Are you looking to lighten your hair without using harsh chemicals? With the right supplies, it’s surprisingly easy to do.
I’m going to share how to lighten hair with a developer and baking soda, so you can safely lighten your hair at home, when you don’t want to bleach your hair, to achieve lighter hair. Read on for all the tips and tricks for a successful result…
What Is The Easiest Way To Lighten Your Hair Color?
If you want to lighten your hair color easily and on a budget, there are a few natural methods that you can try. These techniques are generally gentle on your hair and can provide subtle, natural-looking results.
First, consider using lemon juice to lighten your hair. To do this, simply mix two parts water with one part lemon juice in a spray bottle, and apply it to damp hair.
This mixture can lighten your hair by one to two levels, but it requires sunlight to be effective. Spend a day in the sun to let the lemon juice work its magic.
Alternatively, you can try using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a hair-lightening paste.
When using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to lighten the color of your hair, combine two teaspoons of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide until it forms a thick paste.
Apply this mixture to your hair, and let it sit for 15–20 minutes before rinsing it out of your hair and leave your hair to sit with a deep conditioning mask, and apply it to your hair from roots to tips.
Be cautious, however, as hydrogen peroxide can potentially damage your hair if used excessively or in too strong a concentration.
Finally, there are some hair brightening products available on the market, such as lightening mists or sprays. These products can be applied to your hair and typically provide gradual lightening over time.
How To Use Baking Soda To Lighten Your Hair
Baking soda is a versatile household ingredient that you can use to lighten your hair.
It works by penetrating the hair shaft and gently removing the current color. Here’s how to use baking soda to lighten your hair, step by step.
First, measure out the baking soda you’ll need. Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of baking soda with 3 US tbsp (44 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in a medium-sized bowl.
Mix these two ingredients until they form a smooth paste that will be easy to apply to your hair.
Next, prepare your hair for the treatment. Start with clean, dry hair, and divide it into sections for easier application. Put on gloves to protect your hands from the mixture.
Now, apply the baking soda paste to your hair. Using a tint brush or your fingertips, generously coat each section of your hair with the paste. Focus on the areas where you want to lighten it the most. Be thorough and make sure every hair strand is covered.
Once your entire head of hair is covered in the baking soda paste, put on a shower cap to prevent the mixture from dripping or drying out.
Leave the treatment on your hair for 30–60 minutes, depending on how much you want to lighten your hair.
During this time, the baking soda will work its magic on your hair shaft, lifting the color and revealing lighter tones.
When the time is up, rinse the baking soda paste thoroughly from your hair using lukewarm water.
Make sure to get all of the paste out of your hair to prevent any discomfort or irritation.
Follow up with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to restore any lost moisture and maintain the health of your hair.
Keep in mind, you need to watch your hair carefully during the process in order not to overly damage your hair.
Also, remember that results may vary depending on your hair type and base color. You might not achieve a dramatic color change in just one session, so be patient and repeat the process if necessary.
Be sure to space out your treatments to give your hair enough time to recover from each session.
How To Use Developer To Lighten Your Hair
Select the right developer to lighten your hair. We recommend a 40 volume developer for the most significant lift.
Keep in mind, higher volume developers can be harsher on your hair, so it’s essential to hydrate your hair and maintain its overall health.
Next, prepare the developer by following these steps:
- Find a well-ventilated area for your safety
- Put on gloves to protect your hands from irritation
- Pour the desired amount of developer into a non-metallic bowl
Now it’s time to apply the developer to your hair. Divide your hair into sections using hair clips to ensure even application.
Start by applying the developer to the bottom layers of your hair, working your way up.
Use an applicator brush to apply the developer evenly from the hair’s roots to the ends. Make sure to cover every strand thoroughly for the best results.
Developer lightens your hair when it penetrates the hair cortex (the inner layer of your hair), breaking down the pigments to lift and create a lighter color.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the developer work its magic for the recommended time, typically between 20 and 45 minutes.
Keep an eye on the progress, and be careful not to leave the developer in for too long, as this may damage your hair.
Once the desired lightness is achieved, it’s time to rinse the developer out of your hair.
