How to Professionally Highlight Hair at Home

Professional highlights offer a change without the full commitment of overall hair color.

Want a touch of color, but without the commitment? Highlights are a versatile, varied and, if done at home, a much more affordable option. They give hair an extra touch that makes color and contrast stand out. They can lighten hair or cover up gray, and come in many different shades of blondes, browns and reds. And, they're convenient: With highlights, you can experiment until you find the right shade for you.

Things You'll Need

• 30-volume cream bleach
• Hair color (lighter than original shade of hair)
• Tint brush

Instructions

Instructions

1. Separate the hair you want to highlight from the hair that you do not. When highlighting your hair it, is best to only color the top layers of your hair. Divide your hair in half and pull the bottom layer back into a ponytail. Secure it with a clip.

2. Choose small pieces of hair you want to highlight, starting from the back of the top layer of hair, and separate them from the rest of your hair. Secure the hair you will not be coloring before you begin. Use a mirror to check the back of your head and ensure you are pulling pieces of hair out evenly.

3. Apply the bleach to each strand of hair that you did not secure and that you wish to highlight using the tint brush. Start near the root and continue to the end of the hair. Bleach the root of the hair last. Repeat this for each strand of hair.

4. Allow the bleach to sit for the recommended amount of time on the package. Wash and rinse out the bleach with shampoo and water. Do not condition the hair at this time. Leave the hair wet.

5. Apply color to your entire head of hair. The color of the dye will be lighter than your natural hair so it will not effect the unbleached hair and adding the color to you whole head will ensure an even blend and even coverage.

6. Allow the color to sit according to the time on the package. Rinse the color out. Shampoo and condition.

Tips & Warnings

• After initially bleaching your hair, you might notice that your hair looks really golden or red. This will depend on the color your hair was before bleaching. Do not worry about this, as you will be adding color to your hair which will cover this up. Remember the bleach was added to lighten your hair and give it a professionally highlighted look.

References

• Stylist: How to Highlight Your Hair at Home