How to Highlight Hair
Introduction:
Highlighting your hair is a great way to add dimension, depth, and a fresh new look to your style. Whether you’re looking to frame your face with lighter hues or simply experiment with fun colors, this DIY guide will walk you through the process of highlighting your hair at home.
Materials needed:
– Hair highlighting kit (containing bleach or color)
– Sectioning clips
– Tint brush and mixing bowl
– Gloves
– Aluminum foil
– Tail comb
– Shampoo & conditioner
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
First, set up your workspace in a well-lit area with good ventilation. Be sure to cover any surfaces that might be damaged by bleach or color. Wear an old shirt to protect your clothing, and have all your materials ready for easy access.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into four main sections using sectioning clips: left side, right side, back, and top. Ensure that these sections are clean and untangled for easier highlighting.
Step 3: Mix Your Highlighting Product
According to the instructions on your hair highlighting kit, mix the bleach or dye with the developer in a mixing bowl. Make sure to wear gloves during this process.
Step 4: Apply the Highlighting Mixture
Take a thin strand of hair from one section and place it over a piece of aluminum foil. Using a tint brush, apply the mixture evenly from roots to ends. If you prefer subtle highlights or ombre effects, start applying the product slightly below the roots.
Step 5: Wrap Each Highlighted Strand in Foil
After applying the mixture on a strand of hair, fold the foil in half so that the strand is completely enclosed by foil. This helps maintain heat and speeds up the processing time while keeping sections neat.
Step 6: Repeat for All Sections
Continue applying the mixture and wrapping each strand in foil on every section of your hair. For more natural-looking highlights, stagger the placement of your foils.
Step 7: Wait for the Highlights to Process
Depending on the desired intensity and your hair type, allow the bleach or color to process for the recommended time in the highlighting kit instructions. Check one of your foils after this time has passed; if the shade is not where you want it yet, give it a few more minutes.
Step 8: Rinse Your Hair
Once the highlights have reached your desired shade, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all remnants of bleach or color. Make sure to remove all foil from your hair before rinsing.
Step 9: Shampoo and Condition Your Hair
After rinsing, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo formulated for color-treated hair, and follow with a nourishing conditioner. This step will help restore moisture to your locks after the highlighting process.
Step 10: Style Your Hair as Desired
After washing, towel dry and style your newly-highlighted hair as desired. Apply a heat protectant if using any heat styling tools and enjoy showing off your fabulous new look!
Conclusion:
Highlighting your hair at home is an affordable way to change up your style without stepping foot in a salon. By following these steps and giving it a try, you’ll achieve stunning results in no time. So go ahead, embrace your inner stylist and have fun experimenting with different colors and placements!