Highlights for long hair

Varieties

Depending on what color effect you are looking for, highlighting on long hair can be performed using one of the following techniques.

Classic

In this case, individual strands are discolored, due to which they effectively stand out against the background of the total mass of the main shade.

In this version, the curls to be lightened are selected using a comb separator in a zigzag order with the same pitch, and after the coloring composition is applied to them, they are wrapped in foil.

This coloring is most often used by brunettes.

American

This option is designed to get the effect of sun glare on the strands. Usually, soft overflows from a dark shade to a lighter shade are formed from the roots to the tips, while the oxygenant allows you to achieve lightening of individual strands by 3-4 tones.

The result is the effect of sun-bleached hair.

Mazhimesh

A technique that was first introduced in France.

It involves the use of ammonia-free dyes, which quite harmoniously set off thick blond and light blond curls, creating overflows that are as close to natural color as possible.

Shatush

A type of highlighting, in which the paint is gently shaded along the entire length of the hair.

Distinctive features of such coloring are fleece on the strands, chaotic strokes and drying of color without the use of foil and film.

Balayazh

This coloring technique is used for dark hair. It allows you to bring feminine and romantic notes of sun glare into the look, while the color transitions can be both smooth and sharp.

Venetian

Lightly lightening a few curls helps add shine and the look of naturally burned hair. Color tones in this case are used similar to the main color.

California

California staining involves lightening small areas to achieve an overflow effect and slight discoloration with light shades

Ombre

Gradient technique with fairly clear boundaries. Often used to dye the bottom of the curls, closer to the ends, in bright, unusual tones

Highlighting in the veil technique

The veil technique paints over the main upper part of the hair, thereby achieving the effect of a light veil, which, like a wig, covers its hair color

Partial staining

Partial highlighting helps paint over gray hair and add brightness and color to the image

Diagonal coloring

Diagonal staining makes it possible to get a very original and unusual look of curls, which seem to shimmer and shine from sunlight.

Rare

A rare look makes it possible to emphasize the beauty and saturation of the base shade of curls, therefore it is most often used on dark hair

Small

Small dyeing is often used in the “veil” technique, ideally combined with any type of hair, except for black.

 

Large

Large lightening is used in the classic version of highlighting and is suitable for any type of curl.

Dyeing technology

There are several interesting highlighting options. Some of them allow you to create soft colors, while others are aimed at creating stylish contrasts.

Depending on the staining technique, the following techniques are distinguished:

• complete - in this case, 40-55% of the total hair mass is decorated;

• rare - at the same time, no more than 20% of the hair is colored, the strands are rather thick, distant from each other;

• zonal - involves the coloring of individual areas, most often it is bangs, locks framing the face, or asymmetric curls;

• highlighting the crown - in this case, strands are selected for dyeing only on the upper part of the heap;

interior lighting - here light highlights are created on the inner curls;

"frost" - such highlighting is most in demand among owners of curly hair.

petty - in this case, thin strands are selected in a chaotic manner throughout the head, which are discolored, and then tinted to eliminate the effect of yellow hair.

Three types of paints are used for the procedure.

1. Cream... This is the most common option. The consistency of the composition gently lies on the strands, does not spread, it is well distributed along the entire length of the curls.
2. Oil... Due to its special structure, it allows the pigment to penetrate as deeply into the hair as possible.
3. Powdery... The most aggressive in its effect of all the others. This composition allows you to achieve maximum discoloration of the strands, but at the same time it often causes irritation and allergies.

Highlighting is a rather complicated procedure that is best done in the salon.

But if a girl does not have the opportunity to visit a professional colorist, then you can resort to highlighting through a hat - this is the most popular method when staining at home.

How to highlight

The step-by-step procedure is as follows.

