Can I lighten my hair with lemon juice and sunlight?

[cjr]

I have mousey hair and I hate it. It's that dull blonde shade. I love when my hair is highlighted, but I can never get an appointment to get it done. Plus I am trying to be a little more natural and less chemical. Would I destroy my hair if I spritz it with lemon juice before going out in the sun? I don't want a bleach job, just a boost of lightness.

[Ruthla]

I've done this, when I was a teenager. I didn't have much control over the color- my brown hair turned kind of orange when lemon and sun bleached.

[Spastica]

Lemon juice works better on blonde and light colored hair. Apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, (and red wine vinegars for more of a reddish tint, especially good on people who have some red to their hair) works better on brunettes (lemon tends to make brunettes more orangey than 'caramel').

After you're done with sun-streaking or even just using a blow dryer, take a shower and wash/rinse your hair. Lemon juice (dried) will make your hair feel tacky with the sugars and apple cider vinegar sprayed straight may feel oily after awhile.

Also, you can try adding a pinch of baking soda in your hand and mix it with your regular shampoo. This will get rid of any buildup and minerals in your hair that may be altering the color of your hair and making it mousey.

I've been doing no-poo (baking soda and apple cider vinegar) and my hair has lightened a bit naturally somewhat since I still blow dry my hair before leaving the house.

[kennedy444]

We've been using chamomille (sp?) for years. I brew a batch and make it pretty strong. Once it cools I put it in a spray bottle and bring it to the beach with us. Even my husband gets in on the action.

Besides working well it doesn't feel sticky or crunchy on your hair or skin.

[Spastica]

Yup! Chamomile tea works on blondes too, I forgot

I think -- regular tea is okay for brunettes.