Getting highlights from the salon can be expensive. When it’s not in the budget, you can get good highlights in your hair by doing it yourself. Using a box of drugstore highlight dye, you can have stylish highlights for a fraction of the price. Do not let your hair go undyed because you are unsure of the process. Doing your own highlights is simple, and you will soon no longer wear that hat on your head to cover up your drab hair color.
1. Choose color
If you have a color in mind, head over to your local drugstore. Pick out a brand whose instructions on the back of the box are easy to read. If you are unsure of the color you want, take time to browse. The boxes often show what the highlights look like on different hair colors. You can even choose a semi-permanent dye if you are unsure if it is right for you. These usually last around a month.
2. Gather your supplies
See what the box comes with. You may need to get some thin foil and a brush. Make sure you have a towel you are not afraid to stain so that you can hang it over your shoulders. You especially want one if your hair is long.
3. Change your clothes
Change into clothes you are not attached to. If this is your first time, you may get some dye on your collar or the front of your shirt. The dye will not come out if washed, so be careful, obviously.
4. Separate hair
Part your hair normally. Separate the hair into how many strands of highlights you want. Make sure they are about one inch apart. Cut these at a diagonal starting at the part. Using a diagonal will ensure the highlights will cover your head instead of looking like stripes. Do not grab too much hair, as these are supposed to be subtle. Use a long clip to hold these pieces. Once you get started, you can easily remove the clip with one hand and begin applying dye with the other.
5. Start with your first sliver of hair
Take the first sliver of hair and place a piece of foil beneath it. Paint the dye onto the strands of hair and directly onto the piece of foil. Be sure to cover hair from the roots to the ends. Long hair may require many pieces of foil or long pieces. Make sure the hair is evenly coated with dye.
6. Fold foil
Once the first part of hair is covered, fold the foil in. This will cover the hair and keep stray hairs from touching the dye. It also allows you to continue working without damaging the dye you just applied.
7. Repeat as necessary
Repeat as many times as you need for your hair; the common number is eight. Look at what’s right for you. You should have already separated the amount of parts you wanted dyed.
8. Follow directions
Follow the directions on the box closely. Leaving the dye on for too long can irreparably damage hair. Additionally, leaving the dye on not long enough will not get you the results you are looking for. There should be instructions for what to do to the hair after the dye is washed out.
9. Enjoy your new highlights
Dry and style your hair to your liking. Look at your new highlights by walking into different rooms and outside with a hand mirror. The highlights will look different in various lighting. You may even find it looks good styled a new way.
10. Protect your hair
The box of dye may have come with a special shampoo or conditioner to use regularly. This will protect the dye and help it last longer. Do not spend too much time in the sun or in a pool, as that will also fade the highlights.
Putting highlights on hair is easy to do at home. You can save time and money by doing it yourself, money that can used for a night on the town with your new look. Store bought highlight brands are very good and similar in most ways to what is used in a salon. Once you start doing it yourself, you’ll never pay someone to do it for you again.