Californian highlights on blonde hair

Coloring is a whole palette from sandy-gold to platinum shades that smoothly transition from shaded to lighter ones, thus creating the illusion of sun glare. Highlighting was named after Californian beauties who are famous for chic curls.

In the homeland of girls, the effect of burnt-out strands is called “sunkissed”, which literally means “kissed by the sun” in English.

One of the main advantages is the use of a special delicate coloring technique - without the use of foil and thermal paper. A paste mixture is applied to the strands, including beeswax. This minimizes the harmful effects on the hair structure.

Highlighting has no age limits, moreover, it is a godsend for those who are afraid to part with their natural hair color, and at the same time want a change.

What is California Highlights?

The basis of this highlight is the classic highlighting, but done in a special way. It does not need foil or thermal paper, because the curls are painted in an open way, controlling their gradual transformation. The hair gets a smooth gradient without clear transitions.

To make the effect look as natural as possible, the clarified strands can be additionally tinted with balms, direct dyes. All shades should be natural (sometimes up to 6 light and dark tones are taken).

Then it will really seem that the hair has beautifully faded in the sun, and has not been in the hands of an experienced hairdresser.

See also: how often you can do hair highlighting.

Attention! California highlighting is called sparing for several reasons: the dye for it does not contain ammonia, and during the application process, the composition does not come into contact with the scalp. With this staining, the roots are often left intact.

How is it different from regular highlighting

These two methods of staining differ not only in the result, but also technology of conducting:

1. for the usual one used to be a hat, now it has been replaced by foil (thermal paper). California highlights are performed without these materials;
2. the classical technique usually involves applying paint from the roots, Hollywood - along the length;
3. in the first case, the strands are evenly highlighted in color, they are often clearly visible against the background of the bulk of the hair. With a Californian coloring, a smooth stretch of color is done in such a way that the ends turn out to be the lightest part of the hairstyle;
4. ordinary highlighting can be colored, Hollywood - only natural.

Californian coloring and shatush are quite similar to each other. Their ultimate goal is to create a natural, burnt-out effect.However, no additional toning is applied for the shatusha, so the colors are less bright, and the transitions are more blurred.

The strands are taken quite wide, while small curls are needed for Hollywood highlighting.

What kind of blondes is this coloring suitable for?

Californian highlighting looks great on light blond hair. Dull in nature, after applying the technique, they are able to transform and sparkle with new colors. In this case, it is better not to process the roots, but leave them in their natural color. For owners of very light hair, it is recommended to slightly darken the curls at the roots so that the effect of burnt out locks is more noticeable.

Important! Californian highlighting is based on the method of gentle brightening without the use of foil.

Highlighting in the California technique has no age restrictions. It can be used by older women who want to give a youthful look, and young ladies who want to be in trend.

The correct application of the technique can ultimately give up to five shades of a light palette. Therefore, the most spectacular Californian highlighting will look on long hair (below the shoulder blades), where the gradient can be fully revealed.

This coloring technique is ideally combined with voluminous medium-length hairstyles: a cascade, a voluminous bob, pixie or playful curls.

The California version of highlighting on blonde hair can also be used on short strands, but the procedure should be carried out by an experienced master for the result to be expressive, but at the same time natural.

Pros of Californian highlights for blonde hair:

1. adds volume to the hairstyle - ideal for fine hair;
2. makes hair shine and well-groomed;
3. does not injure strands due to the use of gentle chemical compounds;
4. does not require frequent correction;
5. the result is natural and noble.

Cons of technology:

1. high cost of the procedure;
2. high complexity and significant time costs;
3. if the technology is not followed, the strands can become overdried;
4. if unsuccessful, you will not be able to perform a quick correction.

How to choose the right shade for blond curls?

When choosing a shade for staining, it should be borne in mind that this technique involves the use of several dyes at once. The darkest color of curls is processed at the roots, and the lightest is located at the ends of the hair.

To select a shade for highlighting, it is recommended to take into account the woman's color type.

Owners of pale marble skin with a pinkish tint are shown all colors in a cold range. A similar palette can be used on ashy or grayish hair.

For owners of hair with natural golden highlights and tanned skin, warm tones are suitable - honey, amber, cognac, golden blonde.

Usually, dyeing light hair is carried out with a dye 1-2 tones lighter than the original. Sometimes masters use a bright blond to shade the ends.

Important! Blondes, unlike brunettes, can be used for highlighting, not 5-7 shades, but only 2-3.

Pros and cons

The "pluses" of Californian highlighting include the following nuances:

1. the hair roots do not suffer from overdrying, since they are not affected when performing this type of highlighting;
2. since the paint is applied in an open way (without foil coating), there is no strong negative effect on the hair structure;
3. the technique allows you to completely mask the gray hair that is starting to break through;
4. curls after the procedure look more voluminous and thicker.

The negative aspects of Californian highlighting include the following features of the technique:

• dryness and brittle hair, which are often lightened when performing a highlighting procedure and require special care after that;
• the cost of the service is quite high, since this staining method is technically difficult;
• gradual washout of color pigments over time;
• to repeat the staining to maintain the created image, it is necessary every three months at least.

