We will “patch up” the image: everything you want to know about darning highlights

Darning highlights are becoming a popular trend for those looking to refresh their hair without a full makeover. This technique is perfect for people who want to blend new highlights with their existing hair color, giving a seamless, natural look.

Darning highlights are a subtle way to update your image, whether you’re covering up roots or enhancing your overall style. Smooth color transitions are possible with this technique, giving your hair a more vibrant, dynamic appearance.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about darning highlights in this article, including how it functions and the advantages it has for your hairstyle. This might be the ideal choice if you’re searching for a chic, low-maintenance way to keep your hair looking new.

Question Answer
What are darning highlights? A highlighting technique where subtle strands of hair are lightened to blend seamlessly.
How are they different from traditional highlights? They create a softer, more natural look compared to traditional highlights which can be more defined.
Who are they best suited for? Anyone looking for a low-maintenance, natural enhancement to their hair color.
How long do they last? Typically, they last longer than traditional highlights due to the subtle nature of the color.
Can darning highlights damage hair? If done correctly with proper care, the damage is minimal.

What is it?

This term was adopted by hairdressers from seamstresses. The strands that will be dyed are gathered using a special comb. This unique comb has teeth that are between 1.5 and 2 centimeters long. Because it is made of plastic, the material won’t oxidize while being dyed. You can separate the strands using the comb’s long spoke handle. It is constructed from plastic or stainless steel.

This technique allows a true professional to color-match individual hairs or even separate a few from the main volume. For this reason, another name for this highlighting method is tiny darning.

When used on medium-length hair, this coloring style looks best on bob haircuts where the hair reaches the shoulders. If not, the highlighting might appear a little smeared.

Pros and cons of the method

Every highlighting technique has benefits and drawbacks, and darning is no exception.

Benefits

  • Presentable appearance.
  • The color of the curls remains virtually unchanged, while this technique emphasizes it and adds sophistication.
  • Preserves the health of the hair, since only individual strands are dyed.
  • Masks gray hair.
  • You can grow your natural hair color after long-term dyeing.

Drawbacks:

  • Since the procedure is painstaking, it takes quite a long time to carry it out.
  • It is virtually impossible to do it yourself at home.
  • Any lightening will make the hair brittle and prone to dryness.
  • Using foil enhances the effect of chemicals on the hair, therefore it destroys the structure of the curls.

What is the difference between this technique?

To achieve a high-quality result, the master must separate relatively thin strands, which requires fine work. As a result, this kind of coloring is ten times more costly than other highlighting techniques, like Californian, which can be completed considerably more quickly.

The entire surface of the hair is uniformly lightened during coloring, and strategically placed highlights add volume to the hair.

How to choose the right shade?

Taking into account the natural color of the hair, the shade is chosen. It is preferable to prioritize natural tones that complement the primary color. A two to three tone difference would be the best choice.

In order to avoid having gray strands stand out against the background of the main coloring, it is preferable to lighten extremely dark hair by a few tones beforehand.

Coloring algorithm

With this technology, the coloring algorithm is as follows:

  1. Before coloring, it is better not to wash your hair for a couple of days. Comb your hair and divide it into equal parts, the parting must be done in the usual place.
  2. Carefully highlight the occipital, temporal, lateral zones and, if available, bangs.
  3. Coloring starts from the occipital area, you need to move from top to bottom. Separate a not very wide strand and “darn” it with the long end of a comb.
  4. Under the selected thin strands, place a foil longer than the length of the strand and evenly apply the dye or lightening composition to them in one motion. Wrap the foil tightly.
  5. Do not dye the next selected narrow strand, place it up and fix it at the back of the head with a plastic clip.
  6. Alternating the strands in this way, dye all the zones.
  7. Leave the dye on for the specified time, while monitoring the degree of acceptable lightening.
  8. Then remove the foil and thoroughly wash off the dye.
  9. Remove moisture by blotting with a towel and apply a restorative balm.
  10. Leave for 5-10 minutes, then wash off the balm.

This is the most difficult highlighting technique, so it is not something you can do on your own at home without the help of an expert.

The length of the hair and the level of coloring are used to calculate the amount of composition. For medium hair, a half-pack of supra and 3-6% oxidizer works best.

How long will the result last?

For a considerable amount of time, this kind of highlighting keeps its presentable appearance. Every four to five months, it must be updated. You can limit your use of hair masks and moisturizers after dying your hair; no additional care is needed. Investing in specialized or professional products is not advisable.

Additionally, stylists advise against using an iron or hair dryer, and naturally grown hair looks better for coloring.

Adding subtle, natural-looking dimension to your hair with darning highlights is a creative way to update your look. This method is perfect for people who want to bring their hairstyle back to life without completely changing the color. By blending fresh highlights with your original dye or natural color, it creates a smooth and gentle transition that amplifies depth and texture.

Photos before and after

Here are some pictures of darning highlighting that you can use to contrast the final coloring with the original color.



Darning highlights are a novel and understated way to improve your appearance without making major adjustments. This method keeps your hair looking natural while giving it more depth and dimension.

Your needs can be tailored with darning highlights, whether you want to blend grays or refresh your color. It’s a flexible choice that suits a range of hair lengths and types.

This method can give you that polished, refreshed look without needing constant maintenance, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to update your style.

Video on the topic

Darning highlighting technique.

Secrets in highlighting

🔴 LESSON 7 PRACTICE: THE DARNING method, how to darn correctly when highlighting

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Ekaterina Zhukova

Professional stylist and makeup artist, I have extensive experience in the fashion industry. Specialization - wedding and evening hairstyles that emphasize natural beauty and elegance. In my work I adhere to the principle - attention to every detail creates the perfect look.

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