Highlights can add dimension to hair so it looks more voluminous and shiny. Highlights also play with facial features so you look younger and more radiant. Hair highlighting at the salon can be quite expensive sometimes, but luckily you can do it yourself at home easily and cheaply. Keep reading to learn how to highlight hair with ready made hair highlighting kits as well as natural methods.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making the Right Preparations
Step 1. Choose the right color
For highlights, you should choose a color that is one or two shades lighter than the base hair color. Highlight colors that are too light can create an unnatural streak effect. If you can, choose a hair dye with toner in it. Toner can soften harsh tones for a more natural look.
- It's a good idea to look for a hair dye that's moisturizing and doesn't drip (details on the packaging). Chemical dyes aren't really good for your hair, so it's best if you can keep your hair as moisturised as possible.
- If you have dark hair, match your natural hair color to the color on the package. The result will be more or less the same as what you see.
- If you've dyed your hair before, the color can only be removed with bleach. Meanwhile, if your hair is colored with henna or vegetable paint, the color cannot be completely removed.
Step 2. Protect skin and clothing
Drape a towel over your shoulder or punch a hole in a large plastic bag and wear it around your neck. Use the gloves that came in the box to protect your hands from hair dye. You don't want paint to stain everything you touch.
For the hairline, cover it with petroleum jelly if desired. This way, you won't have to clean your ears and neck of the hair dye afterwards. Make sure you don't apply petroleum jelly to your hair roots
Step 3. Learn all the equipment
Most hair highlighting kits come with a brush that can be a bit tricky to use if you've only dyed your hair once. If you have time, practice first with regular conditioner. You may see lumps or blotches if you're not used to it.
If the built-in brush is too large (which is often the case), use a baby toothbrush specifically purchased for it. Sometimes the hair dye brush is too big to create unwanted thick lines
Step 4. Read the instructions on the package
The most important step in highlighting your hair is following the directions on the package. Hair dyes (as well as the companies that produce them) have been around for years and the process is refined and reliable. So, read the instructions. Then read again. Just to make sure.
The only thing you shouldn't do is wear a headgear. If your hair is very long or thick, the headgear that comes in the highlight pack will only be distracting. If you're afraid the dye will hit the unwanted areas, you can place a cotton swab or tissue paper under the highlighted sections of hair
Step 5. Perform a strand test
Before highlighting all of your hair, try applying paint to a strand of your hair first. That way, you can make sure that the results are what you want. To check the results accurately, choose hidden strands and apply the dye at the recommended time.
Part 2 of 3: Dyeing Hair
Step 1. Prepare the color
Follow the directions on the package to make sure you mix the paint properly. Don't be confused if it's white, blue, or purple-that's normal.
- If you've never dyed your hair before, avoid bleach and use permanent dye instead. This method will minimize damage to your hair while brightening your hair color by up to three levels.
- Don't use bleach if you want a more natural result.
- If you decide to use bleach, try pouring it into a bowl. That way, you can easily dip the brush into it.
Step 2. Part your hair into four sections
At least. If you want to split into 12 pieces, that's not a bad idea. Use bobby pins or hair bands so they don't mix. Do not let the part of the hair that has been dyed mixed with the part that has not been dyed.
If you have time, test a few strands of hair first to make sure you pick the right color and determine how long to let the bleach sit. Testing can save you from a hair disaster. A disaster in your hair? Oh no
Step 3. Start highlighting
Start cm from the roots of the hair and brush from near the roots to the ends in a very thin line. The thinner it is, the more natural it looks, while the bolder highlights will create a zebra effect.
Don't start at the root. There's a risk of bleach hitting a section of hair you don't want and starting with a big clump and too much dye. Not good at all
Step 4. Leave it for the specified time
Make sure you keep a close eye on your hair to make sure the highlights don't get too bright and check the clock periodically. Leaving bleach on longer than necessary will not give better results.
- If you use bleach, rinse it off as soon as your hair turns a lighter shade of your desired color. If left too long, bleach can cause serious damage to the hair.
- If you're not sure how long to let the bleach sit, choose a conservative estimate. If the highlights aren't bright enough, you can always try again.
- Keep in mind that the highlights will get lighter as they are exposed to the sun and shampooing.
Step 5. Apply toner (optional)
Some hair highlighting kits that are sold already come with a toner that will help blend the highlights into your hair. This is a very good idea. Toner can give a more natural and shiny color. In fact, if your highlight kit doesn't come with toner, you can purchase it separately.
For others, just follow the instructions. The rest will be pretty easy
Step 6. Clean your hair
Wash your hair with the special shampoo and conditioner that came in the box, if you have one. Rinse thoroughly to make sure the dye is completely removed.
Bleach can dry out your hair (if you dye your hair lighter, it means bleach), so let the conditioner sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing to help restore moisture to your hair. At this time hydration is very important
Step 7. Dry your hair with a hairdryer or let it dry on its own
Look at the final result in a mirror with natural light. And don't panic! If the color is a little surprising, wait a few more days. Washing your hair once or twice will soften the color.
If you really don't like the results, consider seeking professional help. You certainly don't want your hair to be more messy than before. This process can be done twice, but if possible, it is best avoided
Part 3 of 3: Using Natural Methods
Step 1. Use lemons
Lemon juice contains natural bleach which can add soft highlights to hair without the harmful effects of chemical bleach. The effect of the lemon is the same as the sun in the form of a fruit.
- Squeeze some lemon juice into a small bowl. Apply lemon juice to the strands from root to tip using a brush, your fingers, or dipping the strands in a bowl. Sit in direct sun for 20-30 minutes to activate the bleach effect.
- This method is only suitable for hair that is naturally light in color, as dark hair can turn orange or have a brass-like color.
Step 2. Use Kool-Aid, if applicable
If you want to add some streaks of color to your hair, you don't need to use chemicals if you have imported Kool-Aid powder. Kool-Aid can be used to get purple, red, pink, and green highlights.
- Bring water to a boil in a medium sized saucepan. Add 4-5 packets of sugar-free Kool-Aid and mix until the powder dissolves in the water. Apply Kool-Aid to your hair with a brush, fingers, or dip your hair in a saucepan.
- Leave for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Step 3. Use chamomile tea
If you have dark hair and just want a lighter tone for dimension, consider rinsing your hair with chamomile tea until you see the desired effect. Brew chamomile in a saucepan, allow it to cool, and use it to rinse hair that has been treated with regular conditioner. Then relax in the sun.
This method doesn't drastically change the color of your hair, it just adds a natural sunburn feel. Generally you need a week
Step 4. Use colored chalk
If you're looking for a fun color that's temporary, you can "dye" your hair with chalk. This method is easier for people with light hair, but dark hair can also achieve subtle shades of color. Of course, these highlights are only temporary.
If your hair color is very light, chalk highlights can last up to one or two washes. If it doesn't go away soon, it means it will disappear after washing it a few times
Tips
- Use highlights when hair is dry. For best results, wash hair 1 to 2 days in advance.
- If your hair is chemically straightened, avoid highlighting your hair at home as this can cause further damage.
- Consider deep conditioning the day before. This will help protect the base of the hair from the chemical processes that damage it.
