Embark on a transformative hair adventure and discover the secrets to achieving salon-quality highlights in the comfort of your own home. Whether you yearn for subtle sun-kissed strands or bold and vibrant tresses, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to illuminate your locks with radiant highlights and maintain their brilliance.
Preparing your hair for the highlighting process is crucial. To ensure optimal color absorption and prevent damage, start by deeply conditioning your hair a few days prior. Avoid washing your hair on the day of the application, as natural oils provide a protective barrier for your scalp. Gather your essential tools, including a highlighting kit, gloves, a mixing bowl and brush, and a wide-toothed comb. Proper lighting is key, so position yourself near a window or use a well-lit area.
Embrace creativity and personalize your highlighting style. For a natural sun-kissed look, strategically apply highlights around your face and the crown of your head. If you crave drama, opt for chunky highlights or a bold balayage technique that creates seamless transitions of color. Remember, patience is paramount. The highlighting process may take several hours, but the end result will be worth the time and effort invested. Allow the hair color to process according to the instructions provided in the kit and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to nourish your hair and restore its luster.
Gathering Essential Materials
Bleach or Hair Lightener
For truly dramatic highlights, a bleach or hair lightener is the way to go. These products contain powerful chemicals that break down the melanin in your hair, resulting in a significant lightening effect. However, it’s important to note that bleach can also be damaging to your hair, so it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Strength of the Bleach
The strength of the bleach you choose will depend on the desired level of lightness. If you’re aiming for a subtle change, a lower-strength bleach will suffice. For more dramatic highlights, you’ll need a higher-strength bleach.
Formula
Bleaches come in various formulas, including powder, liquid, and cream. Powder bleach is typically the most potent, while cream bleach is gentler on the hair. Choose the formula that best suits your hair type and desired results.
Volume of the Developer
The volume of the developer used with the bleach determines the speed and intensity of the lightening process. Higher-volume developers work faster and result in more lift, while lower-volume developers work more gradually and produce a more subtle effect.
| Developer Volume | Result |
|—|—|
| 10 Volume | Slightest lift, 1-2 levels |
| 20 Volume | Medium lift, 2-3 levels |
| 30 Volume | High lift, 3-4 levels |
| 40 Volume | Maximum lift, 4+ levels |
Other Essential Materials
* Mixing bowl and brush
* Gloves
* Plastic wrap or a shower cap
* Old towels or a hair cape
* Purple shampoo or toner (optional)
Prepping Your Hair
1. Start with clean, dry hair: Wash your hair a day or two before you plan to highlight it, but don’t condition it. This will help the bleach adhere to the hair shaft.
2. Section off your hair: Divide your hair into four sections: front left, front right, back left, and back right. Clip each section up out of the way.
3. Apply a barrier cream: Use a petroleum jelly or Vaseline to create a barrier around your hairline, ears, and neck. This will help protect your skin from the bleach.
4. Mix the bleach: Follow the instructions on the bleach package to mix the bleach and developer. The developer strength will determine how light your highlights will be.
5. Test the bleach: Before applying the bleach to your whole head, test it on a small section of hair that is hidden from view. This will help you to ensure that the bleach is not too strong or too weak.
6. Apply the bleach: Using a brush, apply the bleach to the sections of hair that you want to highlight. Be sure to apply the bleach evenly and avoid getting it on your scalp.
7. Process the bleach: The processing time will depend on the strength of the developer and the desired level of lightness. Check the bleach package for instructions.
8. Rinse the bleach: Once the bleach has processed, rinse it out with cool water until the water runs clear.
9. Shampoo and condition your hair: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner to remove any remaining bleach. Be sure to use a deep conditioner to help restore moisture to your hair.
10. Style your hair: Once your hair is dry, you can style it as desired.
Sectioning Your Hair
1. Clean and Detangle Your Hair
Begin by thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair. This will remove any dirt or product buildup that could interfere with the highlighting process. Once your hair is clean, use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles.
2. Part Your Hair into Sections
Divide your hair into four quadrants: two in the front and two in the back. Use hair clips or hair ties to secure each section.
