Considering a color refresh? Salon visits can be costly, but you absolutely can achieve professional results at home. Understanding hair porosity is crucial to knowing how to dye highlighted hair successfully; ensuring even color uptake is the goal. Selecting the right semi-permanent dye for your pre-lightened hair significantly reduces the risk of damage and brassiness. Remember, following Brad Mondo’s highlighting techniques ensures a beautiful, blended base for your at-home color transformation!
Image taken from the YouTube channel Glam Girl Gabi , from the video titled Hairdresser’s Guide to REFRESHING your Faded Highlights with BOX DYE. .
Highlight SOS: Dye Your Hair Like a Pro at Home!
Let’s face it, those salon highlights can fade, brass, or just plain grow out, leaving you with a less-than-stellar look. The good news is, you can totally refresh your color at home and achieve salon-worthy results! This guide will walk you through how to dye highlighted hair effectively, safely, and beautifully.
Understanding Your Hair and Choosing the Right Dye
Before you even think about opening that dye box, it’s crucial to assess your current hair situation. This will help you select the perfect product and avoid any unwanted surprises.
Identifying Your Hair’s Current Condition
- Porosity: Is your hair able to absorb moisture easily, or does it take a while? Test it by spraying a strand with water. If it absorbs quickly, it’s porous. If the water beads up, it’s low porosity.
- Damage Level: Are your highlights brittle, dry, or prone to breakage? Damaged hair absorbs color differently, potentially leading to uneven results.
- Underlying Tones: What color are your highlights currently pulling? Are they yellow, orange, or ashy? Understanding these tones is vital for color correction.
Selecting the Perfect Dye
Choosing the right dye is perhaps the most important step in how to dye highlighted hair. Consider these factors:
- Desired Result: Are you looking to tone your highlights, cover grays, or change the overall color?
- Formulation:
- Demi-permanent: Ideal for toning and blending highlights, adding shine, and covering minimal grays. It deposits color but doesn’t lift.
- Semi-permanent: Similar to demi-permanent but washes out more quickly.
- Permanent: Best for covering stubborn grays or making a significant color change. Use with caution on highlighted hair, as it can be damaging.
- Color Selection:
- Toner: Use a toner to neutralize unwanted tones (e.g., purple shampoo for brassiness).
- Similar Shade: If you’re just refreshing your color, choose a dye that matches your existing base color or is slightly darker for added depth.
- Go Darker: If unsure, always choose a shade slightly lighter than your desired outcome. It’s easier to go darker than lighter!
Gather Your Supplies
| Item | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Dye | 1-2 boxes | The star of the show! |
| Developer | As needed | Mix with dye to activate (only needed for permanent dye). |
| Applicator Brush | 1 | To apply dye precisely. |
| Gloves | 1 pair | To protect your hands from staining. |
| Old Towel | 1-2 | To protect your clothing. |
| Petroleum Jelly | Small amount | To protect your hairline from staining. |
| Sectioning Clips | 4-6 | To divide hair for easier application. |
| Mixing Bowl | 1 | To mix the dye and developer. |
| Timer | 1 | To track the processing time. |
Preparing for Dyeing
Proper preparation is key to preventing a hair disaster and ensuring even color distribution.
Strand Test
Always, always, always perform a strand test before applying dye to your entire head. This allows you to:
- See how the color will look on your hair.
- Determine the optimal processing time.
- Check for any allergic reactions.
To perform a strand test:
- Mix a small amount of the dye and developer (if applicable) according to the instructions.
- Apply the mixture to a small, hidden section of hair (e.g., underneath).
- Process for the recommended time.
- Rinse and dry the strand.
- Evaluate the color and condition of your hair.
Protecting Your Skin and Clothes
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining.
- Wear an old t-shirt or drape an old towel over your shoulders.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
Sectioning Your Hair
Divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Use sectioning clips to keep each section separate.
Applying the Dye
Now comes the fun part! Take your time and be precise for the best results.
Mixing the Dye
Follow the instructions on the dye box carefully. Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush to mix the dye and developer (if applicable) until smooth.
Applying to Roots First (If Necessary)
If you’re covering grays or have significant root growth, apply the dye to your roots first. Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 15-20 minutes).
Applying to the Rest of Your Hair
After processing the roots, apply the dye to the rest of your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Ensure even coverage. For targeted tonal changes, apply it just to the highlights.
Massaging the Dye
Gently massage the dye into your hair to ensure it’s evenly distributed. This helps the color penetrate each strand.
Processing and Rinsing
Patience is key! Don’t be tempted to rinse the dye out early.
Processing Time
Follow the instructions on the dye box for the recommended processing time. Generally, this is between 20-30 minutes.
Rinsing Thoroughly
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
Shampooing and Conditioning
Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair.
Maintaining Your Color
To keep your color vibrant and prevent fading, follow these tips:
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Avoid washing your hair too frequently.
- Protect your hair from the sun with a hat or UV protectant spray.
- Use heat protectant when styling with heat tools.
- Get regular trims to remove split ends.
Highlight SOS: FAQs for At-Home Highlighting
Got questions about DIY hair highlighting? We’ve got answers! This FAQ covers common concerns and helps you achieve salon-worthy highlights at home.
How do I choose the right highlight kit for my hair color?
Look for a kit designed for your starting hair color. Many kits specify "for light brown hair," or "for dark blonde hair." Also, consider the level of lift you want. For subtle highlights, choose a kit that promises 1-2 levels lighter. For more dramatic highlights, opt for 2-3 levels lighter. If you are unsure how to dye highlighted hair properly, start with a shade closer to your natural hair color.
How can I prevent my highlights from turning brassy?
Brassy tones are a common issue when you how to dye highlighted hair at home. Use a purple shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week to neutralize yellow and orange tones. Make sure you rinse thoroughly after dyeing. Also, consider using a toner after highlighting to correct unwanted warmth.
What’s the best way to apply highlights evenly at home?
Take your time! Section your hair carefully and use a highlighting brush to apply the dye precisely. Avoid overlapping sections. Use the hook tool that comes with the kit. For even distribution, apply the dye in thin, even strokes. When you learn how to dye highlighted hair, don’t skip sectioning!
How long should I leave the dye in my hair for highlights?
Always follow the instructions on your highlighting kit. Check a strand of hair periodically during the processing time. The key to how to dye highlighted hair successfully is not overprocessing. Don’t leave the dye in longer than recommended. Rinse thoroughly with cool water once the desired level of lightness is achieved.
Alright, you’ve got the know-how to tackle how to dye highlighted hair like a pro. Go get that gorgeous color, and remember, a little patience goes a long way! Rock that fresh look!
