If you want the paste to be more liquid-like, add a little bit of water or more hydrogen peroxide. This makes it easier to apply to your hair but slightly less potent.
Place a towel around your neck or wear an old shirt to avoid making a mess. Wear disposable gloves over your hands, if desired. Hydrogen peroxide may irritate your skin.
This amount of time should make your hair turn 1-2 shades lighter. Avoid leaving the mixture in your hair for more than 1 hour to keep your hair from drying out or becoming damaged.
Use a deep conditioner on your hair after washing it to help restore moisture, if desired. Wait 2 weeks before applying baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to your hair again to keep your hair healthy.
You might also add 1 part dish soap to the mixture for additional strength. It’s okay if these measurements aren’t exact. For example, if you have short hair you might use 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of each ingredient, while longer hair might need twice that amount.
Comb through your hair after it’s wet to get rid of any tangles, if needed.
Do this method twice a week to help lighten your dyed hair. Expect your hair to fade 1-2 shades after doing this method once.
If you think it will be easier to apply the paste to your hair if it’s in more of a liquid form, continue adding warm water until you create your desired consistency.
Place a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing, or just wear an old T-shirt to prevent a mess. Use massaging motions when applying the mixture to your hair to spread it more evenly.
Follow up with a conditioner to add moisture back to your hair. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes so you don’t forget when to check on your hair. Try doing this twice a week to lighten your hair 1-2 shades.
It’s unlikely that you’ll need more than 0. 25 cups (59 ml) of each individual ingredient.
Consider adding more lemon juice or a bit of water to create a smoother paste.
Place a towel around your neck to keep the paste off of your clothes, or change into an old T-shirt.
Condition your hair after washing it with shampoo to restore some shine and moisture. Repeat this process once a week to lighten your hair 1-2 shades.