How to Highlight Your Hair Naturally

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: October 8, 2020 References Approved

Whether your hair is dark, brown, blonde or red, the process of highlighting brings out its natural bright tones. Spending time in the sun is an easy, effective way to naturally highlight your hair, but if you want to speed the process along, there are other natural ways to boost the golden hues in your hair. Learn how to use a variety of household supplies to achieve a stylish highlighted look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Lemon Juice

1
Juice lemons. Cut the lemons in half. Use a juicer or your fingers to squeeze their juice into a bowl. Get as much juice out of the lemons as possible, especially if you have longer hair.^{[1]
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- You could also add some cinnamon and conditioner for extra highlighting.
- Make sure to strain or pick out the seeds, so they don't clog your spray bottle.
- Avoid using bottled lemon juice. It contains preservatives that aren't good for your hair but it still works the same.
- The precise amount of lemons you'll need varies depending on how long your hair is.
2
Mix the lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. You should use two parts lemon juice to one part water. Measure your lemon juice and then add the proper amount of water to the juice. For example, 2 cups of lemon juice would require one cup of water but if you just want slight highlights reverse the ratio. Stay-in conditioner would be the best option for your hair instead of water and would also be more effective. Shake the spray bottle to mix the lemon juice and water together.^{[2]
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- If you're using an old spray bottle, make sure it is thoroughly washed before you pour in the lemon juice. Avoid using a bottle that contained toxic chemicals.
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3
Spray your hair with the lemon mixture. Concentrate on the parts you want to lighten, whether that’s all your hair, the ends, or highlights throughout. You can coat your hair all over or focus on a few strands, depending on what you're trying to achieve.^{[3]
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- If you want a more precise application, dip a cotton ball in the lemon juice mixture and rub it on the strands of hair you wish to highlight.
- The more lemon juice you apply to your hair, the lighter it will get.
4
Sit in the sun for several sessions. Lemon juice works in conjunction with the sun's natural rays to lighten hair. Try to sit in the sun about three or four times during the day. Each session should be between one and two hours.^{[4]
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- Make sure you protect your face and body with sunscreen and clothing while sitting in direct sunlight.
- There is no precise time frame to follow between sessions. Simply get in the sessions when you're able to go outside.
5
Wash and condition your hair. Thoroughly rinse the lemon juice mixture from your hair. Then, wash it and add a deep conditioner with moisturizing products. Lemon juice dries out your hair, so a deep conditioner is essential. When your hair is dry, you'll be able to see the highlights.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Chamomile Tea

1
Brew a pot of chamomile tea. Use either dried chamomile flowers or 3 to 4 tea bags to brew a very strong pot of tea. Allow it to cool once it has brewed. It should not be so hot to the touch it causes pain, as you'll be applying this to your scalp.^{[6]
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2
Rinse your hair with the tea. Stand over the sink and pour the tea over your hair if you'd like to lighten your hair all over. Alternatively, apply the chamomile tea to the strands of your hair you wish to highlight.^{[7]
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3
Sit in the sun to let it react with the tea. Allow the tea to dry in your hair by sitting out in the sun. There is no precise amount of time to sit, although longer is generally better.^{[8]
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4
Wash and condition your hair. Rinse the tea from your hair. Then, wash and condition it with moisturizing products. When your hair is dry, you'll see mild lightening and some highlights.
5
Repeat the process. You're unlikely to see dramatic results with chamomile tea right away. Chamomile usually gradually lightens your hair over time. You may need to try this method a few days in a row to get your desired results.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Honey

1
Mix honey and water in a bowl. Honey has natural traces of hydrogen peroxide, so it's a great means to lighten hair. Add about a tablespoon of raw honey to a bowl with a cup of water. Use a spoon of whisk to the honey together until you have an even mixture.^{[10]
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2
Apply the mixture to your hair. Decide whether you want to lighten all of your hair or just a few strands. You can rub the honey/water mixture all throughout your head, or simply add the mixture to a few strands of your hair.^{[11]
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- To highlight individual strands, it can be easier to use a pastry brush to paint the mixture onto the strands you want to lighten.
3
Let the mixture sit in your hair overnight. Put on a shower cap. Let the mixture sit in overnight to lighten your hair. If you don't want to let it sit in overnight, you can let it sit in for 30 to 60 minutes. However, overnight will generally yield more dramatic results.^{[12]
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4
Shampoo and condition your hair. Wash the honey out completely after letting it sit. It can take some extra effort, as honey is sticky. When it dries, it should appear lighter in color. Repeat the process for even lighter results.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Henna

1
Make sure henna is the right option. Henna usually turns hair a reddish brown color. If your hair is naturally very dark, this will likely be lighter than your normal shade. However, if your hair is naturally light, henna may actually darken it. Use henna for darker hair and if you want a touch of red.^{[13]
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2
Make a paste with henna. You should make your paste 12 hours before you plan to dye your hair. Mix 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of henna powder with enough boiling water to make a thick, workable paste. You can either use a spoon, a chopstick, or something similar to stir. Place your mixture somewhere safe to let it cool.^{[14]
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3
Prepare to apply the henna. Henna stains skin and clothes, so wear an old long-sleeved shirt and gloves for protection. Spread petroleum jelly on your neck and hairline to avoid staining these areas with henna.^{[15]
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4
Massage the henna mixture into your hair. Use gloves when applying henna. Either cover your entire head with henna or just apply it to the strands you want to lighten. Be as thorough as possible, striving to saturate your hair or individuals strands with the henna paste. Cover your head with a plastic shower cap when you're done to keep the henna from drying out too fast.^{[16]
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5
Let the mixture sit for two to three hours. After two to three hours have passed, remove the shower cap and apply conditioner to your hair. Rise out the henna and conditioner before shampooing and styling your hair as normal.^{[17]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

Can honey lighten hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Honey is a great natural lightener but it must be raw, organic honey to work properly. For an extra boost, you can mix it with some lemon juice.
Question

How long do you keep hydrogen peroxide in your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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Hydrogen peroxide can be used on its own to lighten hair or mixed with other ingredients ranging from powder lightener to baking soda. Either way, you want to leave it on for no longer than an hour. The lightning power will reduce significantly after thirty minutes.
Question

Are hair highlights permanent?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, lightening your hair is always permanent. This is because it involves breaking up your natural pigment. You can easily dye over highlights, but they will never disappear on their own.

Warnings

Do not repeat any highlighting method more than once or twice per week. Doing so may cause your hair to become dry and brittle.

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