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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



 
sorta... Comments By: anon on 2008-12-18
it kinda works but not really i have dark dark brown hair not colour treated and maybe i did it wrong ; but it didnt turn out so i sprayed sun in into my hair and blew dry it and it looks awsome there some light brown highlight !
 
For those asking about parsley Comments By: M on 2008-12-20
Parsley is a green herb, with a round stem and leaves (sometimes flat, sometimes curly depending on the type). It is the funny looking mini green plant that is often used as a garnish for all sorts of dishes in restaurants. And of course, it adds flavor to food cooked at home. EVERY SINGLE SUPERMARKET SELLS IT so no worries about searching for it. It's sold in mini bundles next to the fruits and vegetables and alongside other fresh herbs. By the way, it's also a natural breath freshener if you chew it.
 
help Comments By: Audrey on 2008-12-22
who did and had it work? please tell me what you did!!!
 
sounds good but.. Comments By: wishhy on 2009-01-25
i dont have any chamomile tea bags but i dont have lemon lime tea bags will this work too?
 
now it worked Comments By: carly on 2009-01-19
I tried it again and sat in the sun
It Worked!

 
Question! Comments By: Steph on 2009-01-25
Is the water supposed to be warm or cool? And the tea also?
 
So what this means is... Comments By: Kimmy on 2009-01-25
this stuff wont last long in your hair? i knida have winter formal in a weekand i want to know if it will stay in. I play soccer and i sweat so im a little nervous about this.
 
havent tried yet Comments By: jade on 2009-01-10
can u use green tea instead? i dont have any chamomile tea. sorry bit of a stupid question.
 
didnt work for me Comments By: carly on 2009-01-11
I tried it and i dont really see a difference maybe like one highlight or so but definetly not what i was expecting oh well
 
(: Comments By: Luna* on 2009-02-09
Worked pretty darn good!!
 



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