People love to change their hair color. And why not? There’s not much more fun than switching up your look. One of the easiest ways to start that new look is by highlighting your hair. Millions upon million of people use highlights, but most use them wrong.
Use highlights wrong, you ask? You’re probably imagining how easy it is to highlight your hair, and you wouldn’t be wrong.
However, chemical highlights actually damage otherwise gorgeous hair. Getting those light tones will dry out your hair and cost you your radiant glow.
Though this doesn’t mean highlights are always bad. Natural highlights provide a way to dye your hair without risking damage.
With a little out of the box thinking, you can have your hair looking fantastic and healthy in no time.
Natural Highlights Tip #1: Lemon Juice
You might have heard of this one, and for good reason. Using lemon juice to highlight your hair is a safe, effective way to lighten up your look.
The lightning works by opening your hair cuticles and lifting out your natural pigment. It won’t take you from brunette to blonde, but it will make your hair several shades lighter.
- Start by juicing fresh lemons into a bowl. Remember to remove the seeds! Next, dilute the juice with an equal part water.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well to make sure the juice and water blend.
- Finally, spray the parts of your hair that you want to highlight and get ready to sit outside in the sun.
Let the mixture dry in the sun for 30 minutes, and as the mixture dries your hair will lighten.
The more lemon juice you add, the lighter your hair will get. Likewise, the stronger the original mixture the lighter your hair.
#2: Chamomile
Chamomile tea is more than just a tasty drink. Boil up some tea leaves and after a little while you’ll be ready to highlight.
Sounds weird? Well, it only is if you focus on running tea through your hair. Think of it as “normal” highlights and you won’t think twice about it.
- Start your chamomile highlights by boiling several leaves or tea bags. You’ll want the tea extremely strong; so shoot for much stronger than you’d drink.
- Next, wash your hair. The chamomile penetrates your hair much better without contending with your natural body oils.
- Now you need to apply the tea to the specific hair you want highlighted. You can use it liberally and highlight your whole style, or apply in a pattern.
Either way, you’ll need to sit in the sun (yes, again) to achieve the full highlighting effect.
#3: Henna
Yes, the same henna that people use to give themselves temporary tattoos can also highlight your hair.
Henna leaves your hair a different shade of red, depending on your starting color. Blondes should expect brighter highlights, while those with darker hair will see muted reds.
The reason this works is the lawsone in henna leaves. Lawsone binds to the protein in your hair shaft and imparts its natural red color.
- Start by adding 3 tablespoons of henna powder to a 1/2 cup of boiling water. Mix the henna through until the mixture is free from lumps.
- Let this mixture stand for 12 hours. After resting, apply the mixture to your hair as needed. Let stand again, this time for 2-3 hours.
- Finally, wash the mixture out and style your hair like normal. You should see red highlights wherever you applied the henna.
#4: Cinnamon
Highlighting your hair with cinnamon results in a similar color as henna. You’ll end up with highlights that are colored, well, like cinnamon.
Again, depending on your hair color the results will vary. Blondes will see a more striking amber, golden color, while darker hair highlights to an auburn, rust color.
- Prepare your mixture by combining enough cinnamon to make half a cup of conditioner into a thick paste.
- Apply the paste into your hair however you want your highlights arraigned. Aluminum strips work well to keep highlights straight and orderly.
- Let the conditioner and cinnamon mixture rest in your hair at minimum 3 hours, or for best results overnight.
Wash out the mixture when you’re ready and style your hair like normal. As a bonus, the antioxidants in cinnamon will leave your hair silky smooth.
#5: Honey & Olive Oil
Our last recommendation for natural highlights is utilizing honey and olive oil. The mixture will produce lighter highlights across all hair colors.
This works because of the enzyme glucose oxidase that produces hydrogen peroxide. Anyone familiar with hydrogen peroxide knows it bleaches everything.
- Start the process by mixing 1/4 cup warm honey and 1/4 cup olive oil. The oil will help the honey spread easily through your hair.
- Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and apply it to the hair you’d like highlighted.
- Let your hair stand for 30-60 minutes, and then work the honey into your hair vigorously for the last five minutes.
- Wash the mix out taking care to ensure you get all of the oil out of your hair. And voila! Another case of easy natural highlights.
To Conclude
Choosing natural highlights over chemical based lightening products will not only save your hair from harsh chemicals, but also change your look for the better. Any of the materials on our list are easily and cheaply available. In fact, you’ll probably save money using our natural highlights alternatives.
It’s always important to ensure your hair stays as healthy as possible. After all, you only get one chance at beautiful hair. If you’re trying to style your hair without causing it damage, check out our reviews of vitamins essential for hair growth.
Our website is dedicated to making sure you’re choosing from only the very best in hair care products. Choose the wrong product, and you could end up inadvertently damaging your hair. That’s why we make it our goal to inform everyone about not only what’s good for your hair, but also what’s safe for your hair. We have the tips and tricks the salon won’t tell you!
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