Lowlights are a fantastic way to add depth, dimension, and richness to your hair color. They involve darkening strands of hair to create a subtle, multi-tonal effect that can complement your natural color or existing highlights. The allure of achieving salon-worthy lowlights from the comfort of your own home is understandable, offering potential cost savings and convenience. However, the question remains: can you really achieve professional-looking lowlights yourself, or is it a recipe for a hair disaster?
Understanding Lowlights: More Than Just Darker Dye
Lowlights aren’t simply about applying a darker color all over your hair. The key to successful lowlights lies in precise application and color selection. You need to strategically place the darker shades in a way that mimics how natural highlights and shadows fall in your hair. This typically involves selecting strands of hair from underneath the top layer and coloring them.
The purpose of lowlights is multifaceted. They can add depth and dimension to flat, one-dimensional hair color. They can create the illusion of thicker hair, especially for those with fine or thinning hair. Furthermore, they can blend in gray hairs more subtly than a single process color. In cases of overly bright highlights, lowlights can mellow the overall look and create a more balanced and natural appearance.
The Difference Between Lowlights and Highlights
While both techniques involve coloring strands of hair, the fundamental difference lies in the color used. Highlights lighten the hair, while lowlights darken it. Highlights are often used to brighten the overall complexion and add radiance, while lowlights add depth and dimension. In some cases, a combination of both highlights and lowlights can create a truly stunning and multi-dimensional hair color. Understanding the difference is crucial before attempting any DIY coloring.
Assessing Your Hair: Are You a Good Candidate for DIY Lowlights?
Before you even consider picking up a box of hair dye, it’s essential to honestly assess your hair and your skillset. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for DIY lowlights. Several factors can impact the success of your at-home coloring endeavor.
Hair Condition and Color History
Is your hair healthy and undamaged? Previously bleached or permed hair can be more porous and absorb color unevenly, leading to patchy or unpredictable results. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or damaged, adding another chemical process can worsen the condition. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a professional stylist if your hair is compromised.
Similarly, consider your hair’s color history. Have you recently dyed your hair a drastically different color? Have you used box dye in the past? Box dye can contain metallic salts that react unpredictably with other chemical treatments. Previous color applications can affect how the new lowlight color takes to your hair, potentially leading to unwanted tones or discoloration. A thorough understanding of your hair’s history is paramount.
Skill Level and Patience
Do you have experience coloring your hair at home? Are you comfortable sectioning your hair and applying color precisely? Applying lowlights requires a steady hand and attention to detail. It’s not a quick and easy process. You’ll need patience and the ability to meticulously apply color to individual strands of hair. If you’re a novice to at-home coloring, starting with an all-over color or a less demanding technique might be a better approach.
Furthermore, consider your eyesight and dexterity. Applying lowlights to the back of your head can be particularly challenging, even with a mirror. If you have difficulty seeing clearly or manipulating small tools, you may want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
Choosing the Right Products: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Selecting the right products is crucial for achieving salon-quality lowlights at home. Don’t skimp on quality, and always read the instructions carefully before starting.
Selecting the Right Shade
Choosing the correct shade of lowlight is perhaps the most critical step. You want a color that complements your natural hair color and existing highlights, without being too drastic or creating harsh lines. Generally, it’s recommended to choose a color that’s one to two shades darker than your natural hair color or the base color of your highlights.
Consider your hair’s undertones. Is your hair warm (golden, reddish) or cool (ashy, bluish)? Choose a lowlight color with similar undertones to avoid a clash. If you’re unsure about your hair’s undertones, consult a color wheel or ask a professional stylist for advice.
Always do a strand test before applying the color to your entire head. This will allow you to see how the color takes to your hair and adjust the processing time accordingly.
Types of Lowlight Kits
Several at-home lowlight kits are available on the market, ranging from permanent to semi-permanent options. Permanent lowlights will last until your hair grows out, while semi-permanent lowlights will gradually fade over time. Consider your desired level of commitment and your hair’s porosity when choosing a product.
Some kits come with specialized tools, such as highlighting caps or brushes, to help with precise application. These tools can be particularly helpful for beginners.
Essential Tools and Supplies
In addition to the lowlight kit, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a successful application:
- A mixing bowl and applicator brush
- Gloves to protect your hands
- A towel to protect your clothing
- Hair clips to section your hair
- A mirror to see the back of your head
- A timer to track the processing time
- A deep conditioner to hydrate your hair after coloring
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying lowlights at home requires patience, precision, and a methodical approach. Follow these steps carefully to minimize the risk of mistakes.
Preparation is Key
Before you even mix the color, take the time to properly prepare your hair and workspace. Brush your hair to remove any tangles and section it into manageable sections. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your hairline to prevent staining. Put on your gloves and protect your clothing with a towel.
Mixing the Color
Follow the instructions on the lowlight kit carefully when mixing the color. Use the correct proportions of developer and colorant to avoid damaging your hair. Mix the color thoroughly until it’s smooth and consistent.
Applying the Lowlights
Using the applicator brush, carefully apply the color to individual strands of hair. Start with the sections underneath the top layer of your hair, focusing on the areas where you want to add depth and dimension. Avoid applying the color directly to the scalp.
For a natural look, vary the thickness of the strands you’re coloring. Some strands should be thicker, while others should be thinner. This will create a more subtle and multi-dimensional effect. Strategic placement is key to natural looking results.
Processing Time
Follow the instructions on the lowlight kit for the recommended processing time. Do not exceed the recommended time, as this can damage your hair. Check the color periodically to see how it’s developing.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Apply a deep conditioner to hydrate your hair and replenish any lost moisture. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, then rinse again.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
DIY lowlights can be tricky, and it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls before you start.