• A special highlighting cap is put on the hair. It can be purchased ready-made or made on your own by making small holes in a checkerboard pattern in a polyethylene bathing cap.
• With the help of a hairpin or a hook, thin strands are taken out of the holes. To achieve the maximum change in the shade of the hair, you should pull the hair out of each hole, if you intend to achieve coloring of medium intensity, then the strands need to be pulled through one, and for easy execution - after two.
• Dilute the paint in a glass or porcelain bowl and apply it over the selected strands with a brush or sponge. The holding time of the composition depends on the desired result. If you want to achieve one tone discoloration, then the paint is kept for 15-20 minutes, for maximum clarification it is washed off only after 40-50 minutes.

The maximum allowable time, as a rule, is indicated in the instructions for the dye composition.

• Highlighted strands are washed with a special deep cleaning shampoo designed to care for colored hair. After all the paint is washed off, you should definitely apply a conditioner balm.
• If necessary, use a hair tonic after lightening.

Highlighting for long hair at home

Why shouldn't highlighting be done at home?

If you do the procedure in a salon, a professional will select a clarifier and tone that will preserve the quality of your hair as much as possible. If you decide to do this at home, the result can be dire. Too strong lightening will damage the strands, and not intense enough will make the strands yellow-red.

Despite the apparent simplicity, for good highlighting on long hair, you need to have professional knowledge of the lightening process. As, however, about various techniques of highlighting.

Do you really want to do highlights yourself and get good results? Then the only option is colorist courses.

Even deciding to do the staining yourself, prepare carefully. First, consult with familiar masters: they will be able to suggest which clarifiers and dyes to choose. Second, check out the video tutorials on the Web.

Decide which type of highlighting is best for you: classic with foil or through a hat.

Types of highlighting: cap or foil?

With the classical method, foil is placed under the strands that are planned to be dyed. After that, a brightening composition and a second layer of foil are applied to them. This method is considered to be more gentle. Although the composition is evenly distributed, it does not completely “envelop” the strands.

In addition, highlights are fine and frequent. The final hairstyle with light highlights looks voluminous, stylish and relevant.

It's hard to say about the result of the second type of highlighting. This is highlighting through the cap. For its implementation, a special cellophane cap with small holes is put on the head. Through them, with the help of a hook, individual strands are pulled.

For many years, this method of lightening curls has been considered the least successful.

1. Firstly, this is how the hair is colored unevenly.
2. Secondly, for a visible effect, it is necessary to properly paint over the elongated strand, which means that it greatly lightens and injures it.

In addition, this type of highlighting does not look very neat, due to the fact that light strands are large and rare. Therefore, now only a few use this method.

Choosing the right color

How to highlight highlights? There is nothing complicated in the procedure, you just need to choose the right color and adhere to the technique of a specific painting.

Highlighting long curls best of all reveals its beauty on cascade hairstyles.

When you have a graduated haircut, with the use of modern lightening techniques, additional volume is created by pulling out the color and the "carved" hairstyle contour is favorably emphasized.

When choosing a color, you need to take into account your color type. If you have peach or dark skin, you can choose all shades with gold (for example, honey or wheat).

For girls of the "winter" type with pale skin and light eyes, pastel shades of blond, as well as ash and pearl colors are suitable.

Highlights on blonde hair

Of course, light-blond girls and blondes with long hair can safely choose highlighting. In addition, to discolor their curls, a too aggressive clarifier is not required - it is enough to purchase an oxygenate of 3–6%.

Light brown-haired women are suitable:

• wheat;
• wet sand;
• honey;
• marsal;
• rotten cherry;
• eggplant;
• ripe plum;
• sand;
• light nut;
• caramel;
• milky color.

Blondes can choose any shades of blond:

• nordic blond;
• pearl;
• Ivory;
• light beige;
• ashen;
• platinum;
• pastel pink, emerald and blue.

An important point! On blond hair, the effect of burnt-out hair may not be very noticeable. Therefore, some blondes prefer to carry out reverse highlighting, that is, coloring the hair in darker colors - coffee with milk, amber, walnut.

Color options for dark haired beauties

For black and brown curls, we recommend choosing the following color options:

• copper;
• burgundy;
• milk chocolate;
• caramel;
• walnut;
• sand;
• mocha.

