How Do I Highlight My Own Hair?
Highlighing your own hair at home is achievable with careful preparation and the right technique. Follow these steps for a successful DIY highlight:
Before you begin, consult with a professional stylist if you're unsure about the process or your hair type. They can offer personalized advice and help you avoid potential damage.
- Choose your highlighting kit: Select a kit appropriate for your hair color and desired outcome. Consider your current hair color and the level of lift you want to achieve. Read all instructions carefully before starting.
- Gather your materials: You'll need the highlighting kit (containing bleach and developer), gloves, a bowl for mixing, a highlighting cap (optional, but recommended for beginners), a highlighting comb or brush, clips, and old towels to protect your clothes and surfaces.
2. Sectioning Your Hair
Proper sectioning is crucial for even highlights.
- Divide your hair: Divide your hair into four sections (top, bottom, and two sides) using a rat-tail comb. Clip each section securely.
- Work in smaller sections: Within each section, create smaller subsections that are easy to manage. This ensures consistent highlighting.
3. Applying the Bleach
- Mix the bleach and developer: Carefully follow the instructions on your highlighting kit to mix the bleach and developer. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Apply the bleach: Using a highlighting brush, apply the mixture to the sections you want to highlight, following the directions on your kit. Work quickly and efficiently, ensuring even application.
- Weaving Technique: A popular technique involves "weaving" fine strands of hair to create a more natural-looking highlight.
4. Processing and Checking
- Process time: Allow the bleach to process according to the instructions on your kit. Check regularly to monitor the lightening process.
- Rinse: Once the desired lightness is achieved, rinse your hair thoroughly until the water runs clear.
5. Aftercare
- Shampoo and condition: Wash your hair with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This will help to maintain the highlights and keep your hair healthy.
- Style: Once your hair is dry, style it as usual.
Tips for Success:
- Start small: If you're unsure, highlight only a few strands first to test the result before proceeding.
- Patch test: Perform a patch test 24-48 hours before applying the bleach to your entire head to check for allergic reactions.
- Strand test: Do a strand test to determine the processing time needed for your hair to achieve the desired lightness.
Remember, it's always best to consult a professional stylist for complex highlights or if you're concerned about potential damage to your hair. This guide provides a basic framework for at-home highlighting; always follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen highlighting kit.
