Achieving salon-worthy highlights at home is no longer a distant dream. With a touch of preparation, the right tools, and a dash of guidance, you can elevate your hair game and create stunning highlights that will turn heads. Embark on this hair transformation journey with us, and let’s uncover the secrets to DIY highlights that will amplify your natural beauty and leave you feeling radiant.
Before you dive into the highlighting process, it’s essential to gather the necessary equipment. You’ll need a highlighting kit that includes bleach or lightener, developer, brush, and gloves. Additionally, protect your clothes with an old towel or apron, and prepare a non-metallic bowl for mixing the lightener. The key to successful highlights lies in using a high-quality kit that corresponds with your hair type and desired level of lightening. Invest in reputable brands and carefully follow the instructions provided to ensure optimal results.
The journey to radiant highlights begins with preparing your hair. Start by shampooing your hair the night before to remove any product buildup. Avoid using conditioner, as it can create a barrier and hinder the lifting of your hair color. Allow your hair to dry naturally, and do not apply any heat styling tools or serums, as they can damage your hair and compromise the highlighting process. With these steps in place, you’re ready to embark on your at-home highlighting adventure and create the perfect sun-kissed glow that will enhance your natural beauty.
Materials and Preparation
Choosing the Right Hair Dye
Selecting the ideal hair dye for home highlighting is crucial. For a natural, sun-kissed look, opt for a dye that is one to two shades lighter than your base hair color. If you desire a more dramatic effect, you may choose a dye that’s three to four shades lighter. Consider the undertones of your hair to ensure the highlights complement your natural color. Cool-toned hair looks best with ash or beige highlights, while warm-toned hair is better suited for golden or caramel shades.
Essential Hair Care Tools
Gather all the necessary tools to ensure a seamless highlighting process.
* Mixing Bowl and Brush: A plastic mixing bowl and applicator brush are essential for blending the dye.
* Foil or Plastic Wrap: Foil or plastic wrap is used to isolate the hair strands that will be highlighted.
* Bobby Pins or Clips: Divide your hair into sections to keep it organized during the highlighting process.
* Gloves: Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from the dye.
* Old Towel: Cover your clothes and protect your bathroom surfaces from potential dye spills.
* Timer: Accurately track the processing time of the hair dye.
* Shampoo and Conditioner: Wash and condition your hair after highlighting to remove any residual dye.
Preparing Your Hair
Before applying the dye, it’s essential to properly prepare your hair.
* Start with Clean Hair: Wash your hair with clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or oils.
* Avoid Heat Styling: Refrain from heat styling your hair for at least 24 hours before highlighting to prevent damage.
* Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into four sections: top, back, and two sides. Secure each section with bobby pins or clips.
* Protect Your Skin: Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline and ears to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Sectioning Your Hair
Before you apply the bleach, you need to section your hair into manageable parts. This will help you achieve even highlights and prevent your hair from getting tangled.
To section your hair, follow these steps:
1. Divide your hair into four sections
Using a comb, divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Tie each section with a hair tie.
2. Create subsections within each section
Within each of the four main sections, create smaller subsections. This will make it easier to apply the bleach and ensure that all of your hair is highlighted.
The number of subsections you create will depend on the length and density of your hair. As a general rule, the longer and thicker your hair is, the more subsections you will need.
To create subsections, use a comb to divide your hair into vertical sections. The width of each section should be about 1 inch.
Tie each subsection with a small rubber band or hair tie.
3. Leave out random sections for natural-looking highlights
If you want your highlights to look natural, leave out some random sections of hair when you’re applying the bleach. This will create a more blended look.
To leave out sections of hair, simply use a comb to separate a few small sections and tie them up with a hair tie.
Applying the Bleach
Before applying the bleach, you need to make sure that your hair is dry and free of any product. Section it into small, manageable pieces and begin applying the bleach to the roots of each section. Use the tip of the brush to get as close to the scalp as possible, and avoid getting any bleach on your skin or clothing.
Once you have applied the bleach to the roots, use your fingers to gently massage it into the rest of the hair. Be sure to evenly distribute the bleach so that all of your hair is lightened to the same degree. You can use a wide-toothed comb to help you distribute the bleach and remove any tangles.
The amount of time you leave the bleach in will depend on the desired level of lift. For subtle highlights, leave the bleach in for about 20 minutes. For more dramatic highlights, leave the bleach in for up to 45 minutes. Check your hair every 5-10 minutes to see how it is lightening and adjust the time accordingly.
Once you have achieved the desired level of lift, rinse the bleach thoroughly from your hair using cool water. Be sure to get all of the bleach out, as any residual bleach can damage your hair.
Tips for Applying the Bleach
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use a fine-toothed comb to help distribute the bleach evenly. | This will help to prevent uneven lightening. |
| Apply the bleach to the roots first. | This will help to prevent the roots from being too light compared to the rest of the hair. |
| Use a timer to keep track of how long you leave the bleach in. | This will help to prevent over-processing and damage. |
| Rinse the bleach thoroughly from your hair. | This will help to prevent any residual bleach from damaging your hair. |
Checking for Lift
Once the bleach has been applied, it’s crucial to monitor its progress to determine when it has achieved the desired level of lift. Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking for lift:
- Prepare a test strand: Select a small, inconspicuous section of hair and apply the bleach mixture using a cotton ball or brush. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air.
- Wait for the processing time: Allow the bleach to process for half of the recommended time. This will give you an indication of how well the hair is lifting color.
- Rinse and dry the test strand: Rinse the test strand thoroughly with water and pat it dry with a towel. This will help you see the true color without any residual bleach.
- Compare to the desired level: Compare the color of the test strand to the desired level of lift. If it’s not light enough, reapply the bleach mixture and process for an additional 5-10 minutes. Continue checking the lift every 5-10 minutes until the desired lightness is achieved.
Determining the Level of Lift
The following table provides a guide to the level of lift achieved based on the processing time and the original hair color:
| Processing Time | Level of Lift |
|---|---|
| 5-10 minutes | 1-2 levels |
| 10-20 minutes | 2-3 levels |
| 20-30 minutes | 3-4 levels |
| 30-45 minutes | 4-5 levels |
It’s important to note that the processing time and level of lift may vary depending on the individual’s hair type, texture, and porosity.
Toning Your Highlights
Once you’ve highlighted your hair, it’s important to tone it to neutralize any unwanted orange or yellow tones. This will give your highlights a more natural and professional-looking finish.
To tone your highlights, you’ll need a toner kit. Toner kits typically come with a toner, a developer, and a pair of gloves. Follow the instructions on the kit carefully, and be sure to test the toner on a small section of your hair before applying it to your entire head.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to toning your highlights:
- Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
- Once your hair is clean, towel-dry it and then apply the toner. Be sure to apply the toner evenly to your highlights.
- Let the toner sit on your hair for the amount of time specified in the instructions. This will typically be between 15 and 30 minutes.
- After the timer has gone off, rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
- Apply a conditioner to your hair and leave it in for a few minutes. This will help to hydrate your hair and restore its natural shine.
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need a highlighting kit, a comb, gloves, a hair clip, a bowl, and an applicator brush.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into four sections: two at the front and two at the back. Clip the top two sections up and out of the way.
- Apply the bleach: Using the applicator brush, apply the bleach to thin sections of hair, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of space between each highlighted section.
- Process the bleach: Follow the instructions on the highlighting kit for the processing time. In general, most bleach products take around 30 minutes to work.
- Rinse and tone: Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with water. If desired, you can use a toner to help neutralize the yellow tones in the bleach.
- Condition and style: Once your hair is rinsed and toned, condition it deeply to help restore moisture and shine. Style your hair as usual.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for toning your highlights:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. |
| 2 | Towel-dry your hair and apply the toner. |
| 3 | Let the toner sit on your hair for the amount of time specified in the instructions. |
| 4 | Rinse your hair thoroughly with water. |
| 5 | Apply a conditioner to your hair and leave it in for a few minutes. |
Washing and Conditioning
Washing Your Hair Before Highlighting
To begin the highlighting process, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or excess oils. This step ensures that the bleach used for highlighting will penetrate your hair evenly and effectively.
Conditioning Your Hair After Washing
After washing your hair, apply a deep conditioner to nourish and hydrate it. Leave the conditioner in for the recommended time specified on the product label, then rinse it out thoroughly. Conditioning your hair helps protect it from damage caused by the bleaching process.
Detangling Your Hair
Once you have conditioned your hair, use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently detangle it. Removing any knots or tangles before highlighting is essential for even application of the bleach and prevents breakage.
Air-Drying Your Hair
After detangling, allow your hair to air-dry completely. Do not blow-dry or heat-style your hair before highlighting, as heat can damage your hair and make it more susceptible to breakage.
Sectioning Your Hair
Divide your hair into sections to make the highlighting process easier. Part your hair down the middle and then create horizontal sections, clipping them back to keep them out of the way.
Bleaching Your Hair
Follow the instructions on the bleach kit to prepare the bleach mixture. Apply the bleach to your hair in small sections, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use a brush to distribute the bleach evenly and avoid over-saturating your hair.
Styling Your Highlights
Once you’ve highlighted your hair, you’ll want to style it to show off your new look. Here are a few tips:
Use a heat protectant spray
This will help protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling tools.
Blow-dry your hair
Use a round brush to blow-dry your hair smooth. This will help to blend the highlights and create a more natural look.
Curl your hair
If you want to add some volume and waves to your hair, you can curl it with a curling iron or wand. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray before curling your hair.
Straighten your hair
If you prefer a sleek and straight look, you can straighten your hair with a flat iron. Again, be sure to use a heat protectant spray before straightening your hair.
Add hairspray
Once you’ve styled your hair, add a light layer of hairspray to help it hold its style.
Refresh your highlights
As your hair grows out, your highlights will start to fade. You can refresh them by using a toner or color-depositing shampoo and conditioner. This will help to keep your highlights looking bright and vibrant.