Also, to make highlights on black curls with a shade of gray, you can play in contrast by painting small strands in ashy colors. For example, the popular option is "salt and pepper".

In order to create the most harmonious image, it is better for brown-haired women to choose tones that are several shades lighter than the base one. In addition to caramel and honey, they are suitable:

• ivory;
• rich beige;
• wheat;
• golden nut.

Red-haired beauties should pay attention to the palette of amber and red shades.

If you want to achieve beautiful overflows, play of light and shadow, then use not one shade, but several (albeit from one color palette).

We calculate the dye correctly and prepare the instrument

What is required for a home procedure

It is necessary to prepare for highlighting in advance. Kits with everything you need are sold in specialized stores. You can also collect items individually.

What you need:

• Powder plus oxidizer, forming a brightening composition. For dark hair, a 12% oxidizer is required, for light hair, 3% of an oxidizer is sufficient. The choice of the concentration of the composition is also influenced by the density of the hair: the thicker the hair, the higher the concentration.
• Foil strips, hat - depending on the chosen technique.
• A hook, a comb with a fine handle. With the help of a hook, the strands are pulled through the holes of the cap, with the help of a comb, separate the strands with a parting.
• Comb-brush (before starting the procedure, the hair must be combed).
• Brush for applying the composition.
• Rubber gloves, old clothes, to protect against oxidizing agents.

• Towel onto your shoulders if the dye leaks.
• Ceramic tableware. The mixture is diluted in it.
• 2 mirrorsto see yourself from all sides at the same time.
• Shampoo, balm.

After dyeing, the hair is washed. Moisturizing and nourishment are essential in the final stage. Conditioning balm will provide additional hair care after highlighting.

What paint to choose

Garnier, Galant, Supra Gold, Palette are very popular. Garnier's paint contains olive and wheat oils.

They protect hair from the harmful effects of chemicals, moisturize hair.

Various shades:

• super - brightening;
• natural;

• platinum;
• sand.

The creamy consistency raises Garnier to the first positions in the ranking of coloring agents. The paint does not flow, it is evenly distributed over the entire length. Penetrating into the hair, it completely dyes it.

At home, Palette paint is widely used, it allows you to lighten the highlighted hair by 4-5 tones. Step-by-step instructions are inside the package.

The palette of shades includes tones from ashy to golden blond. The paint contains orange oil. It protects hair from the harmful effects of chemicals.

Galant paint belongs to budgetary cosmetics. It attracts the buyer with its composition. The product contains a balm infused with cashmere proteins.

It restores damaged hair structure and improves its quality. Silk proteins improve the condition of the hair follicle.

The only drawback is the smell of ammonia, but it is felt only at the dyeing stage.

"Supra Gold" refers to powder colorants. It contains synthetic and natural ingredients. The dye lightens the hair by 3-7 tones. With its help, you can easily hide gray hair.

If staining is unsuccessful, it is quickly washed off.

Highlighting with foil

The technique of performing the procedure is suitable for girls with long hair. It is recommended to start staining in the immediate vicinity of the parting. Before dyeing the strand, the foil is fixed under the strand.

This will protect closely spaced hairs that do not need to be discolored from dyeing.

Procedure progress:

• A sheet of foil is cut into strips 7-10 cm long.
• Comb thoroughly.
• Divide the hair into curls and fix with clips.
• Take one curl and divide it into bunches.

• Paint is applied with a brush.
• Wrap the strand with foil.
• Secure with a clip.

The density of application of the coloring composition depends on the desired intensity of highlighting. Processing begins from the center of the head, moving to the left and right sides. The back of the head is highlighted last. The holding time of the composition is determined by the desired degree of coloration.

For light lightening, 15-20 minutes is enough, medium - 20-25 minutes, to get an intense effect, it will take up to 40 minutes.

Then the foil is removed and the head is rinsed with warm water. Shampoo can be used if desired. For rinsing, use vinegar and herbal decoctions. You can finish the procedure using a conditioner balm and a nourishing mask.

