Highlighting your hair can be a great way to update your look. Whether you’re looking to go for a subtle, natural look or something more vibrant, you can do it all with a few simple tools. Plus, you’ll save yourself some money compared to getting it done professionally. Read on to learn the basics of highlighting your hair at home.
Gather Supplies
Before you get started, make sure you have all the supplies you need. This includes the highlighting kit, a few protective items, and some optional items that will make the process easier. You’ll need a highlighting kit that corresponds with your hair color. If you’re not sure which one to choose, you can ask for advice at your local beauty supply store. You’ll also need a cape or towel to protect your clothes, gloves to protect your hands, and a comb to section off your hair. You may also want to get a pair of foil sheets to separate the strands you are highlighting. For an easier application, you can also get a highlighting brush.
Prepare Hair
Once you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to prepare your hair. Start by shampooing and conditioning your hair as you usually would. Towel dry your hair and then brush it out. If you are using foil sheets, cut them into 1-inch strips. You can also use a comb to section off the areas you will be highlighting. Depending on the look you are going for, you can do this in several different ways. If you want natural-looking highlights, you can section your hair into horizontal rows. If you’d like more dramatic highlights, you can make vertical sections.
Apply Highlights
Once you’ve sectioned off your hair, it’s time to start applying the highlights. Start by applying the highlighting solution to the strands you want to highlight. Make sure to thoroughly saturate the strands. If you are using foil, wrap each highlighted strand in its own foil sheet. You can also use a highlighting brush to apply the product. Once you’ve applied the highlights, let them sit for the amount of time specified on the highlighting kit. This will usually be between 10-30 minutes.
Rinse Hair
Once the highlights have been in your hair for the specified amount of time, it’s time to rinse them out. Start by removing the foil sheets. Then rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. You may also want to use a mild shampoo to help remove any excess product. After rinsing, you can condition your hair and then style it as usual.
Maintain Highlights
Once you’ve highlighted your hair, you’ll want to take good care of it to maintain your new look. To help keep your highlights looking fresh, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This will help keep your color from fading. You’ll also want to avoid products that contain sulfates and alcohol, as these can strip away the color. If you want to keep your highlights looking their best, you may also want to get them professionally touched up every few months.
Conclusion
Highlighting your hair at home can be a great way to update your look and save some money. With the right supplies and a little bit of time, you can create beautiful highlights that look just as good as if you went to a salon. Just be sure to take good care of your hair afterwards to help keep your color looking fresh and vibrant.