How You Can Use Chamomile To Lighten Your Hair

Whereas bleach and chemical dyes can damage your strands, a plant like chamomile has brightening effects without the potential risks, per Prose. Believe it or not, it's as easy as stopping by the grocery store and picking up a $10 box of strong tea.

According to Byrdie, the key lightening ingredient in chamomile is called apigenin. Start by brewing a strong cup — or several — of tea. Healthline suggests 5 tea bags for every 2 cups of water. For more noticeable effects, add in ¼ cup of lemon juice (another natural hair lightener) or, alternatively, mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of tea. For ease of application, shake ingredients together in an empty spray bottle and squirt it onto freshly-washed strands, letting them soak up the solution. 

Stylist Cara Craig told Byrdie that you should then use a comb to make sure the solution covers all of your hair. She added, "The lightening agent will be activated with heat, so you can sit in the sun or use a hair dryer." 

For a more gentle effect, let the solution dry in your hair overnight.