Safe and Natural Ways to Lighten Hair in the Sun

Unlike skin that darkens when overexposed to sunlight, our hair lightens. UV rays from the sun can photobleach and damage hair proteins. And, unfortunately, your scalp develops sunburn if you don’t take care of it. That’s why we recommend using SPF products when lightening hair in the sun.

Keep reading our guide to learn the safest and most natural methods for lightening hair in the sun. You’ll achieve those perfect highlights and summer glow with minimal damage or sunburn on your scalp.

Does the sun make your hair lighter?

Yes, through melanin oxidation. It’s the same process hydrogen peroxide uses to create blonde highlights.¹ However, the UV radiation of the sun is the culprit in this natural bleaching scenario. UV rays break down the melanin in your hair to cause the color change.² The proteins in your hair are also damaged and become brittle.

Why does the sun lighten your hair but tan the skin?

Skin cells are alive, whereas all of the cells in your hair are dead. Melanin in your skin gets darker as a natural defense mechanism against damage from the sun. But this natural defense could fail and turn to a sunburn when your skin’s melanin can’t react fast enough to the intense UV rays.

Natural hair color offers varying color changes

Results of lightening hair in the sun vary based on your natural hair color:

• Blondes can expect lighter blonde hair shades.
• Lighter brunettes could end up with some dark blonde hair strands.
• Redheads can expect warmth to come through with strawberry pieces.
• Black or darker brown hair may not see a transformation at all because it has higher concentrations of melanin than lighter hair colors.

Another caveat to lightening hair in the sun is that it may not work for coarse hair. It works best for fine, lighter hair.

How long does it take to lighten hair in the sun?

Unlike professional-grade hair coloring treatments that work in minutes, it may take a few days to several weeks to lighten hair in the sun. Again, melanin is the reason why bleaching your hair naturally can take so long. Hair strands concentrate melanin into a very small area. The sun’s UV rays have a harder time breaking down the melanin.

Using natural hair lighteners with the sun can speed things up, but it’s still a gradual process. That’s why we highly recommend protecting your scalp whenever possible. Avoid peak UV hours, which typically occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even though lightening your hair naturally in the sun is gradual, it could still cause damage and brittleness.

How to lighten hair naturally in the sun

When learning how to lighten hair naturally, it’s important to try a few strands at a time. It’s like doing a skin patch test for makeup.

Follow these 5 steps:

1. Start with clean, conditioned hair.
2. Apply your chosen natural enhancer (we get into these in a moment).
3. Apply a sunscreen for the scalp for protection.
4. Limit sun exposure to 30 to 45 minutes maximum. The goal is to limit sun damage to your hair and skin. Avoid overexposure during midday.
5. Rinse and deep condition after sun exposure to rehydrate your hair and prevent brittleness.

Natural ingredients that may help lighten hair

Next, we dive into how you can lighten your hair naturally using simple ingredients that boost the sun’s effects on your hair. Again, these work gradually to lighten hair.

Lemon juice (diluted)

Citric acid gradually whitens hair and makes it appear lighter compared to your natural hair color. The UV rays break down the citric acid, which removes the first layer of your natural hair color.³ Concentrated lemon juice can damage your skin or dry out your hair, so that’s why you must dilute it.

Mix lemon juice, water, and conditioner in a spray mist bottle. Spray onto your hair before heading outside. Don’t forget the sunscreen for your scalp!

Chamomile

Using chamomile tea to lighten your hair naturally works best for blondes. It provides a gentle lift without sun exposure.

1. Brew up to seven tea bags (this must be concentrated).
2. Let it steep properly.
3. Cool completely.
4. Add the tea to a spray bottle.
5. Spray where you want the gentle highlights.
6. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing.

Honey and cinnamon

Create a hair mask made from honey and cinnamon hair if the weather outside isn’t sunny. Mixing the two activates the natural traces of hydrogen peroxide in the honey. This works best for lighter hair colors.

1. Mix two tablespoons of raw honey with one tablespoon of cinnamon and one tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Let your mask sit for half an hour to fully activate the hydrogen peroxide.
3. Apply and leave on for at least four hours.
4. Rinse well when done.

Pro tip: No sun is needed, but a shower cap is a good idea to keep the mess contained.

Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar has a mild hydrogen peroxide effect, while apple cider vinegar removes buildup, detangles, and tames frizz.

1. Mix six parts water with one part apple cider vinegar.
2. Distribute evenly through your hair.
3. Leave on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse well.

Pro tip: Use once a week as a healthy hair tonic!

Vitamin C

Raw vitamin C, in liquid, powder, or crushed tablet form, lightens hair in the same way lemon juice does. Mix with water in a spray bottle to remove mineral buildup and brighten your locks in one step! Again, dilute the vitamin C to prevent dryness.

How to protect your hair and scalp while your hair is lightening

UV rays damage the keratin found in your hair, causing brittleness and dryness.⁴ That’s why we recommend adding a conditioner as a binding agent for your chosen natural hair lightener.

The scalp can burn easily, but traditional body SPF products are too heavy for your hair. Lightweight scalp SPF is ideal because it distributes easily in mist form. You must also reapply the SPF spray after sweating or swimming.

Consider our scalp & hair sunscreen mist as part of your natural hair lightening routine. It checks all the boxes:

• Lightweight
• Non-greasy
• Designed specifically for the scalp and hair
• Contains broad-spectrum SPF 30

The bottom line

Yes, sunlight can lighten hair, but results vary by hair type. Natural boosters can enhance the effect, but use these with caution so you don’t damage your hair or skin. Always prioritize scalp protection when lightening your hair naturally with the sun because UV exposure carries risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lightening hair in the sun damage it?

Yes, prolonged UV exposure can weaken hair protein and cause dryness and brittleness. Prevent this by staying out of sunlight, wearing a broad-rimmed hat, or applying a sunscreen mist designed for your scalp.

Can you lighten dark hair in the sun?

Yes, but the results are minimal. Darker hair has higher concentrations of melanin, and it resists oxidation. Consider using natural boosters combined with sunlight to change the color naturally.

Is lemon juice safe for hair in the sun?

Yes, but only when diluted and followed with conditioning. Using a conditioner afterwards prevents dryness and brittleness.

How often can you try to lighten hair naturally?

We recommend limiting it to once weekly to prevent dryness. Once weekly could also reduce your exposure to UV rays.

Should you protect your scalp when lightening hair in the sun?

Yes, because scalp skin is vulnerable to burns and UV damage. It’s the highest part of your body and gets exposed to the sun first. Apply an SPF sunscreen mist before applying a natural hair lightener and before going outside.

Sources:

1. Smith, R.A.W, et. al. “Mechanistic insights into the bleaching of melanin by alkaline hydrogen peroxide.” Free Radical Biology and Medicine. Vol. 108, July 2017, pp. 110-17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089158491730151X
2. Cerf, Emily. “Why time in the sun lightens your hair but darkens your skin.” Popular Science. May 7, 2021. https://www.popsci.com/science/sun-lighten-hair-darken-skin/
3. Cobb, Cynthia. “Lemon Juice for Hair Lightening: How to Use, Safety Tips, and Who Should Avoid it.” Healthline, November 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-juice-to-lighten-hair
4. Nogeuira, Ana Carolina Santos, and Joekes, Ines. “Hair color changes and protein damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.” Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. Volume 74, Issues 2-3, May 2004, pp. 109-17 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134404000375