How to Highlight Hair

Posted on February 18th, 2009 by Elaine

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Tired of sporting the same, boring hair color? Why don’t you style it up, and add a bit more hue to your locks, by adding in some highlights? Most people will immediately visit the salon to get this hair fix, but that can cost you several hundred dollars. Try doing it yourself! With the right tools and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a head full of lovely streaks. Here’s how to highlight hair effectively.

What You’ll Need:

Hair color kit
Highlighting brush
Hair clips or highlighting cap
Rubber gloves
Rags or towels
Old t-shirt
Plastic mixing bowl
Timer

Procedure:

Find a quiet place where you can do this, and where you can easily clean up. The bathroom is a good choice, in front of a mirror, so you can see your progress. It’s also a good idea to have someone help you out, since this can be a messy task.

highlights

Pick a highlight color. You want the results to be more subtle than drastic. If you have black or dark brown hair, caramel-brown or dark blonde tones are ideal, to enhance the natural hair color. If you’re medium brown or dark blonde, blonde highlights that are only a few shades lighter than your natural color are better.
Protect and prepare yourself before the procedure. Remember that you’ll be working with chemicals, and if you’re not careful, they can cause damage to your skin. Slip into the old shirt. It should be one that you won’t mind getting ruined. Wear the rubber gloves and drape the towel around your shoulder.
Get the hair color kit, and take out the highlighting powder and the developer. Following the instructions on the box, mix them together in the plastic bowl. You should come up with a mixture that has a consistency of a thin paste.
Wear the highlighting cap. This usually comes from the hair color kit. Segment the strands that you want to put color on, then secure them properly with clips.
Using the highlighting brush, apply the pasty mixture on areas where you want the highlights to be seen. Depending on your preference, you can cover large chunks or thin strands. Apply the mixture properly, from root to tips, covering the strand thoroughly.
Set the timer, depending on the shortest amount of time indicated on the instructions. Wait, and when the time is up, wipe off a small amount of mixture from the strand you first applied highlights on, checking if it’s the right color. If you’re not satisfied, reset the timer for several more minutes, then check again.
When you’ve reached the hair color you like, rinse out the highlighting mixture, using warm water.
Put toner all over your damp hair, setting the timer again, according to the instructions.
Rinse for a second time, and a third time, if necessary. Style as you like.

Tips To Remember

Clean your hair 24 hours before you even begin the process. Avoid placing any lotion or cream in it. It’s also better to work on dry hair, because the natural oils present can protect the locks from chemicals.
Comb your hair properly, to smooth out tangles.
Your hair length can determine what method to use for highlighting. For short to medium length hair, a kit with a hook, cap and brush is a good option. For long hair, kits with special “paint” brushes are better.
Don’t use a metallic bowl when mixing the hair dye.
Read the instructions on the kit carefully. Remember, not all highlighting kit brands are made the same.
Don’t let the highlight touch your scalp or skin.

Give your hair a vibrant and colorful appeal by putting on lovely highlights. You don’t have to consult a professional. With these easy steps, you’ll be sure to come up with great results. Don’t forget to clean up after the process!