Whether you’re in the mood to add a little color or want to play up your face shape, highlights are an easy way to make your hair look fuller and more vibrant. But before you try to do it yourself, you should know what you’re getting into and how to do it right.
Before you start highlighting your hair, consult a professional stylist to get the best result for your hair type and skin tone. They’ll be able to customize the color palette and application so that it looks great on you, explains George Papanikolas, co-owner of Salon George in New York City.
It’s important to keep your highlights within one or two shades of your natural haircolor, says O’Connor. Otherwise, they will be too light for your liking and may look ashy or brassy.
If you’re looking to go even lighter, try using a semi-permanent highlight dye like the L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color. It comes in a variety of shades and will last four to ten washes, making it easy to change up your shade whenever you’re in the mood for a fresh look.
The key to making your highlight color pop is blending the hues together correctly. A skilled colorist will be able to give you a beautiful balance of bright and dark shades that create the perfect contrast and depth, explains Papanikolas.
You should also follow the directions on your kit carefully, Ferrara advises. Most bleach kits will give you detailed instructions on how long to let the product sit in your hair. Set a timer and follow the instructions as closely as possible to ensure that you don’t overdo it and end up with streaks that are too bright or uneven.
Another thing to watch out for is the amount of dye you apply. “It is crucial to start with small sections and gradually work your way up to larger ones,” says Ess. This will allow you to see what’s working and what isn’t, and will help you avoid overdoing it, she says.
When it’s time to rinse out your hair, always make sure to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for highlights, suggests Ess. This will keep your strands smooth and prevent regrowth, as well as maintain the vibrancy of your color.
In addition, she recommends following a strict hair care routine post highlighting to prevent future damage and breakage. This includes a gentle shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant.
If you’re using a bleach kit to lighten your hair, use a tinting brush instead of a regular hairbrush for more control and better results. A tinting brush helps you apply the bleach evenly, whereas a hairbrush can cause you to get too much of the dye in your hair, which will lead to uneven or even blotchy results.
A balayage technique is a great option for experimenting with different colors, but it’s not ideal for everyone, as it can be tricky to maintain. It’s also more expensive than traditional highlights, which are typically done at the salon and can take eight weeks to grow out completely.
