Flaunt Your Crowning Glory: How To Highlight Short Hair Yourself For A Spectacular Transformation
What To Know
- Highlighting short hair is a fantastic way to add depth, dimension, and a touch of personal style to your look.
- Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any residual bleach and restore moisture to your hair.
- If you want to add some texture or volume to your highlighted hair, use a curling iron or wand to create soft waves or curls.
Highlighting short hair is a fantastic way to add depth, dimension, and a touch of personal style to your look. While it’s tempting to leave this task to the professionals, highlighting short hair at home is possible with a little preparation and the right techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of highlighting short hair yourself, ensuring a salon-quality result without breaking the bank.
Gather Your Highlighting Essentials
Before embarking on your highlighting journey, ensure you have all the necessary tools and products. Here’s a checklist:
- Highlighting kit (includes bleach, developer, and toner)
- Mixing bowl and brush
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Sectioning clips
- Gloves
- Old towel or cape
- Petroleum jelly
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair mask (optional)
Prepare Your Hair for Highlighting
1. Start with Clean Hair: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and ensure even color distribution. Avoid using conditioners or styling products, as they can interfere with the bleaching process.
2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using sectioning clips. This will make the highlighting process easier and more organized.
3. Protect Your Skin: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline and ears to prevent bleach from staining your skin.
4. Wear Gloves: Put on gloves to protect your hands from the bleach.
5. Prepare the Bleach Mixture: Follow the instructions provided in your highlighting kit to mix the bleach and developer. Be sure to use the correct proportions to achieve the desired level of lift.
Apply the Bleach Mixture
1. Start with Small Sections: Apply the bleach mixture to small sections of hair, starting from the roots. Use a brush to evenly distribute the bleach, ensuring that each strand is coated.
2. Use Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil: Cover each section with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to trap the heat and help the bleach process faster.
3. Check the Progress: Keep an eye on the bleach as it processes. The timing will vary depending on your hair type and the desired level of lift. Check every 10-15 minutes to see how the bleach is lifting.
4. Rinse Out the Bleach: Once the bleach has reached the desired level of lift, rinse it out thoroughly with cool water. Be sure to rinse until the water runs clear.
5. Shampoo and Condition: Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any residual bleach and restore moisture to your hair.
Tone Your Hair (Optional)
1. Why Tone? Toning is an optional step that helps neutralize any brassiness or yellow tones in your highlighted hair. It also adds a more natural-looking color to your highlights.
2. Choose the Right Toner: Select a toner that matches your desired hair color. If you’re unsure, consult a professional hair stylist for guidance.
3. Apply the Toner: Follow the instructions provided with your toner to mix and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse it out thoroughly.
4. Condition Your Hair: Apply a hair mask or deep conditioner to replenish moisture and restore the health of your highlighted hair.
Style Your Highlighted Hair
1. Embrace Your Natural Texture: Short highlighted hair looks stunning when styled with your natural texture. Use products that enhance your hair’s natural movement and definition.
2. Add Waves or Curls: If you want to add some texture or volume to your highlighted hair, use a curling iron or wand to create soft waves or curls.
3. Experiment with Styling Products: Play around with different styling products to find what works best for your hair type and desired look. Gels, mousses, and sprays can add hold, texture, and shine.
Maintain Your Highlighted Hair
1. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner: Invest in color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep your highlights looking vibrant and prevent fading.
2. Minimize Heat Styling: Heat styling can damage your highlighted hair, so try to limit its use. When you do use heat, apply a heat protectant spray to your hair before styling.
3. Regular Trims: Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair and preventing split ends. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I highlight my short hair at home if I have dark hair?
A: Yes, you can highlight dark hair at home, but it may take multiple sessions to achieve the desired level of lift. You may also need to use a stronger bleach formula, so it’s important to follow the instructions in your highlighting kit carefully.
Q: How often should I highlight my short hair?
A: The frequency of your highlights will depend on your personal preference and how quickly your hair grows. As a general rule, you can highlight your hair every 6-8 weeks to maintain the desired look.
Q: Can I use a highlighting kit from the drugstore?
A: Yes, you can use a highlighting kit from the drugstore, but it’s important to choose a reputable brand and follow the instructions carefully. Professional highlighting kits may provide better results, but they can also be more expensive.