With a hat

This technique is widely used at home. It is perfect for girls with short hair. The maximum length should be no more than 15 cm.

Hair highlighting at home (step-by-step instructions for this technology involve the use of a hat with small holes, if it is difficult to buy it, replace it with a regular bag, making holes in a checkerboard pattern).

It is performed in the following order:

• Hair are highlighted carefully combed, unwashed, dry.
• Put on a hat.
• Pull the strands through the holes with a crochet. For intense lightening, the strands are pulled from each hole. If the degree of lightening is planned to be medium, it is enough to pull out the strands, passing one hole between them.

For light highlighting, remove a strand from every third hole.

• A coloring composition is applied to the elongated strands with a flat brush.
• Without removing the cap, wash the curls with warm water. Then, get rid of the cap and wash all hair with shampoo. For rinsing, use a conditioner balm.

With ponytails

This technique is ideal for short curly hair. A feature of lightening is the need for subsequent frequent haircuts. The growing roots are very visible. For coloring with "tails" you will need gloves, foil, elastic bands.

The latter can be replaced with braid. Before performing the procedure, you need to cut your hair so that the ends of the hair are the same length.

Execution technique:

• Divide the hair into 3 × 3 or 4 × 4 squares.
• The base of the strands is fixed with an elastic band.
• Ponytails are made all over the head.
• Wrap the strands with foil, leaving the ends free by 2 cm.
• Put on gloves, apply clarifier to the ends left, making feathers.
• Withstand the dye for 25 to 40 minutes.
• Remove the rubber bands.
• Wash off the composition.

The procedure for highlighting "ponytails" is considered easy, an assistant is not required to perform. Before starting work, cover your shoulders with a towel or cape. Upon completion of the procedure, the effect of regrown roots is obtained.

The length of the surface to be painted is adjusted as desired.

Highlighting with a comb

Hair highlighting with a comb is not a complicated procedure that can be carried out on your own at home without an assistant. The method does not require the use of foil.

Also, you do not need to monitor the uniformity of application of the composition along the entire length. One area may well get more dye, and the other - less.

This technique creates an interesting visual effect. Special skills are not required to perform staining.

Sequencing:

• Prepare paint, a non-metal comb, gloves, and a towel.
• Take a position in front of the mirror.
• Combing.
• The coloring composition is applied to the comb with a flat brush.
• Comb the selected strand, starting from the roots.
• The combing is repeated over the entire staining area, including the tips.
• The movement along the entire length must be continuous.
• Withstand the paint for the required time.
• Wash off.

If the technique of highlighting with a comb is performed for the first time, you should prepare for any result. The effect can be unexpected.

With braids

When you want to freshen up your hair, you can color it with braids.

To lighten on a pigtail you will need:

• a bowl;
• gloves;
• brush;
• hairbrush;
• clamps;
• wide fabric to cover;
• foil;
• shampoo;
• conditioner balm.

The size and number of braids are optional. They should not be braided tightly. The brightening composition can be applied over the top in separate lines along the weave, in parts, along the entire length.The result is a patchy highlight.

The output color is light.

Partial coloring creates the effect of sun glare in loose hair. Randomly applied spots are similar to leopard print. The result looks very original. Moreover, it is possible to use color combinations in one braid.

This style is more suitable for young girls.

California highlights

Hair highlighting in this way (actually lightening) is performed without the use of foil.

It is better to spend it outdoors. It is this technique that allows you to achieve a smooth transition, the effect of strands burnt out under the sun's rays.

For the procedure you will need:

• hairbrush;
• gloves;
• towel;
• a bowl;
• flat brush;
• brightening composition.

Process progress:

• The coloring composition is prepared according to the package insert.
• Cover with a towel.
• Comb your hair.
• The bundles are separated in a checkerboard pattern with a width of 1-2 cm.
• Strands are formed strictly along horizontal partings.
• Apply the composition with a brush, keeping it parallel to the hair.
• Make sure that paint does not get into adjacent areas.
• For convenience, the strands are shifted with a napkin (foil is not used).
• Maintain the composition for 40 minutes. Wash off.