3. Plan Your Highlights
Decide where you want your highlights to be placed. Typical highlighting patterns include:
- Partial highlights: Applied to the top and sides of the head, leaving the underneath layers natural.
- Full highlights: Covering the entire head, from roots to tips.
- Root highlights: Focused on the roots, creating a natural-looking grown-out effect.
- Balayage highlights: Hand-painted onto the ends of the hair, creating a subtle and sun-kissed look.
| Highlighting Type | Recommended for |
|---|---|
| Partial highlights | Creating a natural-looking dimension |
| Full highlights | Providing a dramatic change in hair color |
| Root highlights | Concealing gray hair or creating a blended look |
| Balayage highlights | Achieving a beachy, sun-kissed effect |
Once you’ve determined the desired highlighting pattern, select hair strands from each section that will receive highlights.
Applying Bleach
Now that you have your hair sectioned, it’s time to apply the bleach. Using a brush or comb, apply the bleach mixture to small sections of hair, making sure to avoid getting it on your scalp. When applying bleach to roots, use a cotton ball or towel to protect your skin from getting stained.
Once you have applied the bleach to all of the desired sections, wait for the magic to happen! The bleach will begin to lift the color out of your hair, and you should see a difference within 15-30 minutes.
However, if you are not using a high-lift bleach, you may need to leave it on for longer. To check the progress, simply wipe a small section of hair with a paper towel. If the color has lightened to the desired level, rinse the bleach out thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Tips for Applying Bleach
* Use a good quality bleach. This will help to ensure that your hair lightens evenly and without damage.
* Apply the bleach in small sections. This will help to prevent uneven lightening.
* Avoid getting bleach on your scalp. This can cause irritation and damage.
* If you are using a high-lift bleach, leave it on for the shortest amount of time possible. This will help to prevent damage.
* Rinse the bleach out thoroughly with lukewarm water. This will help to remove any residual bleach and prevent further lightening.
* Condition your hair after bleaching. This will help to restore moisture and prevent damage.
* Bleach can be harsh on hair, so it’s important to take care of it after you bleach it. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask once or twice a week to help keep your hair healthy.
How to bleach hair without damage
There are a few things you can do to bleach your hair without damaging it:
* Use a low-volume developer. A 10 or 20 volume developer is gentle enough to lighten hair without causing too much damage.
* Add Olaplex to the bleach mixture. Olaplex is a bond builder that helps to protect hair from damage.
* Apply the bleach to damp hair. Damp hair is more porous than dry hair, which allows the bleach to penetrate more easily and cause less damage.
* Process the bleach for a shorter amount of time. The longer the bleach sits on your hair, the more damage it can cause.
* Rinse the bleach out thoroughly with lukewarm water. This will help to remove any residual bleach and prevent further lightening.
* Condition your hair after bleaching. This will help to restore moisture and prevent damage.
| Bleach Strength | Recommended Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 10 volume | 20-30 minutes |
| 20 volume | 30-45 minutes |
| 30 volume | 45-60 minutes |
| 40 volume | 60-90 minutes |
Developing Bleach
Bleach is a chemical mixture that lightens hair by breaking down its melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. Commercial bleach products are typically a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Hydrogen peroxide acts as the bleaching agent, while ammonia opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate more deeply.
Mixing Bleach
The first step in developing bleach is to mix the hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the correct proportions. The ratio of hydrogen peroxide to ammonia will vary depending on the desired level of lightening. For subtle highlights, a ratio of 1:1 is usually sufficient. For more dramatic lightening, a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 may be necessary.
Applying Bleach
Once the bleach has been mixed, it is applied to the hair in sections. It is important to apply bleach evenly to avoid creating blotchy or uneven highlights. Bleach should be applied starting from the tips of the hair and working your way down to the roots. This will help prevent the roots from becoming too light.
Timing Bleach
The amount of time that bleach is left on the hair will determine the level of lightening. Bleach should be left on for the minimum amount of time necessary to achieve the desired level of lightening. Leaving bleach on for too long can damage the hair.
