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How to apply highlights and lowlights at home

Highlights and lowlights

Highlights and lowlights are always trendy. But, when one has to go to a parlor, it could get time consuming and also expensive. By getting a home kit, you can apply it at home even by yourself. Here is a simple step by step procedure to guide you through.

Difficulty level

Easy

Time required

45 Minutes to 1 Hour

Resources required

1. Highlighting hair kit

2. A pair of latex gloves

3. Half and quarter inch brushes

Instructions

1. Wash your hair prior to coloring

The basic step is to wash the hair one to two days prior to highlighting the hair. Use a purifying shampoo as it will help to clean all the dirt and also all the other conditioners and other products which will eventually influence the final look and result of the highlighting or coloring. Avoid washing the hair on the day of coloring.

2. Purchase a highlighting kit

You need to purchase a kit for hair highlighting and a pair of latex gloves which will help you while working. You would also need a half and a quarter inch brushes which will help in distribute the product all over the tresses. It’s better to use the brushes that come with in the kit.

3. Choose a color that suits

Important thing is to choose a hair color which suits you. There are many brands available in the market like L’Oreal, Revlon, Matrix, Garnier and so on. Since they are available in every drug store, it is easy to obtain these.

4. Wear old clothes and apply cream on forehead

Before you start applying the dye you have to make sure you have prepared with everything that you need. Wear old shirt or old clothes so that it does not soil the clothes. Apply vaseline or any other cold cream especially on your forehead and also all along the hairline. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package. Mix the ingredients just before you start to apply the dye.

5. Apply color and wrap the colored strands in foil paper

In order to get a real sophisticated look, apply the dye on the hair segments which are smaller around quarter inch strands in width. Use 2-3 inches wide strips of foil paper so that the colored strands are separated from your other hairs. Applying the lowlights or highlights work from the base of the neck to the front part. Make sure you clip the remaining part of the hair so that it does not come in the way.

Keep the foil strip under the small segments of hair and then apply the dye from the roots and forward. Then fold the strip into half once or twice based on the length of the hair dyed. You have to do it row by row. Once a row is done, go on to the next row. Finish every row in the manner needed. If you are using different colors, then it is important to vary colors every one forth inch of a row.

6. Leave the color for a while and wash thoroughly

Leave the color on the hair as recommended in the instructions and then slowly and carefully remove the foils. Make sure you wash your hair thoroughly and also use a conditioner.

Frequently asked questions

1. Question. Can I wash my hair on the morning of the day I want to apply color?

Answer. The important thing is to avoid washing hair on that day so that the scalp can produce natural oils which will provide as a protection against the irritations caused by the chemicals.

2. Question. This is the first time I am trying to streak my hair. I am nervous. Are you sure it will come good the first time because I do not want to become the guinea pig of my own experiment?

Answer. Before applying it wholly, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to the dye and also as to decide the exact shade required. Use a single strand of hair behind the ears for testing. Ask a friend to help you in applying it when you are doing it for the first time.

3. Question. How do I know which color suites me?

Answer. Choose a color which is two shades lighter than the color of your natural hair when you are going for a highlight. In case of a low light, it’s the other way round. Go for colors which are 2-3 shades darker than your natural color.

Quick tips

1. It is better to use the brushes available in the kit as that would be more convenient and helps you to have better control over your movements. Then you highlights and lowlights will look very professional.

2. Mix the dye just before you apply as the dye starts to work as soon as its mixed.

3. Washing with a conditioner after applying the dye is very necessary as the dye dries up the hair

4. Apply a few streaks in the beginning as you can increase the streaks if you want to. But you cannot reduce the number of streaks once you have already applied.

Things to watch out for

Be careful while using the dye. Some of them could lead to skin allergies and also affect the eyes.

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