Okay, let's talk about sunshine in a bottle. Or, you know, sunshine paste in a box. We're diving headfirst into the wonderful, sometimes terrifying, world of at-home highlighting.
Grab your gloves, maybe a friend (moral support is key!), and let's get started. Prepare for a journey that might just involve a slight panic attack, a lot of giggling, and hopefully, some pretty great hair.
Gather Your Supplies (and Courage!)
First things first, the kit. Choosing a kit is like choosing a date – sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you're wondering what you ever saw in it in the first place. Read reviews, compare shades, and maybe even consult the stars.
Beyond the kit, you’ll need a few trusty companions. Think of it like assembling your superhero squad. A comb, a towel you don't love, clips, and maybe a mirror or two are your allies.
Don't forget something to distract you! A good playlist, a funny podcast, or even a trashy reality show can be your best friend during the processing time. We're aiming for distraction, not perfection.
The All-Important Strand Test
This is the part everyone skips, right? But trust me, a strand test is like a pre-flight check. Imagine launching a rocket without checking the fuel levels. You might end up with, shall we say, unexpected results.
Snip a tiny piece of hair from somewhere inconspicuous. Follow the kit instructions *exactly* on that tiny strand. Then, observe. Learn. Grow wiser. This is your chance to avoid a hair disaster of epic proportions.
The strand test is your oracle. It will tell you if the color is right, if your hair can handle the chemicals, and if you’re truly ready for this adventure. Listen to the oracle!
Application: Embrace the Chaos
Alright, deep breaths. It's time to unleash your inner hair artist. Remember, we're going for "sun-kissed," not "zebra stripes." Small, manageable sections are your friends.
The kit usually comes with some kind of applicator. Use it! Or don't! Honestly, sometimes I feel like finger painting is just as effective. Just be sure to wear those gloves; nobody wants orange fingertips.
Start a few inches from your scalp for a more natural look. Unless you're going for the 90s frosted tips revival, which, hey, you do you! Just maybe send me a picture first.
The Waiting Game (aka Time to Panic Slightly)
The timer is ticking. This is where the fun (and the mild anxiety) really kicks in. Resist the urge to check your hair every five minutes. Trust the process!
This is a great time to dance around your bathroom to your favorite song. Maybe do a face mask. Or call your mom. Just keep yourself occupied.
Seriously, set an alarm. Don’t get caught up in a true crime documentary and accidentally leave the bleach on for three hours. We've all been there. (Okay, maybe not all of us.)
Rinsing and Revelations
The alarm goes off! Hallelujah! Time to rinse. Rinse until the water runs clear. Rinse some more, just to be safe.
Now, apply the conditioner that came with the kit. This stuff is like liquid gold. It'll help restore moisture and shine to your newly highlighted locks.
Towel dry gently. And now, the moment of truth! Take a deep breath and look in the mirror.
The Big Reveal: Love It or Leave It (and How to Fix It)
So, how did it go? Do you see a shimmering masterpiece? Or a slightly uneven, slightly brassy… something? Don't panic! (Okay, maybe a little panic is allowed.)
If you love it, fantastic! Strut your stuff and bask in the glory of your DIY accomplishment. If it's not quite what you envisioned, don't worry, there are solutions.
Toner can be your best friend for neutralizing brassiness. A quick trip to the salon for a professional touch-up might also be in order. Remember, even the pros have bad hair days.
Lessons Learned: A Hair Highlighting Memoir
Highlighting your own hair at home is a journey. It's a little bit scary, a little bit messy, and a whole lot rewarding (when it goes right!).
Embrace the imperfections. They're what make your hair unique. And remember, it's just hair. It grows back.
So, go forth and highlight! Experiment, have fun, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. After all, some of the best hair stories come from the most unexpected adventures. And be sure to share your story, like my friend Sarah who one time, after attempting to highlight her hair ended up having to shave half of her head! She claims it was the best decision of her life, even though it was terrifying.
Remember
"The best color is the one that looks good on you."~ Coco Chanel
But seriously, proceed with caution (and maybe a glass of wine). And always, always do a strand test!
And always use a quality highlighting kit that can be found at any drugstore. For example the highlighting kit from L'Oréal or Garnier are great options!
Also be sure to take care of your hair after the highlighting, and use good shampoo and conditioner as advised by Dr. Dray!
Most importantly remember to have fun and don't take it too seriously! Even if you mess it up, it will be a funny story to tell your friends!
