How to Put Streaks in Your Hair at Home

Streaking your hair involves many steps and also uses bleaching of your hair and adding stripes of color. Streaking Bands
There are many different methods of adding stripes of color in your hair. Highlighting is a method where two shades of hair, are added, by bleaching out and adding two different colors that blend together when hair is dry. Streaking on the other hand, uses larger areas to color that appear to be bands in the hair. This also requires bleaching out of the hair, but streaks can be placed only on one side, or as narrow or wide bands. Bands can also be more than one color, so it is not unusual to see red and blue streaks.


Using Foil
1. Buy strips of foil in any Beauty Supply Store 2. Select the size Streaking Brush needed for the size of the streaks. 3. Decide how many streaks you want, and whether you want them on one side or on both sides of the head. 4. Brush the bleach only on the strands of hair desired you want to be streaked. 5. Fold the foil flat over the hair and set the timer according to the directions. 6. Open the foil when the timer goes off, wash the bleached strips, pat them dry and now add the color onto the bleached out streaks. 7. Set the timer for the time instructed, when it goes off, remove the foils and wash your hair, 8. Buy the Streaking Kits that come complete with everything needed including the bleach. Some also include the brush. Follow the instructions carefully.[1]
Using a Cap
1. Buy a streaking cap at any beauty supply store. At the same time purchase the bleaching products you use. 2. Pull the streaking cap over dry hair. The caps only comes in one size so make sure that it fits. 3. Pull small groups of hair strands, as far up as the roots, through the holes with a crochet hook, or the hooks they sell in the beauty supply store. 4. Realize that the more holes you use, the more streaks you will have. Use less holes, and less hair to get less streaks. 5. Brush on the bleaching product to those strands of hair that are standing up from the cap. 6. Apply the bleaching product to the strands of hair that have been pulled through the cap using a small brush. 7. Wait the amount of time specified on the product packaging depending on how light you want the streaks to be. 8. Rinse your hair and make sure all the solution is removed before removing the streaking cap,. 9. Buy the Streaking Kits that come complete with everything needed including the bleach. Some also include the brush and the cap. Follow the instructions needed.[2]

Hair Streaking

Hair Color
Hair color is a reflection of light off the colored pigment of the hair shaft. Different colors add or subtract from the hair color giving it various hues and shades. Hair color is assigned level numbers ranging from 1 to 10, where 1 is black. Today, you can choose hair color from a dazzling range – ivory, peach, café au lait, copper, deep golden brown, plum or burgundy. Color can be applied in a variety of flattering styles such as streaking and highlighting. The French chemist Eugene Schuller is credited with creating the first safe commercial hair coloring in 1909. This was based on a new chemical called paraphenylenediamine. The company that he started grew on to become a leading name in hair coloring products – L’Oreal. Permanent hair color penetrates the inner core of the hair strand and does not wash away. This kind of hair colors cover gray hair but the roots have to be touched up every few weeks. The semi permanent colors wash off after a number of shampoos. The damage done by them to hair is minimal and their effect can last for about 3 – 4 weeks. The main ingredients of any hair-coloring agents are: * Hydrogen Peroxide works as the developer. This oxidizing agent kicks off the color-forming process and creates a hair color that is long lasting. A larger proportion of the developer causes an increased loss of sulphur from the hair causing it to harden and lose weight. A developer should be maintained at about 30 % volume or lesser. * Ammonia acts as a catalyst when the permanent hair color combines with peroxide. It separates the hair cuticle and allows hair color to permeate into the cortex. A hair-coloring job is best left to a stylist. You need to take into consideration your skin tone, eye color and natural hair color to mix up the best shade. The hair professional can also guide you with the coloring style that would flatter your hairstyle and face shape. You could resort to hair streaking or highlighting to accentuate the bangs or curls.
Hair Dye
According to studies, hair dyes have been linked to increased risk of contracting certain types of cancers. Hair dyes may be carcinogenic since they are applied directly to the scalp, nearest to the root. The blood supply may carry carcinogenic components right into the blood stream. Scientists believe that dark colored permanent dyes are easily absorbed in the body through the scalp. They concentrate in the bladder on absorption. Higher instances of bladder cancer and breast cancer were found among consumers who had been using hair dyes for many years. Even hairstylists who used hair dyes on customers had a high exposure since they mixed the chemicals and were therefore at a higher risk.

Hair Highlights with Pictures
Highlights are selected strands of hair that are lightened at least 2 shades lighter than the rest of the hair. Highlighting must be carefully done so as to suit the hair color and style. Once method used for highlighting is to use a plastic cap with holes over the head. Hair is pulled through these holes and then bleached. The advantage of this method is that sensitive skin is not exposed to chemicals. Another popular method is to select strands of hair and place them on aluminum foils. Bleach is applied away from the scalp and then the foil is wrapped and folded till the process is completed. Going in for highlights that are more than 3 shades lighter is not recommended. So the next time you want the sun-kissed look to your hair, go in for highlights! Hair mascaras offer a temporary hair lighting solution to those who want to ‘color their hair blues’ away. These can be washed off with the next shampoo. With hair mascara, you can change your highlights to suit your style. You can be all set to adopt a wild and wacky look for the night out in town. Hair Streaking
Hair streaking is similar to hair highlighting but with a small variation. Streaking involves pronounced strips or bands of colors as compared to highlights, which are subtler. Both involve bleaching of hair but offer different effects. Highlighting is done on fewer strands of hair. You can go in for a full head or half head-streaking job. Choosing a flattering hair shade is essential so as to avoid an unnatural look. We thank you for visiting our directory, and wish you well in whatever endeavor brought you here. We are constantly adding new information and resources to our site, both general and state specific in nature, so check back often.

