Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Dr Adeela Anees is a General Practioner of Medicine with a valid DHA, MRCP. She has a MD in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland. She’s had considerable experience in dealing with issues like Thyroid problems, Hypertension and Respiratory illnesses. Dr Anees’ is excellent at curating health plans for individuals to help them get the best results.
How Long Does It Take To Lighten Hair With Honey? And can does honey permanently lighten hair? I’ve answered all your questions in my article below. Check it out!
If you want to lighten your hair but do not want to use chemical treatments or bleach, you can a honey hair mask. The results will vary depending on the structure of hair strands, hair texture, porosity, and other factors.
Honey contains alpha-hydroxy acids that clear up dead cells from skin and hair tissue.
I have to warn not to have false expectations. A honey hair mask cannot make your tresses go from dark brown or brunette to blonde in minutes or even hours. But if you want hues of lighter highlights on your hair, honey hair masks are a great idea.
At A Glance:
Can honey lighten hair permanently? Here’s what out medical reviewer Dr Adeela Anees had to say about this topic.
- According to Dr Adeela Anees, honey can indeed lighten hair as “honey contains mild traces of hydrogen peroxide which is used in hair dye developers as a hair lightening agent“. But she continues that “the traces of hydrogen peroxide in honey isn’t large enough to completely bleach your hair“.
- So “…honey can indeed lighten your hair but only by 1-2 shades not more than that.”
- Dr Adeela Anees further confirms that “honey should be left on hair for at least 2-3 hours under a hair cap to help it lighten hair enough to show visible results“.
- Furthermore she says that “honey might not be a suitable hair mask ingredient for people with oily scalps, skin sensitivities to honey, and dandruff-prone scalps as it’s very thick and viscous in nature and might make hair and scalp greasier“
- She also suggests that “you can add other natural lightening agents to honey such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar that can increase the lightening procedure due to their acidic pH levels”
How Long Does It Take To Lighten Hair With Honey
If you want to lighten your hair naturally using honey, you’ll have to keep it on for at least two to eight hours. It takes between 2-8 hours to lighten your hair with honey so make sure you don’t have any prior appointments on that day.
You even leave the honey hair masks overnight to keep your day free.
How To Lighten Hair With Honey Naturally
Make the honey mixture: The first step to lightening your hair using honey is to make the bleaching mixture.
Sure, you can just use honey and water, but there are several other combinations that help nourish your hair and might vary according to your hair texture and scalp conditions.
Some of the other ingredients you can use with honey include water, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, olive oil, lemon juice, and others.
To make the mixture, take a bowl and add honey and the second ingredient in the ratio 4:1.
Mix the ingredients well and use a brush to apply this to your hair.
Apply it on your hair: I always drape a towel over my back to prevent the honey from getting on my clothes. Also, I use alligator hair clips to section off my locks.
This makes application easier and ensures the honey coats every single strand.
After the honey mixture is applied to my entire head, I use my fingers to gently massage it in.
Leave it on: Let this mixture sit on your hair for at least two hours. But if you want better results you should leave the honey overnight.
Wear a shower cap and pin it up so you don’t get honey all over your pillowcases.
If you don’t leave the honey hair mask on your locks for a sufficient time, it won’t be of much use for lightening hair.
However, it will still make for a good deep conditioner and leave your hair and scalp moisturized.
Wash your hair: After the stipulated time is over, rinse the honey from your hair. Then, wash your hair as you’d usually with shampoo followed by conditioner.
Note: If your hair feels too sticky or greasy after using this honey hair lightening hack, you can reduce the amount of honey in the mixture.
Related: How To Lighten Hair Without Bleach
Here are some ways you can enhance the bleaching powers of honey by making your own DIY honey hair masks.
Honey With Water
As I’ve said, you can simply use honey with water to lighten your hair. But for added effect, I use distilled water instead of normal water.
Distilled water has a low mineral content and has an almost neutral pH which helps generate more hydrogen peroxide.
I also suggest using a shower cap after applying honey with water as the heat generated will activate the honey mixture and help it penetrate your strands better.
Honey With Conditioner
If you have really dry hair and want the benefits of moisturization as well as hair lightening you can try this trick.
All you have to do is mix 1/3rd of a cup of honey with 1/4th of a cup of any hair conditioner you use.
I suggest going for the silicone-free variety as it doesn’t cause much product build-up.
You can transfer this mixture into an empty shampoo bottle or conditioner bottle and use it every time you take a shower.
This way you don’t have to create a mixture every single time.
Instead of leaving your conditioner on for 10-15 minutes like you usually would, you should keep it on for the specified 2-8 hours instead.
How To Lighten Hair With Honey and Lemon Juice and Cinammon
Honey can produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide which is a bleaching agent. And this is what makes your hair lighter.
By adding ingredients like cinnamon and lemon juice you can increase the production of hydrogen peroxide, making the honey mixture more effective.
Lemon juice is acidic by nature, hence it already makes for a great lightening agent.
So using these three ingredients together can give you much better results than just using honey or water.
A word of caution though. The lemon juice has a high acidic content which can leave your scalp dry and itchy.