When washing your hair, use shampoo, apply a balm for care. You do not need to wash your hair before starting the procedure. Best results will be obtained on heavily soiled hair.

After performing highlighting with this method, you can not worry about staining for a long time.

Venetian

Venetian highlighting well hides gray hair, gives the strands shine, volume. This is a complex type of staining, lightening in several tones.

It differs from the rest in the sharpness of the transition between shades.

Advantages:

• randomness of coloring, giving the effect of splendor, volume;
• suitable for brunettes, blondes;
• no further correction is needed;
• equally dyes hair of any length;
• used on previously colored strands.

Execution technique:

• They wash their heads.
• Apply the composition with a toothbrush, it will paint over even thin hair.
• Withstand for at least 40 minutes.
• Comb your hair and wash off the paint.

Root highlighting

The advantage of the method is to dye the roots, gray strands without affecting the entire mass of hair. The technique is classified as gentle due to the discoloration of individual areas. This is the main difference between root highlighting and full highlighting.

When the procedure is carried out on already dyed hair, tinting will be required to evenly distribute the color along the entire length.

The technique is complex, some experience is required. Difficulties lie in the selection of the appropriate shade, its accurate application.

Step-by-step instructions prohibit washing your hair before starting highlighting at home. Sebum protects the hair from the aggressive effects of chemicals.

Items required for high-quality lightening:

• brush;
• foil;
• dye.

Stages of execution:

• hair is divided into strands;
• work begins from the back of the head;
• a thin bundle is separated, foil 10 cm wide is placed;
• the roots are treated with the composition, wrapped in foil;
• to understand whether the hair is dyed to the desired shade, unfold the foil and check the result;
• having achieved the desired result, remove the foil and wash off the composition.

This method is considered the most gentle hair color change. It is difficult to use the dyeing technique at home without certain skills.

Need to buy:

• comb;
• a towel or napkin;
• clamps;
• paint;
• brush;
• means for tinting.

Sequencing:

• Cover the shoulders with a towel.
• The hair is divided into strands with a thickness of 1.5-2 cm.
• There is no need to follow a certain order, they act chaotically.
• Fix the strands with clips.
• Take one of the strands and comb it.

The brightening composition is applied with careless actions, lightly touching the hair.

When staining, the roots do not affect, they recede from them by 1-2 cm.

• Repeat the steps with all the strands.
• Wait 40 minutes.
• Wash your head.
• Apply tint.
• Wash your hair with shampoo.
• Rinse with water.
• Apply a nourishing mask.

How to maintain the brightness of highlighted hair

Use high quality paint. Natural oils included in the composition will retain moisture inside the hair, giving it shine and shine. It is recommended to choose formulations without ammonia.

Shades of red, red are subject to fading. The effect is associated with the large size of the molecules of the coloring composition. Dye of such tones does not penetrate deeply into the hair structure, therefore, it rinses off faster.

Shampoo should not be used frequently. With frequent shampooing, the paint molecules are quickly washed away. The detergent should be used no more than once every 2 days. To maintain brightness, it is recommended to use dry shampoo, as well as special shampoos for colored hair.

After staining, you must not wash your hair for at least 2 days. The paint must be allowed time to absorb. If you need to shower at this time, wear a cap to protect your hair from water ingress.

We recommend using an air conditioner. It makes the color even, gives shine. It is applied starting from the line of the ears to the tips.

The durability of the paint depends on its quality. Professional products protect color, add shine, shine, volume to hair.

Do not use products containing sulfates. They contain salts that can lead to dehydration. As a result, the hair becomes dull due to moisture loss.

Deep conditioning helps maintain brightness. A mask of this action is applied to wet hair and combed thoroughly, then folded into a bun and covered with a towel. After half an hour, wash off.

To achieve the desired result when carrying out highlighting at home, you need to know the rules for using an oxidizer.

The step-by-step instructions provide clear guidelines to follow.