Thinking about subtly brightening your hair without reaching for harsh chemical dyes? Nature offers some interesting alternatives, and one popular combination whispered about in DIY beauty circles involves two common kitchen staples: honey and cinnamon. The idea of using these sweet and spicy ingredients to gently lift your hair color is intriguing, relying on their natural properties rather than strong bleaches. It’s a gentler approach, perfect for those looking for a sun-kissed effect rather than a dramatic transformation.
This method isn’t about going platinum blonde overnight. Instead, it aims for gradual, subtle lightening, enhancing existing highlights or adding warm, golden tones, particularly to lighter brown or blonde hair. Darker hair might see less noticeable results, perhaps gaining warmer undertones rather than significant lift. The charm lies in its simplicity and the use of ingredients you likely already have.
Why Honey and Cinnamon? Unpacking the Potential
So, what’s the science, or rather, the kitchen science, behind this blend? It primarily hinges on the properties of honey. Raw honey contains trace amounts of an enzyme called glucose oxidase. When honey is diluted with water (or another liquid like conditioner), this enzyme slowly produces hydrogen peroxide. Yes, the same compound found in many commercial hair lighteners, but in much, much smaller concentrations here. This mild peroxide is thought to be the main agent responsible for the lightening effect.
Honey’s Role: Beyond the potential lightening, honey is a fantastic natural humectant. This means it draws moisture into the hair shaft, helping to condition and soften your locks while it works. Unlike chemical lighteners that can leave hair feeling dry and brittle, honey offers a potential moisturizing benefit alongside the subtle color lift.
Cinnamon’s Contribution: Cinnamon is often included not just for its lovely scent, but because it’s believed to act as a booster for the peroxide process. Some proponents suggest it can help activate the lightening effects of honey. Additionally, cinnamon might impart subtle reddish or warm tones, contributing to the overall sun-kissed look. Different types of cinnamon exist (like Cassia and Ceylon), and while both are used, Ceylon is often considered milder.
Crafting Your DIY Honey & Cinnamon Lightening Spray
Ready to give it a whirl? Making this spray is straightforward. Remember, consistency and patience are key, as the results are gradual.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Distilled Water: About 1 cup (Using distilled water prevents minerals in tap water from interfering).
- Raw Honey: 2-3 tablespoons (Raw, unpasteurized honey is preferred as processing can diminish enzyme activity).
- Ground Cinnamon: 1-2 tablespoons (Adjust based on desired scent and potential boost).
- Optional: A tablespoon of conditioner (helps with application and adds moisture).
- Optional: A teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil (for extra conditioning, especially if your hair is dry).
Equipment:
- A clean spray bottle
- A bowl for mixing
- A whisk or spoon
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions:
1. Warm the Water: Gently warm the distilled water. It shouldn’t be boiling, just warm enough to help the honey dissolve easily. Think warm tap water temperature.
2. Dissolve the Honey: Pour the warm water into your mixing bowl. Add the raw honey and stir until it’s completely dissolved. This step is crucial for activating the glucose oxidase enzyme.
3. Stir in Cinnamon: Add the ground cinnamon to the honey-water mixture. Whisk it well. The cinnamon won’t fully dissolve and might settle, which is perfectly normal.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using conditioner or oil, stir them in now until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
5. Let it Sit (Important!): Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. This waiting period allows time for the subtle hydrogen peroxide production to begin.
6. Transfer to Spray Bottle: Carefully pour the mixture into your clean spray bottle. A funnel might be helpful here. Remember that the cinnamon particles might clog a very fine mist sprayer, so choose a bottle with a slightly larger nozzle opening if possible, or be prepared to shake frequently and potentially clear the nozzle.
How to Use Your Honey & Cinnamon Hair Spray
Application is simple, but a little messy preparation doesn’t hurt.
1. Prep Your Hair: You can apply this to dry or slightly damp hair. Applying to damp hair might help with more even distribution.
2. Protect Clothing: Drape an old towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes from potential drips or cinnamon specks.
3. Shake Well: Before each use, shake the bottle vigorously to redistribute the cinnamon particles.
4. Spray Generously: Spritz the mixture thoroughly through your hair, ensuring even coverage. You can focus on specific sections you want to lighten, like the ends or strands around your face, or apply it all over.
5. Comb Through: Gently comb through your hair with a wide-tooth comb to distribute the spray evenly.
6. Let it Work: This is where patience comes in. You need to leave the spray in your hair for at least a couple of hours. Some people even leave it on overnight for maximum effect, covering their hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap to keep bedding clean and potentially trap a little heat (which might slightly enhance the process). If you have time, sitting in the sun while the spray is in your hair is often recommended, as UV light can potentially boost the lightening effects of peroxide.
7. Rinse Thoroughly: After the desired time, rinse your hair very well with warm water. Cinnamon particles can be stubborn, so be prepared to rinse for a bit longer than usual. You might want to follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner, especially if your hair feels slightly sticky from the honey.
8. Repeat: Natural lightening is gradual. You likely won’t see dramatic results after one application. Repeat the process several times over a few weeks, perhaps once or twice a week, to see noticeable changes.
Patch Test Recommended: Before applying the mixture all over your hair, always perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous strand of hair and wait to see the result and check for any scalp sensitivity or unexpected color reactions. Remember that results vary greatly depending on your natural hair color, porosity, and previous treatments. This method yields very subtle, warm tones rather than significant bleaching.
Managing Expectations and Potential Downsides
It’s crucial to approach this DIY method with realistic expectations. This isn’t salon bleach. The lightening effect will be subtle, likely manifesting as slightly warmer, more golden tones or a gentle lift of one shade at most, primarily on lighter hair colors. Dark brown or black hair might not show visible lightening, though some warmth could be added.
Stickiness: Honey is sticky! Even diluted, the spray can leave your hair feeling a bit tacky while it’s processing. Adding conditioner or oil can help mitigate this, but thorough rinsing is essential.
Cinnamon Residue: Ground cinnamon doesn’t dissolve. You might find tiny specks in your hair even after rinsing. A clarifying shampoo rinse might help if it bothers you.
Scent: While many enjoy the warm scent of honey and cinnamon, it can be quite strong and linger in your hair.
Time Commitment: Achieving noticeable results requires multiple applications and leaving the spray on for extended periods. It’s more of a slow enhancement than a quick fix.
A Natural Alternative Worth Exploring?
For those seeking a very gentle, natural way to add subtle warmth or enhance existing highlights, a DIY honey and cinnamon spray is an interesting experiment. It avoids harsh chemicals, utilizes common kitchen ingredients, and even offers some conditioning benefits thanks to the honey. It requires patience and realistic expectations, but the process itself can be a pleasant, fragrant ritual. If you’re curious about gently coaxing lighter tones from your hair the natural way, this sweet and spicy concoction might be just the thing to try.
Remember to always listen to your hair and scalp. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use. Enjoy the process of experimenting with natural ingredients for subtle beauty enhancements!
