Which chamomile is best for naturally lightening hair?
Which chamomile to lighten hair : German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), also called German chamomile, is the most effective variety for naturally brightening light and brown hair.
According to an analysis published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology () [1], chamomile flowers contain up to 1.2%apigenin, a flavonoid pigment that interacts with hair keratin under the effect of heat or sunlight to produce a visible lightening effect.
- German chamomile is the variety with the highest concentration of apigenin
- It is suitable for blonde, light brown and red hair
- Regular rinsing is all that's needed to achieve gradual golden highlights
- The effect is enhanced by sun exposure after application
- Roman chamomile can be used as a supplement for its soothing properties on the scalp
German chamomile vs. Roman chamomile: which to choose to lighten hair?
The question of which chamomile to use to lighten hair often arises, given the two varieties available in herbalist shops. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the number one choice of hair care experts.
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) also contains apigenin, but in a lower concentration. It is more commonly used for its calming properties on sensitive or irritated scalps. If you are looking for a noticeable lightening result, opt for German chamomile.
| Criteria | German chamomile | Roman chamomile |
|---|---|---|
| Apigenin content | Up to 1.2% | 0.3 to 0.5% |
| Brightening effect | Strong and progressive | Light |
| Action on the scalp | Moderate anti-inflammatory | Soothing and calming |
| Availability | Pharmacies, herbalists | Herbalists, organic stores |
| Recommended form | Dried flowers, concentrated infusion | Essential oil, light infusion |
| Hair type | Blondes, light brown, redheads | All types, sensitive scalp |
How does apigenin work on the hair fiber?
To understand which chamomile for hair lightening works best, it's necessary to understand the mechanism of apigenin. This flavonoid binds to keratin proteins present in the hair cuticle.
Under the influence of heat or UVA rays , apigenin releases a golden-yellow pigment that slightly alters the way light reflects off the hair. The result is a gradual, natural lightening that is gentle on the hair fiber.
A study published in Phytochemistry Reviews () [2] confirms that apigenin has a particular affinity for hair with low melanin concentration, which explains its superior effectiveness on blond and light brown hair.
5 homemade chamomile recipes to lighten hair
Now that you know which chamomile to use to lighten hair, here are the most effective preparations, ranked by intensity of result.
1. Concentrated infusion (classic rinse)
- Boil 1 liter of water
- Add 5 to 6 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers
- Let it steep for 20 minutes, covered
- Filter and let cool
- Use as a final rinse after shampooing, 2 to 3 times a week
2. The chamomile and honey mask
- Prepare a concentrated infusion (250 ml)
- Mix with 2 tablespoons of liquid honey
- Apply to clean, damp hair
- Leave on for 30 minutes under a heated shower cap
- Rinse with lukewarm water without shampoo
3. The express lightening spray
- Prepare a strong infusion (500 ml for 8 tablespoons of flowers)
- Filter thoroughly and pour into a spray bottle
- Spray onto the lengths of your hair before sun exposure
- Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
4. The chamomile-lemon oil bath
- Mix 50 ml of jojoba oil with 5 drops ofRoman chamomile essential oil
- Add the juice of half a lemon
- Apply to dry lengths, leave on for 1 hour
- Use your usual shampoo to rinse
5. Chamomile-infused apple cider vinegar
- Soak dried flowers in cider vinegar for 2 weeks
- Filter and dilute 50% with water
- Use as a final rinse once a week
- Dual effect: brightening and amplified shine
What types of hair does chamomile work on?
The question of which chamomile to use to lighten hair also depends on your hair type. The lightening effect is dose-dependent and related to the initial concentration of melanin.
- Natural blonde hair: visible results after 3 to 4 applications, intense golden highlights
- Light brown hair: gradual lightening after 6 to 8 applications, natural sun-kissed effect
- Red hair: reviving copper and golden highlights, without significant lightening
- Dark brown hair: very limited effect, slightly golden highlights in bright light
- Brown or black hair: no noticeable lightening effect, the melanin is too concentrated
- Blonde colored hair: can revive shine between colorings
Many readers report that the results are significantly more visible when the chamomile rinse is followed by 30 to 60 minutes of sun exposure, which activates the photo-oxidation of apigenin.
Where to buy the best chamomile for hair lightening?
To determine which chamomile to buy for hair lightening, the form and quality of the product are crucial. Here are the options ranked by decreasing effectiveness.
