Hair Highlighting 101
John Gorecki
Highlighting can add the illusion of depth, volume and texture
to your hair. The process involves coloring some strands of
your hair - making it lighter or darker, depending on your
overall look (color of your skin, eyes, hair) and your desired
look. Your highlights should compliment your natural color, not
giving it an odd contrast or contrived color. Highlighting is
also a great way to start if you have doubts in coloring or
dying your hair.
Three things to remember before highlighting:
1. Go light or go home
Usually, in using a color for highlights, you go two or three
shades lighter than your original hair color. Going beyond
three shades will look extremely unnatural and peculiar.
2. Condition your hair to avoid drying
Deep condition your hair or use a clarifying treatment at least
three days before highlighting because some chemicals in hair
color can seriously dry your hair. After coloring, some prefer
to shampoo immediately after. But, it is better to shampoo your
hair a day after - this will help maintain the color.
3. Consider lowlights
You also have the option to have lowlights with your highlights
which can give your hair more dimension. Lowlights make your
hair darker in shade. It will make the top of your hair look
heavier than the bottom. But, it is best to go to your
professional stylist when trying both highlights and lowlights.
Tips for hair highlighting
- Mix two or more colors. Experiment and be creative. Just
remember to use the color mix once you combine them.
- If you bought a highlighting kit, you can observe that the
brush they use don’t really give you much control. Flat acrylic
brushes measuring ½ - ¼ inch, which can be bought at art supply
or hardware stores, give you a better grip thus making the
highlights look more natural.
- Always protect your skin from hair color because it contains
chemicals that can be damaging.
- Use latex gloves and make sure they fit snugly.
- Apply highlights only to the top layer of your head to create
that depth and dimension you want to achieve.
Streaking
Streaking is used for a sleeker and glossier effect. You can go
for half-head or full-head. Half-head streaking gives your hair
brighter effects done really close to the hairline. This is
done through bleaching and wrapping small or thick strands of
your hair in foil paper.
While whole-head streaking involves bleaching and coloring the
entire head, thus producing a blonde effect. Darker streaks are
placed closer to the hairline. Both procedures need a touch-up
every six to eight weeks before growth of new hair becomes
noticeable.
D-I-Y streaking is another method used for dry hair. Best
results are seen for medium-brown to light-brown hair. A
streaking kit is available at the shop, but it should include a
rat-tail brush, toothbrush, a non-metal bowl for the bleach,
foil paper and a couple of clips.
To do, part a thin portion of your hair at the top part of the
head using the comb. Place a 5 cm foil strip under it. Take the
toothbrush with bleach and swathe over the parted hair. Cover it
with foil strip. Take another part of the hair about 1.25 cm
below and continue the process until the desired effect is
achieved.
Check the color of the wrapped hair - it should be golden. If
not, reapply bleach and leave for a couple of minutes. While
taking out the foil wraps, ask a friend to help you rinse with
warm water to take off the bleach. Apply shampoo and
conditioner after unveiling the wraps.
Finger painting
Finger painting is a method for a subtler effect. Run four
fingers from your hairline to the back of the crown after
dipping it in bleaching solution. Do it as if pushing back the
hair from your face. Don’t forget to use gloves. Follow the
instructions at the back of the carton, like how long to leave
the hair before rinsing, shampooing and conditioning.
Shampoos
The most practical and cost effective way to extend the
duration of your highlights is the use of color tinted
shampoos. Since these are temporary, you just stop using a
certain color of shampoo if you don’t like it or if you want to
try other colors. You can even use them on their own, although
the effect will be less.
About The Author: For more great hair highlight related
articles and resources check out
http://haircolor.haircarehaven.com
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