Price in the salon and for home use

Some hairdressing salons and beauty salons allocate Californian coloring in a separate line of their prices, and some estimate its cost on a par with classic highlighting. Specify your wishes in a direct conversation with a stylist-hairdresser, especially if you want to apply not 2, but 3-5 tones.

The price varies depending on the number of shades used, as well as the length and density of the curls. On average in Russia, the cost of the Hollywood effect of burnt hair will cost 3000-4000 rubles.

The cost of the service in large beauty establishments located in megalopolises often reaches 8-11 thousand rubles, and in medium-sized and small towns it starts from 600-1000 rubles.

If you want to do Californian highlights at home, consider how much dye you need for your hair and what shades. High-quality ammonia-free formulations cost about 400-500 rubles, although it is better to take gentle means for toning curls. The assortment of tint balms and shampoos is very wide, and therefore has many budget and expensive options: from 60 to 1000 rubles. In case of preliminary clarification, add the cost of the decolorizing preparation to the costs (approximately 80-300 rubles, depending on the company).

Attention! For Californian highlights, an individual approach is important, since it looks different on different hairs. Before painting, the master should look at a photo of possible options with you, discuss the palette and the number of tones, and other nuances.

 

Features of coloring depending on the length of the hair

The best lengths of curls to apply the California highlighting technique to dark or blonde hair are from the shoulder blades and below. In this case, it will be possible to make a soft, smooth transition between shades, to show a beautiful play of colors. Medium strands are often partially colored, choosing only bangs, one or more strands.

For hair of considerable length, it will require a large number of shades and especially a lot of time, but the result will be worth it. Correction in this case will not be needed very soon.

With a good selection of tones, Californian highlighting on short hair can also be very effective. The gradient will be invisible, but the hairstyle will acquire splendor, it will look fresh and non-standard. A significant disadvantage is that you will often have to update the colors so that the hair does not look sloppy. As a rule, the lightest shades are recommended for short haircuts.

Girls with a square of any length should remember a few rules for applying Hollywood technology:

1. if the face is round, then the curls framing it are painted with a light color scheme. The parietal zone with this variant of Californian highlighting is left dark;
2. with an elongated shape, wide strands are dyed;
3. brown-haired women need to choose colors that are 2-3 tones darker than their hair;
4. a similar recommendation is valid for blondes, only the shades should be lighter than the "source".

Californian highlighting on the square will visually make the hair more lively, thick and lush.

Features of the technology depending on other haircuts:

• Bean. In this case, the front elongated curls are usually lightened along with the bangs.
• Pixie. The best option is to highlight one area, bangs or whiskey with color.
• Cascade. Competent selection of colors will emphasize the structure of the haircut and place the necessary accents.

How long will the result last?

The California highlighting technique is ideal for those who do not like to frequent hairdressers and subject their hair to chemical treatments. Having spent once on staining, you can forget about the correction for 2-3 months.

The technique itself involves darkening the strands at the roots.Therefore, the growing hair will look natural even several months after the procedure.

The only caveat is that if the original color was very light, and a contrasting dye was used for darkening, after a month and a half the roots will begin to "give out" themselves. Therefore, when choosing shades, it is recommended not to deviate in the palette more than 2 tones from the natural color.

Who is better off not staining and why?

California highlighting is a versatile and non-aging staining technique. But there is several restrictions for the procedure:

1. weakened, dry, brittle hair - even careful staining can further damage them;
2. pregnancy and lactation - inhalation of oxidizer vapors negatively affects the health of a woman and a baby;
3. pre-perm - the hair will become even thinner, and the final shade will be difficult to predict.

Although the Californian highlighting procedure is not cheap, owners of blonde hair can save on coloring and carry it out at home using a minimum number of shades.

Highlighting technique at home

To do the California highlights for myself you need to prepare in advance:

• lightening agent (if necessary);
• tint dyes in the required amount;
• non-metallic cookware. For each composition - its own;
• several brushes or sponges;
• 2 combs: with sparse and frequent teeth;
• hairpins;
• gloves and a cape for clothes (you can take an old robe);
• mask or hair balm.

Advice. Professional stylists often add a thickener to the paint so that it does not spread. This is important because no foil is used for painting. You can use wax for this purpose or immediately buy a clarifier based on a natural bee product.

A step-by-step description of how to make California highlights at home:

1. Test the selected compounds on the skin of the wrist or the crook of the elbow. After half an hour, you should not have a rash, itching, redness.
2. Wash your hair without balm and conditioner, and then dry naturally.
3. Divide your hair into sections that are no more than 1.5 centimeters thick. It is more convenient to pre-divide the curls into zones: occipital, crown, temporal.
4. Put on gloves and a cape.
5. Apply a brightening formula to your hair. With California highlighting, this is done not along the entire length of the strands, but with an indent of 3-5 centimeters from the roots. Spread the paint quickly.
6. Soak the time specified in the instructions (no longer than 20-30 minutes).
7. Rinse off the composition.
8. Tone the curls with the selected shade or several colors. You can add wax to the tonic to make the product fit better on the strands.
9. After the allotted time, rinse your hair.
10. Apply balm or mask.
11. To get a clearer idea of ​​the features of staining, watch various training videos, visual lessons and master classes, where the process is also outlined step by step.