Uneven Color Application
One of the most common mistakes is applying the color unevenly, resulting in patchy or streaky lowlights. To avoid this, take your time and apply the color meticulously to each strand of hair. Use a mirror to check the back of your head and ensure that you’re applying the color consistently.
Choosing the Wrong Shade
Choosing a lowlight shade that’s too dark or too light can create an unnatural look. Always do a strand test before applying the color to your entire head. If you’re unsure about which shade to choose, consult a professional stylist.
Damaging Your Hair
Over-processing your hair can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Follow the instructions on the lowlight kit carefully and do not exceed the recommended processing time. Use a deep conditioner after coloring to hydrate your hair and replenish any lost moisture.
Brassiness or Unwanted Tones
Sometimes, lowlights can develop unwanted tones, such as brassiness or redness. To prevent this, choose a lowlight color with the appropriate undertones for your hair. You can also use a toning shampoo or conditioner to neutralize any unwanted tones.
When to Call in the Professionals
While DIY lowlights can be successful for some, there are situations where it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
- If you have damaged or compromised hair
- If you’re unsure about which shade to choose
- If you’re not comfortable coloring your hair at home
- If you’re trying to correct a previous color mistake
- If you want a complex or multi-dimensional lowlight effect
A professional stylist has the expertise and experience to assess your hair, choose the right color, and apply the lowlights flawlessly. They can also correct any mistakes and ensure that your hair remains healthy and undamaged. Consult a professional for complex cases or if you’re unsure.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to do lowlights at home depends on your individual circumstances. If you have healthy hair, experience with at-home coloring, and the patience and attention to detail required, you may be able to achieve beautiful lowlights yourself. However, if you’re unsure or have any concerns, it’s always best to consult a professional stylist.
What are the key differences between lowlights and highlights, and which one is right for me?
Highlights involve lightening strands of hair to create a brighter, sun-kissed effect. They typically use bleach or a high-lift color to lift pigment from the hair, resulting in lighter tones. Lowlights, conversely, involve darkening strands of hair to add depth and dimension. They use a color that’s darker than your base shade, enriching your natural color and adding contrast.
Determining which is right for you depends on your desired outcome. If you want a brighter, more vibrant look, highlights are the way to go. If you’re seeking to add depth, dimension, and a more subtle change, lowlights are a better choice. Consider your skin tone and base hair color to decide which will complement your features best.
What are the essential supplies I need to do lowlights at home?
Successfully executing lowlights at home requires a careful collection of supplies. You’ll need a lowlighting kit or semi-permanent hair dye a shade or two darker than your natural hair color. Additionally, you will need a mixing bowl, application brush, gloves, a towel to protect your clothing, and clips to section your hair.
Beyond the basics, consider investing in a tail comb for precise sectioning and foil or a highlighting cap to separate the strands you want to darken. A good quality shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair are also crucial for maintaining the color and health of your lowlights after the application process. Be sure to perform a strand test to ensure you like the color before applying it to your entire head.
How do I choose the right lowlight shade for my hair color?
Selecting the correct lowlight shade is essential for achieving a natural and flattering result. As a general rule, choose a color that’s only one to two shades darker than your natural hair color. This creates a subtle contrast that adds depth without looking unnatural or harsh. Consider your skin tone as well; warmer skin tones often look best with warm-toned lowlights like caramel or honey, while cooler skin tones may benefit from cooler tones like ash brown or mocha.
If you have difficulty deciding, consult color charts or use online tools to visualize how different shades might look with your existing hair color. Remember that the goal is to enhance your natural color, not drastically change it. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly lighter shade.
How do I properly section my hair for lowlight application?
Accurate sectioning is the foundation for even and professional-looking lowlights. Start by dividing your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back, securing each with clips. The number of sections can be adjusted based on the thickness of your hair. Then determine the width and placement of the lowlights, considering if you want them to be chunky or subtle.
Using a tail comb, create thin, even sections of hair within each of the four larger sections. The thinner the sections, the more natural and blended the lowlights will appear. Carefully apply the color to each selected strand, ensuring full saturation but avoid applying color directly to the scalp. Foil or a highlighting cap can be used to keep the colored sections separated from the rest of your hair.
What’s the best application technique for achieving natural-looking lowlights at home?
For natural-looking lowlights, precision and a strategic application technique are essential. Start by applying the color to the roots of the selected strands, blending it seamlessly into the rest of the hair. Avoid applying too much product at the root to prevent a harsh line.
Using a feathering motion, blend the color down the length of the strand, leaving the very ends slightly lighter for a more dimensional look. This prevents the lowlights from looking too uniform and artificial. Alternating the thickness and placement of the lowlight strands will enhance the natural look.
How long should I leave the lowlight color on my hair, and what are the risks of leaving it on for too long?
The development time for lowlight color varies depending on the specific product you’re using. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended processing time, which is usually between 20 and 30 minutes. It’s crucial to set a timer and adhere to the recommended time frame for optimal results.
Leaving the color on for too long can lead to several undesirable outcomes. Your hair could become significantly darker than intended, resulting in an unnatural and overly dramatic look. Over-processing can also damage the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness, and even breakage. Be vigilant about monitoring the development time and rinsing thoroughly when the timer goes off.
What aftercare steps should I take to maintain my lowlights and keep my hair healthy?
Proper aftercare is crucial for prolonging the vibrancy and health of your lowlighted hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. These products are gentler and help prevent color from fading quickly. Limit washing your hair to two or three times a week to further extend the life of your color.
In addition to using the right products, incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine once or twice a week to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. Avoid excessive heat styling, as heat can strip the color and damage the hair. When using heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat. Regular trims will also help keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends.