How to Frost Hair at Home With a Cap

Update your look by frosting your hair.

The process of frosting is similar to highlighting with slightly different directions. If you have never frosted, or highlighted your hair, do not worry; the process is straightforward and easy to accomplish. Frost your hair with color that is one to two shades lighter than your natural shade; this will give your hair texture and shine. Prior to beginning, you will need a frosting kit that contains a cap; these kits are available at drug and beauty supply stores. Once you have your materials, the process will take less than an hour to complete.

Instructions

1. Remove tangles by brushing your hair. If possible, try not to wash your hair for 24 hours prior to frosting. The color will absorb better if your hair is slightly dirty.

2. Open the frosting kit and read through the instructions carefully. In addition to the cap, the kit will contain a mixing tray, plastic head cover, brush, hook, plastic gloves and a conditioning wash.

3. Mix the dye according to the manufacturers directions. Use the included tray and brush to swirl the frosting color and dye agents together thoroughly. Complete a strand test if you are unsure of the frosting color against your natural color. The test should be done in an inconspicuous area, such as the underside of your hair, to ensure the color is correct.

4. Pull the cap over your head tightly and secure at the underside of your chin. You will notice there are outlines on the cap; these are guidelines designed to help you determine where you want to place the frosting on your hair. You have the option to do all over color, tops and sides or crown section only -- or choose your own placement, if you prefer. The best way to determine where you want to place your frosting is to look at yourself in the mirror. Visualize where you think the frosting will look best. Once you make your decision, puncture the appropriate holes with the hook.

5. Insert the hook into one of the holes in the cap and twirl gently to hook a section of hair to frost. Pull the hair through the hole and smooth the section of hair. Move to the next hole and repeat the process. Any hair that is pulled through the cap will be frosted.

6. Apply the frosting cream with the brush directly over the cap and saturate each section of hair. Do not worry; the frosting will not seep into holes that are not punctured.

7. Wrap the hair with the included plastic cover to help the color develop. The covering will hold in the heat and speed up the frosting process. Set the timer for the recommended time by the manufacturer, typically 20-30 minutes.

8. Remove the plastic wrap and pull the cap straight up when the time is complete. Discard the cap. Rinse your hair thoroughly under clean water to remove the dye; as you rinse, use your hands to agitate the hair to remove the dye completely.

9. Apply the conditioning treatment and wait five minutes. Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a towel. Style your hair as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear old clothing to prevent frosting stains.

• Ask a friend to help you reach the back section of your hair.

References

• Stylelist; Highlighting Hair: How to HIghlight Your Hair at Home
• Sophisticated Edge: How to Highlight Hair at Home
• "Cosmopolitan": Home Highlighting