4 Common Hair Coloring and Highlighting Mistakes

Whether you're looking to change up your look or cover up those pesky gray hairs, hair coloring and highlighting can be a fun way to experiment with your style. However, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to hair disasters. From choosing the wrong shade to DIY disasters, here are four common hair coloring and highlighting mistakes to watch out for.

Not Doing a Patch Test

When it comes to coloring or highlighting your hair, it's essential always to do a patch test first. A patch test involves applying a small amount of the hair dye or highlighting product to a small, discreet area of your skin, such as behind your ear or on your inner arm. This test helps you determine if you're allergic to any of the ingredients in the product, reducing the risk of an adverse reaction when applied to your hair.

Skipping the patch test may seem like a time-saving shortcut, but it can lead to disastrous consequences. Allergic reactions to hair dye can range from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions, including swelling, itching, and even difficulty breathing. To avoid these risks, always take the time to perform a patch test at least 48 hours before coloring or highlighting your hair.

Choosing the Wrong Shade

One of the most common hair coloring and highlighting mistakes is choosing the wrong shade. Whether you're opting for a bold new color or subtle highlights, selecting the right shade for your skin tone and natural hair color is crucial for a successful result. When choosing a hair color, consider factors such as your skin undertones, eye color, and personal style to find a shade that complements your overall look.

Choosing a shade that is too dark can make your hair appear harsh and unnatural, while opting for a color that is too light can wash out your complexion. To avoid these mistakes, consult with a professional colorist or hairstylist to determine the most flattering shade for your hair. Additionally, consider bringing in photos of the hair color you desire to ensure you and your stylist are on the same page.

Overprocessing Your Hair

Overprocessing your hair is another common mistake that can occur when coloring or highlighting your locks. Overprocessing happens when you leave hair dye or highlighting products on for too long or use them too frequently, leading to damage, breakage, and dryness. While it may be tempting to leave the product on for longer in hopes of achieving a more intense color or brighter highlights, this can have detrimental effects on the health of your hair.

To avoid overprocessing your hair, always follow the instructions provided with the hair dye or highlighting kit carefully. Stick to the recommended processing times and avoid overlapping previously colored or highlighted sections. If you're unsure about how long to leave the product on or how often to color your hair, consult with a professional stylist. They can offer guidance on the best practices for achieving your desired look without compromising the health of your hair.

DIY Disasters

While at-home hair coloring and highlighting kits can be convenient and cost-effective, they can also lead to DIY disasters if not used correctly. Common mistakes when using DIY hair coloring products include applying the product unevenly, missing spots, or choosing the wrong technique for your desired result. Additionally, DIY highlighting kits can be tricky to use, leading to uneven or brassy highlights if not careful.

To avoid DIY disasters, take the time to read and understand the instructions provided with the hair coloring or highlighting kit. Follow the step-by-step directions carefully, and consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member to assist with hard-to-reach areas. If you're unsure about how to achieve your desired look or encounter any issues during the coloring process, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional stylist for guidance.

In conclusion, hair coloring and highlighting can be a fun way to change up your look, but it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can lead to hair disasters. By performing a patch test, choosing the right shade, avoiding overprocessing, and being cautious with DIY products, you can achieve beautiful results without compromising the health of your hair. Remember, when in doubt, consult with a professional stylist for expert advice and guidance on achieving your desired hair color and highlights.