Removing Bleach
Once the bleach has been left on for the desired amount of time, it is important to rinse it out thoroughly. Bleach residue can damage the hair if it is not removed completely. Rinse the bleach out with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Rinsing and Neutralizing
Rinsing
Once the processing time is complete, it’s crucial to rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. This will remove any remaining bleach or hair color and prevent any further chemical reactions.
Neutralizing
After rinsing, it’s essential to neutralize the hair to stop the chemical process and restore its pH balance. This step is typically done with a neutralizing shampoo or conditioner, which contains ingredients that help close the hair cuticles and prevent damage.
Steps for Neutralizing
- Apply the neutralizing shampoo or conditioner to the hair.
- Leave it in for 5-10 minutes, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Condition the hair to add moisture and protect it from damage.
| Neutralizing Agents | Description |
|---|---|
| Purple Shampoo | Tones down brassy or yellow highlights, leaving a cool ashy tone. |
| Kenra Clarifying Shampoo | Removes product buildup from hair and enhances the longevity of highlights. |
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | A professional-grade hair treatment that repairs and strengthens damaged hair caused by bleaching. |
Applying Toner (Optional)
Toner is a semi-permanent hair color that can be used to enhance the highlights or correct unwanted tones. It can be applied after the highlights have been lifted to the desired level.
To apply toner:
- Mix the toner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the toner to the highlighted areas using a brush or comb.
- Leave the toner on for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
- Rinse the toner out of your hair with lukewarm water.
- Condition your hair to restore moisture.
Tips for Toning
Here are a few tips for toning your hair at home:
| Toner Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Neutralizes unwanted warm tones |
| Level 2 | Adds a slightly cool tone to blonde hair |
| Level 3 | Creates a more intense cool tone |
| Level 4 | Can create a gray or silver tint |
It’s important to choose a toner that is the right level for your hair. If you’re not sure what level to use, consult with a professional stylist.
Toner can be a great way to enhance your highlights and achieve the perfect shade of blonde. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take your time.
Drying and Styling
Drying
Once the foils are removed, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. Towel dry your hair gently, and avoid using a blow dryer on high heat, as this can damage the highlights.
Styling
When styling your highlighted hair, use products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products that contain alcohol, as these can strip away the highlights. Consider using heat protectant spray before using hot tools.
Blow Drying
Blow dry your hair using a cool or warm setting. Direct the airflow down the hair shaft to smooth the hair and reduce frizz. You can also use a diffuser to enhance the curls or waves in your hair.
Air Drying
Allow your hair to air dry naturally if possible. This will help preserve the health of your hair and prevent damage. If you must use a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting and keep it at a distance from your hair.
Product Recommendations
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Joico Color Endure Shampoo and Conditioner | Protects and extends the life of hair color |
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | Repairs and strengthens damaged hair |
| Aveda Brilliant Damage Control Leave-In Conditioner | Smoothes and adds shine to color-treated hair |
Caring for Your Highlights
Maintaining the vibrancy and health of your highlights requires proper care and attention. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
1. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner
Invest in color-specific hair care products that are designed to protect and enhance your highlights. These products typically contain UV filters and antioxidants that help prevent fading and brassiness.
2. Minimize Heat Styling
Excessive heat from blow dryers and curling irons can damage your hair and fade your highlights. Limit heat styling tools to special occasions and always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
3. Get Regular Trims
Regular trims remove split ends and prevent damage from traveling up the hair shaft. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks will help keep your highlights looking fresh and healthy.
4. Avoid Chlorine and Sun Exposure
Chlorine in swimming pools can strip away hair color, while excessive sun exposure can cause fading. Protect your highlights by wearing a swim cap and using a UV-protective hair spray when outdoors.
5. Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments provide intense moisture and nourishment to your hair, helping to prevent dryness and maintain the vibrancy of your highlights.
6. Use Purple Shampoo
If you have blonde or silver highlights, using a purple shampoo once or twice a month can help counteract any unwanted brassy or yellow tones.
7. Avoid Over-Washing Your Hair
Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils and fade your highlights. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days or less.
