How to do balayage highlights at home step by step

Raise your hand if you've never had highlights! Since they were introduced into the world of hairdressing in the 40s, very few (lucky) women have been able to resist them. Either you have gorgeous hair with a beautiful colour, or you probably have to resort to this technique to look prettier and brighter in your face.

One of the most popular types of highlights today is the one done using the Balayage technique, so today we want to show you how to do balayage highlights at home . Let's get to it!

What is the "balayage" technique?

First of all, I want to tell you what the Balayage technique consists of, in case there is anyone who doesn't know it.

Balayage comes from the French verb balayer , which means to sweep or comb, acts that perfectly describe how to work with this technique that was born in France in the 70s . It consists of dyeing strand by strand with a movement similar to that used when we sweep.

Thanks to these movements, impressive color combinations of different intensities are created, with much more fluid and soft transitions between strands. In addition, since the roots are left intact, your hair will seem to have much more movement .

The result? A much more natural gradient that you will fall in love with.

Difference between balayage highlights and babylights

The main differences between balayage and babylights are mainly in the area where they are applied. While babylights are applied all over the hair , balayage is only applied from the middle to the ends .

In addition, balayage offers a natural gradient effect , since the strands on which this technique is applied are chosen one by one; but babylights provide a uniform color throughout the hair and tend to lighten it.

How to do balayage highlights at home

Now, let's get down to business! We're going to explain to you step by step how to do balayage highlights at home .

Everything you need to get balayage highlights:

• 20 volume hydrogen peroxide.
• The dye or bleach you want to apply.
• A brush to apply the dye to your hair.
• A container to make the mixture.
• Transparent film paper.
• And gloves so you don't get dirty.

Mix the components

The first thing you need to do is mix the bleaching powder or dye with the hydrogen peroxide (it's important that it's 20 volumes ) in the container you've provided for this purpose. Take advantage of this moment to cut several pieces of transparent film. You'll need them to cover your hair once you've applied the dye.

Study your physiognomy

If you want to achieve the best effect and for this balayage technique to really help you illuminate your face and give movement to your hair , you need to first evaluate your physiognomy to know where you should get the highlights. We recommend that you illuminate areas close to the face and apply the dye on both sides of the strands, always in a vertical orientation, so that the finish is more natural.

Prepare your hair

Untangle it and divide it into several sections starting from the back. It is important that you take your time to make the divisions well and above all to untangle it well so that the result is as beautiful and professional as possible.

Apply the dye

It's time to apply the mixture you previously made with the dye or bleaching powder and hydrogen peroxide. Place the lock of hair on a piece of transparent film and apply the dye on both sides .

Start at the height you want (never at the root area, since, as we have seen, this technique is not applied there) and sweep the dye with the brush towards the tips. This is the area where the dye should be most intense, but if you want a natural finish, you should never lighten them more than 2 tones in relation to the rest of your hair.

As for the amount, it will depend on the effect you want to achieve. If you want a very intense color you have to use quite a lot, but if you only want to highlight certain areas, you only need to use a few thin ones in certain areas of your hair.

Once you have finished dyeing the section, fold the plastic upwards so that it is completely covered and the dye penetrates better.

Let it rest

Once you have done the highlights you have to let them rest for about 20-30 minutes . Of course, each dye is different, so it is important that you follow the instructions of the product you are using to the letter.

Wash your hair

Once you see that they have the shade you want, you should wash your hair as usual. To do this, use a neutral shampoo, since it is not necessary to use a balayage shampoo from the beginning , but if you want to keep them for as long as possible, we recommend that you get one.