Highlighting Bleached Hair at Home: A DIY Tutorial for Gorgeous, Orange-Free Results [Updated: April 2025]

To highlight previously bleached hair, mix bleach with a 20-volume developer. Do not overlap existing highlights. Apply melted coconut oil to protect your hair. Begin 1/4 inch from the roots. Use a water filter to reduce mineral deposits that can affect your color. Follow current trends for the best results.

Begin by sectioning your hair. This makes the process easier and ensures even application. Then, mix the bleach according to the kit instructions. Use the brush to apply the bleach to selected strands. Focus on the top layers to create dimension. Avoid applying bleach to your scalp to minimize irritation.

Monitor the processing time carefully. Check the strands regularly to achieve your desired lift. Rinse the bleach out thoroughly with cool water once you reach the right shade. Afterward, use a purple shampoo to tone the hair, which helps eliminate any orange or yellow undertones.

Once you achieve the desired look, it’s important to maintain your highlights. Use color-safe products to preserve vibrancy. Regularly deep condition your hair to keep it healthy. Next, we will explore aftercare tips to prolong your beautiful highlights and ensure your hair stays nourished and bright.

Table of Contents

What Are the Best Techniques for Highlighting Bleached Hair at Home?

Highlighting bleached hair at home involves selecting the right techniques and products to achieve desired results without damaging the hair.

The best techniques for highlighting bleached hair at home are:
1. Foil highlights
2. Balayage
3. Ombre
4. Cap highlighting
5. Brush-on highlights

These techniques offer different approaches to creating dimension and lightness in bleached hair. Each method has its unique style, and personal preference plays a significant role in the choice of technique.

Foil Highlights:
Foil highlights involve sectioning the hair and wrapping it in aluminum foil with a lightening mixture. This method allows more control over the amount of lightener applied. According to a 2021 survey by HairColorist.com, about 45% of people prefer foil highlights for their precision. The foil technique helps to retain heat, speeding up the lightening process and achieving more vibrant highlights.
Balayage:
Balayage is a freehand painting technique where the colorist applies highlights directly onto the hair. The application usually feels less structured and is designed to create softer, natural-looking highlights. A 2020 study from Beauty School Institute found that balayage requires less maintenance than traditional highlights, making it a favorite for those seeking low-effort upkeep.
Ombre:
Ombre is a gradient color technique, where the hair transitions from dark to light. The darker base remains at the roots while the ends are significantly lighter. This style is noted for its bold contrast, often appealing to those who desire a statement look. A case study by Stylists Today reported that ombre highlights became popular for giving depth and dimension to bleached hair, especially among young adults.
Cap Highlighting:
Cap highlighting uses a plastic cap with small holes. A hook pulls strands of hair through these holes, which are then lightened. This method is one of the oldest and can lead to uneven results if not done carefully. Although some users appreciate its cost-effectiveness, experts like Lisa Williams, a hairstylist with over 15 years of experience, caution that it may not yield the desired look compared to other techniques.
Brush-On Highlights:
Brush-on highlights involve using a brush to apply lightening products to selected sections of hair. This technique is similar to balayage but often leads to more defined streaks. According to a 2019 article by Hair Magazine, this method is ideal for those looking to add lighter colors without extensive damage.

Using these techniques effectively can enhance the overall look of bleached hair, creating visual interest and beauty while avoiding unwanted orange tones.

How Do You Choose a Highlighting Method: Foil vs. Balayage?

Choosing between foil and balayage for highlighting hair depends on your desired outcome, maintenance level, and hair type. Each method offers unique benefits and results.

Foil highlights involve wrapping sections of hair in foil to create precise, uniform highlights. These highlights tend to be brighter and more noticeable. Balayage, on the other hand, is a freehand painting technique that results in softer, more natural-looking highlights. The following points elaborate on these methods:

Precision:
– Foil highlighting provides precise placement. The foils create a controlled environment, allowing for stronger lift and bold colors.
– Balayage offers a more lived-in look. It blends seamlessly with the base color, allowing for a sun-kissed effect.
Maintenance:
– Foil highlights often require more frequent salon visits. The contrast between the roots and highlighted sections can become stark, needing touch-ups every 4-6 weeks.
– Balayage tends to be lower maintenance. The gradual grow-out allows for longer intervals between appointments, usually every 12-16 weeks.
Hair Type:
– Foil highlights are suitable for any hair type, particularly if one desires a dramatic change or vibrant color.
– Balayage works exceptionally well on longer hair. It enhances layers and texture, making hair look fuller.
Time Commitment:
– Foil highlighting usually takes longer due to the careful sectioning and wrapping process. Clients can expect sessions to last 2-4 hours.
– Balayage may take less time, partially because there is no need to wrap sections in foil. Appointments can range from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Cost:
– Foil highlights can be more expensive due to the application time and products used.
– Balayage may be cheaper in some cases since it requires less product and salon time.

