Preparation
Before diving into the coloring process, it is important to prepare your hair to ensure optimal results. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Choose the right shade: Consider your natural hair color and skin tone to determine which highlight shade will complement you best. Opt for warm tones like caramel or honey for a natural look, or go for cooler tones like ash or platinum for a bold contrast.
- Deep condition your hair: Prior to highlighting your hair, it is crucial to nourish and strengthen it. Deep condition your hair regularly, leading up to the coloring session, to prevent excessive damage and maintain its health.
- Gather your supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand, including hair bleach or a highlighting kit, a tint brush, gloves, hair clips, and foils or plastic wrap.
Step 1: Sectioning your hair
Start by sectioning your hair to make the highlighting process more manageable. Divide your hair into four sections: top, left side, right side, and back. Use hair clips to secure each section, ensuring you have good access to the parts you wish to highlight.
Step 2: Applying the highlights
Follow these steps to apply the highlights to your brown hair:
- Prepare the bleach: If you are using a highlighting kit, mix the bleach according to the instructions provided. Put on your gloves to protect your hands.
- Begin with the bottom sections: Start with the back sections and work your way up. Take small, thin sections of hair and use the tint brush to apply the bleach or highlighting product. Ensure that the ends of the strands are covered thoroughly, gradually moving upwards towards the roots.
- Use foils or plastic wrap: Fold a piece of foil or plastic wrap around each highlighted section to isolate it and prevent bleeding or overlapping of the color. Repeat this process for each section of hair you wish to highlight.
- Let it develop: Check the instructions on your bleach or highlighting product to determine the recommended development time. Allow the product to sit on your hair for the specified duration, keeping an eye on the color change.
Step 3: Rinsing and aftercare
After the recommended development time has passed, it’s time to rinse out the bleach and take care of your newly highlighted hair:
- Rinse with cool water: Rinse your hair with cool water to remove the bleach gently. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage your hair.
- Apply a toner (optional): If you desire a more refined tone to your highlights, you can apply a toner after rinsing out the bleach. Consult with a professional or carefully read the toner instructions to achieve the desired shade.
- Deep condition: Treat your hair with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourish your locks. This will help repair any damage caused by the highlighting process.
- Protect your hair: After highlighting your hair, it is essential to take extra care to maintain its health. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, limit exposure to heat styling tools, and protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using UV protection sprays.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve stunning highlights on your brown hair. Remember, if you’re unsure about the coloring process or want professional-looking results, it is always recommended to seek the help of a professional hairstylist.
Experimenting with highlights can be an exciting way to transform your look, so embrace your inner hairstylist and enjoy the process!