Adding highlights to your hair is a wonderful way to bring dimension and light to your look. It can brighten your complexion and make your hairstyle appear fuller and more dynamic. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-kissed strands or a more dramatic contrast, the process can feel a bit intimidating. But with the right approach, you can achieve beautiful results.
Choosing Your Highlighting Technique
The first step is deciding on the look you want. For a soft, natural effect, babylights are very fine, delicate highlights woven throughout the hair. If you prefer a bolder, chunkier look, balayage might be for you. This technique involves hand-painting color onto the hair for a graduated, low-maintenance result. For an all-over brightening, traditional foil highlights offer maximum lift and precision.
Prepping for a Successful Application
Preparation is key to getting the color you want. It’s best to start with hair that hasn’t been washed for a day or two, as natural oils can protect your scalp. Always do a strand test with your chosen lightening product to see how your hair reacts and how long it takes to reach your desired tone. Having all your tools—a mixing bowl, applicator brush, clips, and foils if needed—within reach will make the process much smoother.
A Simple Guide to At-Home Foil Highlighting
If you’re using a kit with foils, section your dry hair into four quadrants. Take thin, even sections from the top layer of hair. Using the tail of your applicator brush, weave through the section to select strands for highlighting. Place a foil underneath the selected strands and apply the lightener from the mid-lengths to the ends first, then go back to the roots, as they process faster. Fold the foil to secure it and continue until you’ve completed all desired sections.
Caring for Your New Highlights
After you’ve rinsed out the lightener and applied a toner if your kit includes one, your hair will need some extra love. Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment weekly to maintain moisture and shine. Purple shampoo can be a great tool to keep blonde tones bright and prevent them from turning brassy.
With a bit of patience and careful planning, you can give your hair a beautiful, luminous boost. Remember to follow the instructions on your product carefully and listen to your hair’s needs for a healthy, radiant finish.