- Loose dried flowers (herbalist): the best option, maximum concentration of apigenin
- Dried flowers in a certified organic sachet: convenient, good concentration if labeled AB or equivalent
- Chamomile tea bags: a quick fix, less concentrated
- Standardized liquid extracts: guaranteed concentration, higher price
- Roman chamomile essential oil: must be diluted, complementary use
Avoid herbal blends that dilute the concentration of German chamomile. Always check that the Latin name Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita is on the label. If you would like to learn more about the differences between the varieties, see our article on chamomile or daisy: how to tell them apart.
How long does it take to see results?
Patience is key when trying to find the best chamomile for hair lightening. Natural lightening is gradual, unlike chemical bleaching.
- Weeks 1-2: no visible change, keratin gradually absorbs apigenin
- Weeks 3-4: First golden highlights visible in full light on blonde hair
- Weeks 5-8: Lightening by half a shade to a full shade on light brown hair
- After 2 months: results stabilized, maintenance once a week is sufficient
The NCCIH [3] reminds us that the effects of plants on the hair fiber are cumulative and not immediate. Regular application is more important than a single application.
Precautions and contraindications to be aware of
Even natural chamomile can cause adverse reactions. Before choosing which chamomile to use for hair lightening, check these essential points.
- Asteraceae allergy: Chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family; if you are allergic to mugwort, ragweed, or chrysanthemums, avoid all use.
- Preliminary skin test: apply the infusion to the inside of your elbow 24 hours before first use
- Very dry or damaged hair: the lemon added in some recipes can further weaken the hair fiber
- Pregnancy: Roman chamomile essential oil is not recommended during the first trimester
- Eyes: Avoid direct contact with eyes during rinsing
ANSESus that essential oils of chamomile must always be diluted before any cutaneous or hair use, at a rate of 1 to 2% maximum in an oily base.
Chamomile and hair care: a winning combination
To optimize the effect of whichever chamomile you have chosen for hair lightening, certain natural combinations amplify the results.
- Chamomile + lemon: lemon enhances the photo-activated effect of apigenin, but dries out the ends
- Chamomile + honey: honey moisturizes and fixes lightening pigments, ideal for dry hair
- Chamomile + apple cider vinegar: closes the cuticles, amplifies shine and the brightening effect
- Chamomile + jojoba oil: nourishes without weighing hair down, protects the fiber during sun exposure
- Chamomile + aloe vera: intensely hydrates while depositing apigenin on the fiber
If you are interested in other uses of chamomile in your beauty routine, also discover how to use chamomile for the eyes, a natural treatment with recognized soothing properties.
Can chamomile replace chemical bleaching?
The answer to which chamomile can replace chemical hair lighteners is nuanced. Chamomile doesn't bleach hair: it lightens it gradually by modifying the way light reflects off the hair, without altering its internal structure.
Chemical bleaching can lighten hair by 3 to 8 shades in a single session. Chamomile, used regularly for 2 months, produces a maximum lightening of 0.5 to 1.5 shades on light hair. The two approaches are complementary, not interchangeable.
The major advantage of chamomile is the absence of chemical damage to the hair fiber. A study published in the International Journal of Trichology () [5] shows that rinses based on flavonoid plants preserve the integrity of the hair cuticle, unlike chemical oxidizing agents.
Growing your own chamomile for optimal hair care
Growing your own chamomile guarantees freshness and maximum apigenin concentration. If you're wondering which chamomile to grow at home to lighten hair, German chamomile is the easiest to cultivate.
It grows easily in pots or directly in the ground, in well-drained, sunny soil. To find out when to plant chamomile in your garden or on your balcony, consult our complete guide on optimal planting times.
Once your plants are in bloom, it's important to know when to harvest the chamomile to maximize the concentration of active ingredients. Ideally, harvesting should take place when the flowers are fully open, in dry weather, in the morning.
What should be done with the flowers and leaves after use?
After preparing your infusion to determine which chamomile to use for hair lightening, don't throw away the flower remnants. They still have many uses.
Discover all the possibilities in our article on what to do with chamomile leaves, from cooking recipes to DIY beauty treatments. The used flowers can also be composted or used as a base for a relaxing foot bath.
Chamomile: benefits beyond hair
The plant that answers the question of which chamomile to use to lighten hair is also a recognized ally for other aspects of well-being. German chamomile contains terpenes such as chamazulene and bisabolol, with documented anti-inflammatory properties.
If you're wondering about its effects on sleep, our article on whether chamomile helps you sleep analyzes the available scientific evidence. And to compare calming herbs, see our comparison of verbena and chamomile for sleep.
Some users also wonder about its metabolic effects. Our article on whether chamomile helps with weight loss reviews the available data without exaggerating the effects.
Recommended frequency of use for optimal results
To maximize the effect of whichever chamomile you have selected for hair lightening, regularity is more important than a single application.
