How to Apply Highlights to Hair

Highlights can give depth and interest to any head of hair. The art of highlighting is an expensive and highly protected trade in the beauty industry. However, you don't need a million dollars to look like a million. Learn to apply highlights in your hair at home so it looks professional, polished and refined without the professional price tag.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Color
• Towel
• Highlighting brush
• Shampoo
• Large hair clips

1. First assess your hair length and color. If you have short hair, you can purchase a highlight kit which should be sufficient for your needs. Longer hairstyles need a few extra tools, including a highlight pick and possibly more color.
2. Choose a subtle color to add into your hair. Blond hair benefits from light auburn, reds and browns, whereas brown hair looks great with ash blonds and burgundy tones. Pick a color no more than three shades lighter or darker than your current hair tone.
3. Find a long shirt or cape to protect your clothing, and put on a pair of salon gloves to protect your skin from damage. Use small sections of foil cut into squares to process the color. This foil is available at most beauty suppliers.
4. Mix the color exactly as indicated on the instructions. Usually ready-made highlight kits are very specific. If you have purchased basic salon hair color, it usually requires equal parts color and developer. Clip hair to reveal the first piece to be foiled, have a slice of hair to be dyed, hold in one hand and place the foil underneath the root of this piece.
5. Slide the tail of the comb underneath the foil piece and gather some of the dye onto the brush and apply to the hair on top of the foil. Work the color onto the hair strands, brushing it a few times to deposit all the dye. Flip the foil up to avoid leaking, then continue with small sections of hair until finished.
6. Let the color process for the specified amount of time, depending upon the product you are using. It normally takes 15 to 30 minutes max. Unfold one of the foil pieces and check for color depositing, If it has changed, then it's time to rinse.
7. Shampoo the hair thoroughly to remove all color from the hair. Use a conditioning treatment after coloring to restore moisture to the hair and strengthen the follicle. Then, blow dry or towel dry and style as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a highlighting cap for easier application.
• Purchase quality hair product to ensure the best results.
• Give yourself ample time to complete the process, since time varies depending upon hair texture and length.
• Do not leave color in too long as damage can occur.
• Do not over-process hair if hair has recently been color-treated or processed; allow two to six weeks for recovery before highlighting.