A lot of people are looking for natural alternatives to almost everything these days. If you are one of them with gray hair, you’ll be excited to know that you can tint and blend your gray hair into a golden blonde naturally with no harsh chemicals!
There are a couple of natural ways that you can use to turn gray hair to blonde. We will go over the most popular natural route, plus what to skip and why.
Natural Ways to Turn Your Gray Hair Blonde
Important Color Note: These natural methods add a yellow or golden tint to gray hair. Results can vary depending on your hair’s porosity and the shade of your gray hair. We recommend testing your preferred method first on a hidden section of hair before full application.
Why We No Longer Recommend Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is the most famous natural lightener, and it does tint gray hair yellow with repeated use. We no longer walk readers through it. The method only works with long sun sessions, and citrus residue on skin plus sunlight can cause phytophotodermatitis, a reaction that leaves severe, blister-like burns. On top of that, the acid is harshly drying, and on gray hair the result is a yellow stain rather than a true blonde.
If you want a natural route, the cassia method below gives a more even golden result without the sun step. For a controlled, lasting blonde, a salon demi-permanent or a professional lightening service is the reliable option.
Turning Gray Hair to Blonde Using Henna
Henna is a great natural alternative to traditional hair color that has been used for centuries. Normally, when we think of henna, we think of reds and darker hair colors, which are the most commonly used.
However, it is possible to color gray hair blonde with a plant often called Blonde Henna, though it is actually a different species.
What Is Blonde Henna?
Blonde henna is different from traditional henna. It’s actually made from a completely different plant called cassia obovata. It contains golden-yellow molecules.
On dark hair, it won’t show up. But gray or white hair (which lacks pigment) turns warm strawberry-blonde or golden wheat-colored.
Steps to Use Blonde Henna
Step #1: Gather your ingredients
You will need to purchase your blonde henna kit. These are widely available online. Also, make sure you have a few lemons on hand. The acidity of the lemon juice is required to release the golden dye from the plant fibers.
Step #2: Prepare your henna mixture
Follow the instructions in your kit. Most Cassia requires an acidic liquid (like lemon juice or chamomile tea) to release the dye.
The mixture needs to sit out for at least 1 to 4 hours (dye release time depends on temperature), and you have to use it within 24 hours. So plan to mix it up well before you apply it to your hair.
Step #3: Apply the mixture
Using gloved hands, apply the henna to the hair. Section the hair into four quadrants to make it easier to apply. Use your hands to really emulsify the color into the hair for perfect saturation.
This can get messy, so be sure to cover surrounding areas with a towel or some sort of covering. Cover the hair with a plastic shower cap.
Step #4: Process
Leave on for 1 to 4 hours. Gray hair is often “resistant” (low porosity), so you may need to leave it on closer to the 4-hour mark for the yellow pigment to take hold.
Step #5: Rinse and Condition
Rinse the henna out and shampoo and condition it as usual! Be careful because henna does stain easily, so make sure to rinse all the henna down the drain. Blow dry hair to reveal your hair’s new golden hue.
How Long Does Cassia Last?
Unlike red henna, which is permanent, Cassia is semi-permanent. Your golden hue will last about 4 to 6 weeks before fading. This makes it a great low-commitment option for trying out blonde tones.
Traditional hair color does not mix well with hair dyed with henna and can result in damage, so be sure to disclose any use of henna to your hairstylist.
Alternatives That Also Turn Gray Hair to Blonde
If these natural coloring techniques seem tedious or overwhelming, keep in mind that many salons offer low-toxic alternatives to traditional hair color. Ask your hairstylist for ammonia-free hair coloring.
You could also opt for highlights like foils or balayage. These techniques are great ways to blend your gray hair with blonde while limiting your exposure to chemicals.
Expert Note | Yashandeep Kaur
Lemon juice and Cassia are generally considered safe alternative methods to give a tint to your grey hair, but be cautious while using lemon juice, as it can significantly dry or weaken grey hair. Always protect your hair from further damage by doing proper conditioning.
Key Things to Remember:
- There are natural alternatives to hair color that can be used to turn gray hair blonde.
- Lemon juice works over time to turn gray hair blonde by using the sun to activate the citric acid.
- Blonde henna is a natural hair color that works in several hours to give gray hair a golden glow.
- There are also no ammonia, low tox hair color techniques and dye that can also help you blend gray and make your hair blonder.
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