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How Do I Bring out Natural Highlights?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 21, 2024

There are multiple methods of making your natural highlights more noticeable, including spending more time in the sun and using highlight-enhancing products, like certain conditioners and shampoos. If you spend a lot of time indoors, your hair does not get lightened by the sun, which is a natural occurrence, and it may seem like your highlights have disappeared. When spending time in the sun is not enough, try buying a shampoo or conditioning product designed to bring out your natural highlights. For obvious highlights, you may need to turn to an unnatural solution, such as having your hair dyed.

One of the best ways to bring out natural highlights is to spend time in the sun. Let your hair down and enjoy yourself, but remember to wear sunscreen to prevent damaging your skin. You will not notice results immediately, but after a few weeks of spending time outdoors on a regular basis, your hair should be noticeably lighter in some places. The sun can bring out the natural color of your hair, whether it is blond or red. Be careful not to spend too much time outdoors, however, because some people experience excessive lightning of their hair, leaving them with a color they are not happy with.

Some shampoos and conditioners are designed to bring out natural highlights. These products usually enhance or tint your hair just a bit, making your highlights more noticeable. They are available in a range of colors, so choose one closest to your natural hair color. Such products might stain fabrics or skin if spilled or left on too long, so caution should be exercised when using them. Sometimes these products are also used to lessen the visibility of gray hair, but they work best when the user has yet to go completely gray.

If you want very obvious highlights, you may need artificial highlights. A hair stylist can apply highlights that look natural at first glance, but most people do not have such vibrant and noticeable highlights. Most peoples’ natural highlights are subtle, something people would have to actively look for if they wanted to admire them. Highlights applied at a hair salon are usually much more obvious, but they can be expensive and are not permanent, even if permanent dye is used. They can also be applied at home, but they generally look best when applied by someone with experience and know-how when it comes to hair dye.

BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and BeautyAnswered contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Discussion Comments
By bythewell — On Jun 22, 2013

@KoiwiGal - It depends on what kind of hair you've got though. Some people might be able to get away with using a natural dye, like henna, to help them make their highlights a little more noticeable.

Henna isn't going to lighten your hair, but it will help to brighten it, which can bring out natural highlights a little bit more.

Be very careful with it though and be sure to spot check it before you use it.

My mother tried to use henna to cover her gray hair once and left it in too long. She ended up with what was basically bright orange hair and she was very embarrassed by it. She went almost immediately into the hair dresser to get it changed.

By KoiwiGal — On Jun 22, 2013

@irontoenail - Lemon juice is a good way to go if you want a nice medium between just using sunlight and using a shampoo to bring out highlights.

I think most people get pretty disappointed by this process though, because it is extremely subtle. If you really want highlights that people are going to notice, you simply have to go to the hairdresser and get them that way.

By irontoenail — On Jun 21, 2013

You need to be careful with those products that are supposed to bring out your natural highlights, because often they are really just stripping back your hair and leaving it vulnerable to damage.

If you're hoping to get some highlights from the sun and are worried about damage, load your hair up with a good quality leave in conditioner beforehand, as that will help to protect it.

But, frankly, highlights are basically sun damage, so you will have to expect your hair to be a little bit frizzy if you are going out into the sun everyday.

Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and BeautyAnswered contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
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