OK seriously, what’s the deal with at-home highlights? Being responsible for dyeing skinny strands of your hair all on your own probably sounds scary—but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why there are at-home highlighting kits. These handy dandy boxes come with all the items you need—including instructions. L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design is one such at-home highlighting kit that makes it just about as close to foolproof as possible to highlight your hair by yourself. Not convinced? We’re answering all your questions and sharing exactly how to use Frost & Design, below.
Can You (Really) Highlight Your Hair at Home?
Let us reiterate, yes! You can highlight your hair at home. There’s no rule that states you have to take time to see a colorist to get gorgeous highlights. It’s all about finding the right at-home hair color kit to use. One option you have is L’Oréal’s Frost & Design, which we’re explaining how to use coming right up. Keep in mind that highlighting requires bleaching to lighten your hair—so if you’re starting with a dark brown base shade, it might actually take quite a bit of work to achieve your desired blonde shade.
How to Use the L’Oréal Paris Frost & Design
One of the major benefits of highlighting your own hair? You have the ability to completely customize your look. L’Oréal’s Frost & Design kit includes a highlighting cap that lets you create perfectly placed, precise, and even highlights. Follow the instructions included with the at-home hair color kit to place your highlights. Then, once you’re finished dyeing, use the toning rinse and conditioning creme included with the kit. Your end look will be a delectable swirl of creamy highlights that give you a sun-kissed glow.
How to Take Care of Highlighted Hair
Don’t mess up your newly highlighted hair by taking care of it the wrong way. Your locks will be in need of some special TLC post-dye job. So, once you’re done coloring your hair with L’Oréal’s Frost & Design, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Switch to a system of hair care products formulated for color-treated hair. Hair with highlights, or any hair that’s been dyed for that matter, requires hair care products specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Stow away the old products sitting in your shower, and swap in a new shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Ultra Recovery Mask. Gently massage the shampoo into wet hair, then rinse out. Follow up with the conditioner, leaving it on for 1-2 minutes before rinsing out. Once or twice a week, use the mask in place of conditioner. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing out.
2. Turn down the heat in the shower. No more hot showers! Super-hot H20 can strip your hair of essential oils, which can leave it feeling dry and looking dull. Shower in lukewarm water instead.
2. Rock air-dried styles. It’s time to embrace your hair’s natural texture! Give your hair a break from heat styling and allow your hair to air dry instead. After showering, towel dry your tresses before applying a styling cream, mousse, or wave spray. Work the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Undone Style Cream, L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Ruffled Body Mousse, or L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray through your hair, then let it finish air drying. Serious style sans heat—you can’t beat that!
3. Be prepared for touchups. A single coloring will only last you so long, even when you’re doing your very best to take care of your mane. At some point, you’ll be in need of a touchup. When that time comes, be ready to go with another box of Frost & Design on hand. That way, even if you don’t have time to rush to the store, you won’t have to be caught out and about with unsightly roots.
In case you also need all the details on how to do your own all-over color, check out our articles, How to Use Excellence Crème and How to Use Superior Preference.