How to Add Lowlights to Highlighted Hair
While highlights should complement your natural hair color, lowlights should complement your eyes and skin tone. According to iVilliage.com, red and copper tones work best for brunettes while gold and copper tones work best for blondes. While there are many different kinds of at-home lowlights coloring kits available, iVilliage.com recommends having the procedure done by a professional. A professional will ensure that each color is applied carefully and will help guarantee that the lowlights and highlights blend together for a natural look. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Lowlight hair coloring kit
- Petroleum jelly
- Latex gloves
- Flat acrylic brush, 1/2 or 1/4 in.
- Tin foil strips, 2 or 3 in.
Instructions
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Purchase a lowlight hair coloring kit. For the best results, choose a color that is in the same color family of your natural hair color, but two or three shades darker.
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Visit an arts and crafts shop and purchase either a 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch flat acrylic brush. According to BecomeGorgeous.com, when compared to the brush already provided in the hair coloring kit, this type of brush will better distribute the color onto your hair.
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Wash your hair with a purifying shampoo two to three days before adding lowlights. Do not wash your hair the same day. Coloring your hair the same day will greatly impact the color. In addition, it washes away the natural oils that protect your hair and scalp from the harsh chemicals of the hair dyes.
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Test the hair color. Grab a small strand of hair, either behind your ear or near the nape of your neck, and apply the lowlight according to the instruction on the box. This will provide you the opportunity to see what the end result will look like without sacrificing your entire head of hair. If you like the end result, continue on to the next step. If not, find a different color.
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Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline, forehead, around your sideburns and the back of your ears. Should the dye run down your scalp or you accidentally touch your forehead, petroleum jelly will prevent the dye from staining your skin.
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Wear a pair of latex gloves throughout the hair-coloring process.
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Follow the directions provided on the box on how to create the color. You must add the lowlights to your hair as soon as you are finished combining the ingredients.
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Starting from the bottom, separate the hair to which you wish to add lowlights from the rest of your hair. Use a clip to bind the rest of your hair together and away from the strands you want to dye.
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Grab 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch of hair and place it on top of a 2- or 3-inch foil strip. Place the foil strip as close to your scalp as possible. Use the brush to add the dye to your hair, starting from the scalp and moving downward. When complete, fold the foil in halves until it is folded completely to your scalp. Repeat the process for the rest of the first selection of hair.
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Separate another row of hair you wish to add lowlights to. Repeat the steps detailed above. Do not go overboard with the hair dye. You can always add more color if you are not satisfied with the end results. For a more natural look, color your hair in a staggered fashion.
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Follow the directions provided on the box and remove the foil strips when advised. Use shampoo to wash out any excess color followed by a deep conditioner to add moisture to your hair.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent staining your clothes, wear an old T-shirt throughout the hair-coloring process. Ask a friend to help you color the parts of your hair you are not able to reach.
To prevent dye from staining your skin, wipe it off immediately. If you missed a spot, try removing the stain with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball, or try toothpaste on a brand new toothbrush. Remember to throw the toothbrush away when you are finished.
References
- Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Digital Vision/Getty Images
