You may have heard of using hydrogen peroxide to bleach your hair, but this method comes with complications. Hydrogen peroxide bleaching strips the natural pigment from your hair, making it just about as damaging as hair dye. Lemons have long been known for their bleaching qualities, and the essential oil has been found to possess the same properties. Apple cider vinegar helps with lightening, but also leaves a shine and works to strengthen your hair. Rosemary and grapefruit essential oils help to protect your hair from damage in the sun and can help heal other pre-existing damage. Try out this hair-lightening spray to add some color and depth to your hair this summer!

Hair-Lightening Spray

Servings: Yield: 8 oz. (250 ml) | Time: 5 minutes active: 1 hour inactive | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. (25 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 30 drops lemon essential oil
• 15 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• Water
• 8 oz. Glass Spray Bottle

Instructions:

1. Place the apple cider vinegar with the essential oils in the spray bottle, and shake to combine. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water, and shake again to combine.
2. Spray the mixture through your hair, or in desired locations for highlights. The amount you use will depend on the length of your hair and the intensity of color desired.
3. Lie out in the sun for 30 minutes, check the color, spray again, and return to the sun until the desired color is reached. Some hair may take multiple exposures to reach the desired color, as this is a very gradual process.
4. Once you finish lightening your hair, wash your hair out thoroughly, making sure to apply plenty on conditioner to rehydrate your hair.

This recipe is created as a general rule of thumb for most hair colors. This should not be used on dark hair, as it can cause brassy colors or damage to your hair. If you have a strong pigment in your hair and the color isn’t taking quickly, you may need to increase the amount of lemon oil.

Make sure to keep an eye on how your hair is reacting in the sun. Some hair colors and pigments may lighten faster, while others could take much longer. Don’t get discouraged if it’s a slow process; it can take a few exposures to show extreme differences.

While you’re waiting for the lightening spray to work its magic, you can lie out in the sun with a good book or simply get some yard work done. Whatever you do, just don’t forget sunscreen!