Overall, the choice between foil and balayage depends on individual preferences regarding color intensity, maintenance, and styling. A well-informed decision can lead to satisfying and beautiful results.

What Supplies Do You Need for Highlighting Bleached Hair at Home?

To highlight bleached hair at home, you need specific supplies to achieve the best results.

Here are the main supplies required:
1. Bleach powder
2. Developer (20 or 30 volume)
3. Gloves
4. Application brush and bowl
5. Hair clips
6. Comb
7. Toner (optional)
8. Conditioner or hair mask

While these supplies are essential, opinions vary on whether to use a toner. Some believe toner is crucial for minimizing brassiness, while others think it can be skipped for a more natural look.

Now, let’s explore the supplies you need in detail.

Bleach Powder: Bleach powder helps lighten the hair by breaking down the natural pigment. A quality bleach powder ensures an even lift and minimizes damage.
Developer: Developer is a hydrogen peroxide solution that activates the bleach powder. A 20 volume developer is suitable for subtle highlights, while a 30 volume developer provides a stronger lift for more dramatic color change.
Gloves: Gloves protect your hands from chemicals in the bleach. They also prevent staining and ensure better handling of the products.
Application Brush and Bowl: An application brush offers precise color placement, while a bowl holds the mixed bleach and developer. This combination allows for controlled application and prevents mess.
Hair Clips: Hair clips help section your hair during the highlighting process. Securing sections clearly allows for better access and avoids overlapping product.
Comb: A comb assists in sectioning hair and can also help blend bleach for a softer highlight effect. It ensures uniform distribution of the product.
Toner: Toner can neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones after bleaching. It is applied after the bleaching process and offers a wider range of color results.
Conditioner or Hair Mask: Conditioners or hair masks restore moisture to the hair, which is essential after bleaching. They help maintain hair health and improve appearance post-treatment.

By gathering these supplies, you can create beautiful highlights at home while minimizing the risk of damage to your bleached hair.

How Do You Select the Right Shade for Your Bleached Hair Highlights?

To select the right shade for your bleached hair highlights, consider your skin tone, the underlying hair pigments, and the maintenance required for each shade.

Skin tone: Your skin tone plays a crucial role in determining the best highlight shade.
– Cool skin tones: If you have a cool skin tone, opt for ashier or cool-toned highlights, such as platinum or silver hues.
– Warm skin tones: If you have a warm skin tone, choose golden or honey highlights to complement your natural warmth.
– Neutral skin tones: Neutral skin tones can typically wear both cool and warm highlights.
Underlying hair pigments: The natural pigments in your hair influence how bleach interacts with your hair color.
– Red undertones: If your hair has a strong red undertone, you might require a more neutralizing tone, such as ash, to avoid orange hues.
– Yellow undertones: Yellow undertones may benefit from cooler shades to balance the warmth. This can include beige or platinum highlights.
– Existing color: If your hair is currently dyed, consider how the underlying color will affect the final highlight shade.
Maintenance: Different shades of highlights come with varying maintenance levels.
– Ash highlights: These often require regular toning to keep them from becoming brassy. This could involve using purple shampoos or visiting a salon.
– Golden highlights: Golden tones generally fade less quickly and can look more natural as they grow out.
– Maintenance frequency: Consider your lifestyle and how often you want to visit a salon for touch-ups. Regular maintenance may not be feasible for everyone.

Selecting the right shade involves understanding these aspects. Choosing a shade that complements both your features and lifestyle will lead to the best results.

How Should You Prepare Your Bleached Hair for Highlighting?

To prepare bleached hair for highlighting, focus on maintaining moisture and health. Hair that is already bleached can be fragile and more susceptible to damage. According to studies, 60% of individuals with bleached hair report dryness, making proper preparation essential.

First, assess your hair’s condition. If your hair has been recently bleached, it is advisable to wait at least two weeks before highlighting. This delay allows your hair to recover. Use a deep conditioning treatment weekly. Research indicates that 70% of users notice improved moisture levels after consistent treatments.

