As someone who has colored their hair multiple times, dealing with dark roots can be a hassle. But did you know that you can lighten those roots without the use of bleach? Yes, there are various methods that you can follow to achieve a lighter shade of roots, and that too without the risk of damaging your hair or scalp. So, if you’re looking for a safer alternative to bleaching, keep reading!
Understanding Dark Roots
Dark roots are a common occurrence among people who dye their hair. It’s the area near the scalp that grows back in its natural color after dyeing (often darker than the rest of the hair) due to the new hair growth. This can make the overall hair color look uneven and unattractive, especially if you don’t want to go through the process of bleaching it.
Why should you avoid bleaching?
Bleaching can be very damaging to your hair, especially if done frequently. The chemicals in bleach can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and hair breakage. Bleaching hair can also cause scalp irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, maintaining a bleached root-look requires frequent touch-ups that can add to the damage, ultimately harming the hair.
How to Lighten Dark Roots without Bleach?
There are several easy and quick ways to lighten dark roots without the use of bleach. Here are some of them:
1. Lemon Juice and Conditioner Method
One of the safest and most natural ways to lighten dark roots is by using lemon juice – the acidic properties of lemon juice work to strip the dark pigment from your hair without altering the color of the rest of your hair. It’s important to note, however, that using too much lemon juice or leaving it on for too long can dry out the hair and scalp, so be mindful of the guidelines below before following this method:
- Mix equal parts of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and conditioner in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to your roots and leave it for an hour or two.
- Use a shower cap to cover your hair and scalp, which help trap the heat and increase the impact of the treatment.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and condition it afterward.
- Repeat the process every week until your roots reach your desired shade.
2. Honey and Water Method
Honey is a natural lightening agent that contains hydrogen peroxide, which can help lighten the hair. Mixing honey with water can help to create a paste that is perfect for applying to roots to achieve a lighter look.
- Mix honey with warm water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to your roots, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the paste on for about an hour before rinsing it off with cool water.
- Condition your hair and repeat the process once a week to see a gradual lightening effect.
3. Chamomile Tea Method
Chamomile tea contains natural lightening properties that can help lighten hair over time. This method is painless and doesn’t expose your hair to harsh chemicals like bleach.
- Brew a pot of chamomile tea and let it cool down completely.
- Pour the tea over your hair (the cooled version) and gently massage your hair and scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave the tea on your hair for 30 to 60 minutes. Due to the tea’s anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can also help to soothe an itchy scalp during the duration that it’s left applied.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and condition well.
- For best results, use it before bedtime, and cover your hair with a shower cap. Allow your hair to air-dry overnight.
4. Baking Soda and Shampoo Method
Baking soda is known to help lighten hair color; these effects can also help brighten dark roots. Baking soda works by interacting with the melanin in your hair and changes the pH balance, leading to a bleaching effect.
- Mix baking soda with your regular shampoo in a 1:1 ratio.
- Wash your hair and massage the mixture onto the roots thoroughly.
- Leave the mixture on your hair for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it out with lukewarm water and conditioner.
- Repeat every two weeks for better results.
Time to Say Goodbye
Say goodbye to the hassle of dark roots and the potential harm caused by chemicals, invest some time in natural lightening methods mentioned above to achieve the desired result with healthier hair. It may take a longer time to see significant changes, but remember that lightening the hair without damage is worth the wait!
FAQ
- Q: Can I quicken the process of lightening my dark roots with baking soda?
- A: No, it’s recommended to leave the solution on your hair for no longer than 20-25 minutes, as leaving it on for longer can affect the scalp, leaving it dry and causing irritation.
- Q: How do I prevent further darkening of my roots?
- A: Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your hair care routine can help to prevent further darkening of roots. Furthermore, try limiting the number of times that you wash your hair, especially if you don’t engage in activities that cause excessive sweating
- Q: How long until I see improvements from the chamomile tea method?
- A: It’s important to keep applying the chamomile tea method to see visible lightening effects. Expect to see progress between three and four weeks of regular use.
- Q: How can I minimize the risk of hair breakage when attempting to lighten my hair?
- A: Avoid over-processing your hair by not using any method that involves exposure to heat or harsh chemicals.
References:
- “5 easy ways to lighten hair naturally” Healthline. Web.
- “How to Lighten Your Hair Naturally without Bleach” StyleCaster. Web.
- “How to Lighten Hair Naturally?” The Health Site. Web.