Red hair is stunning, but sometimes you want to set new accents with your look. There are a number of options you can do at home, without visiting a hair salon. If your hair is dyed, a color-correcting shampoo can be used that slowly strips the color out of the dyed hair and thereby lightens your red hair. The more often you wash your hair, the lighter it gets. This works best with semi-permanent hair color. You can also use a hair color remover.

lighten red hair

Lighten Red Hair - But How?

Besides bleaching and dyeing your hair a new color, there are completely natural solutions if you want to lighten red hair. The darker the tone, the longer it takes for the natural solutions to lighten red hair. Texture can also affect the results of natural lightening, with fine hair getting the best results.

Use a lemon for this. Dilute the lemon juice with equal parts water or add the mixture to your conditioner. This makes sure the acid in the lemons doesn't damage your hair. Lemons tend to bring out natural lighter tones, such as a lighter blonde or brown instead of red undertones. Raw apple cider vinegar can be used the same way to bring out red undertones. Make sure to wash the solution out of your hair after about 30 minutes.

 

Lighten Red Hair Without Drying It Out

Another option is hydrogen peroxide. This solution is also diluted with water and should be applied for a shorter period (between 15 and 20 minutes), since peroxide lightens faster without drying out the hair the way bleaching does. Apply the solution with a spray bottle or cotton balls. This will lighten red hair gently. A mixture of honey and olive oil is another way to lighten red hair. It has to sit longer, though, to have an effect. Stir honey and olive oil together in equal parts and leave the hair mask on for up to an hour. This will lighten red hair by one shade.

 

Lighten Red Hair with Cinnamon?

If you add a teaspoon of cinnamon to a conditioner, you have to leave the mixture on for up to four hours. If you're unsure, let a professional work on your hair. If you want to have your red hair lightened or maybe want it blonde, several appointments may be needed. With a range of professional tools and products, color stylists can best judge how to lighten red hair and help map out the least damaging way to lighter hair.

If your hair is dyed, protect it and give it longevity by using a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask designed for color-treated hair. Letting your hair air-dry also helps preserve the color. Remember to use hair care products with a UV filter to keep red hair from lightening and the salon shade you wanted from fading.

 

Home remedies for lightening and caring for hair:

  • Lemon
  • Cinnamon
  • Organic apple cider vinegar
  • Olive oil and honey