How to avoid the wrong Hair Color

1-Pick the right color.
Your hair color should suit your complexion. Any hair color will look good on pale skin. If you have pink skin, avoid shades of red or golden blonde. Opt instead for ash tones to neutralize your coloring. Sallow complexion? Stick with deep reds & avoid yellow, gold or orange tones. If your skin is olive, stick with dark colors & add richness with lowlights in red or brown shades.

2-To color or to highlight,
that's the question. If you have short hair, avoid highlights & opt for full color. Subtle highlights around your face will brighten your complexion if you have longer hair. Keep in mind that due to root growth, all-over coloring will need to be touched up every 4 to 8 weeks, while highlights can last up to 2 or 3 months.

3-Different types of highlights.
There are basically 4 types of highlights: basic foil highlights, bialiage or 'hair painting', chunking or 'piecing' & low lighting.

4-Doing it yourself?
Home-color kits have come a long way in the past few years & are perfect for busy people & those who want cut the cost of professional colorings. (We know of a couple top fashion editors who color their hair themselves!). Some great hair coloring kits include:
Some home hair coloring tips: Rub Vaseline around your hairline as a protective measure before applying color. To remove after coloring, rub a small amount of cream cleanser & wipe off with cotton balls. Always wear gloves & wrap an old dark-colored towel around your shoulders. Rinse your eyes with water if you get color in your eyes. If you forgot the Vaseline & stained your skin, rub the area with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol-based toner.

5-Don't like the color?
Don't be afraid to go back to the salon & talk to your stylist. There are all sorts of ways to fix color that's just not right. If you did it yourself with a semi-permanent color, use a body-building shampoo to wash away the color faster.

6-After care.
Refresh your color by using a color-enhancing shampoo & conditioner once a week. These products deposit minuscule amounts of color into hair.

7-Root rescue.
You can expect your color to last about 6 to 8 weeks before your roots show. If you're hair is colored, you'll want to get your roots touched up or do them yourself with a kit you can buy at the store . Be sure & test the color first before applying.
If you have highlights or lowlights, you can avoid having your whole head colored by asking your stylist to do your hairline, crown & part. A word of warning: Foil highlights require precise application & fixing dark roots is nearly impossible. Ask about easier to maintain highlighting techniques.

Home Made Hair Coloring Tips

Home Made Remedy

Deep condition before you color your hair. Wait two days after shampooing before coloring. The color will adhere better, since your scalp is more sensitive after shampooing, it will make the process more comfortable. Plus the natural oils in your hair will protect it. There are commonly two major considerations for people with colored hair: Retaining the hair color and repairing damage caused during the coloring process. Fortunately many of the things you can do to keep your color vibrant also work to protect your hair from further damage, and can help to sooth some of the damage caused by the coloring process. If possible, try to wash and rinse your hair in cool water, rather than hot. Cool water will help to close your hair cuticles, sealing in moisture and helping to retain your color. If you wear your hair in a part, try alternating the side you wear it on so that you don't get just one section of your hair exposed to the elements. Any fading that occurs due to sun exposure will then be less concentrated and less noticeable. If you're swimming in salt water or chlorinated pools, try to wear a swimming cap to protect your hair, otherwise rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards to remove chemical or salt water build up. The chemicals in pool water and even salt water can damage hair, strip color, and occasionally lend an unwanted tinge of color to light hair colors. Be sure to shampoo your hair as soon as possible afterwards to remove any traces of build-up. FOR A COLOR ENHANCER: If your own natural color, or your color treated hair, begins to look drab, all you need are a few ingredients from your garden or local produce store to brighten it up. Begin by boiling one quart of water. In a piece of doubled cheesecloth, add the following: * for brunettes– a handful fresh rosemary sprigs (bruise by crumpling in your hand) * for blondes– a handful of dried chamomile Tie up the ingredient in the cheesecloth and toss into the boiling water, removing it from heat. Let steep for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the cheesecloth bag. Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. Then, pour the warm (not hot) color-enhancing rinse over your hair. As a final rinse, use a quart of cold water. Once a month treatments will keep your hair color vibrant.

Hair coloring tips and Tricks

Try to stick pretty close to your natural hair color if it is your first time. This way it won’t be the end of the world when your roots start growing in. Also, you might consider a temporary washout color treatment if you are a beginner. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to remedy the situation if you don’t like the new color of your hair. If you opt for do-it-yourself highlights, have a family member or a friend help you, if possible. It is always nice to have another set of eyes to guide you through things you cannot clearly see. Follow the instructions closely and thoroughly. No skipping steps. Test a small area of your hair as instructed, just to be sure you aren’t allergic to anything in the dye. Leave your hair down as you color it and you will achieve a more even look. Pinning your hair on top of your head leaves more to chance. Part hair into sections and apply color from roots to ends, starting near the temples. Double-check the instructions to be sure you are following them properly. To prevent hair from dripping on your skin, apply a thin layer of moisturizer or petroleum jelly to the skin at your hairline. Most hair dyes will not drip, but in case they do, this makes cleanup so much easier! If you want beautiful blonde tresses, consider seeing your stylist for best results. Dyeing darker hair into a lighter shade, especially blonde, can be a tricky task. Even if you’re an at-home hair dyeing professional, remember that it’s easier to do it right the first time than to cover up any boo-boos.