We all want our lips to look rosy pink and beautiful. But many factors, like stress and smoking, darken your lips. So you scramble to find products, remedies, and any other treatments that can give you the luscious pink lips you desire. In reality, dark lips are very common in women. They may be caused due to certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices. Learn more about why your lips become dark and how you can prevent it in this article. Keep reading for some natural remedies to lighten your dark lips.
1. Best For Color-Treated Hair:John Frieda Volume Lift Thickening Spray
A fuller, denser mane of hair awaits you as you begin to use the John Freida Volume Lift Thickening Spray. Enhanced with Air-Silk Technology, this root lift spray for fine hair adds instant volume at the roots, resulting in fuller hair. The weightless hair root lifters help to create beautiful blow-out styles all the while keeping the color of the hair from fading. Just direct the nozzle at the desired spot, let out some product, spread it on the roots and give the hair a push upwards for a denser look. This video takes you through the details of this volumizing spray.
Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 7.68 x 2.17 inches | Weight: 5.92 Ounces
Pros
- Adds volume and texture
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Keeps hair soft
- Long-lasting hold
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Might have a few ingredients that are flammable
“This spray thickens each hair strand and transforms my flat hair’s look. It does not irritate my scalp or cause redness. My hair looks fluffy and feels soft to the touch. Although it adds texture to my hair, it feels lightweight, which is amazing.”
2. Best Instant Lift:SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder
Dreaming of a head full of voluminous locks? SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder comes with an advanced technology that converts this dream of yours to reality. This translucent powder root booster for hair is colorless on the scalp as it liquefies upon application. This is one of the best Root lift powders for fine hair because one can attain a bouncy, voluminous, lifted look on the hair coupled with an enhanced hair texture in just one application. One of the best root boosters for fine hair, it is fragrance-free, lightweight, devoid of harsh chemicals and is not tested on animals. Chelsea, a beauty blogger, says that she will never travel without this product. She exclaims, “This Powder Play texturizing powder is so easy to use, and you don’t need much at all! I still have it in my hair 24 hours+ after applying it and I can still work up some volume! It is great stuff (i).” For a more detailed review of this volumizing powder, here’s a video.
Hair Type: Thin | Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.98 inches | Weight: 1.28 Ounces
Pros
- Colorless on hair
- Instant lift
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might leave a sticky feeling on the scalp
Use your fingertips instead of direct application when applying to the back of your head.
3. Best Vegan:Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Boost Root Lifter
Bid adieu to limp and flat hair as you start using the Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Boost Root Lifter. It has a clean, toxin-free formulation that is not tested on animals and made from plant extracts, such as white ginger, jojoba, aloe, rosemary, etc. This root lifter for fine thin hair is not tested on animals. It is fortified with panthenol, lends protection to hair strands that are weak and helps achieve dense, lifted hair right from the roots. With the target action nozzle, spray this extreme volume and root lifting spray right at the roots and be ready within minutes to bedazzle everyone with voluminous tresses.
Hair Type: All Hair Types, ideal for Fine Hair | Product Dimensions: 1.93 x 1.93 x 8.12 inches | Weight: 8.5 Ounces
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Lifts hair from the roots
- Lends protection to weak strands
Cons
- Might leave a greasy, weighed-down feeling in the hair
John Frieda Volume Lift Thickening Spray Best For Color-Treated Hair |
SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder Best Instant Lift |
Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Daily Boost Root Lifter Best Vegan |
|
---|---|---|---|
Hair Type | All | Thin | All Hair Types, ideal for Fine Hair |
Dimensions | 1.38 x 7.68 x 2.17 inches | 1.38 x 1.38 x 3.98 inches | 1.93 x 1.93 x 8.12 inches |
Weight | 5.92 Ounces | 1.28 Ounces | 8.5 Ounces |
Rating | |||
Reviews | – | 3,177 | 6,631 |
Price | $9.98 | $21.95 | $8.5 |
4. Best For Fine Hair:Garnier Fructis Root Amp Root Lifting Spray Mousse
The Garnier Fructis Root Amp Root Lifting Spray Mousse lends an amplified volume to the hair right from the roots till the tip. This is one of the best root lift mousses for fine hair as it is enriched with nourishing ingredients, including the goodness of cotton flower extracts, which impart moisture to the hair. One of the best root lifter spray for fine hair, it contains dimethicone that adds fullness, shine, and amazing volume to the hair without weighing it down. You can apply this target-action spray mousse on the desired spot for a sky- high volume boost on your tresses. Moreover, the usage of this root lift hair product keeps you guilt-free as the brand refrains from animal testing.
Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.77 x 7.24 inches | Weight: 4.5 Ounces.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- All-day lift on fine hair
Cons
- Hair might feel crunchy upon use
Blow dry your hair after application for enhanced volume.
5. Best Salon-Quality:BOLDIFY Root Boosting Spray
Make heads turn with a dense looking mane full of voluminous hair as we bring to you the Boldify Root Boosting Spray For Hair. This is a root lifting spray that plumps up lifeless hair in a matter of a few seconds to give a long-lasting volume and lifted look. The precision nozzle on the spray bottle aids in a focussed, mess-free application to achieve the desired volume. One of the best instant root lifters for fine hair, it is devoid of harmful chemicals, refrains from animal testing, uses premium ingredients, is color safe, and suits all types of hair. Know more about this product and the reviewer’s experience in this video.
Hair Type: Color Treated, Curly, Fine, chemically-treated-hair, Straight | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 8 inches | Weight: 7.76 Ounces
Pros
- Instant volume boost
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Safe on colored hair
- Salon-quality finish
Cons
- Might leave a clumpy, stiff feeling on the hair
6. Best For Full Coverage:MATRIX Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter Spray
Amp up the volume of your hair by lending an instant lift at the roots with the Matrix Total Results High Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter Spray. This professional-grade product comes with a lightweight formula that helps to build a long-lasting natural volume, this root lifter for thin hair helps you create salon-like hair styles. The root lift sprays for fine hair trusted by professionals and lends an extreme lift right from the roots. Moreover, the lightweight spray is an alcohol- and chemical-free formulation that is not tested on animals, making it one of the best root lifter sprays available for use.
Hair Type: Fine | Product Dimensions: 1.85 x 2.1 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 10.23 Ounces
Pros
- Gives full coverage
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
- People with straight hair might need more product for desired result.
7. Best Chemical-Free Spray: Giovanni Root66 Max Volume Hair Spray
Add life to your dull and lifeless hair and make them bouncy with the Giovanni Root66 Max Volume Spray hair. The spray lifts the hair from the root, giving them a firm hold and making them voluminous. It is enriched with botanical extracts such as rose fruit, rosemary, nettle, and citrus, which makes your hair strands look strong and shiny. It also contains aloe vera juice, vitamins E and B5, and omega fatty acids, which hydrate the strands, give shine to your hair follicles and strengthen the roots. In addition, it helps you get a variety of styling patterns, from bouncy tresses to appealing straight hair.
Hair Type: Fine | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.97 x 7.87 inches | Weight: 10.05 Ounces
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Rich in vitamins
- Color-safe
- Suits all hair types
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
“This formula adds body to my limp hair without making it feel heavy. It also strengthens my brittle tresses and cleanses my scalp naturally. I love its sprayer that applies only the right amount of product at a time to avoid causing buildup. It does not make my hair stiff or flaky like other hair-lifting products.”
Add this volumizer to your wet or dry hair for instant results, followed by a blow-drying session to get maximum results.
8. Best Anti-Ageing:Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist
Experience a magnificent volume boost right from the roots to the tips of your tresses with the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist. With the extracts of caviar that are rich in omega-3 fatty acid, one can be sure that moisture, elasticity, and a lush shine is imparted with the usage of this luxurious hair root lifter. The anti-aging Marine Plumping Complex has proven effective in adding thickness to the mane while protecting it from physical, chemical, and natural aging. Use this root volumizer for fine hair to give your hair a fuller, richer volume boost all the while nourishing, replenishing and preserving them and promoting healthy hair growth.
Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Provides light hold on hair
- Anti-ageing properties
Cons
- Might leave hair strands dry for some
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Tigi Catwalk Root Boost Spray
Get the maximum volume boost like never before with the Root Boost Spray called Catwalk by Tigi. This mousse spray root lifter for hair helps add immense volume right at the roots with the directional nozzle provided. Fortified with hair-holding polymers that provide fullness and lend support to the hair body, one can easily create different styles and make them last. This is one of the most effective root lifters for fine, flat hair as it adds a magnificent volume right at the roots with one of the best root volumizers for fine hair and gives your hair an amazing, long-lasting lift without the hair feeling weighed down. Alyson, a beauty blogger, loves that this hairspray feels lightweight on her hair and gives it some volume. She says, “To my pleasant surprise, not only does this product work, but it is so lightweight. I spray a little on the roots while my hair is wet, massage it around, and then blow dry with a round brush at my roots, and I have a lift. … Oh, and the best part about most Tigi products is the smell. The product smells fresh and citrusy (ii).”
