Adding highlights to your hair can instantly transform your look, giving it depth, dimension, and a fresh, vibrant appearance. While salon visits can be expensive and time-consuming, learning to brush on highlights at home can be a cost-effective and advantageous alternative. With the correct products and tools, a step-by-step method, and an awareness of the fundamental procedures, you can accomplish professional-looking results in the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to add subtle streaks or go for a bold, dramatic change, this guide will help you navigate the process confidently and efficiently, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you see the results is truly unmatched.

Understanding Highlights

Highlighting is a hair coloring technique that involves lightening specific sections of hair to add dimension, contrast, and brightness. By carefully arranging lighter tones throughout your hair, highlights can give the appearance of depth and fullness, improving the overall look of your haircut. There are several highlights, each offering unique results and catering to different styles and preferences.

Definition and Types of Highlights

Balayage

• Description: An organic, sun-kissed look achieved through the freehand application of color to the hair. The highlights are usually concentrated towards the ends, creating a gradient effect.
• Benefits: Low maintenance, as the regrowth is less noticeable; ideal for a natural, beachy look.
• Considerations: Best suited for longer hair to showcase the gradient effect.

Foil Highlights

• Description: This method involves wrapping sections of hair in foil after applying the color. The foil helps to isolate the strands and provides even heat distribution for consistent results.
• Benefits: Offers precise control over the placement and intensity of highlights; suitable for creating high-contrast looks.
• Considerations: Requires regular maintenance as regrowth is more noticeable.

Cap Highlights

• Description: A highlighting hat with tiny holes is put over the head, and a hook pulls portions of hair through the holes. The color is then applied to these sections.
• Benefits: Cost-effective and relatively easy to do at home; provides a more uniform and controlled highlighting effect.
• Considerations: Best for shorter hair; it can be time-consuming and uncomfortable for some.

Choosing the Right Type for Your Hair and Style

When deciding which type of highlights to apply, consider the following factors:

Hair Length and Type:

• Balayage is ideal for longer hair, where the gradient effect can be fully appreciated.
• Foil Highlights work well for both short and long hair, offering versatility in styling.
• Cap Highlights are generally more suitable for shorter hair lengths.

Desired Look:

• For a natural, low-maintenance style, balayage is a great option.
• If you prefer a high-contrast, dramatic look, foil highlights are the way to go.
• Cap highlights are effective for a uniform and subtle highlight effect.

Maintenance:

• Balayage requires less frequent touch-ups, making it perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance option.
• Foil highlights, with their precise and noticeable effect, need more frequent maintenance.
• Cap highlights, while generally easy to maintain, depend on the uniformity of the initial application.

Comparison Table: Types of Highlights

Type of Highlight	Description	Benefits	Best For	Maintenance
Balayage	Freehand painting technique	Natural, sun-kissed look; low maintenance	Long hair	Low
Foil Highlights	Sections of hair wrapped in foil	Precise control; high-contrast looks	Short and long hair	High
Cap Highlights	Hair pulled through a cap and colored	Cost-effective; uniform highlighting effect	Short hair	Medium

Necessary Tools and Products

Successfully brushing on highlights at home requires the right tools and products to ensure precision, safety, and optimal results. These essentials will streamline the process and help you achieve a professional-looking outcome.

List of Essential Tools

Highlighting Brush

• Purpose: Use it to apply the highlighting mixture to sections of hair. A brush with fine, flexible bristles ensures even distribution of the product.
• Tip: Opt for a brush with a pointed end, which can also be used for sectioning hair.

Clips

• Purpose: Helps to section off parts of your hair, keeping the rest out of the way while you apply the highlights.
• Tip: Use multiple clips to divide your hair into manageable sections, ensuring even application.

Gloves

• Purpose: Protect your hands from the chemicals in the highlighting solution.
• Tip: Disposable latex or nitrile gloves are recommended for fit and flexibility.

Mixing Bowl

• Purpose: It is used to mix the bleach or highlighting solution. A non-metallic bowl is essential to prevent chemical reactions.
• Tip: Choose a bowl with a handle and spout for easy handling and pouring.

Comb

• Purpose: Helps distribute the product and evenly detangle your hair before application.
• Tip: A wide-tooth comb is ideal for detangling, while a fine-tooth comb can be used for precise sectioning and distribution.

Recommended Products

Highlighting Kits

• Description: These kits contain everything you need, including the highlighting solution, applicator, and sometimes a cap or foils.
• Tip: Choose a kit that matches your hair color and desired shade. Kits from reputable brands often yield better results and less damage to your hair.

Bleach and Toner

• Description: Bleach lifts hair’s natural color, while toner is applied afterward to neutralize unwanted tones (like brassiness) and enhance the desired shade.
• Tip: If you have delicate or damaged hair, use a lower-volume developer to minimize damage. A purple toner can help counteract yellow tones.

Protective Treatments

• Description: These include hair masks, deep conditioners, and heat protectants that help maintain your hair’s health and integrity post-highlighting.
• Tip: Do deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair nourished and hydrated. A leave-in conditioner with UV protection can also help protect your highlights from sun damage.

Preparation

When brushing highlights at home, preparation is essential to get the most outstanding results. Ensuring your hair is in good condition, setting up a suitable workspace, and gathering all necessary materials can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Pre-highlight Hair Care

Avoid Washing Hair Immediately Before

• Reason: Natural oils on your scalp help protect it from the potentially irritating effects of bleach or highlighting solutions.
• Tip: Aim to wash your hair 24-48 hours before applying highlights. This allows natural oils to build up without your hair becoming overly dirty.

Using a Deep Conditioner

• Purpose: Strengthens and hydrates your hair, making it more resilient to the highlighting process.
• Tip: Apply a deep conditioning treatment a few days before highlighting. For optimal results, look for products with ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or shea butter.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Protecting Surfaces

• Importance: Highlighting solutions can stain or damage surfaces if they come into contact with them.
• Tip: Cover your workspace with old towels, newspapers, or disposable plastic sheets. Protect areas around mirrors, countertops, and floors.

Gathering All Materials

Having everything within reach prevents interruptions and ensures a smooth application process.

Checklist:

• Highlighting brush
• Clips
• Gloves
• Mixing bowl
• Comb
• Highlighting kits or bleach and toner
• Protective treatments
• Use a cloak or old towels to shield your clothes
• Timer to track processing time

Detailed Steps for Preparation

Clean and Prepare Your Workspace

• Clear a section of your bathroom or a well-lit room.
• Lay down protective coverings to safeguard surfaces from spills.
• Set up a mirror to see the back and sides of your head.

Prepare Your Hair

• Get rid of any tangles in your hair by brushing thoroughly.
• Section your hair using clips. Dividing your hair into quadrants (two front and two back sections) works well.
• If you have particularly thick or long hair, consider creating more sections to ensure even application.

Mix the Highlighting Solution

• Follow the instructions on your highlighting kit or bleach and toner products.
• The mixing bowl combines the developer, bleach, or highlighting cream. Mix until smooth and consistent.

Wear Protective Gear

• Put on your gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals.
• Drape an old towel or hairdressing cape over your shoulders to protect your clothing.

Test a Strand

• Before applying the highlights to your entire head, test a strand on a small, hidden section of hair.
• It helps you determine the processing time needed to achieve your desired shade and check for adverse reactions.

Step-by-Step Process

Executing the step-by-step process accurately is crucial to achieving beautifully highlighted hair. This section will guide you through mixing the highlighting solution, sectioning your hair, applying the highlights, and ensuring proper aftercare.

Mixing the Highlighting Solution

Read Instructions Carefully

• Importance: Different products have specific mixing ratios and instructions.
• Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid mishaps and ensure optimal results.

Combine Developer and Bleach/Highlighting Cream

• Process: Pour the required amount of developer into the mixing bowl, followed by the bleach or highlighting cream.
• Tip: Mix a non-metallic bowl with the applicator brush until the solution is smooth and lumped-free.

Sectioning Your Hair

Divide Hair into Sections

• Importance: Helps in achieving an even and controlled application.
• Tip: Part your hair down the middle from front to back and across from ear to ear, creating four main sections. Secure each section with clips.

Subdivide for Precision

• Process: For thicker hair, divide each section into smaller subsections.
• Tip: Use the pointed end of your highlighting brush or a tail comb to create clean partings.

Tips for Even Application

Ensure Hair is Detangled

• Importance: Prevents uneven application and patchy highlights.
• Tip: Comb through each section before applying the highlighting solution.

Apply Product Evenly

• Process: Apply the highlighting solution to the hair by dipping the brush and working toward the ends.
• Tip: Avoid overloading the brush with a product to ensure even distribution.

Applying the Highlights

Balayage Technique

• Process: Paint the solution onto the hair’s surface sweepingly. Focus more on the mid-lengths and ends for a natural, sun-kissed look.
• Tip: Vary the thickness and placement of highlights for a more organic result.

Foil Highlights

• Process: Place a foil strip under a small section of hair, apply the highlighting solution, and fold the foil to secure it.
• Tip: Ensure the foils are placed close to the roots for a more defined highlight.

Cap Highlights

• Process: Using a hook, pull strands of hair through the holes in the highlighting cap. Apply the highlighting solution to the pulled-through strands.
• Tip: Check that the strands are evenly spaced to avoid an uneven look.

Timing and Processing

Set a Timer

• Importance: Ensures the highlights process is completed correctly to achieve the desired lift.
• Tip: Follow the recommended processing time on the product instructions, typically between 20-45 minutes.

Check Progress

• Process: After the minimum processing time, open a foil or inspect a section of hair to check the color.
• Tip: If the desired level of lift is achieved, proceed to rinsing. If not, continue to process, checking every 5-10 minutes.

Rinsing and Aftercare

How to Rinse Properly

• Process: Rinse your hair well with warm water until all traces of the highlighting solution are gone.
• Tip: Avoid using hot water, which can further open the hair cuticle and cause more damage.

Using Toner

• Purpose: Neutralizes any unwanted tones and enhances the overall color.
• Process: Apply the toner according to the product instructions, usually 5-20 minutes.
• Tip: Use a purple or blue toner to counteract brassy or yellow tones.

Conditioning Treatments

• Importance: Restores moisture and strength to your hair after the chemical process.
• Tip: Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask after rinsing the toner. Leave it on for the recommended time to ensure maximum hydration.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Proper upkeep and aftercare are essential for maintaining hair health and the fresh appearance of highlights. This section provides tips on post-highlight hair care, including hydrating and nourishing treatments, avoiding heat styling, and maintaining highlights with regular touch-ups and color-safe products.

Post-Highlight Hair Care Tips

Hydrating and Nourishing Treatments

Highlighting can deplete your hair’s natural moisture content, leaving it brittle and dry.

Tips:

• Deep Conditioning: Apply a deep conditioning procedure once a week or more. To rehydrate and regain strength, look for products with components like argan oil, shea butter, or keratin.
• Leave-In Conditioners: Apply a leave-in conditioner daily to keep your hair hydrated and manageable.
• Hair Masks: Incorporate hair masks into your routine for intense hydration. Use these treatments bi-weekly or as needed.

Avoiding Heat Styling

Heat styling tools can further damage processed hair, increasing dryness and split ends.

Tips:

• Air-Drying: Let your hair air-dry whenever possible instead of using a blow dryer.
• Heat Protectants: Use a heat protectant spray or serum to prevent harm when using heated styling equipment.
• Lower Heat Settings: To reduce stress on your hair, use the lowest practical heat setting on your styling tools.

How to Maintain Highlights

Regular Touch-Ups

Keeping your highlights looking fresh requires regular touch-ups to address root growth and fading.

Tips:

• Frequency: Schedule touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows and the type of highlights you have.
• Partial Touch-Ups: To minimize damage, instead of redoing all the highlights, focus on the roots and areas where they are most visible.

Using Color-Safe Products

Color-safe products are formulated to protect your highlights and prolong their vibrancy.

Tips:

• Shampoo and Conditioner: To avoid color stripping, use shampoo and conditioner made specifically for color-treated hair that is sulfate-free.
• Purple Shampoo: Use a purple shampoo as part of your routine to brighten blonde highlights and balance brassiness.
• UV Protection: UV-filtering products help shield your hair from the sun’s rays, which can fade highlights.

Detailed Steps for Aftercare and Maintenance

Hydrating and Nourishing Treatments

Deep Conditioning:

• Give your hair a large helping of deep conditioner.
• Pay special attention to the ends and mid-lengths, as these areas will likely sustain damage.
• Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 10-30 minutes) and rinse thoroughly.

Leave-In Conditioners:

• Spray or apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair after every wash.
• Brush through to disperse uniformly and style as usual.

Hair Masks:

• Regularly use a hair mask every two weeks.
• Follow the instructions for both applying and cleaning the product.

Avoiding Heat Styling

Air-Drying:

• Your hair should be gently towel-dried and allowed to air dry.
• Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel to prevent breakage.

Heat Protectants:

• Mistreat it with a heat protectant before using any styling equipment on your patent.
• Ensure all sections of your hair are covered for maximum protection.

Lower Heat Settings:

• Set your blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron to the lowest practical heat setting.
• Limit the use of these tools to reduce cumulative damage.

Maintaining Highlights

Regular Touch-Ups:

• Visit your stylist or perform touch-ups at home every 6-8 weeks.
• Focus on the roots and areas where the highlights are most visible.

Using Color-Safe Products:

• Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
• Use purple shampoo once a week to maintain brightness.
• Apply leave-in treatments with UV protection if you spend much time outdoors.

FAQs

How do I choose the right shade for my highlights?

Consider your desired look and your natural hair color. It’s best to go no more than three shades lighter for a natural effect.

How often should I touch up my highlights?

Typically, touch-ups are needed every 6-8 weeks, depending on hair growth and the type of highlights.

Can I highlight my hair if it’s already been dyed?

Yes, but it’s essential to be cautious. Using a lower-volume developer can help minimize damage.

What if my highlights turn out too brassy?

To counteract brassiness, use purple shampoo and consider using a toner to achieve a more uniform color.

Is it safe to highlight my hair at home?

Yes, provided you use high-quality materials and pay close attention to the directions. Patch tests should be conducted regularly to prevent allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Brushing on highlights at home can be an empowering and cost-effective way to achieve salon-quality results. The first step in having an excellent highlighting experience is knowing the different kinds of highlights and selecting the proper technique for your hair type and desired look. Equipped with the necessary tools and products and following a detailed preparation process, you can confidently apply highlights with precision and care.

The step-by-step application process, from mixing the highlighting solution to applying the highlights using techniques like balayage, foil, or cap, ensures that you achieve even and natural-looking results. Proper timing and processing, along with thorough rinsing and aftercare, are essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your highlighted hair.

Post-highlight care plays a crucial role in preserving the beauty and longevity of your highlights. Hydrating and nourishing treatments, avoiding excessive heat styling, and using color-safe products help keep your hair healthy and bright highlights. Regular touch-ups and mindful maintenance practices ensure that your highlights remain fresh and radiant, minimizing damage and extending the life of your new look.

Highlighting your hair at home saves time and money and allows you to experiment with different styles and techniques at your own pace. If you have the correct information and are prepared, you can love the procedure and the outcome, turning your hair into a stunning, multi-dimensional work of art. Whether you want soft, sun-kissed waves or strong, eye-catching contrasts, you can get the ideal highlights at home with the techniques and advice in this guide.