
Start a couple of inches away from your roots and apply the bleach from that point to the ends in very thin stripes. The thinner the highlights, the more natural the color will look, whereas thick highlights will create a zebra-stripe effect.When the brush is almost dry and contains very little color, feather up towards the root.
Full Answer
What are highlights in hair?
Highlights are simply pieces of hair that are lighter than your natural color, explains Redken Artist George Garcia. If your base color is brown, you can add highlights that are a lighter brown, or even have brown hair with blonde highlights.
How can I make my hair highlighted?
To highlight your hair, start by dividing your hair into 4 sections, using hair ties to keep them separated. Next, working one section at a time, use a brush to apply bleach or permanent dye to thin sections of hair, starting a couple inches from the roots.
How does high lift hair color work?
The ammonia especially helps open up the cuticle and helps your hair take up the color. High lift hair color is used in combination with a double ratio of 40 volume developer that activates the lightening agent in it and tones your hair at the same time.
Why should you hire a professional for hair highlights?
There’s also the matter of hair health. Because any type of highlights involve lightening the hair, there is a potential for some damage. The pros are not only trained how to use the color properly in order to minimize this damage, but can also incorporate strengthening treatments to help maintain the health and integrity of the hair.

How does hair highlight work?
In highlighting hair, hydrogen peroxide mixed with pigment is used to change the color of the strand. This process is also used in applying "lowlights" to the hair. In this process, hair dyes are used to create strands of hair that are darker than the natural color.
Is getting highlights good for your hair?
"If you're doing a single process or subtle highlights, the damage will be minimal, and you may not even notice, but if you are going platinum or heavily highlighting your hair, you can feel a lot of damage being done," she says.
How do you treat hair with highlights?
How to Maintain Your Color-Treated HairAfter coloring, wait a full 72 hrs before shampooing. ... Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. ... Add dye to your conditioner. ... Turn down water temperature when shampooing. ... Wash hair less often. ... On off days, use dry shampoo. ... Use leave-in treatments to protect hair color when styling.More items...•
Do highlights ruin hair?
Highlights and coloring -- Highlights and semi-permanent dyes aren't as damaging as bleach, but they aren't without consequences, Mirmirani says. They can also change the inner structure of the hair, causing a lackluster look and dryness, especially if you frequently color to hide roots or gray hair.
Do highlights cause hair loss?
If the hair has been bleached to a very light color from a very dark color, the hair can be weakened to the point of breakage at the point where it exists on the scalp, resulting in the appearance of alopecia. The alopecia is temporary, of course, until the hair regrows.
How long do highlights last in hair?
Keep in mind that due to root growth, all-over coloring will need to be touched up every four to eight weeks, while highlights can last up to two or three months. Ask your stylist about a gloss treatment following your color. This step can really add a boost to the color and make hair shinier.
Can I wash my hair after highlights?
After a highlight or balayage appointment, it's good to wait between 48 and 72 hours before washing your hair.
Are highlights high maintenance?
“Highlights are fresh and youthful,” says George, adding dimension and movement to any base color. Not to mention that the maintenance and upkeep required is noticeably less than if you were to change your hair color entirely—AKA way fewer salon visits.
How often should I get my hair highlighted?
Generally speaking, it's a good idea to go in for highlights every 6-8 weeks. However, the length of time you can go between highlight appointments varies depending on you and your hair, based on the following factors.
How often can I highlight my hair without damaging it?
To avoid damaging your hair with permanent hair colors, wait for at least 4 weeks before you repeat the coloring process. You will even be better off if you can do it less often.
How do you keep highlighted hair healthy?
6 Ways Keep Your Highlighted Hair HealthyChange Up Your Shampoo Game. You will want to switch to a gentler shampoo already after getting highlights. ... Embrace Deep Conditioning. ... Get The Right Nutrients for Your Body. ... Avoid Damage From Heat and Chemicals. ... Use a Gentle Touch. ... Keep Up With Professional Care.
What do I need to know before getting highlights?