It’s a fantastic ingredient if you have oily scalps, but if you have a dry hair issue, I don’t recommend using it on its own.
If you have dry hair, add a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil for that extra dose of hydration.
Honey With Coconut Oil
Another great option to lighten your hair while keeping it nourished by using coconut oil.
Coconut oil is an especially good moisturizer for curly hair.
You can mix organic virgin coconut oil with honey and apply it as a hair mask overnight.
I sometimes use a warm towel to wrap my hair with as the heat helps the strands absorb the mixture better.
I would also suggest going for coconut oils that have been cold-pressed. These retain more nutrients and vitamins than regular brands.
You can also replace coconut oil with argan oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. The latter is much better if you have an oily scalp or skin.
Honey With Apple Cider Vinegar
Just like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar also has an acidic nature which makes it a great addition to your hair-lightening mixture.
Diluted apple cider vinegar is also much better than lemon juice (which can be too strong) for fighting itchiness, dandruff, and product build-up on your scalp.
You can use apple cider vinegar in the same 4:1 ratio as the honey-water mixture. For example is, add four teaspoons of honey to one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
Using honey to lighten your hair isn’t a new age fancy. It’s an age-old tradition that was practiced by Greeks and Egyptians as well.
In fact, the benefits of using honey for your hair have been well documented in the Ayurveda.
Here are some questions I frequently get asked when it comes to lightening hair using honey.
Is it safe to lighten hair with honey
The thought of lightening your hair with a natural ingredient like honey may seem very appealing at first. After all, most of us don’t like dealing with harsh chemical processes. But can you get the same results as conventional hair dyeing and lightening products, with honey?
It appears that honey can in fact be used to lighten hair. Some believe this is because the honey contains hydrogen peroxide. However, the amount is minimal and not enough to bleach the hair by itself. As a result, it is necessary to combine the honey with other natural ingredients, such as lemon juice, for the process to be effective.
The benefits of this process are that it is cheaper than regular hair bleaching and dyeing, and it uses natural ingredients, which can be very gentle on your scalp and hair. There is also a lack of requirement for repeated treatments, unlike chemical treatments. However, the amount of time required for lightening to be achieved varies greatly and can be unpredictable, as honey will not lighten hair as quickly as commercial bleaching agents.
Although honey can lighten your hair and has plenty of benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have natural dark hair, the process may not work as effectively, or it may not work at all. Additionally, the lightening effect may be uneven, and it may take several treatments over a long period of time to get to the desired lighter shade.
Moreover, as with any skin or hair dyeing process, the DIY hair lightening with honey may be accompanied by some side effects, such as scalp irritation or dryness. Using too much lemon juice can cause further splitting, drying and frizziness. Therefore, it is important to treat the lightening process with care, and to avoid any unnecessary exposure to the sun or excessive stress on your hair. It is also important to note that, as with any other non-professional hair dying technique, the results are not guaranteed.
In conclusion, it is possible to lighten your hair with honey; however, it can be difficult to predict how effective it will be for you. And, although it is gentler than standard chemical bleaching, there are still some risk factors that must be taken into account. Therefore, if you are looking for a natural way to lighten your hair, it is important to consult a professional beforehand, to ensure the method is suitable and safe for you.
FAQs about lightening hair with honey
Does honey turn dark hair white?
Honey cannot turn your hair completely white as the bleaching agents present in it aren’t that strong. However, it does turn your locks a couple of shades lighter than usual.
This happens as honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase which breaks down glucose to form hydrogen peroxide, a form of bleach.
Does honey lighten hair permanently?
Honey does not lighten hair permanently. Not does it completely remove color from your tresses. All it does is turn your hair a few shades lighter.
For example, if you have dark brown hair, using hair masks like honey and lemon juice regularly can turn your hair into a light chestnut or caramel color.
But if you want something permanent, or drastic, you should get your hair bleached and colored by a professional.
What are some possible side effects of lightening hair using honey?
There are almost no possible side effects of lightening hair using honey. If you’re severely allergic to honey then it’s obviously a bad idea.
But overall there’s no damage done to your hair if you use honey.
Some women have complained about honey leaving their hair limp and greasy. This problem. .however, is also easily solved if you use a good clarifying shampoo to wash your hair.
Will honey lighten dyed hair?
Yes, honey will work the same if you have dyed your hair or have natural hair. The bleaching pigment in honey, hydrogen peroxide, works on hair the same way.
However, you shouldn’t get your hopes up and start looking for lighter streaks with just one use.
You’ll have to consistently use honey for over 10-15 applications to see any changes.
And these changes will be gradual. Your hair won’t become 3 shades lighter instantly.
Also, this home remedy has a better chance of working if you use some acidic lightening agents like lemon juice, etc. along with honey.
Will applying honey to black hair turn it grey
The idea of applying honey to black hair to lighten it may seem appealing, but it’s essential to understand the consequences before trying the treatment. One of the most common concerns among those who want to use honey to lighten their hair is whether it could turn black hair into grey hair.
