It is possible to lighten your hair at home, despite what you may have heard.You want to make sure you use a dye kit that is specifically for highlighting or balayage.We will walk you through the process step-by-step, from choosing your dye to applying it to your hair.Continue to read to get started.
Step 1: If you have brown hair, choose a light blonde color.
If your hair is a dark shade like chocolate or dark ash brown, choose a light blonde color for your balayage highlights.Lighter ash or khaki will give you a more flattering look.If you have dark hair, you may need to bleach it.Your hair may not be as light as you want it to be.The final color depends on your hair color and the developer you use.You can determine if your hair is warm or cool by looking at your skin tone.If you look best with silver or gold jewelry, it's time to figure out your skin tone.If your skin tone is cool, you'll look best with gold jewelry.
Step 2: If you have natural or warm brown hair, go with a caramel shade.
If you have warm-toned or natural hair, go for blonde highlights with more yellow in them.For a warm, natural look, look for a caramel or honey blonde shade.If you have natural hair, gold tones look great.You can use balayage highlights in red, gold, or copper.
Step 3: If you have cool blonde hair, try a balayage.
If you want to try the balayage technique with light, icy-toned blonde hair, go with a shade with no warm tones.The gray-green tint of your hair can be enhanced by these metallic shades.If you have blonde hair, you will only see balayage highlights on it.If you have blonde hair, use lowlights.
Step 4: If you have blonde hair use a light gold dye.
Light gold, beachy, or burnished yellow are the colors of choice for blonde hair that is sunnier and warmer in color.There are subtle highlights in these shades that will add movement to your naturally blonde hair.
Step 5: Red hair and balayage are in the same family.
There are notes in red hair that can be brought out with balayage.For a subtle, sun-kissed look, stay within the same general hue as your natural color.If you have a blue-red hair color, go with a cooler color like strawberry.Try copper or ginger highlights for an orange-red hair color.
Step 6: A balayage or highlighting kit is available at a beauty store.
You can buy balayage kits at any store that sells hair products and online.It should be easy to find good kits.The kits come with a comb, lightening formula, plastic gloves, conditioner, and instructions.They are a good way to try this hair coloring technique at home.You can try a kit made for traditional highlights if you can't find a balayage kit.If you're hoping for a dramatic change, you might need a bleaching kit.Any hair type can be worked on.
Step 7: You should put a towel around your shoulders for spills.
To get your dye ready to go, follow the instructions on your kit.Put a towel around your shoulders to absorb excess dye and wear an old shirt in case of spills.You should wear gloves that don't stain your hands.If you want the best dye application, you should start with dry, clean hair.Unlike other hair coloring techniques, you don't have to bleach your hair.It is possible to lighten your hair without a separate bleaching step with the dye formula included in your kit.If you want to change your hair color from dark to light, you may need to bleach it.
Step 8: Before you apply the hair dye, make sure you test one strip of hair.
Pick a small piece from the bottom of your hair and apply dye to it.After the instructed amount of time, rinse out the dye and check the color.You can check the dye color and make sure that your hair doesn't react negatively to it.
Step 9: You should separate your hair into 3 parts.
You can separate your hair into top, middle, and bottom sections by drawing the tail end of a comb from ear to ear.If you want to work on the bottom section first, you can slip hair ties around the top and middle sections, or pull them into small buns.
Step 10: The hair should be separated in the bottom section.
Start on one side of your hair.The exact width of your highlights depends on your preference, but balayage tends to look best with thinner, more subtle highlights.
Step 11: You can apply the dye with your hands or a brush.
You can dip your fingers into the hair dye by holding the strand with hand.When you reach the mid-lengths, apply the dye to the strip of hair with your other hand.If you want a natural look, painting the dye onto your hair is the best way to do it.You shouldn't make horizontal or broad strokes.You can blend it as you please.Don't go all the way to your roots if you only apply the dye to part of the strand.The majority of balayage styles fade out about midway up the strand.The balayage technique is known for its fading effect on hair.If you have short hair, make sure you don't cover more of it than you want.
Step 12: Continue applying the dye from one side to the other.
Pick a strand on the other side of your head and repeat the process over and over again.Only highlight strands that are about 1 inch apart, or as far apart as you want, for the most natural, sun-kissed look.You can section it off with a hair tie if you complete the bottom layer.A piece of foil can be used to cover your hair.You should repeat the process with the middle and top sections of your hair.If you want to lighten the hair in the bottom layer, it's best to add highlights first and give them the longest time to process.
Step 13: After the color process is over, rinse it out with the included cleanser.
When you add your highlights, make sure to check your dye box to see how long it will take to color.If one is included, rinse out the dye and follow it with a thick layer of the mask.Leave the mask in for a while and then rinse it out in the shower.The lighter your highlights will be, the longer you let the dye process go on.
Step 14: When your hair needs more color, repeat your balayage process again.
The balayage technique is so popular because it doesn't require a salon visit and will grow out naturally.If you think your color needs a pick-me-up, simply repeat the process every few months.You can change the look of your balayage highlights.
Step 15: Use a color-correcting, low-sulfate cleanser and conditioner.
If you want to keep your highlights looking fresh, you should use a color-correcting combo.It is possible to keep your highlights from getting dark or brassy by using products made for dyed hair.If you have naturally blonde hair, you can keep your highlights from turning brassy or yellow by using a purple shampoo or spray once or twice a week.It can give your hair a purple tint, so don't use it too often.It's a bad idea to wash your hair every day.If you want to touch up your roots between washes, try washing your hair every few days.
Step 16: If you want to keep your hair hydrated, apply a hair mask every week.
The small amount of hair dye used in balayage can leave your strands stiff and hard to style.If you want to keep your hair healthy, apply a hydrating hair mask once a week.You can buy a hair mask at a beauty store.If you bleached your hair, apply a treatment to it once or twice a week.If you want to strengthen your hair but don't use it more than once a month, you can use a protein treatment.
Step 17: You should shower every other day.
If you want to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, rinse and wash it with cool or warm water.If you wash your hair too often, it can make it dry and brittle.