The Steps You Should Follow Before Getting HighlightsStep 1: Brush up on what highlights actually entail, then evaluate the current state of your hair. ... Step 2: Figure out the style you want. ... Step 3: Look for a hair stylist who has done this before—and is comfortable working with your hair type.More items...•
How to get highlights?
Choose the right color. For highlights, you’ll either need to use bleach or a dye that’s lighter than your hair color, depending on your hair’s color and condition. It's best to aim for a color that is one to two shades lighter than your base color. Going too light can create an unnatural, stripy effect.
How to use Kool Aid for purple hair?
Kool-aid can be used to achieve purple, red, pink, and green highlights. Boil water in a medium-sized pot. Add 4-5 packets of sugar free Kool-Aid and mix until the powder dissolves. Apply the Kool-Aid to your hair in streaks using either a paintbrush, your fingers, or by dipping your hair into the pot.
How to bleach hair with lemons?
It's like the sun in fruit form. Squeeze the juice of several lemons into a small bowl. Apply the juice to the strands of your hair from root to ends using a paintbrush, your fingers, or by dipping your strands into the bowl. Sit out in the sun for 20-30 minutes to activate the bleaching effect.
How to keep hair in place after bleaching?
Use hair clips or rubber hair ties to keep your hair in place. You don't want your post-dyed sections to mesh with the sections you haven't done yet. If you have time, do a strand test to make sure you have chosen the right shade and to determine how long to leave the bleach in. It could save you from a hair disaster.
Who is the owner of Mosaic Hair Studio?
How to Highlight Hair. This article was co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel. Michael Van den Abbeel is the owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar, a hair salon in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years.
Is it bad to dye your hair?
Dyeing your hair is bad for it -- so if you can retain any moisture at all, you'll be much better off. If you have dark hair, make sure you match your natural shade with the shade on the box. That'll be how your hair takes color. If you’ve dyed your hair before, your hair will only lighten with bleach.
Do highlight kits come with conditioner?
Most highlighting kits come with an applicator tool that can be a bit cumbersome if you're new to the dyeing club. If you have the time, use it with your normal conditioner for practice. You'll see how it can sometimes be a bit splotchy or gloopy if you don't get it just so.
HOW TO HIGHLIGHT HAIR
Let’s get to it—these are the four steps you’ll need to know for highlighting your hair at home.
STEP 1: DECIDE WHETHER TO HIGHLIGHT HAIR AT HOME
If you’re determined to DIY your highlights, you’ve got plenty of options as far as at-home highlighting kits go.
STEP 2: PICK YOUR HIGHLIGHT HUE
No matter what route you take to achieve your highlighted hair—solo or salon—you’ll need to spend time selecting how you want your highlights to look. When most people think “highlights,” their mind goes to a brilliant blonde shade.
STEP 3: DIY YOUR HIGHLIGHTS
If you’re asking how to highlight hair, the truth is: When it comes to do-it-yourself color, there is no singular right way to go about it. Depending on the products you purchase for achieving your new look, you’ll tackle highlighting your tresses differently.
STEP 4: TAKE CARE OF YOUR HIGHLIGHTED STRANDS
Once you’ve highlighted your hair at home, it’s time to make a few changes to your hair care routine, as color-treated hair requires special attention. This means you’ll likely have to switch out a few of your go-to hair care products to create a new color-safe routine.
What is high lift hair color?
High lift hair color is nothing but a permanent hair color that lightens your hair without the help of a bleach. It basically strips or “lifts” some of the natural pigment from your hair and deposits the dye onto it, both at the same time. The higher level of ammonia and color pigment that are found in high lift hair color are what help it do this ...
What color hair do you need to get a high lift?
Before you decide to lighten your hair using a high lift hair color, there are a few requirements that you need to meet. You need to have virgin hair that is in healthy condition and already dark blonde/light brown in color.
How many levels of bleach can lighten hair?
Image: Instagram. Image: Instagram. The first (and perhaps the most important) difference between these two is that while bleach can lighten your hair from anywhere between 3 to 8 levels, high lift hair color cannot lift pigment and lighten your hair more than 5 levels.
How to apply high lift color?
