How to Make a Hair Lightening Spray

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and Amber Crain

Last Updated: January 26, 2021 References

Highlights can add dimension and shine to your hair, but the cost of salon treatments can really add up. Luckily, there are many other ways to help you achieve fabulous, shimmery highlights at home. These options will save you tons of money, and the ingredients are natural and far less damaging to your hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Apple Cider Vinegar for Brown and Red Hair

1
Gather your ingredients. This very simple lightening spray only calls for two ingredients – apple cider vinegar and distilled water. It works best to gently lighten red, light brown and brown hair. Because it's so gentle, you will probably have to do it several times before seeing results. ^{[1]
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Research source} You will also need a spray bottle that will hold 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) of liquid lightening spray formula. The exact measurements are:
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar;
- 1 cup of distilled water.
2
Measure out the ingredients and pour them into a spray bottle. Make sure you use a spray bottle that is clean and empty. Once the ingredients are in the bottle, replace the nozzle and shake it vigorously to combine the ingredients inside.
- Be sure you’ve put the nozzle on tightly before shaking to prevent any messes.
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3
Spray the mixture evenly onto damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Once you spray the formula on, run a fine-toothed comb through your hair to make sure it is distributed evenly throughout your mane.^{[2]
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4
Rinse the formula out and style your hair as usual. The apple cider vinegar will leave your hair feeling silky and soft. The highlight effects are very natural looking and apple cider vinegar is gentle enough to use as often as you like.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 7 January 2019.}
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry place out of direct light. Shake the bottle well before each application.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Lemon Juice and Chamomile Tea Formula

1
Gather your ingredients. This lightening formula calls for chamomile tea, lemon juice, cinnamon, honey and olive oil. Additionally, you’ll need a clean spray bottle that will hold 1.5 cups (12 fluid ounces) of the lightening spray.^{[4]
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Research source} The exact measurements are:
- 1 chamomile tea bag;
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed);
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon;
- 1 teaspoon honey;
- 1 teaspoon olive oil.
2
Boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the chamomile tea bag. Place the tea bag in a mug and pour the boiling water over it (just as you would if you were making yourself a cup of tea). Allow the tea bag to steep until the water has cooled to room temperature, which will take about 30 minutes.^{[5]
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- Remove the bag from the water and dispose of it once you’ve finished steeping.
3
Pour the tea and other ingredients into a clean spray bottle. The tea liquid should fill your 12 ounce spray bottle about halfway up. Then measure out ½ cup lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon olive oil and add those to the spray bottle.
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil can be substituted for the olive oil, if you prefer.^{[6]
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- Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt to the mixture to achieve textured, beachy waves.
- If you heat up the honey for a few seconds in the microwave, it will be thinner and easier to work with.
4
Mix the ingredients together. Once all of the ingredients are in the bottle, attach the nozzle to the spray bottle to close it up. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients. Be sure to put the nozzle on tightly to avoid any messes.
5
Spray the mixture generously onto wet hair and expose it to sunlight. After spraying the formula on your hair, run a fine-toothed comb through it to make sure the lightening spray is evenly distributed.
- To achieve an ombre look, spray the mixture on the ends of your hair only. For a more dramatic ombre look, spray it on the bottom half of your hair.^{[7]
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6
Store the leftover mixture in the refrigerator. The spray will keep for 3-4 days as long as you keep it cold. You can use this mixture on your hair whenever you plan to be outside in the sun during those 3-4 days.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Essential Oils Formula for Subtle Results