- Attack phase (month 1): 3 applications per week, concentrated rinse
- Maintenance phase (month 2 and following): 1 to 2 applications per week
- Application time: Leave the infusion on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing lightly
- Best time: after shampooing, on clean, damp hair
- Sun activation: do not dry immediately, expose to sunlight for 30 minutes if possible
- The answer to which chamomile to use to lighten hair is unambiguous: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the most effective thanks to its high apigenin content (up to 1.2%).
- Knowing which chamomile to choose for hair lightening involves checking the Latin name on the label: Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita.
- Which chamomile works best for lightening hair? The one bought in bulk dried flowers from a herbalist, for maximum concentration of active ingredients.
- Which chamomile should be used to lighten dark hair? No variety produces a visible effect on brown or black hair with a high concentration of melanin.
- Which chamomile should I choose to lighten my hair if I have an allergy? Consult a doctor before use if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
Frequently asked questions about which chamomile to use to lighten hair
Which chamomile is the most effective for lightening hair?
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the most effective for lightening hair. It contains up to 1.2% apigenin, a flavonoid that produces a gradual lightening effect on blonde and light brown hair.
Which type of chamomile can be used in tea bag form to lighten hair?
Yes, chamomile tea bags work, but their concentration is lower than that of loose dried flowers. Use 4 to 6 tea bags per liter of water for a sufficiently concentrated infusion.
Which chamomile should be used to lighten colored hair?
German chamomile can revive the vibrancy of blonde color-treated hair between sessions. It won't alter the artificial color but may slightly change very light shades. Test on a strand before full application.
How long should chamomile be left on the hair?
Leave the chamomile infusion on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing lightly with cool water. For a more intense effect, do not rinse at all and expose your hair to the sun for 30 minutes after application.
Does Roman chamomile also lighten hair?
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) contains apigenin in smaller quantities (0.3 to 0.5%). Its lightening effect is mild. It is primarily used for its soothing properties on sensitive or irritated scalps.
Which chamomile should be used to lighten hair on dry hair?
For dry hair, combine chamomile with honey or jojoba oil. These moisturizing ingredients counteract the slightly drying effect of the concentrated infusion and protect the hair fiber.
Can chamomile essential oil be used to lighten hair?
Roman chamomile essential oil can be used as a supplement, diluted to 1-2% in a carrier oil. It doesn't have a direct lightening effect but improves scalp health. For lightening, an infusion of dried flowers remains the best option.
Does chamomile damage hair?
No, when used alone, chamomile does not damage hair. It is non-oxidizing and respects the structure of keratin. It is the addition of lemon or undiluted vinegar in some recipes that can weaken dry ends.
Which chamomile should I buy at the pharmacy to lighten my hair?
At the pharmacy, ask for dried Matricaria chamomilla flowers, either loose or in sachets. Check that the Latin name is printed on the packaging. Standardized liquid extract preparations with a guaranteed concentration are also available.
How many applications are needed to see a result?
The first results are visible after 4 to 6 applications on natural blonde hair. On light brown hair, expect 8 to 12 applications over 4 to 6 weeks. Regularity (2 to 3 times per week) is more important than the concentration of the infusion.
Does chamomile work on brown or black hair?
No. German chamomile does not produce a visible lightening effect on dark brown or black hair. The melanin concentration is too high for apigenin to noticeably alter the color. It can, however, add shine.
Which type of chamomile for hair lightening is not recommended during pregnancy?
Roman chamomile essential oil is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. An infusion of dried chamomile flowers used as an external hair rinse does not present any known risks, but consult your doctor as a precaution.
Key takeaways
The answer to which chamomile to use for hair lightening is clear and scientifically documented: choose German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), in organically grown dried flower form, for regular rinses 2 to 3 times a week. The results are gradual, gentle, and long-lasting on blonde and light brown hair.
Knowing which chamomile to use to lighten hair also means understanding that patience is key: expect 4 to 8 weeks of regular use for a half-tone to one-tone lightening. The practical step to take today: prepare a concentrated infusion with 5 tablespoons of German chamomile flowers in 1 liter of water, strain, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after your next shampoo.
Sources and studies
- Apigenin content and anti-inflammatory properties of Matricaria chamomilla extracts — Journal of Ethnopharmacology,
- Flavonoid-keratin interactions and hair fiber modification — Phytochemistry Reviews,
- Chamomile: What You Need to Know — NCCIH,
- Essential oils: uses and precautions — ANSES,
- Plant-based hair care: effects of flavonoid rinses on cuticle integrity — International Journal of Trichology,
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