Part your hair first horizontally then vertically to divide it into 4 sections. Pin up 3 of the sections of your hair with sectioning clips, leaving loose the section you want to start applying the high lift hair color to first. Picking up 1/4 to 1/2 subsections of hair at a time, start applying the high lift hair color to all your hair using ...
How long should I wait to use high lift hair color?
If you have gone through a permanent hair service (like straightening, perming, etc.), wait two weeks before using high lift hair color on it. As to exactly when to prepare high lift hair color, make sure it is right before you apply it to your hair.
How long does it take for hair color to develop?
Leave the hair color to develop for the duration of time indicated on the box (which should be somewhere between 45-60 minutes), making sure you check the shade your hair has reached at regular intervals.
Can I bleach my hair to go blonde?
The answer lies in what hair color you’re aiming for. If you have dark brown and want to go totally blonde, your best of action will be to bleach it. But if you possess a light brown or dark blonde mane, high lift hair color will suit your tastes perfectly.
How to get rid of frizz in hair?
Build a frizz-defense by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner in the shower. Squeeze out extra water, then immediately apply a leave-in conditioner or styling product that contains silicone.
How do frizz fighters work?
Whether they're called "keratin smoothing" or "Brazilian" treatments, salon frizz-fighters work by breaking apart certain bonds in your hair, then gluing them back together in a sleek new pattern , says John Vater, a longtime colorist who owns Spa Adriana, a salon in Huntington, N.Y.
Does keratin cause headaches?
Some keratin hair products contain formaldehyde, which is linked to problems including headaches , teary eyes, and skin rashes. Formaldehyde exposure is a bigger risk to people who work with it, such as salon workers, rather than people like Kennedy, who straighten their hair every few months.
What is keratin treatment?
The body naturally makes the protein keratin — it’s what hair and nails are made up of. The keratin in these treatments may be derived from wool, feathers, or horns. Certain shampoos and conditioners contain keratin, but you’ll typically get the greatest benefits from a salon treatment done by a professional.
What is keratin smoothing?
Keratin smooths cells that overlap to form hair strands, which means more manageable hair and less frizz. This makes for hair that dries with little frizz and has a glossy, healthy look to it.
How long does it take to get keratin treatment?
Some hair stylists prefer to blow dry the hair first and apply the treatment to dry hair. They’ll then flat iron the hair in small sections to seal in the treatment. The whole process can take several hours — so bring a book or something quiet to do! If you’re not sure if keratin treatment is right for you, weigh the pros and cons below.
How long after keratin treatment can you get hair wet?
You’ll have to wait 3 to 4 days post-keratin treatment to get your hair wet, so if you’re not a person who likes skipping wash day, then this treatment may not be right for you, and some people report a musty smell even after washing. Not recommended for all. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women.
Does keratin make hair more manageable?
More manageable hair. Keratin treatments make hair more manageable, especially if your hair is particularly frizzy or thick. If you constantly heat style your hair, you’ll notice that with a keratin treatment your hair dries more quickly. Some people estimate that keratin cuts their drying time by more than half.
Is it hard to maintain keratin?
Hard to maintain. Washing your hair less and avoiding swimming might make it harder to maintain for some people. The type of water on your hair matters. Swimming in chlorinated or salt water (basically a pool or an ocean) can shorten the life of your keratin treatment.
Does shampoo contain keratin?
Certain shampoos and conditioners contain keratin, but you’ll typically get the greatest benefits from a salon treatment done by a professional. Benefits of getting a professional keratin treatment or doing one at home can include:
What is a gloss for hair?
So what is a hair gloss, exactly? It's a temporary treatment that can help with both the condition and color of your hair." A hair gloss adds shine and smoothes down the cuticle of the hair, but it can also add or remove tone from the hair as part of the color process," explains Lauren Miller, hairstylist at Nashville's Element Salon.
Is it safe to use clear gloss?
But a clear gloss or glaze is the safest way to go. If you're looking to shift your color or crank up your highlights, leave it to the pros to customize and apply a tinted treatment. Here are some options if you do try to DIY:
Can you use clear gloss on hair?