Hair Type: All
Pros
- Lends strength to the roots
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Suits all hair types
Cons
- Might make the hair feel greasy for those with oily hair
“This product makes my hair look voluminous. I love how lightweight my hair feels yet it looks fuller. The formula also sets the hairstyle for hours without making my strands sticky. It is very easy to apply as well and has a mild scent, which does not bother me.”
10. Best UV Protection:L’ANZA Healing Volume Root Effects Hair Styling Mousse
Voluminous locks are yours to flaunt with the usage of L’ANZA Healing Volume Root Effects Hair Styling Mousse. With a bamboo bodifying complex rich in natural silica, this root lifter with UV protection also helps add noticeable volume and fullness to hair by boosting the diameter of each hair strand. In addition to this, the Keratin Healing System acts as an intensive treatment as it improves the strength and rigidity of the hair follicles, thus keeping them from falling flat and looking limp. One of the best non-sticky root lifters for fine hair, it is also infused with cactus flower, meadowfoam flower, and pea sprout extracts to impart moisture and sheen to the hair. It revitalizes fine hair and has proven to reduce hair loss with consistent use.
Hair Type: Frizzy | Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 9 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lasting volume
- Protects from UV damage
Cons
- May dry out hair strands after prolonged use
“This formula adds body to my hair. It soothes my irritated scalp and boosts its shine for a healthy look. The formula smells amazing and never irritates my scalp. It also does not leave greasy residues on my scalp. Another good thing is that a small amount of product is enough to transform my flat tresses.”
11. Best Long-Lasting:Monat Volume Reshape Root Lifter
Boost up the volume of hair with the Monat Volume Reshape Root Lifter. This Root lifter with heat protection is perfect for fine hair and helps add a high-impact volume to the hair strands and hold them in place for a really long time. It also safeguards the hair from heat damage due to hair styling and hot tools, keeping its luster intact while promoting neural hair growth. With a non-sticky formulation this is one of the best long-lasting root lifters for fine hair that enhances the strength of hair follicles to keep them from falling off, this root lift spray also keeps the hair color from fading.
Hair Type : All | Package Dimensions : 7.36 x 2.44 x 1.77 inches|Weight: 5.93 Ounces
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Long-lasting hold
Cons
- Might make the hair crunchy and stiff for some
“This formula adds a healthy volume to my hair. It has a non-sticky texture. The product provides full coverage and strengthens my hair from the roots. My hair feels soft and looks bouncy. I love that it is free of strong odors, which usually makes me nauseous.”
What Causes Dark Lips
The skin on your lips is very delicate and sensitive. It can get damaged and become dark easily. There are a number of reasons why your once healthy and pink lips may have become darker and drier, which include:
Hyperpigmentation (overproduction of melanin) is a common condition that changes the color of your lips. It could be a sign of an inflammatory disease, a genetic disorder, physiological changes, usage of certain drugs or chemicals, and abnormal tissue growths (1), (2).
Certain medical conditions, like vitamin deficiencies, melasmai A skin condition that causes patches on the skin, usually darker than one’s skin tone, due to hormonal changes or sun exposure. , Laugier-Hunziker syndromei A rare sporadic disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation of the skin on the lips, oral mucosa, and nails. , and anemiai A condition that refers to low blood cells that cause low hemoglobin and oxygen levels leading to fatigue and shortness of breath. , can turn your lips dark (3). Addison’s disease, a rare disorder of adrenal glands, is also known to darken the lips (4). Some medical treatments and prescriptions, like chemotherapy, can also change your lip color (5).
According to a study conducted on the effects of smoking on lips, the result indicated that more smokers have darker lips compared to non-smokers (6). This suggests that smoking can discolor your lips.
Just like the rest of your skin, your lip skin can get tanned too. If you are out in the sun often, it could be why your lips have turned darker. UV ray exposure increases the melanin in the skin, causing areas to darken (2).
When you are stressed, your body produces more free radicals. These free radicals cause oxidative damage, which could lead to skin discoloration.
