DIY Hair Highlights At Home
Last summer, I transformed my locks into 100% blonde glory using Wella T18 toner. The experience was a thrill! But as the seasons changed, so did my hair color – I went darker in the winter and eventually returned to my natural shade. Lately, I’ve been yearning for those sun-kissed highlights again, and I decided to take matters into my own hands, sans cap or foil. Want to know the secret to achieving those sought-after blonde highlights at home? Look no further!
This DIY guide will walk you through six straightforward steps to get the look you crave. You’ll also find before-and-after photos of my at-home highlighting experiment and a rundown of the products needed to bring your own hair to life.
How to Highlight Hair at Home: 7 Steps to Get Blonde Highlights at Home
To achieve professional-looking blonde highlights without leaving your house, simply follow this easy-to-follow guide. Begin by preparing your tools and materials. You’ll need a dye or bleach of the desired shade, along with gloves, an applicator bottle, and a conditioning treatment for after.
Buy the Right Products to Highlight Your Hair at Home
When it comes to highlighting your hair at home, having the right products is crucial for achieving the desired results. Before you start the process, make sure to stock up on these essential items. You can find these DIY highlight products at Sally’s Beauty or Amazon. I’ve found that using foil or a cap can be too much work, and I don’t use a hair dye kit either.
To get started, you’ll need a 20 volume developer – I recommend SalonCare’s offering.
Additionally, a good toner is vital for achieving the perfect shade of blonde. Wella’s T35 is a great option that I’ve used myself.
Other must-haves include gloves to protect your hands and skin from stains and damage. Look for non-latex or similar alternatives like SalonCare’s gloves. Finally, you’ll need a reliable bleach product, such as PrismLites Blue Powder, and a mixing bowl – I prefer a purple one!
With these products in hand, you’ll be well on your way to achieving beautiful DIY blonde highlights at home.
Do a Test Prior to Bleaching or Dying Your Hair
Before attempting to bleach or dye your locks blonde, it’s crucial to conduct a preliminary test on a discrete section of hair. For maximum accuracy, take a small strand from the back of your head, ensuring it mirrors the desired outcome. Although I was initially cautious and performed this test when first venturing into bleaching, I now proceed with confidence knowing the results.
Bleach Your Hair
To achieve lighter locks, it’s essential to begin by bleaching your hair, especially when opting for highlights rather than an all-over blonde dye job. For highlights specifically, you can utilize half a pack of PrismLites blue powder. The process is relatively straightforward and involves mixing the powder with a developer solution.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:To begin, combine one scoop of the Prism lights Blue powder with two scoops of the SalonCare 20 volume developer in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to don your gloves to prevent any potential irritation or staining. Next, dip your gloved hands into the bleach mixture and carefully apply it to the front sections of your hair.
For added peace of mind, consider watching my accompanying 9-minute video that showcases my personal experience with bleaching and highlighting my own locks – no foil or cap required!
Wait 30 Minutes and Rinse Out With Shampoo
As I wait for the bleach to set, I gather my locks into a ponytail, letting the chemicals do their thing. For those looking to achieve an all-over blonde look, it’s crucial to ensure the back sections of your hair are evenly treated. To accomplish this, I don a plastic shower cap and let it sit for 30 minutes, allowing the bleach to ‘catch up’ with the front sections that were applied first.
With at-home highlights, however, I typically focus on the areas around my face only, eliminating the need for a shower cap. Once the bleaching process is complete, I rinse out the product with a gentle shampoo in the shower. As you wait for those 30 minutes to tick by, you may notice your hair taking on an unusual hue – purple or green, perhaps. Rest assured, this is a normal part of the process!
In fact, I’ve included a quick video below that showcases my own locks after applying and waiting for the bleach to set. Once rinsed out, my hair typically takes on a bright yellow tone reminiscent of a ripe banana. Fear not – the toner in step #5 will be here to rescue you from this temporary state! Here’s what I look like after bleaching: [insert video link].
Apply Toner to Get Blonde Highlights at Home
When it’s time to add toner, this is where you reintroduce color back into your hair. For my most recent highlighting session, I relied on the Wella T35. If you’re aiming for an ash-white hue, the T18 would be a great choice; I’ve also had success with the Wella 27 in the past. If you’re looking to learn more about toner options and choose the right one for your hair, check out Wella’s comprehensive guide on T18 vs T27.
To proceed, mix one part Wella toner with two parts 20 volume developer – a ratio I’ve found effective for achieving the desired results. For my highlighting needs, I used half a bottle of the Wella toner. After combining the toner and developer in a bowl, apply the mixture evenly to your entire head, focusing on the previously bleached areas.
For a more detailed walkthrough of this process, be sure to check out the Very Easy Makeup YouTube video – where you can also find helpful tips on mixing and applying toner to achieve a striking blonde color.
Wait 20 Minutes and Rinse Out With Conditioner
As the toner works its way through your hair, allow it to sit for approximately 20 minutes. While some people may prefer to leave it on for up to 30 minutes, my personal experience has shown that 20 minutes is all you need. Once the time has passed, it’s time to rinse out the toner using warm water and a gentle conditioner. If you have a deep conditioning treatment, now is the perfect opportunity to incorporate it into your routine.
However, if not, don’t worry – I opted out of using one this time around as well.
Go Easy On Your Hair After Getting Blonde Highlights at Home
Upon completing the toner rinse and conditioner application, your hair care routine is officially wrapped up! To give your locks some much-needed TLC, I strongly advise against using a hair dryer or any heat styling tools in the next 48 hours. Instead, let nature take its course and allow your hair to air dry. This brief respite from daily grooming will enable your hair to fully absorb the nourishing benefits of the conditioner, resulting in healthier, more vibrant tresses.
Before and After Picture of At-Home Blonde Highlights
Wanting to know the secret to achieving salon-quality highlights from the comfort of your own home? The journey starts with checking out the dramatic before-and-after photos showcasing my radiant locks, effortlessly transformed into a stunning shade in just one hour. Experience the thrill of witnessing a hair makeover unfold without leaving your house!
Before Picture of At-Home DIY Highlights
After Pictures of Highlighting Hair At Home
Best Blonde Hair Products You Will Love
Ready to treat your tresses? Let’s dive into the hair products that have caught my attention lately. For a fabulous hairdo, I’m currently obsessed with the BaBylissPRO flat iron for effortless styling. To add some vibrant hues, Oligo Blacklight Blue Shampoo is a must-have in my shower routine. When it comes to nourishment, L’Oréal’s Ever Pure Sulfate Free Conditioner and Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner work wonders. For detangling woes, Wet Brush has become my go-to companion.
Meanwhile, Olaplex No. 7 styling oil keeps my locks silky smooth. And for an intense conditioning treat, Amika’s hair mask (new packaging alert!) is a game-changer.
Want to Go Darker Instead of Lighter?
I’m also a fan of the John Frieda color-deepening treatment, which offers a darker alternative to lighter shades. For those interested in exploring this option, I’ve written a detailed review of the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Treatment. If you’re eager to try it out, Very Easy Makeup has a helpful YouTube video that demonstrates how to use it effectively.
As always, feel free to leave any questions or comments below, or reach out to me via the Very Easy Makeup Facebook page or Instagram.