A great way to give your hairstyle dimension, brightness, and depth is through hair highlighting. There are many different techniques available, so you can achieve delicate, sun-kissed strands or striking, contrasting colors. Highlighting may change the way you look and give your hair a more contemporary, fresh vibe.
Some of the most well-liked methods for highlighting hair, including foiling, ombre, and balayage, will be discussed in this article. These techniques suit various hair types, lengths, and styles and have a distinct appeal of their own. Selecting the best technique for you will be made easier if you are aware of the differences.
We’ll also talk about how you can highlight your hair at home to save time and money. Even though it might seem scary at first, you can get salon-quality results from the comfort of your bathroom if you prepare and follow the right advice.
Adding dimension and style to hair has never been easier than with highlights, and the newest trends in hair styling include balayage, ombre, and foiling. Although salon experts frequently get the best results, many people are having success using these techniques at home. It’s crucial to comprehend the procedure, select the appropriate tools, and adhere to important guidelines to prevent damage and produce even, natural-looking highlights if you want salon-quality results.
What is it?
This is highlighting that is limited to the strands’ ends. This coloring works well on a variety of hair types. On light brown, blond, red, or dark hair, it will look stunning. All you have to do is select the appropriate hue.
Highlighting the ends of hair is usually done on long or medium-length hair, but there are methods that let you do it on short hair and still have it look natural.
This highlighting offers benefits as well as drawbacks.
Advantages:
- visually makes the hairstyle more lively and voluminous;
- allows you to change your image without a sharp transition to another color;
- a more gentle method compared to full coloring;
- growing roots are less noticeable;
- does not require frequent renewal;
- suitable for women of any age;
- looks natural and attractive.
Cons:
- chemicals for coloring are harmful, especially if the procedure is carried out frequently;
- Painting can take a lot of time, depending on the shade and the chosen technique;
- high cost of highlighting when working with complex techniques;
- difficulty of performing at home.
Crucial! It is best to perform the procedure in a salon where the master can select the appropriate color based on the type of hair and appearance. It might be necessary to combine multiple paint shades.
Types and photos
The primary methods used for this kind of highlighting are dip dye, ombre, shatush, and balayage.
Balayage
Strands with different thicknesses and lengths are selected at random. Additionally, tonal transitions are not clearly defined, so if you select colors that are similar to the hairstyle’s natural color, the coloring will look natural. Foil is not used for highlighting of this kind. To give the curls their maximum volume, the color is stretched from dark to light along the length. Better suited for those with longer hair.
Shatush
Method of coloring that creates the appearance of sunburned curls. appears extremely natural. The natural color of the strands is taken into consideration when choosing shades. It’s very gentle and done without foil.
Ombre
Rather than dying individual strands of hair, the ends are dyed as a whole. It is feasible to dye in multiple shades. The primary distinction between ombre and other hair coloring techniques is the noticeable and abrupt change from the natural hair to the dyed ends. Any color will do, from the most subdued to the most vibrant and varied.
Dip dye
This method works well for mild curls. Bright colors are dyed on the ends, while the roots and length stay light. The change in length is as abrupt as an ombre. Any non-trivial color will work, such as green, purple, pink, red, blue, etc.
How to choose the right shade?
Consider the following factors when selecting a shade: the primary color, the length and condition of the hair, and whether or not the hair has been dyed.
- For bright brunettes, rich plum and wine colors are suitable. You can also try a contrasting ombre option with very light ends.
- For brown-haired women, a combination of chestnut and bronze shades will be successful.
- Amber highlights will look beautiful on red hair.
- Caramel and creamy shades, up to pearl white, are suitable for light brown hair. To achieve a natural effect, you can first lighten your hair by 1-2 tones.
- For blondes, delicate light shades and pearl highlights will be advantageous.
You can experiment by dying the ends in vivid hues like pink, purple, blue, green, or red. They go well with both dark and light hair. Dark ends, though, will need to be pre-lit.
Home technique
Before coloring, hair should be in good condition. To ensure that the dye lays more evenly and the color lasts longer, you must cut off all split ends. Only dishes made of glass or porcelain should be used to dilute the dye. It is advisable to dye while wearing rubber gloves.
How to color your hair’s ends:
- Divide the hair into strands and fix it with elastic bands. The number of strands depends on the density of the hair. The main thing is that there should be so much that it is convenient to paint all the tips evenly.
- Apply the coloring composition to the ends with a special brush. Wait 5 minutes, and then apply again, grabbing the hair a few cm higher. After another 5 minutes, repeat. This technique contributes to a more uniform transition of color from the bulk to the ends.
- After applying the entire dye, you should comb the ends of the comb with thin teeth.
- Wrap each strand in foil and leave for 15 minutes.
- Expand the foil and thoroughly wash off the coloring composition from the hair.
- Dry curls and apply care products.
Crucial! Conduct an allergy test prior to painting. Usually, the packaging includes instructions on how to conduct this kind of test.
How much the result rests and how to save it?
It is necessary to repeatedly color the ends every two to three months on average. The technique selected, the color of the hair color, and the state of the hairstyle all affect how long a procedure takes to complete.
For instance, because the shatush technique produces the most realistic look of sun-bleached hair, coloring can be repeated every three months. Even though the hair has grown a lot, the hairstyle still looks harmonious.
You will need to maintain the color and dye your hair every two to three weeks if dip dye was used and the ends of your hair are colored.
Certain products must be used to care for highlighted hair. For colored hair, shampoos, balms, and masks are appropriate. Leave-in serums and oils can be used to add shine, giving the highlighted curls a polished appearance. It is best to let your hair air dry and to use curling irons sparingly. It is worthwhile to use heat protection when styling.
| Highlighting Technique | Home Dyeing Features |
| Balayage | Use a brush to sweep color onto the hair surface, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Requires patience and careful blending for a natural look. |
| Foil Highlights | Apply dye to selected strands and wrap them in foil. Be precise in sectioning to avoid harsh lines or uneven color. |
| Ombre | Start with dark roots and gradually lighten the ends. Use a color brush for smooth transitions between shades. |
| Babylights | Paint very fine sections of hair for a subtle, sun-kissed effect. This technique needs attention to detail to achieve a natural outcome. |
If you want to add dimension and breathe new life into your hairstyle without completely changing the color, highlight your hair. Whether you want soft, natural-looking highlights or bold, chunky streaks, there are a variety of techniques available.
If you’re considering giving highlighting a try at home, be sure to carefully read the instructions and select the best technique for your type of hair. The best results can be achieved with patience and the right equipment, but expert assistance can always guarantee a smooth finish.
A fun way to switch up your appearance is to experiment with highlights, whether you do it at home or in a salon. When you take the proper steps, you can have stunning, radiant hair that makes an impression.