1
Gather your ingredients. This lightening spray calls for dried chamomile flowers, cinnamon essential oil, lemon essential oil, and cassia essential oil. Additionally, you will need a large mixing bowl and a spray bottle made of dark glass. The exact measurements for each ingredient are:
- ½ cup dried chamomile flowers
- 30-40 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 30-40 drops lemon essential oil
- 15-20 drops cassia essential oil
- 2 tsp. propylene glycol (optional)
2
Boil 1 cup of water and pour it over the chamomile flowers. Place ½ cup of dried chamomile flowers in a large mixing bowl and pour the boiled water over them. Allow the flowers to steep until the water cools to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
- After steeping strain the chamomile flowers from the water.
- Toss out the chamomile flowers or compost them.
3
Add the essential oils to the water. After removing the chamomile flowers, add the cinnamon essential oil, lemon essential oil and cassia oil directly to the water in the bowl. Mix the water and oils together using a wooden spoon, plastic, or other non-reactive utensil.
- Optional: add 2 teaspoons of propylene glycol to the water. The propylene glycol inhibits separation of the essential oils from the water.
4
Pour the mixture into a dark glass spray bottle. Make sure the bottle you're using is clean and empty. You may want to use a funnel to transfer the mixture from the bowl to the spray bottle.
- The dark glass will protect the essential oils from light exposure which often causes the essential oils to degrade and lose effectiveness.
5
Spray the mixture evenly onto your hair and expose it to sunlight. Spray it onto dry or damp hair and run a comb through it to distribute the ingredients evenly. Use this mixture on your hair whenever you plan to be outside in the sun.
- The longer you expose your hair to sunlight with the mixture in your hair, the more results you will see.
- This method is very gentle and highlights will result gradually.
6
Store any leftover mixture in a cool place out of direct sunlight. By keeping the bottle in a cool place with no light exposure, you will prevent the ingredients from losing their potency. Shake the bottle well before each application.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Hydrogen Peroxide Formula for the Lightest Bleach

1
Gather your ingredients. This lightening spray calls for hydrogen peroxide, water, lemon juice and a strong brew of chamomile tea. Additionally, you’ll need a spray bottle that will hold 1.5 cups (12 fluid ounces) of the formula. The exact measurements are:
- ½ cup of water;
- 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide;
- 1/4 cup lemon juice;
- 1/2 cup chamomile tea.
2
Boil ½ cup of water and pour it over a chamomile tea bag. Place the tea bag in a mug and pour the boiling water over it, just as you would if you were making yourself a cup of tea. Allow the tea bag to steep until the water has cooled to room temperature, which will result in a strong brew
- It will take approximately 30 minutes for the water to cool down.
- Remove the bag from the water and dispose of it once you’ve finished steeping.
3
Pour the tea and other ingredients into the spray bottle. Be sure to use a clean and empty spray bottle. Measure out ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup lemon juice and ½ cup water and pour them into the spray bottle, along with the freshly brewed chamomile tea. Use a funnel to easily transfer the liquids into the bottle.
- Once all of the ingredients are in the bottle, stir the contents gently until mixed well.
- Attach the nozzle to the spray bottle to close it up.
4
Perform a strand test. Since this formula contains hydrogen peroxide, it’s best to perform a strand test before applying it all over your hair. Spritz a small amount of the spray onto a tiny section of discreetly located hair (i.e. a piece on the underside of your mane).
- Make sure you like the results before committing to an all-over application.
- If you have dark brown or black hair, the highlights will be closer to auburn than blonde.
5
Spray the mixture onto damp hair. After shampooing and conditioning, towel-dry your hair and then spray on the mixture. Run a comb through it to evenly distribute the formula and then style your hair as usual. It will take several applications before you start seeing results.
- To heighten the lightening effects of the peroxide, you can go sit in the sun with the formula in your hair for 30 minutes. Be aware that peroxide is damaging to the hair and the sun increases the damaging effects.
- You can also use a blow-dryer or any other heated tools to style your hair to see results faster.
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry place out of direct light. Shake the bottle well before each application.

Expert Q&A

Question

What can I do to lighten my hair quickly?

Michael Van den Abbeel
Professional Hair Stylist
Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon.

Michael Van den Abbeel

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You can try doing a rinse with apple cider vinegar to help enhance your hair's natural shine. After the vinegar rinse, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to protect your hair more.
Question

How long does it take to see results?

Community Answer

You will notice subtle results even after the first use. The more you use the sprays, the more noticeable the results will be.
Question

Do these methods damage the hair?

Community Answer

The sprays that include lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide will be drying on your hair. If you are using one of those sprays, be sure to condition your hair well. You may want to consider leave-in conditioners and/or deep conditioning, depending on how your hair reacts to those ingredients.