Hyperpigmentation of the lips may occur due to dehydration or consuming excessive amounts of caffeine. It may also be a sign of an adverse reaction to some harsh ingredient in a cosmetic product, like lipstick or toothpaste.
If your lips are dark, don’t worry. Keep reading to learn how you can make your lips pink and healthy.
How To Lighten Dark Lips
1. Follow A Skin Care Regimen
Just like the skin on your body, the skin on your lips needs daily TLC. So moisturize your lips every day. Here are a few more things you can add to your lip care routine:
- Mix and apply Vaseline and vitamin E, or simply use a lip balm made of natural ingredients to transform your dark lips.
- Some lip balms even come with SPF protection to shield the delicate skin on your mouth from the harsh UV rays.
- Exfoliate the skin on your lips with an exfoliator or a homemade lip scrub every alternate day.
2. Avoid Using Too Many Products
The skin on your lips is very delicate. Most lip products contain certain harsh ingredients that tend to do more damage than good. The more makeup or skin care products you apply, the more susceptible your lips are to damage. This is why it is recommended by many skin care experts to use natural products or DIY lip balms to replenish and lighten your lips. You can also use a chemical-free lip liner to define your lip shape and to give your lip color.
3. Practice A Healthy Lifestyle
How healthy your skin is depends on how well you treat your body. To keep your skin glowing and looking youthful, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle. Here’s what you can do:
- This means eating balanced meals containing fruits, vegetables, greens, beans, nuts, good meats, and whole grains. When you eat healthy, you can notice the change in your lips.
- Keep yourself hydrated as well as dry lips are more prone to damage and darkening. Also, exercise daily. You may be surprised by how much it helps keep your lips light and plump.
- Avoid smoking and a stress-filled life. Seek out stress-relieving options, such as meditation or therapy. Also, reduce your consumption of caffeine.
4. Medical Treatments
- There are some treatments, like chemical peels and skin bleaches, which may help reduce lip pigmentation. But do not use them without consulting a dermatologist as they may contain ingredients that might be too strong for the delicate skin on the lips.
- Hydroquinone creams can also reduce the production of melanin in the skin (2).
- Kojic acid, extracted from mushrooms, also blocks melanin production in the skin (7).
- Topical retinoid creams may be applied to lighten the lips and decrease pigmentation caused by an increase in rapid cell turnover (7).
5. Natural Remedies
Listed below are a few natural ingredients that may help reduce the hyperpigmentation in your lips, promote moisturization, and make them pink. Check them out (2).
Ingredient | Benefit |
---|---|
Honey and glycerin | Good for moisturizing the lips (2) |
Neem or aloe vera paste | Rejuvenates the lips (2). |
Cucumber | Soothes chapped lips (2). |
Lime juice | Lightens dark lips and increases skin shine and softness (2). |
Cocoa butter | Makes the lips plump and soft.(2) |
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid | Lightens the skin. (2) |
Olive or peanut oil | Decreases pigmentation. (2) |
Red rose petals | Makes the lips pink. (2) |
Aloe vera, pears, cranberry, blueberry, ginseng, root vegetables, licorice, grape seeds, and strawberry | Natural skin lighteners that inhibit melanin production (8). |
Turmeric paired with milk or yogurt | Inhibits melanin production (9). |
Pomegranate seeds with rose water or olive oil | Inhibits melanin production and reduces lip pigmentation (10). |
Beetroot juice or powder | Gives the lips a pink color. |
Remove the yellow sap from aloe vera before application to reduce your risk of developing latex allergy. Also, wash your skin with warm water and soap if you touch it to avoid skin irritation.
Hawa Jay, a beauty vlogger, shared her experience of using a combination of vitamin e, lemon juice, and vaseline to combat her dark lips in her video. She said, “ I noticed my lips got lighter. Maybe the fourth day where it was completely almost back to its natural color (i).”
You can also make your own lip balm with the natural ingredients listed in the table below (11):
You can also add essential oils like peppermint, lime, grapefruit, lavender, or sweet orange oil to add a wonderful fragrance to your lip balm.