Use lukewarm water to remove the developer thoroughly and follow up with a conditioner to help hydrate your hair, restoring its natural moisture and shine.
Which Volume Developer Is Best To Lighten Your Hair With Developer?
When you decide to lighten your hair with a developer, it’s essential to choose the right volume. Developer volumes range from 10 to 40, with each containing different levels of hydrogen peroxide.
A 10 or 20 volume developer is perfect when you want to lift your hair color by just one or two levels. The lower the volume, the gentler the process will be on your hair.
A 10 volume developer contains 3% hydrogen peroxide, while a 20 volume developer contains 6% hydrogen peroxide.
If your hair has more than 50% gray, using a 20 volume developer can provide 100% coverage when combined with permanent hair color.
30 volume developer is a popular choice for lifting your hair color by three or four levels. It contains 9% hydrogen peroxide, which is more powerful than 10 or 20 volume developers.
This level of developer is an excellent choice for those with brown hair looking to achieve a lighter shade.
Keep in mind that a higher volume developer, like hydrogen peroxide, will lighten hair more quickly, but it can also be more damaging.
It’s essential to consider your hair type and current health before choosing a higher volume developer, like a 40 volume developer.
A 40 volume developer contains 12% hydrogen peroxide and is used for drastic color changes, like going from dark brown to platinum blonde.
How To Lighten Hair With A Developer And Baking Soda
If you’re looking to lighten your hair at home, using a developer and baking soda is a simple and effective solution. This method can help lift your hair color and even remove hair dye without damaging your hair type.
To start, you’ll need a 20 volume developer, which is ideal for lifting the hair color without causing excessive damage.
Mixing it with baking soda will enhance its lightening properties due to the alkaline nature of the baking soda. Make sure you have a plastic bowl, gloves, and a hairbrush by your side for the process.
Begin by mixing equal parts of the developer and baking soda in a plastic bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick, consistent paste.
If the paste seems too thick, feel free to add more developer, but remember to adjust the amount of baking soda accordingly.
Once the paste is ready, put on your gloves and use your hairbrush to apply the paste to your hair. Make sure to cover all the strands evenly, focusing on the areas where you want to lift the hair color.
Be cautious to avoid applying the mixture on your scalp or skin as it may cause irritation.
Leave the paste on your hair for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your desired level of lightening.
Keep an eye on your hair periodically to ensure that it’s lightening evenly and not damaging your hair. If you notice any excessive dryness or damage, rinse the paste out immediately.
After the desired time, rinse your hair thoroughly, making sure to remove all the paste. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and nourish your hair.
Does Using Baking Soda and Developer To Lighten Hair Damage Your Hair?
When considering lightening your hair with a combination of baking soda and developer, you might wonder if this method can damage your hair.
Using baking soda and developer together can indeed cause some damage to your hair.
Baking soda is a highly alkaline substance which, while effective at breaking down the pigments in your hair, can also weaken and strip your hair of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
On the other hand, the developer is used to open up the hair cuticles, allowing the baking soda to penetrate and lighten the hair color.
However, using a higher volume developer (such as 30 or 40 volume) may weaken your hair because it also contains hydrogen peroxide.
The combination of baking soda and peroxide might be too strong and harsh for your hair, causing it to become more fragile.
To minimize the potential damage, it’s essential to take some precautions. Here are a few tips to help protect your hair during the lightening process:
- Perform a strand test: Before applying the mixture to your entire hair, test it on a small section first. This will give you an indication of how your hair will react to the solution.
- Choose a lower volume developer: Opt for a 20 volume developer instead, as it’s less damaging to your hair and still effective when combined with baking soda.
- Limit the exposure time: Leaving the mixture on your hair for too long can cause more damage. Aim to keep it on for no longer than 40–60 minutes.
- Deep condition after the treatment: Using a nourishing deep conditioner or hair mask can help to restore some moisture and nutrients to your hair, preventing dryness and breakage.
How Long Does It Take To Lighten Hair With Developer And Baking Soda?
When lightening your hair using a developer and baking soda, the time it takes to achieve the desired results can vary depending on a few factors.
