Have you ever noticed that those subtle, natural-looking highlights can make brown hair look breathtakingly elegant and modern? Lowlights, particularly, bring out the depth and dimension in brown shades you might not have seen before. While creating the perfect lowlights for brown hair can seem daunting, it’s absolutely doable with the right guidance and a bit of patience. Here’s your step-by-step guide to achieving stunning lowlights that will elevate your brown hair game.
When you opt for lowlights, you’re essentially darkening the lower strands of your hair to create a stylish and eye-catching contrast with the rest of your hair. This technique is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your look without completely overhauling your hair color. Not only do lowlights add dimension, but they also subtly brighten up the overall appearance of your hair without the need for extensive bleaching. Let’s dive into how you can achieve the perfect lowlights for your brown hair.
Immediate Benefits of Lowlights on Brown Hair
Lowlights on brown hair offer a range of aesthetic benefits:
- They provide a sophisticated contrast, highlighting the natural waves or texture in brown hair.
- Lowlights can soften the look and make the brown color appear richer and deeper.
- They add a sleek, modern touch that’s trendy and easy to maintain.
Quick Reference
- Immediate action item: Assess your current hair color and decide on the shade you want for your lowlights.
- Essential tip: Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to maintain the vibrancy of your lowlights.
- Common mistake to avoid: Overprocessing your hair can lead to dryness and damage; opt for professional help for the first time.
How to Determine the Right Shade for Your Lowlights
Choosing the right shade for your lowlights can be a bit of a trial and error process, but there are a few straightforward steps to guide you.
Start by considering your existing hair color. If you have a deep chestnut brown, darker shades like espresso or jet black will stand out beautifully. For lighter brown shades, consider going for shades like caramel or dark honey. To narrow down your choices, look at your natural undertones. If you have golden undertones, a honey or caramel lowlight might complement your hair wonderfully. Conversely, cooler undertones might look great with cool shades like dark chocolate or espresso.
Here’s a detailed process to find the perfect shade:
1. Examine your hair under natural light. Take a deep look at different times of the day to see how your hair reacts to light. This will help you understand what colors could work best.
2. Look at reference images. Use online resources or magazines to see how various shades look on brown hair. Try to find images that closely match your hair type and desired outcome.
3. Consult a professional stylist. Ultimately, a stylist can provide expert advice tailored to your hair type and desired look. They can even mix colors to achieve a precise shade.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Lowlights
Now that you have decided on your shade, it’s time to apply the lowlights. Here’s a comprehensive guide to doing it either at home or at a salon.
If you’re opting to do it at home, make sure you have the right products and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Color deposit spray or lowlight kit
- Developer (usually 20 or 30 volume)
- Brushes and mixing bowls
- Gloves
- Clips to section the hair
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step process:
1. Prepare your hair: Ensure your hair is clean and dry before starting. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup that might interfere with color absorption.
2. Mix the color: Mix the color deposit and the developer in a plastic bowl or the kit’s provided container. Follow the instructions on the kit for the right ratio.
3. Section the hair: Clip the top part of your hair up with hair clips, focusing on the sections where you want the lowlights. This ensures the color doesn’t get on the upper portions you don’t want to dye.
4. Apply the color: Using an applicator brush, start at the roots of the sectioned-off strands and apply the color deposit. Make sure to saturate the hair well.
5. Leave it on: Allow the color to process for the recommended time stated in the kit’s instructions, typically around 15-20 minutes.
6. Rinse and condition: Once done, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to close the hair cuticles. Follow up with a color-depositing conditioner for a glossy finish.
If you opt to get this done at a salon, your stylist will follow a similar process but with more precision and advanced tools to ensure the best results.
Maintaining Your Lowlights
After achieving your stunning lowlights, maintenance is key to keeping them looking fresh and vibrant.
Here’s how to maintain your lowlights:
1. Color-safe products: Use shampoos and conditioners that are color-safe and formulated to maintain hair color. This ensures that your lowlights don't fade quickly.
2. Limit washing: Don’t wash your hair every single day. Washing too often can strip the color. Opt for two to three times a week, and use lukewarm water if possible.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Try to minimize the use of products that contain harsh chemicals like chlorine, as they can dull the color of your lowlights.
4. Deep conditioning: Regularly deep condition your hair to keep it hydrated and vibrant. Hydrated hair holds color better.
Practical FAQ
How often should I touch up my lowlights?
Lowlights usually last between 4 to 6 weeks depending on your hair type and how well you maintain them. It’s best to touch up your lowlights every 4-6 weeks to keep them looking fresh.
Can I do lowlights myself, or should I go to a professional?
You can definitely try doing lowlights yourself, especially if you’re careful and follow instructions precisely. However, for the best results and to avoid damaging your hair, it might be worthwhile to visit a professional stylist the first time around. Professionals have the expertise to blend colors seamlessly and maintain the health of your hair.
Will my lowlights be noticeable in natural light?
Yes, lowlights tend to be very noticeable in natural light. The key is to choose a shade that contrasts well with your natural hair color, and to apply the color evenly. When you apply the color correctly, the lowlights will show their effects prominently, especially under natural light.
Final Tips and Best Practices
To ensure your lowlights stay stunning and vibrant:
- Choose shades that complement your skin tone and hair undertones.
- Regularly condition your hair to keep it moisturized and shiny.
- Avoid overprocessing; if you notice the color fading quicker, it might be a sign that your hair needs more care.
- Consider occasional treatments like hair masks or smoothing treatments to keep your hair healthy.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving, maintaining, and looking stunning with lowlights on your brown hair. Embrace the trend, maintain your color, and let your hair shine with the best of both worlds: richness of depth and a modern, chic