How to Layer Highlights

Doing layered highlights at home is easy and inexpensive.

Doing highlights at the hairdresser’s is very expensive, but there are now hair color products on the market that are specifically aimed at creating highlights. These are usually equipped with a brush, so you can apply the color to strands of hair without coloring the rest. Layering highlights creates a more natural look; if you’re unsure of which color will best suit your hair, check the back of the box, as it should show you what the finished hair color will look like whether you’re blonde or brunette.

Things You'll Need

• Hair color for highlights
• Brush for applying color
• Plastic gloves
• Foil strips

Instructions

1. Style your hair in the way you normally wear it. This way you can apply the highlights exactly where you want them to be, and they will suit the way you usually have your hair.

2. Divide your hair into layers using clips. To layer highlights, some should be applied underneath the top layer of your hair.

3. Continue applying color to different layers of hair as desired. Once you’ve applied the color to a strand of hair, fold it up and into a piece of tin foil to separate it from the rest of your hair.

4. Leave the product on for the required length of time. This might vary depending on how drastic the color change is; for example, to get blonde highlights on black hair you might need more time. Check the instructions for details.

5. Remove the foil and wash your hair thoroughly. Ensure you use plenty of conditioner, as hair color can dry out hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Your hair should be clean and dry before you apply highlights.

• Cover your hands in gloves before you start coloring, otherwise your skin will get stained.

• If your highlights look excessively bright after washing your hair, don’t panic. It takes about a week for the color to fade and settle in.

References

• Cosmopolitan: Home Highlighting
• Daily Makeover; How to Do at Home Highlights; May 2009