DIY Highlights: Mastering the Art of Blonde Highlights at Home
Blonde highlights are a popular way to brighten up your hair, adding dimension and a sun-kissed glow. While many people opt to visit the salon for this transformation, DIY highlights are an accessible, cost-effective, and rewarding option that anyone can try at home. Mastering the art of DIY blonde highlights can be a fun way to take your hair color into your own hands and achieve stunning results, all from the comfort of your bathroom.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about achieving beautiful DIY blonde highlights, including what supplies you’ll need, how to apply the bleach, and tips for troubleshooting any potential issues. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hair color enthusiast, this guide will help you achieve your blonde hair goals.
What You’ll Need for DIY Blonde Highlights
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to have all the right tools and products on hand. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need for your DIY blonde highlights:
- Highlighting kit (choose one that’s specifically designed for blonde hair)
- Plastic mixing bowl for mixing the bleach and developer
- Tinting brush for easy and precise application
- Hair clips to section off your hair
- Plastic cap or shower cap
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Old towel to protect your clothes
- Timer to track the development time of the bleach
- Shampoo and conditioner for post-highlighting care
- Deep conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and healthy after bleaching
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, you’re ready to start your DIY highlights journey!
Step-by-Step Process for DIY Blonde Highlights
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of applying DIY blonde highlights. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start by washing your hair 24-48 hours before you plan to do your DIY highlights. This allows your natural oils to build up, protecting your scalp from irritation during the highlighting process. Do not use conditioner as it can create a barrier that prevents the bleach from processing properly.
Before you begin applying the bleach, make sure your hair is dry. Wet hair can dilute the bleach and lead to uneven results.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
For even highlights, it’s important to section your hair properly. Use hair clips to divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. If you have thicker hair, you may want to divide each section into smaller sub-sections.
Start at the bottom and work your way up to ensure even coverage. This method will help you apply the bleach efficiently and give you control over the amount of product used.
Step 3: Mix the Bleach
Next, follow the instructions provided with your highlighting kit. Most kits require you to mix the bleach powder with a developer. The developer comes in different strengths, usually 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume. For blonde highlights, a 20 or 30-volume developer works best for most hair types.
In a plastic mixing bowl, combine the bleach powder and developer, stirring until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be creamy, not too runny, so it can stay on your hair without dripping.
Step 4: Apply the Bleach
Now the fun part begins! Using your tinting brush, apply the bleach mixture to the sections of hair that you want to highlight. Start by working on the back sections first, as these are harder to reach. Be sure to saturate each strand evenly, but avoid getting the bleach on the scalp. It’s important to leave a small amount of hair at the roots to avoid harsh lines.
For a natural-looking finish, use a weaving technique. Take a small section of hair and gently weave the bleach through the strands using the comb to create fine, even highlights. Continue this process on each section until your hair is fully covered.
Step 5: Set the Timer
Once the bleach is applied, cover your hair with a plastic cap or shower cap. Set a timer according to the instructions on the bleach kit—usually anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The time will vary depending on the desired level of lift and the strength of your hair.
Check your hair every 10-15 minutes to see how it’s lightening. If you want a more subtle highlight, rinse sooner; for a more intense blonde look, leave it on a little longer. Never leave the bleach on for longer than the maximum time recommended in the instructions to avoid damaging your hair.
Step 6: Rinse and Condition
Once the bleach has processed, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water. Apply the shampoo and conditioner included in your highlighting kit to neutralize any remaining bleach and keep your hair healthy. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourish your strands.
Step 7: Style and Enjoy Your New Blonde Highlights
After conditioning, towel-dry your hair gently and style it as desired. You’ll likely see a bright, sun-kissed result that can complement your natural hair color and give your hair an incredible dimension. If you feel the highlights are too bright, you can always tone them down with a purple shampoo designed for blonde hair.
Troubleshooting DIY Blonde Highlights
While DIY blonde highlights can yield great results, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and solutions to help you troubleshoot:
- Uneven highlights: If your highlights look patchy or uneven, it could be because the bleach wasn’t applied evenly. Make sure to work in small sections and weave the hair carefully to get uniform results.
- Too light or brassy: If your highlights are too light or have an orange or yellow tone, use a purple shampoo to tone them down. Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow and brassiness, leaving a cooler blonde hue.
- Burnt or over-processed hair: If your hair feels fried or looks damaged, it’s time to schedule a deep conditioning treatment or visit a professional for a repair. In the future, avoid leaving bleach on for too long and use a lower-volume developer.
With practice, you can fine-tune your technique for the perfect blonde highlights every time!
Final Thoughts on DIY Highlights
Mastering the art of DIY blonde highlights is all about preparation, patience, and the right technique. With the right tools and products, you can achieve professional-looking highlights without the hefty salon price tag. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t forget to take good care of your hair afterward to keep it healthy and vibrant.
Remember, the key to successful DIY highlights is consistency. If you don’t get it exactly right the first time, don’t be discouraged! Practice makes perfect, and with each attempt, you’ll get closer to mastering the technique.
For more hair care tips and styling ideas, check out our hair care blog for expert advice and product recommendations.
If you’re unsure about taking on the DIY highlights challenge alone, consulting with a professional for guidance is always a good idea. Visit your nearest salon for expert tips and assistance to ensure your highlights turn out just the way you envision.
This article is in the category Crafting Tutorials and created by DIYCraft Team