First, you need to consider the strength of the developer you are using. Remember, the most common developer volumes are 10, 20, 30, and 40. For best results, opt for a 20 or 30 volume developer to lighten your hair.
The baking soda method is quite popular when it comes to lightening hair. Simply combine equal parts of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
When applying the mixture to your hair, it typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes for it to work its magic.
However, if you’re using a 20 volume developer and baking soda blend, you might need to leave the mixture on your hair for 40 to 60 minutes. It’s essential to do a patch test first to see how your hair reacts to the blend.
Hydrating your hair with a mask after using the developer and baking soda method is crucial since these ingredients can be harsh on your hair.
A good practice is to apply a hydrating hair mask after rinsing out the baking soda and developer mixture. This will help replenish the moisture in your hair and prevent damage.
When using a 30 volume developer to lighten your hair, the process generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
This higher developer strength is particularly useful for those with dark hair, as it allows more pigment to be lifted from the hair shaft.
However, keep a close eye on your hair while processing to avoid excessive damage or breakage.
Is It Better To Lighten Your Hair Using Developer And Baking Soda Than Hydrogen Peroxide?
Lightening your hair at home using a developer and baking soda can be an effective and cost-efficient method.
Baking soda is a household staple with various uses, including stain removal, odor reduction, and even teeth whitening.
When combined with a developer, such as 20 or 40 volume developer, it has the potential to lighten your hair color as well.
Before starting the process, check your hair’s condition. If your hair is damaged or excessively dry, it is better to seek professional help.
In comparison to hydrogen peroxide, using a developer and baking soda can give you better control over the degree of lightening and minimize damage.
To lighten your hair evenly, ensure you mix the developer and baking soda in appropriate quantities.
For instance, if you have light brown or dark blonde hair, using 20 volume developer and baking soda should suffice. On the other hand, if you want to lift your hair tint drastically, you may need a 40 volume developer.
Apply the mixture to your damp hair, as it will help your hair absorb the lightener better. Make sure to cover your hair completely and evenly with the mixture to achieve the desired effect.
Let the mix sit on your hair for the recommended time, which could vary depending on your hair type and initial color.
Keeping a close eye on the progress is crucial, as leaving the mixture on for too long may cause undesired hair lightening or, worse, damage your hair.
What Is the Best Ratio of Developer and Baking Soda for Hair Lightening?
When it comes to lightening your hair with a developer and baking soda, finding the right ratio is essential for achieving the desired results.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are some general guidelines that can help you tailor the mixture to your specific needs.
Start by using a 20 or 30 volume developer as these tend to work best for hair lightening. To decide which one suits your needs best, consider your natural hair color and the level of lift you desire. The stronger the developer, the more lift it will provide.
Once you’ve chosen the developer, it’s time to add the baking soda. Baking soda has alkaline properties, which help open the hair cuticle, making it an ideal addition to your developer mix.
A general rule of thumb is to mix equal parts of the developer and baking soda; for example, use 1 ounce of developer and 1 ounce of baking soda.
However, depending on your hair’s unique texture and the degree of lightening you want to achieve, you might need to adjust the ratio slightly.
If you have coarse or resistant hair, consider using slightly more baking soda to aid in the process. For those with fine or delicate hair, you may want to reduce the baking soda amount to avoid potential damage.
Always remember to do a strand test before applying the mixture to your entire head. By testing a small portion of your hair first, you can ensure you’ve got the right ratio for your specific hair type and desired results.
How Long Should I Leave the Developer and Baking Soda Mixture on My Hair?
It’s essential to give your hair the proper attention and care when lightening it with a developer and baking soda mixture. Let’s dive into how long you should leave this solution on your hair to achieve the best results.
Firstly, gather your supplies, such as a big plastic bowl, a brush, and a shower cap. Prepare your mixture by adding 4 parts baking soda, 3 parts developer, 1 part shampoo, and 1 part conditioner. Ensure you mix it well before application.
Apply the mixture evenly to the sections of your hair that you want to lighten, ensuring saturation without too much excess. It’s vital to avoid rushing this process to prevent uneven results.
Once you have completed the application, cover your hair with a shower cap. This will help maintain the moisture and heat inside, which helps the mixture work more effectively on your hair.
Regarding how long to leave the mixture on your hair, set a timer for 20 minutes to allow the solution to do its magic.
Keep in mind that it’s crucial not to exceed this time limit to minimize damage to your hair. Overall, the developer and baking soda mixture should be left on your hair for no more than 20 minutes.
After the timer goes off, be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly and follow up with a neutralizing shampoo to stabilize the pH balance of your hair.
Make sure you give your hair at least a week or ten days of rest between each application, depending on your hair texture, to keep it healthy and avoid over processing.
Can I Use Shampoo and Developer to Remove Hair Dye?
Yes, you can use a combination of shampoo and developer to remove hair dye from your hair. This method can help you remove traces of semi-permanent hair color, providing a fresh canvas for your next color application.
To achieve the desired results, mix equal parts of your regular shampoo and a 20-volume developer together in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your damp hair, ensuring even coverage from roots to tips.
Leave the mixture in your hair for 20–30 minutes, and remember to check the progress occasionally to avoid over-processing.
After the designated time, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a conditioner to restore moisture.
Your hair might feel a bit dry after this process, so it’s crucial to keep it well-nourished. Utilize a deep conditioning treatment or a hair mask to help replenish your hair’s natural moisture.
Keep in mind that this method might not work as effectively for removing permanent hair dye or stubborn colors.
If you’re planning to remove a vibrant or long-lasting shade, consider seeking advice from a professional hairstylist or try other methods, such as a color remover or stripping kit.
Is It Possible to Lighten Hair with Baking Soda and Conditioner?
Yes, you can lighten your hair with baking soda and conditioner.
To begin, mix equal parts of baking soda and your favorite conditioner to create a thick paste.
This combination will work together to provide the desired lightening effect, with the baking soda acting as a gentle exfoliating agent and the conditioner maintaining your hair’s moisture.
Apply the paste to your damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the tips. Make sure to cover all the strands evenly and avoid applying too much to prevent any flakes or residue.
Once your hair is fully covered, you can opt to use a shower cap to protect your hair during the process.
Allow the mixture to sit on your hair for about 30 minutes. This will give the baking soda and conditioner enough time to work their magic.
After 30 minutes, thoroughly rinse your hair with warm water and then follow up with your regular hair care routine.
Keep in mind that this method is designed for a subtle lightening effect, so you might not see dramatic results right away.
Also, the results may vary based on your hair type and color. You need to be patient and understand that several applications may be needed to achieve the desired level of lightness.
Can I Remove Black Hair Dye Using Developer and Baking Soda?
Yes, you can remove black hair dye using a developer and baking soda. It is a less harsh alternative compared to bleach and can lift your hair color to 1–2 levels when mixed with 20 volume developer.
To achieve this, you’ll need to leave the mixture on your hair for 40 to 60 minutes. Keep in mind that results may vary based on your hair type and texture.
Another option to remove hair dye naturally is by using baking soda combined with an anti-dandruff or clarifying shampoo.
This method can help gradually fade the hair dye, making it easier to change your hair color without the need for harsh chemicals or cutting your hair.
When using baking soda and developer to remove black hair dye, follow these steps:
- Create the mixture: Mix equal parts of baking soda and 20 volume developer in a bowl until you get a smooth consistency.
- Apply the mixture: Put on gloves to protect your hands and apply the mixture to your hair. Focus on the areas with the black hair dye. Make sure to cover all the dyed hair evenly.
- Time your application: Leave the mixture on your hair for 40 to 60 minutes. Check your hair periodically to see if the color is lifting.
- Rinse out: After the desired time has passed, rinse out the mixture thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Wash your hair: Shampoo your hair with an anti-dandruff or clarifying shampoo to help remove any residual dye particles. Condition your hair afterward to help restore moisture and improve its overall health.
Summary
Lightening your hair with a developer and baking soda is a simple yet highly effective way of achieving subtle, natural-looking results.
To get the best outcome, make sure you select the appropriate developer and mix it with baking soda in the right ratio.
Keep an eye on your hair during the process to avoid damaging it. Afterward, remember to take care of your hair by applying a nourishing conditioner or mask to replenish any lost moisture.
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