Okay, so I’ve always loved the look of blonde highlights on dark brown hair. It just adds so much dimension and brightness, you know? I have naturally dark brown hair, and I’ve been itching for a change, so I decided to take the plunge and do it myself. I mean, who needs a salon, right? (Spoiler alert: maybe me.)
Getting Started
First, I gathered all my supplies. I went to the local beauty supply store and got:
- Bleach powder (I went with a “medium” strength one, figuring I didn’t want to fry my hair off completely)
- Developer (20 volume, because again, cautious vibes)
- A highlighting cap (the kind with all the little holes)
- A highlighting hook (that tiny crochet-hook-looking thing)
- Toner (to get rid of any brassy tones)
- Gloves (essential!)
- A mixing bowl and brush
- Some old towels I didn’t mind ruining
The Highlighting Process
Alright, here’s where things got interesting. I put on the highlighting cap, which, let me tell you, is not a glamorous look. Then, using the hook, I started pulling tiny strands of hair through the holes. This took FOREVER. Seriously, my arm was cramping.
Once I had enough strands pulled through (I went for a “chunky” highlight look, because subtle is not my middle name), I mixed the bleach and developer according to the instructions. It smelled… strong. Like, open-all-the-windows strong.
Then, carefully, I applied the bleach mixture to the strands, making sure they were all evenly coated. I wrapped them in little foil squares (because I’d seen that on YouTube), and then… I waited. I checked it,after time to time.
The Waiting Game (and Panic)
This is the hardest part. You’re just sitting there, with bleach on your head, wondering if you’ve made a terrible mistake.I kept checking the strands, lifting the foil to see how light they were getting. Some parts were turning, like, REALLY blonde, while others were still pretty dark. Oh, and my scalp started to tingle. A lot.
Rinsing and Toning
After about 40 minutes (which felt like an eternity), I decided it was time to rinse. I jumped in the shower and washed all the bleach out, making sure to use a good conditioner. Then, I applied to use a good conditioner.
Then, I applied the * is supposed to cancel out any yellow or orange tones, and leave you with a nice, cool blonde. I left it on for the recommended time, then rinsed again.
The Result
Okay, drumroll… it wasn’t exactly what I was going for. Some of the highlights were a little… uneven. And maybe a touch brassier than I’d hoped. But, you know what? It was better than I thought it would be. It was a look. A slightly DIY, maybe-I-should-have-gone-to-a-salon look, but a look nonetheless!
I do it and try,finally got my blonde highlights!