Not at all! In addition to tinted glosses used to maintain tone or color, clear gloss treatments are also an option. These are primarily used to amplify shine and are safe for those who color their hair and those who don't. (Think of them like a conditioning treatment on steroids.)
How does a hair stylist work?
The stylist washes your hair with a shampoo and rinses it. They lather the treatment crystals into your hair. The crystals dissolve and form a gel that spreads easily through your hair. They scrunch up your hair. They also may use a hooded hair dryer to add heat to the process.
How long does Malibu hair treatment take?
These granules are mixed with filtered or distilled water, applied to hair, and are left to be processed under a hooded heated dryer for about 20 to 40 minutes.
Does Malibu hair color fade?
The malibu hair treatment removes any brassy, muddy, or ashy discoloration caused by hard water minerals. It prevents any oxidation caused by chemical treatments and products like peroxide. It does not fade the hair color when done right – one reason it must be carried out by a professional stylist.
Does a sulfate shampoo help with hair oxidation?
It also has natural antioxidant properties ( 2 ). Its antioxidants prevent hair oxidation caused by chemical treatments. Its multi-action formula soothes any scalp irritation caused by chemical services. It can be used on virgin or chemically- and color-treated hair.
Does Malibu shampoo damage hair?
The minerals may also damage hair, reduce its thickness, shine, and body, and also fade any hair color. Chlorine may damage hair and also affect its UV protection. Hard water and chlorine residues are difficult to remove with regular shampoos. The Malibu hair treatment is often a desirable alternative in this regard.
Laser Caps
HairMax’s line of Laser Caps cover the entire scalp and feature consistent dispersion that provide a uniform delivery of laser lights to the follicles.
Flip 80 Laser Cap
This laser cap is designed to treat half of the scalp at a time. It contains 80 medical-grade lasers that equal 160 lasers when flipped to treat the other side of a user’s head. The device can be used for 15 minutes on part of the scalp or 30 minutes for full scalp covering treatment.
LaserBands
The LaserBands use a flexible band design and hair parting teeth for optimal laser light delivery and follicle stimulation.
LaserCombs
LaserCombs delivery strong laser light to certain parts of the scalp and hair follicles. Unlike the other models (Laser Caps and LaserBands), you have to hold the LaserCombs to the part of your head you’d like to target.
Density Haircare
Density ACCELER8 Hair Booster + Nutrients ($): This product was formulated with several natural ingredients to help support healthy hair growth. It also contains DHT blockers to combat hair loss and includes peppermint oil to help stimulate hair follicles.
How long does HairMax take to work?
The length of time it takes to see results from HairMax depends on the device being used. HairMax recommends devices be used 3 times a week for 90 seconds up to 30 minutes at a time, depending on the device model.
How often should you use HairMax devices?
For the best results, HairMax recommends that its laser devices be used 3 days a week, indefinitely.
What does tinting your hair do?
Tinting your hair can also result in a more sheen-filled appearance.
How to protect hair from sun damage?
Keep Hair Protected From Sun Damage. Sun rays can lead to fading, so make sure you wear a hat or cover your hair when stepping outside. If you’d rather show off your locks than hide them away, then you’re going to need a product to protect your strands from the sun.
How does hair tint differ from hair dye?
Hair tint differs from hair dye because the tinting process adds an extra layer of color to your strands. Basically, you’re just adding a layer of pigment on top of the color that’s already on your hair. This process should result in a subtle, transparent hue, and adds a colorful detail to your base hair color.
How long does hair tint last?
Since this process is semi-permanent, it tends to fade faster than your average hair dye. It’s expected to last about four weeks but can fade earlier if not properly cared for. Take a look at these tips for ensuring that your hair tint lasts as long as possible before heading back to the salon chair.
Can semi permanent hair oil be used on hair?
A semi-permanent treatment can still do damage to your hair. This process can dry out already-brittle and damaged strands. That’s why it’s best to use hair oil to give your locks a boost of sheen. We recommend TRESemmé Smooth Dry Oil Spray to smooth hair and add texture for frizz-control and smoothing benefits, in a nifty formula.