The simple answer is no; applying honey to black hair will not turn it grey. Grey hair is the result of a lack of melanin in the hair follicle, which comes naturally with age. Honey can only lighten the hair’s pigment to a certain extent, but it doesn’t have the ability to change one’s hair color to grey.
However, it’s important to note that honey may not lighten black hair as much as lighter hair colors. Moreover, honey can’t be seen as a magic fix for hair color; it may take multiple applications to see noticeable results.
Therefore, it’s imperative to have realistic expectations when it comes to the effectiveness of honey as a hair lightening agent. Lastly, it’s recommended to perform a patch test on a small section of hair before applying honey all over.
Honey may cause allergies or other side effects in some individuals, so it’s best to be cautious and safe. Overall, while honey is a natural and gentle alternative to harsh chemical hair lightening treatments, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be suitable for everyone and may not provide drastic results in a short amount of time.
How to lighten hair with honey and lemon
If you’re looking for a natural way to lighten your locks, honey and lemon could be the answer to your prayers. This dynamic duo has been used for centuries to brighten and lighten hair, and it’s still a popular choice today.
To try this at home, start by mixing honey and lemon juice together in a bowl. You can adjust the ratios depending on your hair color and desired level of lightening, but a good starting point is two parts honey to one part lemon juice.
Apply the mixture evenly to your hair, making sure to get it all the way down to the roots.
Use a hairbrush or comb to distribute it evenly and avoid any clumps or streaks. Once your hair is coated, cover it with a shower cap or towel to lock in the heat and help the mixture penetrate more deeply.
Leave it on for at least an hour, or overnight if you want more intense results. When the time is up, rinse the honey and lemon mixture out of your hair with warm water.
You may need to shampoo and condition as usual to get any residual stickiness out. Repeat this process once or twice a week until you achieve your desired level of lightness. It may take a few weeks or even months to make a noticeable difference, but be patient and you’ll see the results!
How long does honey lightened hair last
If you’re looking for a natural way to lighten your hair, honey could be the perfect solution. Many people have achieved impressive results using honey, and it’s a great alternative to harsh chemical dyes. But how long does honey lightened hair last? The truth is that it varies from person to person.
Some people find that their hair stays lightened for a few weeks, while others notice the effects lasting for several months. It depends on how frequently you wash your hair, how much time you spend in the sun, and how healthy your hair is.
One of the benefits of using honey to lighten your hair is that it’s nourishing and moisturizing. Unlike chemical dyes that can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and brittle, honey helps to lock in moisture and keep your hair healthy.
This means that even if the lightening effect fades after a few weeks, your hair will still look and feel great. To get the best results from honey lightening, it’s important to be patient.
Unlike chemical dyes that can produce drastic results in just a few hours, honey takes longer to work. You may need to apply it several times over the course of a few weeks to achieve the desired level of lightening. But the final result will be worth the wait!
Overall, honey lightened hair can last for several weeks or even months, depending on your hair type and care routine. But even if the effect fades over time, your hair will still thank you for using a natural, nourishing treatment like honey.
Will applying honey hair mask damage hair
If you’ve ever tried to lighten your hair, you know how damaging the process can be to your locks. Some chemicals can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. But what about natural remedies like honey? Will applying a honey hair mask damage your hair?
Well, honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps retain moisture in the hair follicle. This can actually be beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair. However, as with any hair treatment, too much of a good thing can be damaging.
If you apply a honey hair mask frequently or leave it on for too long, it can cause buildup on the hair and scalp. This can lead to a greasy, weighted-down look and even clog hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Additionally, honey does have some natural bleaching properties, but it takes a long time to achieve noticeable results. To lighten hair with honey would require several applications over a period of weeks or months, meaning you could potentially be damaging your hair with frequent use.
In conclusion, using a honey hair mask sparingly and for short periods of time can actually benefit your hair. However, using it too frequently or leaving it on too long can lead to buildup and potential damage.
As for lightening hair with honey, it’s a slow process that requires patience and consistent use, so proceed with caution.
Related: What To Do If Hair Dye Is Too Dark
Can I add honey to my shampoo?
Honey is a natural moisturizer, and adding it to your shampoo may help to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Honey also has anti-bacterial properties, which can help control the level of bacteria in your scalp. In fact, some research suggests that honey may be effective in treating hair loss due to dandruff and other scalp conditions.
However, before you add honey to your shampoo or any other beauty product, make sure to test it on a small patch first.
It is important to not that while many people like to make a shampoo with honey, there is no scientific evidence that suggests this is beneficial.
Conclusion
I’m a huge fan of home remedies! So you can see why this hack of lightening hair with honey has such appeal to me.
I also have coarse, thin hair. Bleaching it regularly would be a nightmare.
This is why I was so happy to have discovered how to lighten hair with honey.
It’s not just safe and natural, but also doesn’t put a hole through your pockets.
All the ingredients you’d need to lighten hair with honey are all right there in your kitchen.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Also Read:
How To Get Black Hair With Blue Tint Without Bleach
How To Dye Brown Hair Blonde Without Using Bleach
How Long Does Henna Last On Straight Hair
To Summarize
