There is a huge upsurge in trying different things in today's generation, and changing the existing hair color is one of them. Trying various hair coloring ideas is the latest trend, be it to hide gray hair or get mere highlights and lowlights to look fancier. However, when it comes to coloring, there are always increased chances of damaged hair. Most of the time, due to dye, the hair gets much darker than expected. In such a case, there is no other option left than to lighten the hair. It is a fact that lightening is way more difficult than darkening the lighter mane. There are quite a few techniques that can be used at home, without causing too much damage to the texture and health of your hair. Do it Naturally Henna Powder This is one of the most popular techniques used to lighten dark hair. The only problem is that henna powder for hair cannot give you quick results. It requires some patience. Other than that, it is easily available in the nearest supermarket. Pour some henna in boiling water (enough to make a pack that can be easily applied to hair). Add some chamomile flowers or oil, and stir well. Make sure not to let it clot, and let the mixture cool. Apply it, and tie the hair in a bun. Wash the hair with lukewarm water (without shampoo). After the hair gets completely dry, apply a generous amount of coconut oil over it, and leave overnight. Next day, wash the hair with a regular shampoo and conditioner. You will find that the henna color stays for a longer time, and if washed with the given directions, it won't cause any harm either. Lemon Mixture The mixture of lemon and honey is also an effective way to lighten dark hair. As a matter of fact, honey is a great natural substitute for hydrogen peroxide. First of all, shampoo your hair, and soak in a mixture of 2 freshly squeezed lemons and 1 quart of water. After application, you need to sit in the sun for at least 2 hours, and then proceed with the rest of the procedure of lightening the hair. Squeeze 2 lemons directly on your dry hair, and comb it well so that the juice spreads through all strands. Sun dry your hair. Rather than bleaching with lemon juice, you can also apply a mixture of lemon juice, dried chamomile flowers, rhubarb root, and honey. It will lighten your pale blond or dirty blond hair, and also create golden locks in your dark brown hair. Wash your hair, the next day, with a shampoo and conditioner. Make sure the lemon juice is completely removed from the hair. Once you are done with this process, you will have to take extra care, since lemon juice makes the hair dry. Do it Without Bleach Keeping hair care as the main purpose in mind, many people do not want to lighten hair with bleach, as it can cause potential harm. There are so many beauty products and hair care products that can be used, as per convenience, to get rid of or lighten the existing color. Hair Dye Mix equal amounts of your favorite hair dye and a 40 volume developer, in a plastic bowl or plastic sprayer bottle. Avoid clotting or lump formation. Wear plastic or rubber gloves, and apply the mixture to the hair with the help of the sprayer bottle or the dye brush. Always start at the nape of neck where the hair is really dark. Start coating from the tips, and move gradually to the roots. Leave the coating as per the recommendation mentioned on the box of the hair dye. It is advisable not to leave it for more than 35 minutes. Afterwards, wash the hair with lukewarm water, until clear water starts dripping from the hair. Once you notice that, it is time to give it a regular wash with shampoo and conditioner. Use as much cold water as you can bear, and avoid hot water, as it will reduce the effect of the color. Clarifying Shampoo The main purpose of clarifying shampoo is to clean the dirt, dead skin, and oil, from the scalp. By this rule, it is also effective in removing dark dye residue from the hair. So, when one wants to lighten dark hair dye, it can be really helpful and effective. Medicated dandruff shampoo can also be effective in such cases. The only thing is that they shouldn't be used too often, as they can also effectively damage the strength and health of the scalp. The mentioned techniques for lightening dark hair color shall hopefully prove handy in the removal of excessively dark color. So, don't hesitate while coloring your hair. Remember these easy remedies.