8. Use a Wide-Toothed Comb
Avoid using a brush on wet hair, as this can cause breakage. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.
9. Follow a Healthy Hair Care Routine
Maintaining a healthy hair care routine is essential for the longevity of your highlights. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress, as these factors can all affect the health and appearance of your hair.
| Good Habits | Bad Habits |
|---|---|
| Using color-protecting products | Over-washing your hair |
| Limiting heat styling | Using harsh hair care products |
| Getting regular trims | Exposing your hair to chlorine or excessive sun |
| Using a purple shampoo for blonde highlights | Using a brush on wet hair |
| Deep conditioning regularly | Ignoring a healthy hair care routine |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
1. Uneven Color
If your highlights are uneven, it could be because you didn’t apply the bleach evenly or you didn’t leave it on long enough. To fix this, you can try applying more bleach to the lighter areas and leaving it on for a shorter period of time. You can also use a toner to even out the color.
2. Brassy Tones
If your highlights have brassy tones, it could be because you used the wrong type of bleach or you didn’t use a toner. To fix this, you can try using a purple toner to neutralize the brassy tones.
3. Over-Processed Hair
If your hair is over-processed, it could be because you left the bleach on for too long or you used too strong of a bleach. To fix this, you can try using a deep conditioner to help repair the damage. You can also trim off the damaged ends.
4. Frizzy Hair
If your hair is frizzy after highlighting, it could be because you didn’t use a conditioner or you didn’t use a heat protectant. To fix this, you can try using a leave-in conditioner or a heat protectant spray.
5. Dry Hair
If your hair is dry after highlighting, it could be because you didn’t use a moisturizer or you didn’t use a hair mask. To fix this, you can try using a deep conditioner or a hair mask to help hydrate your hair.
6. Split Ends
If you have split ends after highlighting, it could be because you didn’t trim your hair regularly or you used too much heat on your hair. To fix this, you can try trimming your hair regularly and using a heat protectant spray.
7. Hair Loss
If you have hair loss after highlighting, it could be because you used too much bleach or you didn’t use a conditioner. To fix this, you can try using a hair growth serum or a hair loss shampoo.
8. Scalp Irritation
If you have scalp irritation after highlighting, it could be because you didn’t use a barrier cream or you used too much bleach. To fix this, you can try using a barrier cream and using a gentler bleach.
9. Allergic Reaction
If you have an allergic reaction after highlighting, it could be because you are allergic to the bleach or the toner. To fix this, you can try using a different type of bleach or toner.
10. Other Problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| My highlights are too light. | You can try applying more bleach to the darker areas and leaving it on for a longer period of time. You can also use a toner to darken the color. |
| My highlights are too dark. | You can try applying less bleach to the lighter areas and leaving it on for a shorter period of time. You can also use a toner to lighten the color. |
| My highlights are not visible. | You can try using a stronger bleach or leaving it on for a longer period of time. You can also try using a toner to make the color more visible. |
How To Do Highlights At Home
To get highlights at home, you’ll need a few things: bleach, developer, a tint brush, a mixing bowl, a plastic wrap, and a wide toothcomb. You can buy these at any beauty supply store or online.
Once you have your supplies, you can start highlighting your hair. First, mix the bleach and developer according to the instructions on the package. Then, apply the mixture to the hair you want to highlight, using the tint brush. Be sure to avoid getting the mixture on your scalp.
Once you’ve applied the mixture, cover your hair with plastic wrap and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the package. The longer you leave the mixture on, the lighter your highlights will be.
When the time is up, rinse the mixture out of your hair and shampoo and condition as usual. Let your hair air dry, and then you’ll be able to see your new highlights.
People also ask about How To Do Highlights At Home
How long do highlights last?
Highlights can last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair and how quickly your hair grows.
Can I highlight my hair at home if it’s already colored?
Yes, you can highlight your hair at home if it’s already colored. However, it’s important to use a bleach that is specifically designed for colored hair.
Can I use a regular brush to highlight my hair?
No, you should not use a regular brush to highlight your hair. A regular brush can damage your hair.
