Preparing Your Hair for Darkening Highlights
Before you embark on darkening your blonde highlights, it’s crucial to prepare your hair to ensure optimal results and minimize damage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get your hair ready for the transformation:
Assessing Your Hair’s Health
Begin by evaluating the condition of your hair. If it’s dry, brittle, or recently chemically treated, it may require additional care to handle the darkening process. Consider waiting several weeks before applying any color to give your hair time to recover.
Perform a strand test on a small, inconspicuous section of hair. This will help you determine the appropriate processing time and avoid over-darkening or damaging your highlights.
Choosing the Right Products
Invest in high-quality hair care products specifically designed for color-treated hair. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip away color and cause fading.
Use a deep conditioning mask regularly to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. A protein-rich mask once a week can help repair any damage and prevent breakage.
If you plan to use a semi-permanent or permanent hair color, consider purchasing a color-protecting spray or leave-in conditioner. These products help extend the life of your hair color and minimize fading.
Protect Your Scalp
To prevent skin irritation or staining, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream around your hairline and the nape of your neck.
Wear gloves throughout the entire hair coloring process to protect your hands from stains and chemical irritation.
Additional Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours before coloring. | This allows natural oils to build up, which can protect your hair from the harsh effects of chemicals. |
| Start at the roots. | Apply the hair color to your roots first and work your way down the hair shaft. This ensures even coverage and prevents fading. |
| Don’t over-process. | Follow the processing time instructions carefully and rinse your hair as soon as it reaches the desired darkness. Over-processing can damage your hair and make it prone to breakage. |
Choosing the Right Hair Color
Selecting the optimal hair color to darken blonde highlights requires careful consideration of several factors.
1. Current Hair Color and Tones
Determine the current shade and undertones of your blonde highlights. Warm highlights, such as golden or honey blonde, will need a darker color with warm undertones to blend seamlessly. Cool highlights, like icy blonde or platinum, require a color with cool undertones to avoid brassiness.
2. Desired Level of Darkness
Establish the desired level of darkness you wish to achieve. A small adjustment (1-2 levels darker) can enhance depth and richness without drastically altering your overall look. Conversely, a more significant change (3-4 levels darker) will transform your highlights into a darker, more subtle hue. The table below outlines common hair color levels for reference:
| Level | Color |
|---|---|
| 1 | Black |
| 2 | Very Dark Brown |
| 3 | Dark Brown |
| 4 | Medium Brown |
| 5 | Light Brown |
| 6 | Dark Blonde |
| 7 | Medium Blonde |
| 8 | Light Blonde |
| 9 | Very Light Blonde |
| 10 | Platinum Blonde |
3. Professional Consultation
Consider seeking advice from a professional hair colorist. They can assess your hair condition, color history, and desired outcomes to recommend the most suitable hair color and application technique to achieve your desired result.
Mixing the Hair Dye
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials:
* Hair dye in your desired shade
* Developer (usually 10 or 20 volume)
* Mixing bowl
* Applicator brush
* Gloves
* Towel
Step 2: Choose the Right Developer
The developer’s volume determines the level of lift (lightening) it will achieve. For this process, you want a lower volume developer (10 or 20 volume) to avoid over-lightening the highlights.
Step 3: Measure and Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the hair dye and developer in the correct proportions as indicated on the dye’s instructions. Typically, the ratio is 1:1 or 1:2 (1 part dye to 1 or 2 parts developer). Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
| Dye Shade | Developer Volume | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 or 7 | 10 volume | 1:1 |
| Level 8 | 20 volume | 1:1.5 |
| Level 9 | 20 volume | 1:2 |
Step 4: Apply the Mixture
Once the mixture is ready, apply it evenly to the highlighted areas of your hair using an applicator brush. Cover them completely and avoid getting the dye on your scalp or other areas of hair.
Applying the Hair Dye
Once you have gathered your materials, it’s time to apply the hair dye. Follow these steps to ensure an even and professional-looking result:
1. Prepare Your Hair
Before applying the hair dye, shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Towel-dry your hair until it is damp but not dripping wet. This will help the hair dye adhere more evenly.
2. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Along your hairline, ears, and neck, apply petroleum jelly to create a barrier. This will prevent the hair dye from staining your skin.
3. Divide Your Hair
Use a comb or brush to divide your hair into four sections: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right. Secure each section with a hair clip.
