Many a person with dark brown to jet black hair want to stray in the lighter end of the color wheel at some point in their lives. Whether it's due to curiosity or an affinity to look like your idols, you don't have to go through a chemistry experiment! This article will teach you how to lighten dark hair in ways aplenty.

How to Quickly Lighten Your Hair Color

If you are concerned about taking your hair color into your own hands, the following steps will do the trick.

1. Squeeze lemons

Back in the days when hair salons were non-existent, I remember tales from old people that they use citrus fruits, such as lime and lemon, to lighten dark hair. Citric acid is actually one of the most effective natural hair lightening ingredients. So the next time life throws you lemons, squeeze them directly on your hair!

My only gripe is that this method can also dry out your hair, so use it with caution. The best way to use it is by mixing it with your conditioner or coconut oil, so you get hydrating and reparative benefits to counter the drying effects of lemon. You can also make a dilute solution of water and lemon with a 1:1 ration. Then pour the solution in a spray bottle so you can spritz it on your hair anytime.

2. Crush vitamin C tablets

You might also want to know how to lighten dark hair with citric acid, but without the hassles of squeezing all that fruit. Well, there's a lazy hack for that! Just take 10 vitamin C tablets and grind them in the blender. Then, mix the finely crushed tablets with your shampoo.

3. Rinse with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is praised for its antifungal and antibacterial properties that protect the scalp from dandruff and irritation. It also retains the normal pH of your scalp and leaves your hair feeling silky and manageable. This sweet-smelling vinegar also lightens your hair color! Simply mix six parts water with one part vinegar. Use this dilute solution as your hair rinse.

4. Boil rhubarbs

Rhubarb is not just for sauces, tarts, and pies. This spring darling brings a yellow hue to dark and medium brown hair, making it lighter in color. So, pull out some rhubarb from your garden and chop the stalks. Bring two cups of water and ¼ cup of chopped rhubarbs to a boil. Wait for it to cool. Then strain the water and use it to rinse your hair.

5. Use hydrogen peroxide

Want to know how to lighten black hair as fast as possible? This may not be the most hair-friendly method, but if you want dramatic changes, then apply hydrogen peroxide directly to your hair and let it sit until you achieve your dream hue.

Hydrogen peroxide is nature's chlorine-based bleach alternative, and hence, it features strong lightening properties. However, it also takes away your hair's natural oils, so don't do this too often.

6. Make a cinnamon hair mask

Cinnamon has subtle bleaching effects that is almost the same as being "sun-kissed" on the beach all summer. Mix a few tablespoons of cinnamon with a small amount of water until it becomes pasty. Next, add an adequate amount of conditioner to the cinnamon mixture to make it creamy. Then apply the final mixture into your wet hair. Make sure each strand is covered. Put on a shower cap and leave it overnight. After you wash your hair, you'll have a sweet-smelling mane with a golden glow. You can repeat the process until you achieve your dream hue.

7. Use salt

Adding salt to your hair may sound primitive, but haven't you noticed how swimmers and surfers usually have sun-kissed hair? Saltwater plus UV light lifts your hair color naturally. You can simulate this effect at home by massaging your hair with salt. Then let your hair sit under the sun for at least 15 minutes. Nonetheless, make sure you also stock up UV-protecting shampoo and conditioner if you don't want to dehydrate your hair.

8. Pour some alcohol

Lastly, want to know how to lighten dark hair in the most enjoyable way? First, buy vodka from the liquor store or steal one from your dad's cabinet! Vodka doubles as a cocktail and a hair lightener. It also helps correct brassy tones. To make a spritz, mix one part of the drink to two parts seltzer before you get buzzed.

9. Seek help from a professional hairdresser

Pale blonde shades such as ash and platinum may cause a medley of hair problems, especially if your hair has been color treated before. If you are lusting over pale blonde hues, be sure to ask your stylist how to lighten dyed black hair effectively with the least amount of damage. If your stylist thinks you're not yet ready for a serious commitment to bleach, then it's time to reconsider your options.

The Final Word

If you wish to have your hair dyed at a beauty salon, be sure to ask your stylist to evaluate your hair's condition. But if you don't have the time (and money) to spend on a beauty salon, there are always effective home remedies to bleach your hair without the bleach. Either way, be sure to give your locks extra tender loving care.