Butter/Wax | Oil | Coloring Agent | Flavoring Agent |
---|---|---|---|
Cocoa Butter | Coconut Oil | Beetroot | Strawberry |
Beeswax | Olive Oil | Pomegranate | Honey |
Shea Wax | Almond Oil | Marigold | Orange |
Shea Butter | Vitamin E OIl | Tomato | Saffron |
White Beeswax | Peanut OIl | Jabul | Raspberry |
Yellow Beeswax | Tea Tree Oil | Watermelon | Vanilla |
Carnauba Wax | Glycerin | Honey | Mango |
Candelilla Wax | Castor Oil | Saffron | Rose Oil |
Mango Butter | Jojoba Oil | Turmeric | Sandalwood |
Avocado Butter | Corn OIl | Capsicum | Jasmine |
Olive Wax | Arachis Oil | Cherry | Cherry |
Jojoba Wax | Lemon Oil | Orange | Apple |
Olive Butter | Avocado Oil | Strawberry | Lemon |
Sweet Almond | Sesame Oil | Mango | Apricot |
Sweet Almond Wax | Grapeseed Oil | Carrot | Rosemary |
Raspberry Butter | Sunflower Oil | Lemon | Pineapple |
Creating your own lip balm is a one-time effort. It also offers you the freedom to use it at your convenience. The process is fairly simple. Learn more in the next section.
Homemade Lip Balm
You Will Need
- 8 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax
- 1 tablespoon of shea butter
- A few drops of lemon juice
Procedure
- Melt shea butter and beeswax using a double boiler.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the mixture.
- Allow it to cool slightly. Add lavender oil.
- Transfer the mixture to a lip balm container.
- Place it in the refrigerator to solidify.
- Use the lip balm consistently throughout the day and before bedtime.
Infographic: The Causes Of And Treatment For Dark Lips
If there is one thing that can instantly ruin your whole look, it is discolored and uneven naturally dark lips. In the infographic below, we have highlighted the causes and treatment options for this issue. Check it out to learn the simple ways to make your lips naturally rosy and beautiful.
In Summary
Your lips can turn dark due to stress, smoking, sun exposure, hyperpigmentation, and certain medical conditions and drugs. But by following the right care tips, you can make your lips healthy and pink again! If you have darkened lips, using the natural ingredients and the lip beauty tips mentioned above can lighten your lip color. Just like your hair and skin, your lips need hydration and care to stay healthy, supple, and light. Scrub your lips twice a week as exfoliation helps remove any dry or dead skin. And don’t forget to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best cosmetic products and treatments for making lips pink, such as lip balms, lip scrubs, and lip stains?
Lip balms and lip gloss with natural products, such as shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut oil, can heal chapped lips and keep them hydrated. Lip scrubs formulated with natural exfoliants, like sugar or coffee, help remove dead skin as well. Lip tints or lip stains with jojoba oil or aloe vera gel are excellent choices to retain a pink lip color.
Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using cosmetic products or treatments to make lips pink, and how can these be avoided?
If the products contain all-natural ingredients, it reduces the chances of serious side effects. Check for allergens, which can lead to itching, redness, or inflammation in certain cases. If opting for treatments, check with the dermatologist once and understand the procedure in detail.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when trying to make their lips pink, and how can these be corrected?
Over-exfoliating lips, not protecting them from UV damage, and using products with chemicals in them, are common mistakes people make in their quest for pink lips. Use products with natural ingredients and lip balms with SPF to protect lips, and drink enough water to hydrate the skin from within.
How do diet, hydration levels, and overall health affect the appearance of the lips, and what are some of the best ways to promote healthy lips?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins, consuming plenty of water, and using mild skin products promote healthy pink lips.
What are some of the most innovative and cutting-edge techniques for making lips pink, such as laser treatments or chemical peels, and what are their pros and cons?
Topical medications or chemical peels can help in achieving pink lips. But before opting for one, consult with a dermatologist as some of the treatments can be too strong for the sensitive skin of the lips.
Key Takeaways
- Dark lips may be caused by a plethora of conditions like hyperpigmentation, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, certain medical treatments and prescriptions, smoking, or even excessive consumption of caffeine.
- Following a natural skincare regimen, exfoliating your lips, and applying SPF to shield them from UV rays,
- Avoiding harsh ingredients may help keep your lips pink and healthy again.
- Eating healthy, staying hydrated, reducing your caffeine consumption, and avoiding smoking and unnecessary stress may help with dark lips.
Illustration: How To Make Your Lips Pink
Discover effective tips and techniques to achieve pink and healthy lips. Learn how to lighten dark lips and enhance their natural beauty. Watch the video now for expert advice and guidance.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Turn Your Dark Lips Pink FAST At Home!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1CJgvtSgKI
Read full bio of Dr. Zeel Gandhi
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti