All You Need to Know About At-Home Highlights
When it comes to your hair, coloring it yourself can be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what you're doing. Truth be told, highlighting your hair is easier than you think, and a great way to save a few bucks. Take a look at these tips to fix brassy strands, conquer the at-home kit, and more.
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Q: What's the trick to getting natural-looking highlights at home?
A: It's all in where you place them. You'd never get ruler-straight, evenly spaced streaks naturally from the sun, so don't paint them on that way. At home, keep highlights between 1/8- and 1/4-inch thick, and concentrate them at your hairline, since those pieces will brighten your face.
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Q:
My highlights are starting to appear really brassy. Is there an easy way to fix this at home?
A: There are many shampoos designed to eliminate brassiness, says Marie Robinson, a colorist at Sally Hershberger Downtown in NYC. "They usually contain a blue or violet pigment to counteract any yellow or orange tones." She recommends Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo, $9.99. Use it once a week to keep your highlights looking bright in between salon appointments.
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Q:
I am beauty challenged. Is there anything out there that makes DIY highlighting even easier than using a highlighting comb?
A: For pretty, subtle highlights, use a highlighting cap, which comfortably self-seals around the base of the scalp and comes with a rounded steel tool to pull strands to be lightened through the pinholes. This gives you control over how many (or few) hairs you highlight. Our favorite: the reusable MagiCap Neon Highlighting Cap, $7, sallybeauty.com for store locations.
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Q:
How can I pull of the dramatic, two-toned highlighted look that?
A: Dramatic streaks work well if the hair has a great cut, says Marie Robinson, a colorist at Sally Hershberger Downtown in NYC. "If your hair has a bold color, the style should be a little more conservative." She recommends a graduated bob, which can be blown out smooth or worn wavy. If you like Rihanna's older look, ask your colorist for blond highlights from your bangs to your crown. For a chunkier effect, get 1- to 2-inch golden streaks (for brunettes) or chocolate (for blonds) through your under-layers and ends. For an edgy look like this, it's best to leave the kit at home and see a stylist for the best look possible.
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
