Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar: Tips to Naturally Lighten Your Hair (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Abundant baking soda plus a bit of brilliant apple cider vinegar may just become the best friends for lightening locks. Learn how to harness the power of these two ingredients in your very own kitchen to lighten your hair without harsh chemicals.

From golden sun-kissed highlights to an all-over lighter hue, this powerful pair can do it all. Now, it’s about revealing the secrets of safe, effective, and budget-friendly hair lightening right at home.

Does Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar Lighten Hair?

Yes, baking soda and apple cider vinegar are going to lighten your hair. Baking soda removes stains and lightens semi-permanent hair color. Apple cider vinegar will cleanse buildup and add to scalp health. When combined, this creates a chemical reaction that opens up the cuticles of the hair, removing any product buildup or excess oils.

Cautions remain that baking soda does tend to dry and make the hair rather brittle. So, dilution of the solutions after and conditioning is a must. However, apple cider vinegar is more gentle and conditioning right from within. It’s the safest and can be used as frequently as possible.

Glean more details down below for highly effective methods, including precautions—you won’t want to miss it!

Does Baking Soda Lighten Hair?

Absolutely, baking soda does lighten hair, primarily by removing stains and semipermanent hair color. Its strength lies in its alkaline nature, helping to open hair cuticles and strip away color molecules, preventing brassy tones.

While a few washes might be necessary to achieve the desired shade, it’s a natural DIY method that spares you harsh chemicals. Beware, though – baking soda can cause dryness. Follow up with deep conditioning and treatments like apple cider vinegar to balance and condition your hair afterward.

How Does Baking Soda Work on Hair?

Baking soda works on hair by opening the hair cuticle, thanks to its alkaline pH. This increases hair’s porosity, allowing it to absorb and lighten with exposure. Here’s how it functions:

1. Bleaching: Removes color stains and semi-permanent dyes.
2. Porosity: Enhances the absorption of lightening agents.
3. pH: Alkaline properties aid in cuticle opening.
4. Hair Health: Can make hair dry and brittle, so use cautiously and follow with conditioning treatments to maintain hair health.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective for Lightening Hair?

Yes, apple cider vinegar could be used to lighten your hair naturally. The acidity will help clean out build-up and residual color on the hair for lightening while it does its part in scalp health and growth.

Mix the apple cider vinegar with water at a ratio of 1:6; apply to your hair and let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse plenty. It can be used twice a week at most to keep hair healthy while achieving lighter shades.

What Happens When You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar?

When you mix baking soda and apple cider vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs that can have surprising effects on your hair. The acidic vinegar helps open up the hair cuticle, allowing the baking soda to penetrate deeper and work its lightening magic.

This combination can gently remove product buildup, excess oil, and even some semi-permanent hair color. However, it’s important to use these ingredients cautiously, as the reaction can also leave your hair feeling dry and frizzy if not properly balanced.

Moderation is key for healthy, lightened locks.

Baking Soda Vs. Apple Cider Vinegar: Lightening Comparison

When comparing baking soda and apple cider vinegar for hair lightening, baking soda works as an abrasive, lifting stains and fading semi-permanent dye. In contrast, apple cider vinegar’s acidity helps to subtly lighten and promote shine without damaging hair.

• Baking Soda:
  • Abrasive, effective for fading hair dye
  • Can cause dryness and brittleness
• Apple Cider Vinegar:
  • Gentle, acidic, and conditioning
  • Less potential for hair damage

Consider lemon juice, honey, chamomile, cinnamon, or vitamin C as natural alternatives to enhance lightening results (Source).

Baking Soda Alone for Hair Lightening

When comparing baking soda and apple cider vinegar for lightening hair, using baking soda alone stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Create a baking soda paste with one teaspoon of baking soda and water. Massage it gently into your hair, ensuring even coverage. Leave the paste on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

This method can gradually lighten your hair. However, be cautious with exposure time to prevent dryness and always follow up with a deep conditioner to maintain hair health.

Baking Soda With Hydrogen Peroxide: a Lightening Method

When mixed with hydrogen peroxide, baking soda becomes a potent hair-lightening method. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Paste: Combine 2 tsp of baking soda with 1 1/2 tsp of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Application: Evenly apply the paste to your hair, ensuring full coverage for the best results.
3. Timing: Leave it on for 1 hour if you have dark hair, or 30 minutes for lighter hair.

Precautions When Using Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar

When using baking soda and apple cider vinegar to lighten your hair, remember these precautions for safe application. Avoid irritation: dilute the solutions before use. Apply post-wash conditioning to combat potential dryness or brittleness. Consider ingredient substitution if you have sensitive skin. Maintain your hair’s pH balance for overall health.

Precaution	Details
Irritation Prevention	Dilute solutions before application
Post-Wash Conditioning	Counter dryness and brittleness
Ingredient Substitution	Opt for gentler alternatives if needed
pH Balancing	Helps in maintaining healthy hair
Use Sparingly	Avoid overuse to prevent damage

Take care, and your hair will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)