How To Do Highlights: A Step-By-Step Guide

Introduction

If you’re looking to add dimension and brightness to your hair, highlights are an excellent option. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect that enhances your overall look. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how to do highlights at home.

Step 1: Choose Your Highlighting Technique

There are several ways to add highlights to your hair, including foil highlights, balayage, and ombre. Each technique produces a different effect, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your hair type, color, and desired outcome. Foil highlights are best for precise placement and dramatic contrast, while balayage and ombre are more subtle and natural-looking.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

To do highlights at home, you’ll need a few key tools, including a highlighting kit, gloves, a brush, and a mixing bowl. It’s also a good idea to have a few clips on hand to help section your hair during the process.

Step 3: Prepare Your Hair

Before you begin highlighting, it’s important to prep your hair. Start by washing and drying your hair thoroughly, and then comb it out to remove any tangles or knots. If you’re using a highlighting kit, mix the bleach or color according to the instructions provided.

Step 4: Section Your Hair

Using your clips, section your hair into manageable sections. The size of the sections will depend on how thick your hair is and how many highlights you want. If you’re going for a more natural look, you may want to focus on the top layer of your hair only.

Step 5: Start Highlighting

Using your brush, apply the bleach or color mixture to each section of hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. For foil highlights, place a piece of foil underneath the section of hair before applying the mixture. For balayage and ombre, use your brush to blend the color outwards from the roots.

Step 6: Monitor Your Progress

As you apply the highlights, keep an eye on the color to ensure it’s developing properly. Check the instructions on your highlighting kit to determine how long you should leave the mixture on your hair. It’s important not to leave it on for too long, as this can damage your hair.

Step 7: Rinse and Condition

Once the color has developed, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the bleach or color. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help protect your hair and keep the color looking fresh.

Step 8: Style Your Hair

Once your hair is dry, style it as desired. You may want to use a heat protectant spray if you’re using heat styling tools like a curling iron or straightener.

Step 9: Maintain Your Highlights

To keep your highlights looking their best, it’s important to take good care of your hair. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments.

Step 10: Consider Consulting a Professional

If you’re unsure about how to do highlights at home, or if you want a more dramatic effect, consider consulting a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right highlighting technique and color, and ensure that the process is done safely and effectively.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I do highlights on dark hair?

A: Yes, you can do highlights on dark hair. However, the process may take longer and require more bleach or color to achieve the desired effect.

Q: Can I use a highlighting kit on colored hair?

A: Yes, you can use a highlighting kit on colored hair. However, it’s important to choose a kit that’s specifically designed for color-treated hair to avoid damage or breakage.

Q: How long do highlights last?

A: The length of time your highlights last will depend on a variety of factors, including how well you take care of your hair, how often you wash it, and how quickly your hair grows. Generally, highlights can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks before needing a touch-up.

Q: Can I do highlights on my own if I have curly hair?

A: Yes, you can do highlights on your own if you have curly hair. However, it may be more challenging to achieve an even application, so it’s important to take your time and work in small sections.