Dying hair highlights is a fun way to add depth and dimension to your hair, but highlights can also require some upkeep, especially when it comes to maintaining the color and keeping hair healthy.
Whether you’re aiming for bold, bright streaks or subtle, sun-kissed locks, the key to successful highlights lies in the process and the products you use.
If you’re thinking of giving yourself or someone else a new look with hair highlights, here’s a guide to help you get started, along with some product recommendations to make the process smoother.
Table of Contents
First, let’s talk about choosing the right shade for your highlights.
The best highlights complement your natural hair color.
If you have dark hair, caramel, honey, or light brown shades are great choices.
For those with lighter hair, consider ash blonde, platinum, or even pastel tones for a fun twist.
If you’re not sure which shade would suit you, it’s a good idea to visit a professional colorist for a consultation.
They can help you choose a color that enhances your natural tones without overwhelming them.
Tools and Products Required for Dying Hair Highlights
When it comes to the actual dyeing process, you’ll need a few essentials: a good-quality bleaching kit, a tinting brush, aluminum foil (or highlighting caps, depending on your technique), and a toner to neutralize any unwanted brassiness.
Products like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach offer reliable results and are relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
If you’re nervous about damaging your hair with bleach, opt for a kit that contains conditioning agents to keep your hair from becoming too dry or brittle.
Application technique is key to achieving seamless highlights.
One popular method involves using aluminum foil to separate the strands you’re bleaching from the rest of your hair.
This allows for precise application and helps prevent the bleach from seeping onto other sections.
If you prefer a more natural look, you might try the balayage technique, which involves freehand painting the highlights onto the hair.
This method creates a softer, more blended appearance, perfect for a beachy vibe.
After you’ve achieved the desired level of lightness, it’s time to tone your hair.
Toning is an important step because it helps eliminate any yellow or orange undertones that might result from bleaching.
Products like Wella Color Charm T18 Lightest Ash Blonde are popular choices among those who want to achieve a cool-toned finish.
Simply apply the toner as directed, and you’ll notice a significant reduction in brassiness.
Maintaining your highlights requires some care and attention.
To keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy, use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair.
Products like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner can help protect your highlights while keeping your hair soft and manageable.
Additionally, you might want to incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine, like the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, which can repair damage and strengthen your hair after bleaching.
If you’re planning to spend time in the sun, consider using a UV-protectant spray to shield your hair from damage and fading.
Sun exposure can cause highlights to lose their luster, so a product like Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner can offer the protection you need while keeping your hair smooth and frizz-free.
In summary, achieving beautiful hair highlights involves choosing the right shade, using quality products, and applying the color with care.
Once you’ve completed the process of dying hair highlights, the key to maintaining your highlights is consistent use of color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and treatments. With a bit of practice and the right products, you can enjoy stunning, vibrant highlights that turn heads for all the right reasons.
Photo credit: TheNiksters
