DIY Highlights for Dark Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re looking to add some dimension and brightness to your dark locks, then DIY highlights may just be the solution you’ve been searching for. Not only can you save money by doing it yourself, but you also have more control over the final outcome.
Here’s how to achieve stunning highlights at home, without damaging your hair.
Choosing the Right Shade of Highlights
When choosing the right shade of highlights for your dark hair, it’s important to consider your skin tone. Stick to warm, golden tones if you have a warm skin tone, and opt for cooler, ashy tones if you have a cooler skin tone. If you’re unsure of your skin tone, consult a professional hairstylist.
Another factor to consider is the natural tone of your hair. If your hair has warm undertones, go for warm highlights, and if it has cool undertones, go for cool highlights.
Preparing Your Hair for Highlights
Before applying highlights, you need to ensure your hair is healthy and free from product build-up or residue. Shampoo your hair twice with a clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up, then towel-dry your hair until it’s damp, but not wet.
Sectioning Your Hair
Sectioning your hair is crucial when applying highlights, as it helps you to achieve a more even placement. Part your hair into four sections – start from the back of your head and divide your hair into two sections, then divide those sections in half.
Applying the Highlights
When applying the highlights, you have two options – using a highlighting kit or using household products.
A highlighting kit comes with all the necessary tools and instructions to apply highlights at home. However, if you prefer to use household products, lemon juice and honey are excellent natural options.
For lemon juice highlights, fill a spray bottle with lemon juice and water, and apply to your hair. Sit in the sun for a few hours to activate the highlights. For honey highlights, mix honey and water in a spray bottle, apply to your hair and leave for several hours.
Removing the Highlights
To remove the highlights, simply shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo, and condition your hair as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will DIY highlights damage my hair?
DIY highlights can damage your hair if you don’t follow the correct instructions. Always use a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue, and apply a deep conditioning treatment afterwards to keep your hair healthy.
2. How long do highlights last?
Highlights typically last for six to eight weeks. However, this can vary depending on how often you wash your hair and how well you maintain your highlights.
3. Can I do highlights at home without a kit?
Yes, you can achieve highlights using products from your pantry, such as lemon juice and honey. Just be sure to follow the instructions and patch test beforehand.
4. How do I know what shade of highlights to choose?
Choose a shade of highlights that complements your skin tone and natural hair color. If you’re unsure, seek advice from a professional hairstylist.
5. Are DIY highlights suitable for all hair types?
DIY highlights are suitable for all hair types, but it’s important to consult a hairstylist if you have extremely curly, coarse, or damaged hair.
Conclusion
Achieving DIY highlights for dark hair requires careful consideration of your skin tone and natural hair color. By using the right products and following the correct instructions, you can achieve stunning highlights at home. Remember to maintain your highlights with regular conditioning treatments, and always patch test before applying any new products. Happy highlighting!