4. Apply the Hair Dye
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| a. | Starting with the top left section, apply the hair dye to your roots first. |
| b. | Use a brush to apply the hair dye to the rest of the section, working from the roots to the tips. |
| c. | Repeat steps a and b for the remaining three sections. |
| d. | Be sure to evenly distribute the hair dye and avoid overlapping areas. |
| e. | Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through your hair, ensuring the hair dye is evenly distributed. |
| f. | Leave the hair dye on for the amount of time specified in the instructions. |
Processing the Hair Dye
Once you’ve chosen the right hair dye, it’s time to apply it to your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. **Put on disposable gloves.** This will help protect your hands from the hair dye.
2. **Mix the hair dye according to the package directions.** Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as different brands of hair dye may have different mixing ratios.
3. **Apply the hair dye to your hair.** Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. Be sure to apply the hair dye evenly, so that all of your hair is coated.
4. **Process the hair dye according to the package directions.** Most hair dyes will need to be processed for 20-30 minutes. However, some brands of hair dye may require a longer or shorter processing time. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as over-processing can damage your hair.
5. **Rinse the hair dye out of your hair.** Once the hair dye has been processed, rinse it out of your hair with warm water until the water runs clear. Be sure to rinse all of the hair dye out of your hair, as any residual hair dye can cause your hair to become discolored.
| Hair Dye Brand | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Clairol Natural Instincts | 10-15 minutes |
| L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème | 20-30 minutes |
| Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color | 25-35 minutes |
Rinsing and Conditioning the Hair
Once you’ve rinsed out the toner, it’s important to condition your hair to restore moisture and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. Here are a few tips for conditioning after using toner:
Use a Deep Conditioner
A deep conditioner is a great way to give your hair extra moisture and nourishment. Apply the deep conditioner to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for the amount of time specified on the package. Rinse the deep conditioner out thoroughly and style your hair as usual.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner can help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming frizzy. To use a leave-in conditioner, apply it to your hair after shampooing and towel-drying. Do not rinse the leave-in conditioner out of your hair.
Use a Purple Shampoo or Conditioner
If you’re worried about your hair turning brassy after using toner, you can use a purple shampoo or conditioner to help to neutralize the yellow tones. Apply the purple shampoo or conditioner to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for the amount of time specified on the package. Rinse the purple shampoo or conditioner out thoroughly and style your hair as usual.
Use a Hair Mask
A hair mask is a great way to give your hair extra care and attention. Apply the hair mask to your hair after shampooing and leave it on for the amount of time specified on the package. Rinse the hair mask out thoroughly and style your hair as usual.
Follow the Instructions on the Product Label
Always follow the instructions on the product label when using any hair care products. This will help to ensure that you’re using the products correctly and that you’re getting the best results possible.
Neutralizing the Hair Color
After bleaching your hair, you may notice that it has an unwanted yellow or orange tone. This is because bleach removes the natural pigments from your hair, leaving behind the underlying warm tones. To counteract this, you can use a toner or a color-correcting shampoo. Toners are semi-permanent hair dyes that deposit color molecules into the hair shaft, neutralizing the unwanted tones. Color-correcting shampoos contain blue or purple pigments that counteract yellow or orange tones, respectively.
To use a toner or color-correcting shampoo, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
- Apply the toner or color-correcting shampoo to your hair, and leave it on for the recommended amount of time.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly and style as usual.
It’s important to note that toners and color-correcting shampoos are not permanent hair dyes. They will gradually fade over time, so you will need to reapply them every few weeks to maintain the desired color.
Understanding Color Theory
Before choosing a toner or color-correcting shampoo, it’s helpful to understand color theory. The color wheel is a diagram that shows the relationship between different colors. Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are considered complementary colors. When complementary colors are mixed together, they neutralize each other. This is why blue and orange are complementary colors, and purple and yellow are complementary colors.
When choosing a toner or color-correcting shampoo, you want to choose a color that is complementary to the unwanted tone in your hair. For example, if your hair has a yellow tone, you would choose a toner or color-correcting shampoo with blue pigments. If your hair has an orange tone, you would choose a toner or color-correcting shampoo with purple pigments.
The following table shows the complementary colors for different hair tones:
| Unwanted Hair Tone | Complementary Color |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Blue |
| Orange | Purple |
Maintaining Darkened Highlights
To preserve the vibrancy of your darkened blonde highlights, follow these essential steps:
1. Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner
Use color-protecting hair care products specifically designed for highlighted hair. These formulas gently cleanse and condition without stripping away color.
