Fixing bad highlights involves preventing the issues during the highlighting process itself and, if necessary, correcting the color afterward. The key is to avoid common mistakes that lead to uneven or streaky results.
Preventing Bad Highlights
Here's how to prevent bad highlights in the first place:
- Sectioning is Crucial: Before applying dye, pull strands away from your head. This ensures that you are working with distinct sections and prevents the dye from bleeding onto unwanted areas.
- Even Application: Coat the entire strand of hair evenly with dye. This prevents a patchy look and ensures that the entire section is properly highlighted.
- Scalp Care: Be gentle when applying color close to the scalp. This helps avoid over-processing the roots and prevents irritation.
- Proper Tools: Using the correct brushes and applicators is essential. Thin brushes are useful for delicate highlight work.
- Timing is Key: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for processing time. Over-processing can lead to damage, dryness and brassy tones.
- Test Strand First: If you are doing highlights at home, test a small strand first to make sure you like the color and to understand how long it takes for the dye to process.
Correcting Existing Bad Highlights
If you've already ended up with bad highlights, here are ways to address the situation:
- Toning: If the issue is brassiness, using a toner can help neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones, bringing your highlights closer to the desired color.
- Gloss Treatment: A hair gloss can help add shine and blend the overall color of your hair, smoothing out subtle differences in highlights.
- Lowlights: Adding lowlights (darker shades) can help break up the contrast of very streaky highlights, giving a more natural and blended look. This is a job best suited for a professional stylist.
- Professional Help: For significant issues or if you feel unsure about fixing it yourself, seek help from a professional hairstylist. They can offer personalized solutions for your specific hair concerns.
In summary, preventing bad highlights starts with the right techniques, and fixing bad highlights involves color correction and potentially working with a professional.
