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Hair lightener. Make your own hair lightener

Submitted by Kate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups chamomile tea
  • 1 tablespoon of parsley
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Boil all the ingredients and let it simmer for 15 mins. Strain out the tea bags and parsley (make sure to remove all of the parsley) and let it sit till room temperature. Poor on to hair over a sink and rinse two or three times. Your hair should be smelling nice and looking lighter!

The following was sent in by Answers

Before I answer the questions that have been asked 20X, first you need to understand how hair lightening works. When you lighten your hair, this is not something that will "fade" or can be undone. It's something that is permanent (except for covering it with darker dye).

When you go to a salon to have you hair professional chemically lightened, this is a two-step process. Or if you buy hair lightener in a box - same thing. The "developer" (usually a mixture of peroxide and ammonia = very harsh) opens the hair shaft and strips it of its natural color. Then the (blonde) dye is added to achieve the new shade. Results are different on each person, depending on the natural color of your hair.

This chamomile/lemon mixture acts in the exact same manner - except it is a "natural" method and not chemical. The lemon juice is the natural "developer" and the chamomile adds the warm blonde tones (unique to each person depending on the natural color of your hair.

If you've previously dyed your hair darker than its natural color (i.e. dyed it black), then your hair has not been stripped of its real color. The shaft has been opened and a darker pigment has been added. This will fade over time if you stop dying it black.

NOW THE ANSWERS:

Q: Will it work on naturally jet black hair?
A: No.

Q: Will it work on hair that is dyed black?
A: No. Not until the black dye fades or grows out.

Q: Can I use lime juice instead?
A: No. Lemon juice is a natural developer.

Q: Can it be bottled lemon juice?
A: Yes.

Q: Do I have to sit in the sun?
A: No. But if you don't then you need to use a hair dryer because it is the HEAT that makes the lemon juice work. 20 minutes with a hair dryer is as effective as 3 hours in the sun.

Q: Can I use a different tea?
A: No. The chamomile tea is what gives it the natural looking blonde tones.

Q: Can I just use lemon juice and nothing else?
A: Yes. The lemon juice is primarily what lightens the hair via a natural "chemical reaction." BUT it will look more bleach-blondy and harsh without the tea's tones.

Q: Will it work on brown (even dark brown) hair?
A: Yes. Not as effectively, but yes. You'll need to use more lemon, more heat, etc.

Q: Will it fade?
A: No. You've permanently lightened the hair.

Q: Should I wash my hair afterward?
A: Yes. After you have HEATED it with sun or blow dryer, wash it because the lemon will continue to dry out your hair.

Q: Do I need parsley?
A: No. Parsley promotes shine and hair growth. In this mixture it acts as the conditioner. It does nothing to contribute to lightening it. You can just use conditioner when you're done lightening instead.




Visitors comments



 
shampoo! Comments By: Sandy on 2005-06-08
Does washing one's hair soon after application of this brew counteract its effects?

TipKing says: It is just something that you may have to try.

 
Good idea!!! Comments By: n/a on 2005-06-08
I think that this is a great idea Kate! Thanks alot!
 
Question!!!!!!!!!!!!! Comments By: deena on 2005-06-11
How long do you leave it in your hair?

What color does it turn medium brown hair???

TipKing says: You are just going to have to try it. Start with a short time and then increase the time for different results

 
colored hair Comments By: jennie on 2005-07-11
i have natural blonde hair, but i dyed it dark brown and want it lighter. will this work on already colored hair, mad will it turn an odd color.
 
parsley? Comments By: ariel on 2005-08-03
what does the parsley do? Will it work without? I didnt use the parsley just the lemon and tea, but i didnt work.
 
dark hair Comments By: kim on 2005-08-11
does this tip make dark brown hair slightly lighter or completely blonde ?

TipKing says: It is just something that you need to try. All har types are different

 
smells great and works great! Comments By: Karin on 2005-08-12
Use hot but not boiling water to brew your tea. It steeps better.Add the lemon juice afterwords. You can skip the parsley, but it acts as a natural toner to remove brassy highlights. Just run your mix through a strainer to remove the parsley.
Put in a mister bottle, spray on, let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo, condition and go. Can use everyday or once a week, but will need to continue to use to get the nicest results. Sitting in the sun isn't necessary.

 
Havent tried yet Comments By: Ressha on 2005-08-19
Hey does any1 know what store can i go to find PARSELY.

TipKing Says: Any place that sells herbs.

 
lightening queen Comments By: anon on 2006-01-01
you dont have to use the parsely but this does work very well and gently lightens the hair
 
hair disaster Comments By: dee on 2006-01-10
so will this work on dyed black hair has anyone tried it
 



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