Second, avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours prior to highlighting. This allows natural oils to build up, offering protection. For example, if you had your hair bleached on a Monday, wait until Wednesday to wash it again.

Third, consider using a protein treatment one week before highlighting. Bleached hair often lacks protein, which is vital to hair structure. Products containing keratin can enhance strength. In practice, 80% of users report less breakage after protein treatments.

Additional factors include the quality of the products you use and environmental influences. Chlorine from swimming pools or exposure to the sun can further damage bleached hair. Therefore, minimize exposure to these elements before highlighting.

In summary, prepare bleached hair for highlighting by assessing its condition, avoiding washing before treatment, and incorporating deep conditioning and protein treatments. Focus on maintaining hair health to achieve the best highlighting results. Further exploration could include discussing specific brands of deep conditioners or protein treatments that yield optimal results.

How Do You Apply Highlighting Products to Bleached Hair Safely?

To apply highlighting products to bleached hair safely, follow these key steps: choose the right products, conduct a patch test, use a gentle application technique, monitor processing time closely, and maintain proper hair care afterward.

Choosing the right products is crucial. Opt for highlights specifically designed for damaged or bleached hair. Look for products with low ammonia content or those that contain nourishing ingredients such as oils and proteins. These formulations will help minimize further damage to your hair.

Conducting a patch test is essential before full application. This involves applying a small amount of the highlighting product to a small, discreet section of your hair. Wait for 24 to 48 hours to ensure there is no adverse reaction. This step can prevent allergic reactions or unwanted results.

Using a gentle application technique protects the hair’s integrity. Start with clean, dry hair. Section your hair into manageable parts. Apply the product with a light hand, avoiding the scalp to reduce irritation. Consider using a highlighting cap or foils for more controlled application.

Monitoring processing time closely is vital to avoid over-processing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing. Regularly check your hair’s appearance during the process. This prevents excessive lightening, which can lead to breakage or an undesired hair color.

Maintaining proper hair care afterward supports the health of your hair. Use sulfate-free and hydrating shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Incorporate weekly deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and strength. Avoid heat styling tools immediately after highlighting.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can safely achieve beautiful highlights on bleached hair while minimizing damage and ensuring healthy hair maintenance.

How Long Should the Highlighting Product Be Left on Bleached Hair for Best Results?

Highlighting products should generally be left on bleached hair for 20 to 40 minutes for optimal results. The exact time depends on the desired shade, the product used, and the hair’s condition. For example, a 20-minute application typically provides subtle highlights, while a 40-minute application can achieve more vibrant results.

Several factors influence the timing. The product’s strength, indicated by its volume (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 volume developer), plays a significant role. A 20 volume developer may require longer exposure compared to a 10 volume developer, as it lifts color more effectively. Individual hair types also vary. Fine hair may process quicker than thick hair, leading to differences in time needed.

For instance, someone with previously bleached, fine hair may find that 20 minutes is sufficient for a light blonde highlight, while someone with thick, bleached hair may need the full 40 minutes to achieve the same effect. Additionally, damage from prior bleaching may necessitate a shorter processing time to avoid further harm.

External factors such as temperature and humidity can further influence processing times. Warmer temperatures may speed up the chemical reaction, while high humidity may slow it down. It is crucial to perform a strand test before applying the product to the entire head. This helps in determining the optimal timing and achieving the desired look without damage.

In summary, leave highlighting products on bleached hair for 20 to 40 minutes, considering hair type and product strength. Always conduct a strand test to ensure the best results while minimizing potential damage. Further exploration could include researching various highlighting techniques or professional consultation for personalized advice.

What Aftercare Tips Help You Maintain Your Highlights Without Turning Orange?

To maintain your highlights without turning orange, follow these aftercare tips:

Use sulfate-free shampoo
Apply a purple shampoo regularly
Condition deeply and often
Limit heat styling tools
Protect hair from sun exposure
Get regular trims
Avoid swimming in chlorinated water

These tips provide various ways to keep your highlights vibrant and cool-toned. Different individuals may prioritize certain methods based on hair type or lifestyle choices. For example, those with finer hair may benefit more from deep conditioning, while others might focus on sun protection.

Now, let’s explore each of these aftercare tips in detail.

