Winter might be around the corner, but that doesn’t mean your hair can’t scream ‘summer’! In fact, lighter, brighter hair could be just the sunshine you need to get you through autumn and winter. Highlights are an easy way to distribute colour and bleach without dyeing all your hair.
In this way your hair will be less prone to damage and will also appear fuller. But before you nip out to your nearest salon for a makeover, here’s what you need to know about highlighting your hair and what products to use to keep it good condition.
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1. Consult with a hairstylist
Just because certain colour streaks suit a friend or celebrity doesn’t mean they will necessarily be flattering for you. Consult with a hairstylist to find your ideal shade so that the results look as natural as possible.
2. Do some research
Do some research before you make any kind of changes to your hair. Some hairstylists specialise in colour and highlights, and those are the people you want working on your mane, as their methods and products are more up-to-date.
3. Don’t try this at home!
With all the highlighting kits available in the shops it might be tempting to try your hand at it and save some money, but it’s unlikely that you will be able to get the same results as a haircare professional.
4. Keep an eye out for trends
Foils aren’t the only way to do highlights. There are a handful of methods and newer, better ones being popularised all the time, so it’s good to know what’s out there so you can find the best method to suit your hair.
5. This should go without saying…
Before you colour or bleach your hair, it’s important that it’s healthy and in good condition, because the process of going lighter, even if it’s just streaks, can take its toll on hair and can leave damaged hair worse off.
6. Don’t get highlights that are too much lighter than your hair colour
If your hair is dark brown and you get light-blonde highlights, they will look streaky and unnatural. Stick to a colour that is only a few shades lighter than your base tone for the best results.
7. Understand the difference between a full head of highlights and partial…
…and decide which one you want. A full head can give the illusion of all your hair being lighter, while some people opt to get only a few highlights to frame their face or to cover grey hairs.
8. Don’t add too many colours
Some people add a few shades to add dimension, but, as the old adage goes, less is more, and the more shades you add to your hair, the more unnatural it can end up looking.
9. Don’t bargain-hunt when it comes to getting your hair coloured…
…but rather consider it as an investment. Going to a subpar salon means you could very well have bad results and have to get your hair done again, costing you more money and causing further damage to your locks.
10. Make sure you look after your hair well after getting highlights
This means washing hair less often and using products designed to care for blonde, damaged and colour-treated hair. Here are our top picks, available at Retailbox:
Related: Make your hair colour last longer
Nak Ultimate Treatment / R320
Redken Extreme Anti-Snap / R382
Milkshake Incredible Milk / R318
Thinking about highlighting your hair? Contact Style Bar to find out more.
PHOTO: iStock/PeopleImages
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