Highlight Table
| Highlight Style | Tools | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Curls | Curling iron or wand | Use a heat protectant spray before curling your hair. |
| Straight | Flat iron | Use a heat protectant spray before straightening your hair. |
| Sleek | Round brush and blow dryer | Blow-dry your hair smooth to blend the highlights and create a more natural look. |
Bleaching Hair Too Often
Avoid bleaching your hair more than once every six to eight weeks. Over-bleaching can damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. If you do bleach your hair too often, be sure to use a deep conditioner or hair mask to help repair the damage.
Not Using a Toner
Toner is a product that helps to neutralize the brassy or orange tones that can sometimes be left behind after bleaching. Using a toner will help to give your hair a more natural-looking, even color.
Not Using Olaplex or a Similar Bond Builder
Olaplex is a bond builder that helps to protect your hair from damage during the bleaching process. It works by attaching itself to the hair’s bonds and preventing them from breaking. Using Olaplex can help to keep your hair healthy and strong, even after bleaching.
Not Sectioning Your Hair Correctly
When you’re highlighting your hair, it’s important to section it correctly so that you can get even coverage. Divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Then, start highlighting the hair in the front, working your way back.
Not Using Enough Developer
The developer is what helps to lift the color out of your hair. If you don’t use enough developer, your highlights will not be as bright as you want them to be. However, if you use too much developer, your hair can be damaged.
Leaving the Bleach On for Too Long
The amount of time you leave the bleach on will determine how light your highlights will be. If you leave the bleach on for too long, your hair can be damaged. It’s important to follow the instructions on the bleach package carefully.
Not Using Conditioner
Conditioner is essential for keeping your hair healthy and hydrated. After you bleach your hair, it’s important to use a deep conditioner or hair mask to help repair the damage.
Not Getting Regular Trims
Regular trims will help to remove any split ends or damaged hair. This will help to keep your hair looking healthy and prevent it from breaking.
Tips for Blending and Dimensionality
1. Use a Low-Volume Developer:
Opt for a developer with 10-20 volume to prevent brassiness and damage.
2. Tease the Hair:
Backcomb small sections to create layers and distribute highlights more evenly.
3. Apply with a Brush:
Use a fine-toothed brush to ensure precise and controlled application.
4. Start with Small Sections:
Highlight small areas at a time to achieve a gradual blend.
5. Use a Foil or Cap Technique:
Wrap highlighted sections in foil or use a highlighting cap to separate them from the rest of the hair.
6. Leave at Least 3 Inches Between Sections:
This creates a more natural, less blocky effect.
7. Process for 20-30 Minutes:
Depending on the desired lightness and hair type.
8. Tone the Hair:
Use a toner to balance out brassy or yellow tones and enhance color.
9. Dimensional Coloring Techniques:
| Technique | Effect |
|---|---|
| Balayage | Freehand painting to create natural-looking highlights. |
| Ombré | A gradual transition from dark roots to lighter ends. |
| Babylights | Super fine, subtle highlights for a natural-looking dimension. |
Maintaining Your Highlights
1. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner: These products are formulated to seal the hair cuticle, preventing color from fading and keeping highlights vibrant.
2. Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: Over-washing can strip hair of its natural oils, causing highlights to fade more quickly.
3. Avoid Heat Styling: Heat from blow dryers and curling irons can damage hair and fade color. Use a heat protectant spray before styling with heat.
4. Exposure to Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause color fading. Use a hair scarf or hat when spending extended periods outdoors.
5. Chlorine and Salt Water: Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming.
6. Toning: A toner can be used to correct any unwanted brassiness or orange tones in highlighted hair.
7. Glossing: A gloss treatment can add shine and enhance the color of highlights.
8. Touch-Ups: To maintain your highlights, you will need to get regular touch-ups from your stylist. The frequency of touch-ups will depend on how quickly your hair grows.
9. Home Touch-Up Kits: There are home touch-up kits available that can be used to maintain highlights between salon visits. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and only use the products that are designed for your specific hair type and color.
10. Hair Care Routine: Establishing a healthy hair care routine, including regular conditioning and deep treatments, will help keep your hair strong and healthy, which is essential for maintaining beautiful highlights.
| Hair Care Routine for Highlighted Hair |
|---|
| – Use color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. – Wash hair less frequently. – Avoid heat styling. – Protect hair from sun exposure. – Rinse hair with fresh water after swimming. – Get regular trims to remove split ends. – Use a toner or gloss treatment to enhance color. – Consider using a home touch-up kit for maintenance. – Establish a healthy hair care routine. |
How to Do Highlights at Home
Highlighting your hair at home can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve salon-worthy results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
People Also Ask About How to Do Highlights at Home
How to choose the right highlighting kit?
When choosing a highlighting kit, it’s important to consider your hair type and the desired level of lift. If you have dark hair, you’ll need a kit with a higher bleach strength. If you have fine hair, choose a kit with a lower bleach strength to avoid damaging your hair.
How to prevent damage when highlighting your hair?
To prevent damage, it’s important to follow the instructions on the highlighting kit carefully. Don’t leave the bleach on for longer than the recommended time, and rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
How often can I highlight my hair?
It’s recommended to wait at least 6 weeks between highlighting sessions to allow your hair time to recover.
