Basically lowlights are hair highlights but a darker and more mysterious version. Lowlights are also subtler and less noticeable than highlights because you add a darker color to the inner layers of your hair, adding depth to your beautiful look. Follow these easy steps to save money by doing lowlights at home yourself.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Choosing a Dye
Step 1. Visit a drugstore or cosmetic store to choose your color
Some hair dye products also have products made especially for “at home” lowlights. Look for the product if it is available. Otherwise, choose the color carefully according to your natural hair color.
Step 2. Choose a color that is two or three times darker than your hair
Choose one to three of the same color. Pay attention to your skin tone, because what color suits you depends on your natural skin tone. Make sure you use the same brand that you use frequently, so that your schedule for recoloring is consistent.
- For blondes, you should try a shade darker than blonde or light brown. Most stores give the color a name like caramel, coffee, or honey.
- For brown hair should choose dark brown and red shades. On the hair dye packaging box, this color is usually written as “cinnamon” or “auburn”. A brunette with pale skin should avoid colors that are too dark, as you will need to adjust to your skin tone. Choose a gold or copper color.
- A redhead should choose shades of red. But, if you have dark hair, try a golden brown or a tan.
- For those with black hair should choose dark shades mixed with other colors.
Step 3. Do an allergy test on yourself
This is suggested by most coloring boxes. Before using it, try the dye you bought by dabbing a small amount on a small area of your skin. Wait 10 minutes and see if you have a reaction. If the dyed skin starts to turn red or there are bumps, it means you are allergic to the dye and should not use it.
Method 2 of 4: Preparing Your Hair and Dyes
Step 1. Wash your hair a day or two before dyeing
You won't want to wash your hair the day you plan to dye it. The natural oils that your hair produces when left unwashed help bind the dye to your hair. This oil also helps your dye last longer.
Avoid using conditioner on the day you will dye your hair. Conditioner interferes with the natural oils your hair produces
Step 2. Protect yourself and your home from stains
As you might have guessed, dye can stain clothes, carpets, or anything other than your hair. To protect it from stains, cover the floor where you will dye your hair, as well as any nearby surfaces with newspaper. Wear an old t-shirt that you don't mind getting stained.
It's also a good idea to have a tissue or rag nearby, just in case the dye spills where you don't want it
Step 3. Use a towel and gloves to avoid drips and stains
Put an old towel that's okay if you get a stain on your shoulder. Put on rubber or latex gloves before you mix the dye so you don't ruin the cute manicure you just made.
Most coloring kits already have gloves for use in the dyeing process. If the dye you purchased doesn't have it, you can buy latex or rubber gloves at your local drugstore
Step 4. Avoid coloring your ears, neck and hairlines
You need to rub Vaseline (body lotion) along the borders of your hair, neck and ears. Vaseline helps remove the dye after you finish coloring your hair.
- Some dye boxes have conditioners made specifically to protect the skin from the dye. If your dye provides one, use it.
- You can also use lip balm instead of vaseline, but vaseline is still the best choice.
Step 5. Mix the dye
The dye you buy has the instructions on the box. Follow the specific instructions. The box should also have a bowl and a brush you can use. If you don't have one, use a plastic bowl that's okay with stains. Some dyes have activators. If there is, mix the activator to the dye. If you are using several dyes at once, mix them all together to make the dyeing process more efficient.
If you don't have a hair dye brush or your dye box doesn't have one, you can use a large paintbrush purchased at an art supply store. The brush should not be smaller than 1.5 or 2 inches
Step 6. Mix the developer liquid in your dye
Remember that only a few dyes need to be mixed with the developer. Your dye should have a developer included in the package. If it's not there, but the box says you need to use a developer, you need to buy one. You can buy developers at beauty shops.
If you're using a dye that's much darker than your hair, you can only use 10 percent developer
Method 3 of 4: Using Dye
Step 1. Divide the hair area you want to highlight
Use a fine-tipped comb to make the process easier. Unlike highlights added to the top of your head, lowlights will be used at the bottom, so you'll need to pin your hair to the top of your head if you have long hair.
Combing your hair thoroughly can also help so you don't have tangles that make dividing your hair difficult
Step 2. Pinch the area you want to lowlight, and decide what color to use on each strand if you plan to use more than 1 color
It doesn't need to be symmetrical and will look more natural if it varies.
- For a more striking result, plan your lowlights close to each other.
- For a more natural appearance, plan your lowlights far apart.
- For blonde hair, you should avoid using too much lowlight on the back of your hair, as it will look unnatural, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
Step 3. Use the dye one color at a time
Doing this ensures that you select the areas you have planned for each color. Your coloring kit should have a brush or brush for coloring your hair.
Step 4. Apply the dye to your hair
Place the brush no closer than 1.3 cm from your scalp and follow it all the way to the ends of your hair. You want to coat each section of hair evenly and make sure every inch is coated in the dye.
If you want to make lots of small sections of lowlight, use a small piece of foil to divide the hair as much as you dyed it a different color. Place the foil under the hair. Comb the dye from the roots to the ends of the hair and fold the foil. Keep the dye on the hair for the indicated time, then remove and rinse
Method 4 of 4: Workaround
Step 1. Leave the hair and dye for the allotted time
This is called processing time, which is when the dye works its way into your hair. Your coloring box will tell you how long it will take for the dye to cool.
Step 2. Wipe off any dye that drips on your face or neck
Use wet wipes or a towel with soap to do this. You don't want to leave the dye dripping on your skin for too long or the dye will stain your skin. Although not permanent, the dye will last a few days.
Step 3. Rinse your hair
After letting it sit, you can rinse your hair. Use cold water to wash your hair but don't use regular shampoo or conditioner -- use the conditioner provided by the dye kit. Don't be surprised if all the dye looks like it's flowing from your head. Continue rinsing your hair until you don't see any more dye in the hole.
- If post-dye conditioner isn't included in your dye kit, buy it at a beauty store. Conditioner used must be specifically made for color-treated hair.
- Don't use your regular shampoo and conditioner for at least 24 to 48 hours.
- If you use shampoo, the dye will wash out of your hair and fade every time you shower.
Step 4. Avoid UV rays
It's best to avoid direct sunlight for at least a day after coloring your hair. UV rays from the sun can reduce the color that is already colored. The same goes for hair dryers. Avoid blow drying your hair for a few days after the dyeing process.
Step 5. Wash your hair with proper shampoo and conditioner
After you have waited at least 24 hours, you can wash your hair with shampoo. However, it is highly recommended to buy shampoos and conditioners that are specially made for color-treated hair. Regular shampoo can wash the dye off your hair.
Step 6. Repeat coloring your hair if needed
To keep your lowlights looking perfect, repeat this process every 6 to 8 weeks for short hair or every 3 months for long hair. To avoid the breakage that sometimes occurs with color-treated hair too often, leave the conditioner on your hair for a full 5 minutes when you shower.
Tips
- Ask friends for help. Four hands are always better than two in this case.
- Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, or one made especially for color-treated hair.
