It’s really a golden highlight in the brown hair to brighten the shade while keeping the hair natural-looking. The highlights add depth and dimension to it, making it look glowing as with sun-kissed sunlight. So, light brown highlights are very nice with dark brown hair, and they can be used to change the shade slightly or quite drastically.
Understanding Hair Highlights
Hair highlights are parts lifted by a color or bleached, leading to contrast and texture. They can be tailor-made to fit into an individual’s taste—from subtle highlights to bold colors. Dark brown hair highlights create a dimensional effect, making it look rich and voluminous.
Choosing the Right Shade of Light Brown
For dark brown hair, choose light brown highlights that sync with the client’s undertones. For warm undertones in dark brown, try a golden or honey light brown. In case of cool undertones, go for a light brown with cool ash tones. Pay attention to the contrast of the highlights against the client’s natural hair color to get a balanced and beautiful look.
Different Highlighting Techniques
There are very many techniques that can be used to add light brown streaks in dark brown hair. Most of them combine several techniques to produce the desired effect.
- Foil Highlights: This is a classic technique whereby hair sections are lathered with lightener and wrapped in foil for an extremely precise controlled lift.
- Balayage: A freehand technique that paints the color directly onto the hair, looking much more natural and sun-kissed than highlighted strands.
- Chunky Highlights: The large sections of hair are lightened to achieve really bold and less subtle highlights.
- Babylights: Subtle, ultra-fine highlights intended to mimic the kind of lightening that happens naturally due to sun exposure.
Preparing for the Highlighting Process
The first thing is to check that your hair is in a good state before you highlight it. Since the highlighting process tends to dry your hair, you need to do deep conditioning treatments before and after. Do not wash your hair the previous day, as natural oils will provide protection from irritation for the scalp when coloring. Gather all necessary materials like the dye, foil (if you opt for that method), applicator, and gloves before proceeding.
Steps to Add Light Brown Highlights at Home
- Select the lightener: Choose a lightener that’s a few shades lighter than your natural color to achieve the light brown shade you desire.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections using clips. This will help you apply the highlights evenly.
- Apply the Color: Start from the bottom and work your way up, applying the lightener to the selected strands. If using foil, wrap each section of hair individually.
- Wait for the color to process: Follow the instructions on the lightener package. Typically, you’ll need to leave the product on for 20-45 minutes.
- Rinse and Condition: After the processing time, rinse out the lightener and apply a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration.
Professional Highlighting Process
When it comes to permanent and perfect results, professional hair coloration would be the best option. They apply new expert techniques in achieving even application while minimizing damage. At the same time, this professional will mix the shades individually to suit your skin tone and hair type for an even more polished and seamless result.
Maintaining Your Highlights
Routine maintenance and hair care of your bright light brown highlights will enable them to last longer. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners so as to hold color and hydrate hair. Deep conditioning treatment is done for hair once a week to keep it from drying or breaking. Protect your bright highlights from the warmth of all styling appliances with heat protector.
Styling Tips for Highlighted Hair
No doubt, with highlights, you can play with styles as you like, such as going for loose waves or beachy curls, which work very well for the dimensional look. Straight hairstyles also look great with highlights, as the contrast becomes more evident between light and dark strands. Use a shine-enhancing serum for added gloss and vibrancy.
Dealing with Common Issues
- Brassiness: Should the light brown highlights become overly brassy, yellow, or orange tones, add purple shampoo to eliminate them.
- Uneven Highlights: Get an appointment with a professional for a touch-up if highlights are looking unevenly placed.
- Damage: If hair feels dry, insert super conditioning treatments, oils, or deep conditioners into the daily hair care program.
Seasonal Highlight Ideas
Light brown highlights are adjustable depending on the season. Summer would allow you to go with brighter, sun-kissed, lighter highlights. In winter, you might want to add darker caramel highlights for a richer, more luxurious feel.
Highlighting Tips for Different Hair Textures
- Curly Hair: Curly hair can benefit from the added dimension that highlights provide. Use a diffuser to dry your curls and enhance the natural texture.
- Straight Hair: Straight hair allows highlights to stand out more. Be sure to use a heat protectant when styling.
- Wavy Hair: Wavy hair looks great with balayage or natural-looking highlights that blend seamlessly with the waves.
Highlighting Safety Tips
Always do a patch test before applying color to ensure you are not allergic. Use gloves to keep your hands from staining, then read the directions that come with the dye or lightener to make sure you do not over-process.
When to Refresh Your Highlights
Usually, re-highlighting will take about every 6-8 weeks. That’s enough time for your hair to naturally grow, and it makes it harder to see your roots. If you’re noticing color fading before that 6-week mark, then gloss treatment can help add that shine back in.
Conclusion
Putting in light brown highlights in dark brown hair can hugely help in getting a whole brand new look. Whether you want to do it at home or get it done in a salon, if you get the technique right and know the right shade to use on your natural color, it will definitely add to your pretty looks. With the right upkeep and maintenance, the highlighted hair will keep shining and turning heads.
FAQs
Will adding light brown highlights hurt my dark brown hair?
If done properly with the right products, light brown highlights should not damage your hair. Use nourishing treatments to maintain healthy hair.
How long do light brown highlights last on dark brown hair?
On average, light brown highlights can stay as long as 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the hair care regimen and washing techniques. Frequent touch-ups may be needed.
