Experiment: Chamomile to Lighten Hair

I had a fun experience lightening my hair using chamomile flowers from my garden, lemon juice, and honey. You can do it with chamomile tea bags, or loose leaf tea, if you don't already have flowers. I really loved this process and hope it works for you too!

Before chamomile treatment (L), and After two applications(R) (more updated photos coming soon!)

This recipe is very adaptable. You can add moisturizing ingredients like argan or coconut oil if you wish, or you can dilute it by using more water. I've also heard that Calendula (Marigold) has lightening effects, so maybe that could be tried if chamomile is not available.

You can use loose-leaf chamomile flowers, and strain the liquid, or use chamomile tea bags

Ingredients (Measurements)

3 Tbs Whole, Dried Chamomile Flowers (or 3 tea bags)

1 Tbs Honey
Juice from one small lemon (about 1 Tbs)
1/2 cup boiling water
1/3 cup room temperature water or Rose Water

Making the Hair Lightening Mixture
1. Heat the water to boiling, then remove from heat, and add honey. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add the lemon juice and tea bags, cover with a lid or plate, and let steep until cooled to room temperature.
3. Strain the liquid using a cheese cloth and fine mesh strainer. You want to make sure there is no tea leaf, flower, or residual pulp from the lemon. Then transfer the liquid into a spray bottle, and discard the spent tea flowers or tea bags.
4. Add the additional 1/3 cup of water or rose water to the bottle, and shake to combine
5. Apply the spray to the areas of your hair that you would like lightened. Leave on your hair until it dries. Spend time in the sun to accelerate the process. Once dry, wash hair using regular routine.
6. Leftover mixture may be kept in fridge for one to two weeks. For best results, repeat this process several times until desired results are achieved.

Before adding any treatment to my hair

After the second application and lots of sunshine


As you can see, the results are very subtle. But I've also only applied the mixture to my hair twice. I think I will see greater results after a few more applications. I will be sure to post updates on here, and on Instagram, as I continue with this experiment. If you use my Hair Lightening Recipe, PLEASE let me know how it works out for you, and post pics to the hashtag #mintedrecipes! Good luck, and have fun!!

Disclaimer: Everyone's hair is different. This experiment was done on virgin, un-colored, un-treated hair. Results may vary.

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