Golden highlights: how to get them naturally?

Les reflets dorés : Understanding and Objectives

A. Understanding golden highlights

i. Definition of golden highlights

Golden highlights are luminous, sun-kissed shades that add depth and dynamism to natural hair color. They are particularly sought-after for their ability to illuminate the face and add a touch of warmth and subtle shine. These highlights reflect light harmoniously, creating a natural, attractive effect.

ii. Benefits of golden highlights for hair appearance

Adopting golden highlights not only enhances natural hair color, but also adds a touch of freshness and light that goes perfectly with hot seasons like summer. These highlights can also give an impression of volume and movement, making hair more vibrant and full of life.

B. Objective of the article: Explain how to obtain golden highlights naturally

i. Importance of natural methods

In a world where many people are concerned about the chemical ingredients found in commercial hair products, using natural methods to achieve golden highlights has become an environmentally-friendly beauty trend. These approaches not only avoid the potential damage caused by chemicals, but are also economical and accessible, offering a viable option for a wide audience.

ii. Overview of natural method options to be discussed in the article

• Chamomile infusion : Known for its brightening properties, chamomile is one of the most popular home remedies for achieving golden highlights.
• Lemon juice : Thanks to its natural acidity, lemon juice is often used to lighten hair by reproducing the effect of the sun.
• Honey and cider vinegar: By combining the moisturizing and lightening power of honey with the gentle acidity of cider vinegar, it's possible to create a natural and effective hair treatment.

Homemade recipes for golden highlights

A. Chamomile infusion

i. Benefits of chamomile for golden highlights

Chamomile is renowned for its natural lightening properties. Thanks to its yellow pigments, it can enhance the natural shades of light hair and add a subtle golden touch. In addition to its coloring effects, chamomile is soothing to the scalp, making it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin.

ii. How to use chamomile

To use chamomile, simply steep two or three chamomile tea bags in about a liter of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool, then apply to clean hair, soaking thoroughly. Expose your hair to the sun for about 30 minutes to activate the lightening effect. Finally, rinse hair with warm water and leave to air-dry.

B. Lemon juice

i. How lemon can create golden highlights

Thanks to its high concentration of citric acid, lemon juice has the ability to partially dissolve melanin in hair, revealing lighter shades. This effect is particularly effective when reinforced by exposure to the sun, which accentuates lightening.

ii. Step-by-step instructions for using lemon juice for golden highlights

Mix the juice of two lemons with a liter of water. Apply this mixture to your hair, massaging lightly. Then spend some time outside under the sun for about an hour. To avoid drying out your hair, be sure to apply a moisturizing conditioner once the treatment is complete. Repeat this procedure once a week until the desired highlights are achieved.

C. Honey and cider vinegar

i. Why honey and cider vinegar are effective

Honey contains hydrogen peroxide in small quantities, giving it gentle lightening properties. When combined with cider vinegar, which balances hair pH and acts as a natural conditioner, this blend becomes a gentle yet effective hair treatment for luminous golden highlights.

ii. Application of honey and cider vinegar mixture

In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of cider vinegar. Apply this mixture to damp hair, paying particular attention to the areas where you wish to obtain stronger highlights. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave overnight. In the morning, rinse hair thoroughly and shampoo lightly. Apply this treatment once a week for gradual, natural results.

See also: The best techniques for drying curly hair

Tips for maintaining naturally golden highlights

A. Adopt the right hair care routine

i. Importance of hydration

To preserve naturally obtained golden highlights, it's crucial to keep hair well hydrated. Use conditioners rich in moisturizing agents and opt for weekly hair masks. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter provide deep hydration, keeping hair shiny and soft.

ii. Choice of shampoos

Opting for gentle sulfate-free shampoos will help preserve the health of your hair and highlights. Sulfates, often found in hair care products, can alter color and dry out the hair fiber. Choose shampoos formulated with natural ingredients such as lavender, calendula or chamomile.

