Black hair is beautiful, nevertheless it sometimes feels in need of a change. If you have decided to try lightening them at home, you can choose between several options. Using a DIY dye or one of the natural ingredients suggested in this article will achieve a subtle lightening. Instead, to completely change the look, you will have to bleach them. Either way, read on to find out how and get ready to receive compliments from your friends.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Dye the Hair
Step 1. Choose a warm color if you want to get red or brown highlights
If your hair is black, choose a dye a few shades lighter than your natural color, unless you want to bleach it first. Don't try to achieve a radically different result, try a dark brown color. Usually black hair has a lot of auburn and reddish highlights in it.
If you want to achieve auburn brown color, choose a shade of this color. It will bring out the lighter natural highlights of your hair to give you the look you want
Step 2. Choose a colder color if you don't like red highlights
If auburn tones aren't your thing, opt for a colder color than your natural hair color. In this way they will be clearer without having red or coppery reflections.
Step 3. Protect skin and surfaces from dye
Before starting to lighten your hair, it is important to take certain precautions. Dyes can stain skin and clothing. Put on a pair of gloves and cover your shoulders with an old towel to protect your clothes from stains.
Step 4. Mix the developer milk with the contents of the tube of paint
Many "do it yourself" kits contain a plastic bottle and brush useful for mixing the two products. Stir until well blended. Generally the correct ratio is 1: 1, but read the instructions on the package carefully before starting. Precise doses may vary for each cosmetic house.
Step 5. Separate the hair into four sections
Start by doing the classic parting in the middle, which starts from the forehead and reaches the nape of the neck. The second subdivision must go from ear to ear instead. Use rubber bands and clips to keep the four sections of hair separate from each other.
Step 6. Apply the tint on one section at a time
Start with those on the back of your head and work your way up to the forehead. Start at the top of the section and use the brush supplied with the kit to apply the dye to an area of hair about 1 centimeter wide at a time. Continue spreading the mixture over one small area after another until you have finished the first section. Then move on to the next section.
Step 7. Leave the dye on for the required amount of time
This typically takes 30-35 minutes, but refer to the instructions to make sure you are doing it right. Find a pastime while the dye does its job.
Step 8. Rinse your hair with warm water
Gently massage them with your fingers, so that the dye comes off more easily. Before continuing, make sure your hair is perfectly clean; you can do this by checking that the water that falls on the bottom of the tub or shower is completely clear.
Step 9. Use shampoo and conditioner as usual
After rinsing your hair for a long time to completely remove the dye, wash and moisturize it as normal. If there was also a sachet containing a post-treatment product in the tint box, apply it as directed. When you are done, you can admire the result.
Method 2 of 3: Using Natural Products
Step 1. Try using honey, vinegar, olive oil and a spice
In a bowl, mix 240ml of raw honey, 480ml of white wine vinegar, one tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil, and one tablespoon (15g) of cardamom. Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth consistency. Once ready, distribute it evenly over your hair, then put on a shower cap. Leave the ingredients on overnight and rinse your hair in the shower the next morning.
For the best possible result, use unpasteurized raw honey. You can find it in a store that specializes in organic and natural foods
Step 2. Rinse your hair with chamomile tea
Make a cup using chamomile tea in bulk or sachets, then let it cool until it's lukewarm. Then pour it slowly over your hair, then let it air dry for about half an hour. At the end of the set time, use the shampoo and conditioner as usual. Chamomile brings out the lighter natural highlights of the hair.
This is a good method to use in the morning. You can make a cup of chamomile tea, apply it to your hair, and then wash it as you normally do to get ready to go out
Step 3. Use baking soda
Mix it with a little hot water until you get a thick paste. The doses vary according to the length of the hair. Once ready, spread the mixture into your hair, then let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.
Step 4. Add some ground cinnamon to the conditioner
Mix a pinch of it with a handful of conditioner, then distribute it evenly over your hair using a comb or your fingers. Collect them over your head and wear a shower cap during the pose time. The ideal is to apply the conditioner in the evening and wait until the next morning before rinsing. The next morning, after a shower, you should notice that your hair is slightly lighter.
Step 5. Use the rhubarb
During the summer, when it is in season, you can use it to lighten your hair. Pour 60 g of chopped rhubarb in half a liter of water, bring it to a boil and finally strain the liquid. Once cool, distribute the infusion on your hair and leave it on for 10 minutes, before rinsing.
Step 6. Lighten your hair with lemon water
Mix 250 ml of lemon juice with half a liter of water. Distribute the result on the hair and wait for it to dry naturally. Thanks to the lemon juice they will have a lighter tone.
Method 3 of 3: Bleaching the Hair
Step 1. Divide the hair into four sections
Two on the front of the head and two on the back, all roughly the same. Use rubber bands and barrettes to keep the four sections of hair separate.
Step 2. Dissolve the bleaching powder in hydrogen peroxide
Follow the instructions on the package carefully. Do-it-yourself bleaching kits generally contain an emulsion of hydrogen peroxide, a sachet of bleaching powder and sometimes latex gloves, a boule and a plastic brush for application. The hydrogen peroxide and the bleach must be mixed respecting specific proportions before they can be applied to the hair. The instructions in the package should indicate which proportions were used in the case of that specific kit. Generally the ratio is three parts of hydrogen peroxide emulsion for each part of powder bleach.
Wear gloves before handling the bleach
Step 3. Apply the mixture to the ends and lengths, but not the roots
Distribute it over one section of hair at a time, strand by strand. Start at the tips and work your way up, stopping 2-3 cm from the scalp. The roots will be discolored last, because the heat emanating from the head will cause them to lighten more quickly.
You have to proceed very quickly to be able to achieve a uniform color. The ideal is to have someone to help you during this part of the process
Step 4. Apply the bleach to the roots
After spreading it over the four sections of hair, use the supplied brush to apply the mixture to the roots as well. Use a thin-handled comb to lift the hair up and reach both sides of the roots. Start at the back of your head and work your way up to the forehead.
Be careful not to apply the bleaching mixture to your scalp. Try to get as close to the skin as possible, but without touching it
Step 5. Let the bleach take effect for the recommended time
Read the instructions carefully to know how long you need to leave it on. Wrap your hair in a plastic bag and wait. This will prevent the mixture from dripping, risking staining your clothes and surrounding surfaces; in addition, the lightening process will take place faster. Check your hair color every 4-5 minutes to see how it is developing.
The bleaching power will run out after about half an hour, so it is completely useless to leave the mixture on for longer. You would unnecessarily risk ruining your hair without getting any color benefit
Step 6. Rinse your hair with warm water to remove the bleaching mixture
Enter the shower and massage them gently with your fingers under the jet of water. It is important not to be in a hurry, so as not to risk leaving behind some residues.
Step 7. Use shampoo and conditioner as usual
After rinsing your hair for a long time, wash and moisturize it as you normally do. If, on the other hand, there was also a sachet containing a post-treatment product in the bleaching kit, apply it following the instructions given.
