Introduction
Looking to enhance your hair with beautiful, natural-looking DIY hair highlight without the expense of a salon?
You’re in luck! DIY hair highlights are an affordable and fun way to add dimension and brightness to your locks at home.
Using common household ingredients or simple techniques, you can achieve gorgeous highlights that look as if they were done by a professional.
Whether you want subtle sun-kissed strands or bold, bright streaks, these DIY methods offer flexibility and creativity.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 DIY hair highlight ideas that are easy to try and perfect for anyone looking for a fresh, radiant look.
7 DIY Hair Highlight Ideas for Looking Gorgeous.
1. Lemon Juice Highlights for a Sun-Kissed Glow.
Lemon juice is one of the most popular DIY hair highlight methods due to its natural lightening properties. The acidity in lemon juice works with sunlight to gradually lighten your hair, creating a natural sun-kissed look.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Lemon Juice: Combine ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with ¼ cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray on Hair: Spray the mixture onto sections of your hair that you want to lighten.
- Sit in the Sun: Spend about 30-60 minutes outside in the sun to activate the lightening process.
- Rinse and Condition: Rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a deep conditioner, as lemon juice can be drying.
Expert Opinion: According to Healthline, lemon juice can naturally lighten hair over time, especially when exposed to UV rays. However, be sure to follow up with moisturizing treatments to avoid drying out your hair (source).
For hydration after using lemon, consider a DIY face masks moisturizing treatment to replenish your skin after sun exposure.
2. Honey and Cinnamon Highlights for Warm Tones.
A DIY hair highlight method using honey and cinnamon is perfect for achieving warm, golden highlights. Honey has natural peroxide properties, while cinnamon acts as a catalyst to enhance the lightening effect.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Create the Mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a bit of water to form a smooth paste.
- Apply to Hair: Apply the mixture to the sections of your hair you want to highlight.
- Wrap and Wait: Wrap your hair in plastic or a shower cap and leave it on for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for better results.
- Rinse Off: Rinse your hair thoroughly and follow with conditioner.
Expert Opinion: Honey’s natural peroxide properties make it a gentle lightener, while cinnamon enhances the effect by stimulating circulation, according to Dr. Joshua Zeichner (source).
To further soothe your scalp and skin, try a DIY Manuka honey mask for a natural, hydrating treatment.
3. Chamomile Tea Highlights for Subtle Lightening
Chamomile tea is a gentle way to naturally lighten your hair, making it ideal for those with lighter hair shades who want soft, subtle highlights. This DIY hair highlight method is both gentle and nourishing.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Brew the Tea: Steep 4 chamomile tea bags in 2 cups of hot water until it cools.
- Apply to Hair: Pour the tea over damp hair or use a spray bottle to apply it to the areas you want to highlight.
- Sun-Dry Your Hair: Let your hair air dry in the sun for the lightening effects to kick in.
- Rinse and Condition: Once your hair is dry, rinse it out and condition well.
Expert Opinion: Chamomile is known for its calming and brightening properties, and can gently lighten hair over time with repeated use, according to beauty expert Dr. Taz Bhatia (source).
While lightening your hair, don’t forget to care for your skin with a soothing DIY face masks moisturizing routine.
4. Vinegar Highlights for Brunettes.
Apple cider vinegar is a fantastic option for brunettes looking to add warm, caramel-toned highlights. This DIY hair highlight method not only lightens your hair but also adds shine and balances scalp pH.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Vinegar: Combine ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Apply to Hair: Spray the mixture onto the areas you want to highlight.
- Leave for 30 Minutes: Let the vinegar sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing.
- Rinse and Condition: Rinse your hair with cool water and condition to lock in moisture.
Expert Opinion: Apple cider vinegar helps remove buildup and enhance shine while gradually lightening hair, as explained by Healthline’s beauty experts (source).
For soft, exfoliated lips to match your glowing hair, try a DIY lip scrub made with natural ingredients like sugar and honey.
5. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Highlights for Bold Contrast
If you want more intense highlights, a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can give you bold, blonde streaks. This DIY hair highlight method is more powerful and works best on darker hair.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Make a Paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste.
- Apply Carefully: Using a brush, apply the paste to the sections of your hair you want to lighten.
- Leave On: Let the mixture sit on your hair for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse and Condition: Rinse thoroughly and follow with a deep conditioning treatment.
Expert Opinion: According to Dr. Hadley King, hydrogen peroxide can be used in small amounts to lighten hair, but it’s important to condition afterward to prevent damage (source).
Be sure to follow this treatment with a DIY face masks moisturizing session to keep your skin hydrated and healthy while focusing on your hair.
6. Sea Salt Spray Highlights for a Beachy Look
Get natural, beachy highlights by using a DIY sea salt spray. This method mimics the lightening effect of saltwater and sun exposure, perfect for creating effortless, sun-kissed strands.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Make the Spray: Mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spritz on Hair: Spray the mixture onto your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas you want to lighten.
- Sit in the Sun: Spend about 30-45 minutes outside to activate the lightening process.
- Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse your hair with fresh water and use a leave-in conditioner to hydrate.
Expert Opinion: Sea salt naturally lightens hair by lifting the cuticle, allowing the sun to penetrate more deeply, says beauty expert Dr. Whitney Bowe (source).
After a day in the sun, treat yourself to a hydrating DIY Manuka honey mask to restore moisture to your skin and hair.
7. Cinnamon and Olive Oil Highlights for Deep Warmth.
Cinnamon and olive oil create a rich DIY hair highlight method that adds warmth and depth to darker hair. The olive oil nourishes the hair while the cinnamon provides natural lightening.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix Cinnamon and Olive Oil: Combine 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Apply to Hair: Apply the mixture to the sections of your hair you want to lighten.
- Wrap and Let Sit: Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave the mixture on for 3-4 hours, or overnight for more intense results.
- Rinse and Style: Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.
Expert Opinion: Cinnamon stimulates blood flow to the scalp and naturally lightens hair, while olive oil adds moisture and shine, explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner (source).
For a full beauty regimen, combine this hair treatment with a nourishing DIY face masks moisturizing routine for radiant skin and hair.
Conclusion.
These 7 DIY hair highlight ideas offer a variety of natural, effective ways to brighten your hair and add dimension without harsh chemicals.
Whether you prefer the gentle lightening of chamomile tea or the bold results from hydrogen peroxide, these methods allow you to customize your highlights to suit your style and hair type.
With the right technique and aftercare, you can achieve beautiful, natural-looking highlights from the comfort of your home.
For a complete beauty overhaul, consider adding a DIY lip scrub to your routine for soft, smooth lips, or try a DIY Manuka honey mask to keep your skin glowing and healthy.
FAQs
1. How long do DIY hair highlights last?
DIY hair highlights typically last for several weeks, depending on the method and how often you wash your hair. Some methods, like lemon juice or chamomile, may require repeated applications to maintain the lightened effect.
2. Can I do DIY hair highlights on colored hair?
Yes, but the results may vary. Some natural lightening methods like honey or chamomile may not show as prominently on color-treated hair. Always do a strand test to see how your hair reacts.
3. Do DIY hair highlights damage your hair?
Most natural DIY hair highlight methods, like using honey, chamomile, or cinnamon, are gentle and safe for your hair. However, more intense methods like hydrogen peroxide can be drying, so it’s important to condition your hair afterward.
4. How can I enhance the results of DIY hair highlights?
Spending time in the sun can enhance the lightening effects of ingredients like lemon juice, chamomile, and sea salt. Additionally, using a nourishing mask like a DIY face masks moisturizing treatment will keep your hair healthy and shiny.
5. Can I combine different DIY hair highlight methods?
Yes! You can experiment by combining methods like honey and cinnamon or lemon juice and chamomile for more personalized results. Just be sure to moisturize your hair after lightening to prevent dryness.
