How to Highlight Your Hair Naturally

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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

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  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]
    • 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. 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]
    • 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. 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]
    • 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. 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]
    • 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. . 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

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  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]
  2. 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]
  3. 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]
  4. . 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. 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

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  1. 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]
  2. 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]
    • 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. 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]
  4. . 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.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Henna

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  1. 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]
  2. 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]
  3. 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]
  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]
  5. 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 based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How long do you keep hydrogen peroxide in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 18
  • Question
    Are hair highlights permanent?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18
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      Tips

      • Wear a towel over your shoulders when applying any mixtures to your hair to keep your clothing and skin protected.
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      • As so many of these methods involve waiting overnight or require a great deal of time, plan ahead. You may need to do them on a day you're not busy.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Microwave the honey for about 20 seconds before applying to hair. It becomes a thinner substance and is easier to work with!
      • Henna can make your hair turn auburn if used for long periods of time, don't use for more than 1:30 for light hair.
      • Hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice can both seriously dry out your hair.
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      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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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about highlighting hair, check out our in-depth interview with Candice Ayers .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-lemon-juice
      2. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-lemon-juice
      3. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-lemon-juice
      4. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-lemon-juice
      5. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/how-to-lighten-hair-with-lemon-juice
      6. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/how-to-naturally-lighten-your-hair
      7. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/how-to-naturally-lighten-your-hair
      8. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/how-to-naturally-lighten-your-hair
      9. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/energetic-health/how-to-naturally-lighten-your-hair
      1. ↑ https://www.livingthenourishedlife.com/how-to-naturally-lighten-hair/
      2. ↑ https://www.livingthenourishedlife.com/how-to-naturally-lighten-hair/
      3. ↑ https://www.livingthenourishedlife.com/how-to-naturally-lighten-hair/
      4. ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/henna-hair-dying/
      5. ↑ https://www.greenprophet.com/2012/05/dye-your-hair-naturally-with-henna/
      6. ↑ https://www.greenprophet.com/2012/05/dye-your-hair-naturally-with-henna/
      7. ↑ https://www.greenprophet.com/2012/05/dye-your-hair-naturally-with-henna/
      8. ↑ https://www.greenprophet.com/2012/05/dye-your-hair-naturally-with-henna/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to lighten your hair overnight and without sunlight, mix 1 tbsp of honey and 1 cup of water in a bowl and apply the mixture to any part of your hair you want to highlight. Then, put on a shower cap and let the mixture sit in your hair overnight or for at least 1 hour. Once the time is up, wash the honey out of your hair. Your hair will look lighter once it dries, but you may want to repeat the process for even lighter results. Read more for tips from our Cosmetologist reviewer on how to lighten your hair with lemon juice or henna!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Taylor Walsh

        Dec 30, 2019

        "I have very dark brown hair, and with the lemon juice treatment, I was able to achieve lighter hair and golden ..." more
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