2. Minimize Washing
Excessive washing can fade highlights. Wash your hair less frequently, using lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo.
3. Heat Protectant
Always apply a heat protectant before using heat styling tools. Heat can damage and discolor highlights.
4. Sun Protection
Protect your highlights from harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or using hair products with UV filters.
5. Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine in swimming pools can react with hair dye, causing discoloration. Wear a swim cap or rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after swimming.
6. Regular Touch-Ups
As your hair grows, your highlights will become less noticeable. Schedule regular touch-ups to refresh and maintain their appearance.
7. Deep Conditioning
Highlighted hair can become dry and brittle. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore moisture and shine.
8. Professional Maintenance
For optimal results, visit a professional hair stylist every 4-6 weeks for expert maintenance. They can assess the condition of your hair, adjust color, and provide personalized recommendations to keep your darkened highlights looking their best.
| Maintenance Tips | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Color-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner | Regular use |
| Minimize Washing | 2-3 times per week |
| Heat Protectant | Before using styling tools |
| Sun Protection | Regularly |
| Avoid Chlorine | Before and after swimming |
| Regular Touch-Ups | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Deep Conditioning | Once a week |
| Professional Maintenance | Every 4-6 weeks |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While DIYing blonde highlights can be rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. Below are some common problems and their solutions:
Uneven Highlights
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Brassiness
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Green Tint
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Over-Processing
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Hair Breakage
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Staining
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Scalp Irritation
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Insufficient Darkness
Possible causes:
Solutions:
Highlight Darkness
Darkening blonde highlights can enhance your hair’s dimension and style. Here are the steps to achieve professional-looking results:
Tips for Achieving Professional Results
1. Preparation:
Determine the desired level of darkness and choose a hair dye or toner accordingly. Protect your skin by applying a barrier cream around your hairline.
2. Strand Test:
Apply the coloring solution to a small strand of hair to test the results and avoid any unwanted reactions.
3. Application:
Section your hair and apply the dye or toner evenly to the highlighted areas, avoiding the roots.
4. Processing Time:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time, checking the color every 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinsing and Conditioning:
Rinse the dye thoroughly with cool water and apply a deep conditioner to restore moisture.
6. Styling:
Blow-dry and style your hair as desired. Avoid using heat styling tools at high temperatures to prevent further lightening.
7. Gradual Method:
For a more gradual and subtle effect, apply the dye for shorter periods or use a semi-permanent toner.
8. Root Maintenance:
As your hair grows, the roots will need to be dyed to maintain an even color.
9. Professional Guidance:
For best results, consider consulting a professional hair stylist who can guide you on the most suitable color and technique.
10. Timing and Touch-Ups:
The frequency of touch-ups depends on the desired darkness and hair growth rate. Generally, darker highlights will require less frequent touch-ups, and hair that grows quickly may need more frequent maintenance. A summary of the timing and touch-up schedule is provided below:
| Level of Darkness | Touch-Up Frequency | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Slightly Darker | Every 4-6 weeks | After highlights have faded slightly |
| Moderately Darker | Every 6-8 weeks | When highlights are halfway faded |
| Significantly Darker | Every 8-10 weeks | When highlights are almost completely faded |
How To Darken Blonde Highlights
If you’re not happy with the way your blonde highlights turned out, there are a few things you can do to darken them. One option is to use a toner. Toners are semi-permanent hair color that can be used to add or correct color. They are typically applied to damp hair and left on for 10-20 minutes, depending on the desired results. Toners can be used to darken blonde highlights by adding pigment to the hair. Another option is to use a demi-permanent or permanent hair color. Demi-permanent hair color lasts for 24-28 washes, while permanent hair color lasts until it grows out. Both demi-permanent and permanent hair color can be used to darken blonde highlights, but permanent hair color is more likely to damage the hair.
People Also Ask About How To Darken Blonde Highlights
Can I use box dye to darken blonde highlights?
Yes, you can use box dye to darken blonde highlights. However, it is important to choose a box dye that is the same level or darker than your natural hair color. If you choose a box dye that is too light, it will not darken your highlights.
How long does it take to darken blonde highlights?
The time it takes to darken blonde highlights depends on the method you use. If you use a toner, it will typically take 10-20 minutes. If you use a demi-permanent or permanent hair color, it will take longer, usually 30-45 minutes.
Can I darken blonde highlights at home?
Yes, you can darken blonde highlights at home. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to use the correct products. If you are not sure how to do it, it is best to consult with a professional hairstylist.
