Applying hair highlights involves selecting specific strands of hair and lightening them to create contrast and dimension. A common technique used for this is weaving, where fine sections are isolated from a larger slice of hair before applying lightener.
Key Technique: The Weave
As demonstrated in highlighting methods, the weaving technique is crucial for achieving natural-looking highlights. This involves separating certain strands from a horizontal slice of hair. According to the provided reference, you can use a comb, such as a vellum comb, to assist in this process by "taking a small slice. And using the comb to weave for me." Alternatively, "you can just weave right on top of that section," meaning you manually weave or pick out the fine strands from the larger slice without relying solely on the comb to do the separating. This technique ensures that only select strands are lightened, leaving other hair untouched for a blended effect.
Steps to Apply Highlights (General Process)
Doing hair highlights typically involves several steps, with weaving being a key part of the application process:
- Preparation: Gather your highlighting kit, which usually includes lightener, developer, gloves, a brush, a mixing bowl, and foils. Protect your clothes and workspace. Perform a strand test and patch test beforehand.
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. Common sections include the back, sides, and top.
- Taking a Slice: From one of your main sections, take a horizontal slice of hair. The thickness of this slice depends on the desired density of highlights.
- Weaving: Using a comb or your fingers, perform the weaving technique on the slice you just took. This involves selecting fine strands from the slice while leaving the rest of the hair in that slice out. The reference highlights that a comb can help "weave for you" or you can "weave right on top of that section."
- Applying Lightener: Place a foil underneath the woven strands. Using the brush, apply the lightener mixture evenly to the selected strands from root to tip, ensuring saturation.
- Folding the Foil: Carefully fold the foil to enclose the hair, preventing the lightener from touching other hair and trapping heat to aid the processing.
- Repeat: Continue this process, taking slices, weaving, applying lightener, and folding foils throughout the desired areas of your hair.
- Processing: Allow the lightener to process according to the product instructions and your strand test results. Monitor the color development periodically.
- Rinsing and Washing: Once the desired level of lift is achieved, carefully unfold each foil, rinse the lightener thoroughly from the hair, then shampoo and condition.
Tips for Successful Highlighting
- Practice: Weaving takes practice to achieve consistent results. Start with a smaller section or on a friend if you are new to it.
- Section Size: Smaller slices and finer weaves result in more subtle, blended highlights. Larger slices and chunkier weaves create a bolder look.
- Placement: Consider where the sun would naturally hit your hair for a more natural effect.
- Saturation: Ensure every strand within the foil is fully saturated with lightener for even lift.
By following these steps and mastering the weaving technique, you can apply highlights to create depth and brightness in your hair.