B. Protection against external aggression

i. Protect hair from the sun

It's essential to protect your hair from UV rays, which can alter your golden highlights. For prolonged exposure to the sun, remember to wear a hat or use hair products with sunscreen. Applying lightweight natural oils, such as jojoba or argan oil, also creates a protective barrier against the sun's rays.

ii. Avoid excessive heat

Frequent use of heat, whether by hairdryers, straightening irons or curling irons, can dull golden highlights. Try to reduce the use of these tools or, if necessary, apply a heat protector before use. It's also advisable to let your hair air-dry as much as possible to minimize damage.

C. Regular touch-ups and care

i. Periodically perform gentle lightening treatments

To maintain the intensity of your golden highlights, it may be helpful to repeat some of the natural treatments mentioned above on a regular basis. For example, reapplying a chamomile infusion or honey mask from time to time can help revive highlights in a gentle way.

ii. Avoid aggressive chemicals

Limiting the use of hair products containing harsh chemicals, such as colorants or perms, is beneficial for the radiance of your golden highlights. These products can damage the hair cuticle and affect the brightness and contrast of your highlights. Opt instead for semi-permanent or vegetable-based colorants if you want more noticeable changes.

D. Nutritional benefits for radiant hair

i. Influence of nutrition on hair health

A balanced diet plays a key role in the health of your hair. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy green vegetables, oily fish, nuts and seeds, to strengthen hair structure and optimize the shine of your golden highlights. Good hydration, through adequate water intake, also contributes to the overall health of your hair.

ii. Hair supplements

In some cases, incorporating hair supplements, such as biotin or B-vitamin complexes, can be beneficial in supporting hair growth and vitality. However, consult a health professional before adding supplements to your routine to ensure they suit your personal needs.

By adopting these tips, you can preserve and enhance golden highlights naturally and over time.

FAQ and practical tips

A. Frequently asked questions

1. Are golden highlights suitable for all hair types?

Yes, golden highlights can be adapted to almost any hair type. Light, brown or red hair can all benefit from the warmth and luminosity these highlights bring. However, results can vary depending on the hair's base color, thickness and porosity.

2. How long does it take to see visible results with natural methods?

Natural methods generally require several applications to achieve visible results. This may take a few weeks, depending on the frequency of treatments and the natural intensity of the melanin in your hair. Patience is the key to achieving subtle, long-lasting golden highlights.

3. Can natural methods damage hair?

In general, natural methods such as herbal infusions, citrus fruits, honey and cider vinegar are gentle on the hair and cause no damage, provided they are used correctly. It is important, however, to follow the advice on moisturizing and sun protection to avoid drying out the hair.

4. What's the best season to apply these natural treatments?

The summer months are ideal for natural hair-lightening treatments, due to the abundance of sunshine that can help intensify the effects. However, these methods can be applied year-round by adjusting sun exposure or using other sources of gentle heat.

5. Can several natural methods be combined?

It's perfectly possible to combine several natural methods to achieve golden highlights. For example, alternating between lemon juice and chamomile infusion can deliver faster results. However, it is advisable to monitor the effect on your hair and always maintain good hydration to avoid drying out.

B. Practical tips for optimum maintenance

I. Treatment frequency

Performing these treatments once a week is generally sufficient to maintain subtle golden highlights, while avoiding excessive lightening. Adjust the frequency according to your needs, and observe the evolution of the results on your hair.

II. Adding essential oils

Adding essential oils, such as lavender or rosemary, to your hair preparations can not only enhance the benefits of treatments, but also provide a pleasant fragrance and nourish your scalp. A few drops are all it takes to enrich your blends.

III. Maintaining a healthy scalp

Taking care of your scalp is essential for the overall health of your hair. Massaging your scalp regularly stimulates blood circulation and promotes nutrient absorption, which can improve the intensity and longevity of golden highlights.

IV. Integrating care into everyday life

Incorporating light care into your daily routine, such as rinsing with chamomile infusion or lemon juice spray, can help achieve and maintain golden highlights without too much effort. Modify the frequency to suit your desired results.

V. Minimizing hair stress

Limiting physical aggressions such as aggressive brushing or tension caused by tight hairstyles can preserve your hair's health and prolong the shine of golden highlights. Be gentle with your hair and choose accessories that reduce friction and tension.