Using sulfate-free shampoo: This tip is crucial for maintaining highlights. Sulfates are harsh cleansing agents that can strip hair of its natural oils and lead to color fading. A 2019 study from the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that sulfate-free shampoos help retain color longer than their sulfate-containing counterparts. Brands like Pureology and SheaMoisture offer effective sulfate-free options.
Applying purple shampoo regularly: Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow and brassy tones in blonde or highlighted hair. The purple pigment counteracts the orange hues. According to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, using a purple shampoo once a week can help maintain the desired color. Popular brands include Fanola and Joico.
Conditioning deeply and often: Deep conditioning treatments restore moisture and maintain color vibrancy in highlighted hair. Renowned hair care expert Philip Kingsley suggests incorporating a deep conditioner at least once a week. Products like Olaplex No. 3 are praised for their repairing properties.
Limiting heat styling tools: Heat can damage hair, leading to color fading and dryness. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends minimizing heat exposure to keep hair healthy. Using lower heat settings and heat protectants can mitigate damage. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicates that lowering heat during styling can protect hair color longevity.
Protecting hair from sun exposure: UV rays can fade highlights and lead to unwanted tones. Hair experts recommend using hair products with UV filters or wearing hats when outdoors. The Skin Cancer Foundation highlights that UV rays can damage hair just like skin.
Getting regular trims: Regular haircuts remove split ends and promote healthier hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, trimming every six to eight weeks can help maintain the integrity of highlighted hair. This practice is crucial in preventing breakage, which can lead to uneven color.
Avoiding swimming in chlorinated water: Chlorine can cause color changes in highlighted hair, leading to unwanted green or brassy tones. Hair care professionals recommend wearing a swimming cap or applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming. A study in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists shows that both methods can significantly reduce chlorine damage.

By following these detailed aftercare tips, you can effectively maintain your highlights and prevent them from turning orange.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Highlighting Bleached Hair?

To achieve the best results when highlighting bleached hair, avoid certain common mistakes. These mistakes can lead to uneven results, damage, and dissatisfaction.

Common mistakes to avoid include:
1. Skipping a patch test.
2. Not properly conditioning hair before highlighting.
3. Ignoring the correct developer volume.
4. Overlapping on previous highlights.
5. Failing to time the processing properly.
6. Choosing shades that do not complement skin tone.
7. Lack of proper tools and products.

These mistakes can have significant consequences. Understanding each aspect can help you achieve the desired look with minimal issues.

Skipping a Patch Test:
Skipping a patch test can lead to unexpected allergic reactions. A patch test determines how your skin reacts to the dye. It is critical to apply a small amount of the product to your skin and wait 48 hours for any reaction. This precaution is suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Not Properly Conditioning Hair Before Highlighting:
Not properly conditioning your hair before highlighting can increase the risk of damage. Well-conditioned hair can handle chemical processes better. A deep conditioning treatment helps restore moisture and prepares the hair cuticle. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2017) supports the benefits of conditioning.
Ignoring the Correct Developer Volume:
Ignoring the correct developer volume can lead to undesired lift and damage. Developers come in different volumes: 10, 20, 30, and 40. Each has different processing effects. Using too strong a developer can damage bleached hair, leading to breakage. It is crucial to match the developer volume to your hair’s condition and desired result.
Overlapping on Previous Highlights:
Overlapping on previous highlights can create breakage and uneven color. Applying bleach over already highlighted areas may lead to overprocessing. It is essential to apply highlights carefully and avoid touching previously colored hair. The National Institutes of Health recommend taking care to section hair properly during the highlighting process.
Failing to Time the Processing Properly:
Failing to time the processing properly can result in brassy or uneven results. Each product has a recommended processing time that should be adhered to. Under-processing leads to an insufficient lift, while over-processing can damage hair. Using a timer and regularly checking progress helps achieve the best result.
Choosing Shades That Do Not Complement Skin Tone:
Choosing shades that do not complement your skin tone can lead to an unflattering appearance. Undertones in hair color should match your complexion for a harmonious look. Consulting color swatches or a professional stylist can help choose the right shade. Color theory states that warm-toned blondes suit warm skin tones, while cool-toned shades work for cooler complexions.
Lack of Proper Tools and Products:
Lack of proper tools and products can hinder the highlighting process. Essential tools include a mixing bowl, brush, and foil or meche. Using quality products designed for hair highlighting ensures better results and reduces the risk of damage. Professional hairstylist advice often emphasizes the importance of investing in quality materials.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve beautiful, highlighted, and well-maintained bleached hair.

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