To part your hair for highlights, you should generally divide it into a "horseshoe" or "halo" shape to keep sections organized for applying highlights.
When applying highlights at home, proper sectioning is key to achieving clean, even results. The method of parting your hair into a "horseshoe" or "halo" shape is a recommended technique.
Understanding the Horseshoe/Halo Parting
This specific parting method involves creating a section of hair around the top and sides of your head, separating it from the hair underneath.
- Horseshoe Shape: Visualize a horseshoe shape on your scalp, starting from just behind your ears and curving up over the top of your head towards your forehead.
- Halo Shape: Similar to a horseshoe, it creates a rounded section encompassing the crown and upper sides.
Both terms essentially refer to the same technique of isolating the top layer of hair that will typically be highlighted.
Why Use This Parting Method?
Sectioning your hair this way offers several benefits for highlighting:
- Organization: It makes the application process much more manageable by dividing your hair into distinct areas.
- Clean Application: Keeping the top section separate allows for easier access to the lower layers if needed and helps prevent unintended overlap or spotting.
- Freeform Highlights: This parting method is particularly helpful for applying clean, freeform highlights, allowing you to strategically place color within the section you've isolated.
Step-by-Step (General Approach)
While specific instructions can vary, here's a general idea of how to create this parting:
- Start with Dry, Combed Hair: Ensure your hair is free of tangles.
- Identify the Section: Using a comb (a tail comb is ideal), draw a part starting behind one ear, going up and over the top of your head in a curve, and ending behind the other ear.
- Secure the Section: Clip or tie the hair outside of this horseshoe/halo section out of the way.
- Work Within the Section: You will then typically work with the hair inside the horseshoe/halo, taking smaller subsections for applying your highlights.
Sectioning Methods Comparison
| Parting Method | Description | Purpose for Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe/Halo | Curved part separating top/sides from bottom | Organization, freeform application, controlled areas |
| Center Parting | Straight line down the middle | Basic division, not ideal for detailed highlights |
| Side Parting | Straight line off-center | Basic division, not ideal for detailed highlights |
| Horizontal Sections | Straight lines across the head | Layered application, full head coverage |
Using the horseshoe or halo parting is a fundamental step recommended for an organized highlighting process, especially when aiming for natural-looking, strategically placed highlights within the upper layers of your hair.
