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Black hair color is fiercely beautiful in its natural state. However, from time to time, it is normal to crave a sexy color change or some bold new blond highlights. Michigan-based cosmetologist Kathy Mojet says that there are special product and moisture considerations to be mindful of any time you are highlighting darker black hair, especially if you want to avoid over-drying strands and discoloration. A little forethought guards against these hair disasters and ensures glamorously beautiful blond highlights that add definition, texture and sass to your gorgeous black hair.
1.
Choose the proper highlighting product for your hair. Mojet advises that naturally black hair can withstand creme color with 20 to 30 volume developer, while previously colored, relaxed or chemically treated black hair should only be processed with 10 to 15 volume developer. Chemically treated hair is more fragile and should always be colored carefully.
2.
Put a highlighting cap over clean, dry hair and pull some pieces of hair through the highlighting holes. For finer highlights, pull through less hair. Yet, for chunky highlights, pull through more hair. Highlighting caps are more foolproof than foil methods, because there are fewer opportunities for chemicals to leak onto hair that you do not intend to highlight.
3.
Mix highlighting product in a bowl according to the manufacturer directions. Some products come pre-mixed, while others will have you mix two bottles or packets of chemicals together thoroughly prior to application. Follow all directions perfectly to avoid disastrous "hair don't" moments that have you reaching for a wig or hat to cover your locks for the next couple of months.
4.
Paint highlighter onto the hair pulled through your cap, using a highlighting brush. Saturate hair thoroughly for even processing that leaves you with vogue, professional-looking blond highlights.
5.
Let the highlighter sit on your hair for as long as the product recommends. This could be as few as 10 minutes or as long as 40 minutes, depending on the product. Keep an eye on your hair to monitor the lightening process. If strands look like they are lightening too much before time us up, wipe some color off with a rag to make sure and rinse hair early. Otherwise, rinse hair when the instructions prompt you to do so.
6.
Rinse chemicals from your hair and then remove your coloring cap. Rinse hair once more, shampoo and then apply conditioner. Highlighting hair is drying, especially for dark black hair, which usually has to endure more processing in order to show proper highlights. Counter this by allowing conditioner to sit on locks for 10 minutes prior to rinsing.
7.
Style hair normally and try not to shampoo hair again until it really needs it, two to four days after coloring. This gives chemically treated black strands time to recover moisture after highlighting. In the meantime, enjoy strutting your bold new 'do and catching glimpses of your blond strands in every mirror you walk by.
