12 DIY Natural Hair Bleach At Home For Shiny Hair

Get salon-quality results at home with natural hair-lightening methods.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Zeel Gandhi, BAMS Dr. Zeel Gandhi Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS linkedin_icon
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on
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DIY Hair Bleach At Home

Image: Shutterstock

If you seek a brighter hair color without resorting to commercial bleaches with harsh chemicals, we have a solution. DIY natural hair bleach is a popular and gentle alternative that ensures stunning results without causing much damage to your hair. You can easily prepare the bleach at home using simple ingredients. In this article, we take a look at a variety of simple and effective remedies that utilize natural ingredients readily available in your kitchen or local store. These gentle methods can help you lighten your hair safely and effectively, leaving it looking healthy and vibrant. Keep reading to discover the beauty of natural hair bleaching!

How To Bleach Hair At Home

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can find detailed instructions on bleach hair at home to achieve the perfect shade of blonde below. However, before using any of the below-mentioned methods, always perform a patch test to check for allergic reactions. Use gloves to protect your hands from irritation.

1. Bleach Hair With Lemon Juice

DIY hair bleach with lemon juice
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup Warm Water (for normal hair)
    OR 1/4 cup Conditioner (for dry hair)
  • 1 Spray Bottle

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

2 hours

Process

  1. For normal hair, pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. For dry hair, mix the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Spray/Apply the lemon juice mixture onto your hair until it is completely saturated.
  3. Sit out in the Sun for 1-2 hours with the lemon juice in your hair.
  4. Wash and condition your hair.

How Often?

Once a week until you get the results you desire.

Why This Works

Lemon juice is one of the best natural bleaches for hair.

It helps lighten the color of hair as long as there is enough warmth to lift your hair cuticle and allow the lemon juice to penetrate your hair shaft.

protip_icon Did You Know?
Alternatively, you can add heat to your hair with a blow dryer. First, apply the lemon juice mix to your hair. Then cover your hair with a shower cap. Set your blow dryer to a low setting and apply heat evenly over your hair for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Bleach Hair With Honey And Vinegar

DIY hair bleach with honey and vinegar
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • Towel

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

Overnight

Process

  1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture onto your hair until it is completely saturated.
  3. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave the mixture in overnight.
  4. In the morning, wash your hair with shampoo.
  5. Finish with conditioner.

How Often?

Once a week until you achieve your desired results.

Why This Works

Both honey and vinegar have bleaching properties which help lighten your hair.

Using this treatment will lighten your hair by at least one shade.

3. Bleach Hair With Vinegar

DIY hair bleach with vinegar
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • Spray Bottle

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Pour the water and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and shake to combine.
  2. Spray the diluted vinegar all over your hair until it is completely saturated in the liquid.
  3. Wait with the vinegar on for about 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse off with cool water.

How Often?

Once a week until you achieve your desired results.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar has bleaching properties which will leave your hair with reddish highlights while lightening it.

A blogger shared her experience of using apple cider vinegar for hair. She started following a no-poo routine and washed her hair with vinegar once.She noticed that her natural dark brown hair color was starting to lighten. In her blog, she mentioned, “I have noticed a reddish tinge that wasn’t there before, and overall my natural dark brown color looks faded and washed-out (i).”

4. Bleach Hair With Honey And Olive Oil

DIY hair bleach with honey and olive oil
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

  1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl to get a smooth mixture.
  2. Apply this mixture to your hair and go out in the Sun.
  3. Wait in the Sun for about an hour with the mixture in your shampoo.
  4. Shampoo and condition your hair.

How Often?

Twice a week until you achieve your desired results.

Why This Works

Honey is a great emollient as well as a bleaching agent.

When used in combination with olive oil, it helps condition your hair while lightening it.

5. Bleach Hair With Chamomile Tea

DIY hair bleach with chamomile tea
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 cup Freshly Brewed Chamomile Tea
  • Spray Bottle

Prep Time

10 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

  1. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool until it is slightly warm.
  2. Pour the brew into a spray bottle and spritz your hair.
  3. Saturate all of your hair or individual sections in the brew and wait out in the Sun.
  4. Wait for about 30 minutes with the solution in your hair.
  5. Wash off with shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

1-2 times a week until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

Chamomile is a good lightening agent. Saturating your hair with the tea will help lighten your hair and add subtle highlights.

6. Bleach Hair With Cinnamon

DIY hair bleach with cinnamon
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup Conditioner
  • 1/2 cup Cinnamon

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

3-4 hours/Overnight

Process

  1. Combine half a cup of hair conditioner with enough cinnamon to get a thick paste.
  2. Apply this mixture onto your hair and leave it in for about 3-4 hours. Optionally, you can leave the mixture in overnight.
  3. In the morning, wash your hair with shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

Cinnamon lightens your hair leaving it looking rich and dimensional. It also protects your hair from the Sun and contains antioxidants which prevent hair damage.

7. Bleach Hair With Henna Powder

DIY hair bleach with henna powder
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 3 tbsp Henna
  • 1/2 cup Hot Water

Prep Time

12 hours

Processing Time

2-3 hours

Process

  1. Combine the henna with hot water to get a smooth mixture.
  2. Let the mixture sit overnight to help the color activate.
  3. In the morning, apply the henna mixture onto your hair and leave it on for about 2-3 hours.
  4. Wash your hair and style it as you normally would.

How Often?

1-2 times a month.

Why This Works

While henna darkens light hair, it can add reddish highlights to hair that is very dark. This DIY hair bleach helps enrich your hair color and add dimension to the hair.

8. Bleach Hair With Rhubarb

DIY hair bleach with rhubarb
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/4 cup Chopper Rhubarb
  • 2 cups Water

Prep Time

15 minutes

Processing Time

10 minutes

Process

  1. Boil the rhubarb is 2 cups of water.
  2. Strain rhubarb-infused liquid and set it aside to cool.
  3. Once it has cooled, apply the solution to your hair and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
  4. Do not leave the mixture on for longer as the pectin in rhubarb can make your hair sticky.
  5. Wash your hair with shampoo and finish with conditioner.

How Often?

Once a week until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

Rhubarb works as a good lightener for blonde or light brown hair. It contains oxalic acid which helps it stay in your hair, making it last longer as a hair rinse.

9. Bleach Hair With Baking Soda

DIY hair bleach with baking soda
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup Baking Soda
  • 1/2 cup Warm Water

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

  1. Combine the baking soda with warm water to get a smooth and consistent paste.
  2. Apply this paste onto your hair and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Periodically check your hair to see if it is lightening. At 20 minutes, rinse the baking soda out with water if you are happy with the results. If not, leave it on for a bit longer.
  4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and condition.

How Often?

Once a week until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

Baking soda is one of the most versatile ingredients that you can find in your kitchen. It is an effective bleaching agent which helps lighten your hair. It is also used as a mild hair cleanser and as a teeth whitener.

10. Bleach Hair With Salt

DIY hair bleach with salt
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Warm Water
  • Spray Bottle

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

  1. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in half a cup of warm water.
  2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spritz your hair until it is completely saturated.
  3. Leave the salt water solution on for about 15 minutes. For better results, sit under the sun while you wait.
  4. Wash and condition your hair.

How Often?

Once a week until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

Have you ever noticed that your hair appears lighter after you go for a dip at the beach? The salt in the seawater, in combination with the heat of the sun, helps lighten your hair. You can get the same results at home with a tablespoon of salt.

11. Bleach Hair With Vitamin C

DIY hair bleach with vitamin c
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 10-15 Vitamin C Tablets
  • Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  • Conditioner

Prep Time

2 minutes

Crush 8-9 Vitamin C tablets and mix into the amount of shampoo you would normally use on your hair. Shampoo as usual and follow with conditioner.

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

  1. Take your regular amount of shampoo and, to it, add 10-15 crushed vitamin C tablets.
  2. Rinse your hair and massage the vitamin C and shampoo mixture into your scalp and hair.
  3. Thoroughly cleanse your hair for about 5 minutes and then rinse the shampoo out.
  4. Condition your hair.

How Often?

Once a week until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

The citric acid in the vitamin C tablets helps lighten your hair. This treatment also gives your scalp a vitamin C boost, which helps promote hair health.

12. Bleach Hair With Peroxide

DIY hair bleach with peroxide
Image: Shutterstock

You Will Need

  • 1/4 cup Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Solution
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • Spray Bottle
  • Clips For Sectioning

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

30 minutes-1 hour

Process

  1. Wash your hair with shampoo to remove the oils from your hair.
  2. Once your hair is dry, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (developer) and water.
  3. Pour this solution into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your hair to saturate it.
  4. While applying the hydrogen peroxide to your hair, work in sections to ensure that every strand is covered.
  5. Optionally, if you just want to highlight your hair, use a cotton ball to apply the peroxide onto the strands you wish to lighten.
  6. Once you’ve applied the peroxide, wait for about 30 minutes for it to lighten your hair.
  7. For better results, sit under the sun as the heat will help process your hair.
  8. At 30 minutes, check if your hair has lightened enough. If it hasn’t, leave it on for longer.
  9. Thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo and condition.

How Often?

Once in two weeks until you get your desired results.

Why This Works

While this is not a natural remedy, using peroxide to bleach your hair is much safer than using bleach. This treatment significantly lightens your hair without damaging it as bleach does.

If your hair feels too dry after these natural bleaching methods, consider deep conditioning your hair with a natural oil, like coconut or argan, to restore moisture. Also, avoid using ingredients like lemon juice and peroxide if your hair is damaged or overly processed, as they may dry out your hair even more.

Side Effects Of Hair Bleaching

Hair bleaching is a chemical process that lightens your natural hair color to help you achieve your desired hair color. While this technique can give you the hair color of your dreams, it can also lead to the following side effects:

  • It can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
  • It can irritate the scalp, causing redness, itching, or burning sensations, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
  • Bleaching powder contains persulfate salts that may cause wheezing and breathlessness (1).

The only way to avoid these risks is by using natural remedies for hair bleaching. Here we explore how to lighten your hair without bleach with a range of natural alternatives. Learn how to prep your hair for using them in the next section.

How To Prepare Your Hair

If your hair is not in good condition, these methods can dry your hair out. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, start oiling your hair 2-3 times a week from two weeks before when you are to bleach it. It is also advised to use a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a week. You can also use a hydrating serum and oil, like coconut or argan, to protect your strands against the potential drying effects of the bleaching process.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can use hydrating hair packs made with ingredients like honey, berries, watermelon, cucumber, aloe vera, avocado, and milk. Use a hair pack at least once a week or fortnight for a month before bleaching hair.

On the day you are to bleach your hair, gather all the supplies you will need, such as hair clips, spray bottles, old towels, etc. Also, shampoo your hair well to ensure it is free from dirt and product buildup. Scroll down to find out how to bleach hair properly at home.

Infographic: Points To Keep In Mind While Bleaching Your Hair At Home

If you are someone who does not want any harsh chemicals on your hair, several natural ingredients may work perfectly to bleach your tresses. These DIY methods are effective and easy to follow. However, you must keep some important points in mind before naturally bleaching your hair at home. Check out the infographic to know more.

points to keep in mind while bleaching your hair at home (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Natural hair bleach offers a gentler alternative to traditional chemical bleaches. It allows you to achieve your desired hair color without sacrificing its health. While the process may take longer than using commercial products, the results can be truly transformative. Simple and safe natural ingredients, including henna, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, lemon, honey, baking soda, etc. can help you lighten your hair gradually and safely. So, if you are looking for ways to transform your hair without inflicting damage on it, try these simple, easy-to-use techniques that are kind to your hair and give you the desired results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do after bleaching my hair?

Even though these treatments are natural, lightening your hair can affect its health and texture. To ensure that your hair remains healthy follow bleach hair care tips such as deep conditioning, avoiding heat, using heat protectant, and oiling your hair with oils like coconut or argan oil for at least the first two weeks post-bleaching.

Is bleaching hair bad?

Bleach damages your hair. However, since these treatments are natural, they do not have the same effects on your hair as bleach. With a good hair care routine, your hair will feel like it was never processed at all.

How long do I wait in between bleaching sessions?

Depending on what method of bleaching you are using, space your bleaching sessions at a week or two apart.

How often can I bleach my hair without damaging it?

Using these natural treatments will allow you to bleach your hair 2-3 times a month without any harm that can’t be fixed with a deep conditioning or protein treatment. However, if you are using chemical bleach, it may alter porosity and pH balance of the hair strands. Hence it is not recommended to bleach your hair more than 1-2 times a month, depending on your hair texture.
Bleaching hair at home has never been easier. With these natural methods, you can lighten your hair a couple of shades or get some subtle highlights with no damage! Have you tried any of these natural bleaching methods? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

Can you mix baking soda and peroxide to bleach hair?

Yes. You can mix baking soda with peroxide to bleach your hair. Applying this mixture evenly throughout your hair and leaving it on for 15 minutes to one hour (depending on how dark your hair is) can give you the desired results.

Can you mix lemon juice and peroxide to bleach the hair?

Yes. You can mix lemon juice with peroxide to bleach your hair. Lemon juice is also known to lighten hair.

Does toothpaste bleach your hair?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying toothpaste to your hair for an extended period may bleach it. However, limited studies are available to prove this claim.

Does Epsom salt bleach your hair?

Yes. Epsom salt is safe to use on your hair, and using it with baking soda and water may help lighten your hair.

Can you put bleach on wet hair?

Yes. You can put bleach on wet hair. In fact, bleach can process faster when applied to wet strands.

Key Takeaways

  • Avoid using natural cures excessively as they may harm your skin and hair.
  • Before utilizing any hair lightening procedures, speak to a physician or professional stylist if you have any hair issues.
  • Spending time outdoors in the sun may naturally lighten your hair.
  • Perform a patch test before using any of these methods, as some individuals may have skin or hair sensitivities to certain ingredients.

Illustration: Homemade DIY Hair Bleach At Home Naturally

diy hair bleach at home

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Nail DIY-dyeing your hair at home and get the metallic gray look you’re dreaming of! Learn how to bleach your hair with this easy tutorial hassle-free. Check out the video below!

Personal Experience: Source

StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. No-poo causing unwanted lightening
https://no-poo.livejournal.com/57201.html

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Respiratory toxicity of persulphate salts and their adverse effects on airways in hairdressers: a systematic review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9489562/
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Dr. Zeel Gandhi
Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS
Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations.

Read full bio of Dr. Zeel Gandhi
Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Ramona Sinha
Ramona SinhaEditor
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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