Buzz
No matter if your hair is black, brown, blonde, or red, the highlighting process can create a natural, radiant tone for your hair. Sun exposure is a simple and effective way to achieve natural highlights, but if you want to speed up the process, there are many other natural methods to create vibrant shades for your hair. This article will guide you on using readily available ingredients at home to achieve trendy highlighted hair.
Steps
Use Lemon Juice
Squeeze lemon juice. Cut a lemon in half and use a juicer or your fingers to squeeze the juice into a bowl.
- Remember to strain out the seeds to avoid clogging the spray bottle.
- Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it contains preservatives that are not good for your hair.
Add water to the bowl. Dilute the lemon juice by adding an equal amount of water. For example, if you have half a cup of lemon juice, add half a cup of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. You can purchase a new spray bottle at the supermarket or reuse an old one you have at home.
- If using an old spray bottle, make sure to clean it thoroughly before adding the lemon juice. Avoid bottles that previously contained harmful chemicals.
- Shake the mixture well.
Spray the lemon juice mixture onto your hair. Focus on the areas where you want the color to appear. You can spray it all over your hair or target specific sections.
- For precise application, dip a cotton ball into the lemon juice mixture and apply it directly to the strands you wish to highlight.
- The more lemon juice you apply, the lighter the hair will become.
Sit in the sunlight to let the lemon juice react with the sun. Allow the sun to dry the lemon juice mixture for about 30 minutes. Once your hair dries, you’ll notice a lighter shade.
- Remember to protect your face and body with sunscreen and clothing while sitting in the sun.
- The longer you expose your hair to the sun, the lighter it will become. However, be cautious as lemon juice can dry out and damage your hair.
Wash and condition your hair. Rinse out the lemon juice mixture, then shampoo and use a moisturizing conditioner. Once your hair dries, you’ll see the highlighted effect.
Use Chamomile Tea
Brew a pot of chamomile tea. Use dried chamomile flowers or 3 to 4 tea bags to make a strong brew. Let the tea cool down after brewing.
Rinse your hair with the tea. Stand over a sink and pour the tea over your hair if you want an all-over lightening effect. Alternatively, you can apply the chamomile tea to specific sections of your hair for targeted highlights.
Sit in the sunlight to let the tea react with the sun. Allow the sun to dry your hair for about 30 minutes. Once your hair dries, you’ll notice a lighter shade.
Wash and condition your hair. Rinse out the tea, then shampoo and apply a moisturizing conditioner. When your hair dries, you’ll see the highlighted effect.
Repeat the process. If you desire a lighter hair color, use this method once a week.
Use Honey and Olive Oil
Mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to your hair. You can choose to treat your entire hair or just specific sections.
- For full coverage, pour the honey and olive oil mixture over your hair. Use your hands to massage it into your hair as you would with shampoo or conditioner, ensuring even distribution.
- For targeted highlights, use a cotton ball or brush to apply the mixture to the desired sections.
Leave the mixture on your hair for 30 to 60 minutes. The longer you leave it, the lighter your hair will become.
Wash and condition your hair. Once your hair dries, you’ll notice a lighter shade. Repeat the process to achieve an even lightening effect.
Use Henna Powder
Apply the henna mixture to your hair. Mix 3 tablespoons of henna powder with 1/2 cup of boiled distilled water. Let the mixture sit for 12 hours at room temperature.
Prepare before applying henna. Henna can stain your skin and clothes, so wear an old long-sleeved shirt and gloves for protection. Apply lotion or cream around your neck and hairline to prevent staining.
Massage the henna mixture into your hair. You can apply henna to your entire hair or just the sections you want to lighten. Wear a shower cap to prevent the henna from drying too quickly.
Leave the mixture on your hair for 2-3 hours. Remove the shower cap and apply conditioner to your hair. Rinse out the henna and conditioner before shampooing and styling your hair as usual.
Use Cinnamon
Mix ground cinnamon with conditioner to create a thick paste. Apply the mixture to your hair using a brush and wrap it with foil (for highlights) or a shower cap (for full coverage).
Leave the mixture on your hair. Let the mixture sit for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to achieve a lighter shade.
Shampoo and condition your hair. Rinse out the mixture, then shampoo, condition, and let your hair dry. Repeat the process if you want a lighter color.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix hydrogen peroxide with water. Pour hydrogen peroxide into half of a spray bottle and fill the other half with water.
- You can buy a spray bottle at the supermarket or reuse an old one you have at home.
- If using an old spray bottle, make sure to clean it thoroughly before adding the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Avoid bottles that previously contained harmful chemicals.
Spray the hydrogen peroxide mixture onto your hair. If you want to lighten specific sections, use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to those areas.
Leave the hydrogen peroxide mixture on your hair for about 20 minutes. Check how the color is developing and leave it longer if you want a lighter shade.
- The more hydrogen peroxide you use and the longer you leave it on, the lighter your hair will become.
- However, avoid using too much or leaving it on for too long, as it can dry out and damage your hair.
Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. Make sure to rinse out the hydrogen peroxide thoroughly, then use conditioner to moisturize your hair. Let your hair air dry and avoid using hydrogen peroxide again for at least two weeks.
Tips
- If you're unsure how your hair will react to natural highlighting methods, test a small, hidden section before applying it to your entire hair.
- Wrap a towel around your shoulders to prevent lemon juice, cinnamon, or hydrogen peroxide from touching your skin. These ingredients can irritate, so handle them with care.
- Remember that lemon juice can dry out your hair.
- Perform the highlighting process outdoors in sunlight for better results.
- Use plenty of moisturizing products to prevent your hair from drying out and looking worse than before.
- You can mix cinnamon with honey to create a thick paste. Apply it to your hair and wait for it to dry.
- Lemon juice gives brown hair an orange-red tint, but it lightens blonde hair further.
- For more noticeable results or when highlighting black hair, dip a comb into one of the mixtures mentioned above and comb it through your hair daily for a week.
- Vinegar is also effective. Use any type and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it on your hair, then sit in the sun for a while. Shampoo and condition as usual.
- When using hydrogen peroxide, store it in a dark bottle to preserve its effectiveness, as sunlight breaks down its molecules.
Warnings
- Do not repeat the highlighting process more than once or twice a week, as it can dry out and damage your hair.
- All the methods mentioned provide long-lasting color.
- Avoid sitting in the sun for more than 60 minutes when using lemon juice on your hair.
- Always be cautious with hydrogen peroxide. Use it sparingly and avoid contact with your eyes.
What You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- Sunlight
- Spray bottle or brush
- Towel
- Lemon, hydrogen peroxide, honey, olive oil, henna powder, or cinnamon.