According to reviews, Californian highlighting looks much prettier than ordinary staining, and it does less damage to curls. Although after the procedure, the hair still needs close attention and respect. Use moisturizers, repairs, rinses, masks, and split ends.

Choosing a color at home, do not strive to get an impressive masterpiece the first time. Try 1-2 tones, or lighten only part of your hair. So you can assess how time-consuming work you have to do, whether it is worth taking on it yourself, or is it better to trust a professional.

Hair care after California highlights

Like any coloring, California highlights can make curls dry, brittle and dull. Use our recommendations to help your hair recover faster after a beauty ritual.

L'Or? Al Professionnel Absolut Repair Serum

A highly nourishing serum that instantly leaves dye-tired hair soft and shiny. One of the main advantages of the product is its non-greasy texture: after application, the curls do not look dirty!

Matrix Hydrasource Mask

Designed specifically for dry damaged hair, the spray envelops curls with an invisible but dense veil, protecting them from external influences and nourishing them along the entire length.

Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo & Conditioner

A line specifically for highlighted hair: helps maintain a cool blond, restores curls after aggressive exposure to brighteners and dyes, nourishes and moisturizes.

Soft colors and easy care - what could be better? This coloring method has already been appreciated by many Hollywood beauties! What kind of California highlighting did you like?

What you need to know when deciding on a California highlight

In addition to the fact that after visiting the salon, a spectacular transformation awaits you, you need to know a few more nuances.

1. Hair that is ready to be colored must be healthy. If your hair cannot boast of this, it makes sense to postpone the procedure and put the curls in order.
2. Do not hesitate to give up highlighting if your hair has recently been dyed with henna or permed.
3. When the master asks when and how you dyed your hair, answer as if it were a spirit. The quality of the staining result depends on the accuracy of the information.
4. Fashion is confidently heading for naturalness. If you plan on sticking with it, choose a highlight shade close to your native color. The proven formula for the selection of the ideal tone is as follows: it should be lighter than the natural color by 3 tones and 2 tones lighter than the skin.
5. Trust your hair only to a professional hairdresser. Only he will be able to choose the desired shade, correctly calculate the exposure time and achieve natural overflows of color.
6. If you are suddenly unhappy with the staining result, the next highlighting will be possible only after 2 weeks.

Preparation: do you need to wash your hair before highlighting

Immediately before the California highlighting technique, it is recommended not to wash the head so as not to wash off the natural sebum that protects the curls. Washing your hair makes the strands more vulnerable, which can negatively affect their lightening even in the most gentle ways.

The optimal number of days that should elapse after the last shampooing before carrying out this procedure is approximately 4-7 days.

Three to four weeks before highlighting, it is advisable to start using additional means of moisturizing and nourishing the curls, especially if they are prone to dryness. It is also recommended to reduce the frequency and time of using hair dryers, curling irons and other electrical appliances for drying and styling, as they significantly harm hair, making it weak, brittle and dry.

How to do Californian highlights on light brown hair yourself, at home to yourself

Sparing Californian highlighting can be done at home, but in this case it is important to make sure yourself that there are no allergies and contraindications to this procedure.

In addition, it is not recommended to do such staining at home during pregnancy, breastfeeding, "critical days", as well as during colds.

Required tools:

• ready-to-use brightening paste based on natural beeswax;
• paint for toning curls in your favorite shades;
• a brush and plastic mixing bowl;
• hairbrush;
• a pair of gloves;
• towel;
• mild shampoo for colored hair;
• moisturizing balm or conditioner.

Suitable products and their composition

All products used must contain natural ingredients and exclude ammonia and other harmful potent substances.So, the lightening paste should contain beeswax, and the shampoo and balm should be free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances and fragrances. It is also advisable to avoid zinc-based scalp cleansers, which have the ability to dry out curls.

Alternatives to California highlights for light brown hair

There are quite a few alternatives to Californian highlighting, some types differ from each other in the composition of the agents used and in the degree of intensity of paint application.

The most popular alternatives to California highlights are:

• usual highlighting. The entire strand is lightened from the roots, most often with the use of foil;
• shatush. Rich, bright lightening;
• balayazh. Contrast lightening of strands;
• American highlighting. Intensive lightening and coloring of wide strands with shades close to natural color;
• venetian highlighting. Chaotic highlighting of curls, originating mainly from the middle of the hair length.

The California method of highlighting remains the softest, gentlest and most natural thanks to the method of application and the composition itself, which delicately brightens each strand.

Conclusion

Californian highlights give a fairly contrasting effect in the transition from light to dark shades, while shatush creates a smooth, soft transition from dark roots to light tips. In the shatush, bouffant is used to separate the root zone to achieve a soft transition from the dark to the light part. In California highlighting, the master applies paint without fleece in thin stripes vertically, leaving an indent from the roots.