Exploring The Unknown: Low Lights In Brown Hair Warning Signs You Shouldnt Ignore
Exploring The Unknown: Low Lights In Brown Hair - Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Lowlights, when done right, can add incredible dimension and richness to brown hair. They create depth, enhance your natural color, and provide a subtle, yet impactful change. However, the road to beautiful lowlights isn't always smooth. Ignoring warning signs during the process can lead to brassiness, damage, and an overall undesirable result. This guide will walk you through the potential pitfalls and equip you with the knowledge to identify and avoid common lowlighting issues.
Prerequisites:
- Basic Understanding of Hair Color Theory: While this guide focuses on potential problems, a basic understanding of hair color theory, particularly the color wheel and how different tones interact, will be beneficial. Knowing what undertones are in your hair and the lowlight shade you’re considering is crucial.
- Patience and Diligence: Lowlighting, even at home, requires patience and attention to detail. Rushing the process or ignoring instructions can lead to uneven results and damage.
- Access to a Professional (Optional, but Recommended): While this guide helps you identify potential issues, consulting a professional colorist is always the safest option, especially if you're new to hair coloring or have complex hair. They can accurately assess your hair's condition and recommend the best approach.
- High-Quality Lowlighting Kit (Optional, If DIY): Choose a kit specifically designed for lowlighting brown hair. Research brands and read reviews. Look for kits that include a developer, color, gloves, applicator brush, and instructions. Avoid kits with overly harsh chemicals or ammonia if possible.
- Sectioning Clips: To keep your hair neatly divided and prevent color from bleeding onto unwanted sections.
- Applicator Brush: To precisely apply the lowlight color.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from staining.
- Old Towel or Cape: To protect your clothing.
- Timer: To ensure you don't leave the color on for too long.
- Mirror: To see the back of your head clearly. Using two mirrors can be helpful.
- Strand Test Materials (Color, Gloves, Section of Hair): Crucial for testing the color and timing before applying it to your whole head.
- Deep Conditioner: To replenish moisture after the lowlighting process.
- Neutralizing Shampoo (Optional): Some kits include this to stop the coloring process.
- Brassy Tones: Use a blue or purple shampoo to neutralize brassiness. You can also try a toner specifically designed for brown hair.
- Uneven Color: If the color is uneven, consider seeking professional help to correct it. Trying to fix it yourself could worsen the problem.
- Dry or Damaged Hair: Use deep conditioning treatments regularly, avoid heat styling, and consider getting a trim to remove split ends.
- Color Too Dark: Unfortunately, lightening already dyed hair is difficult and often damaging. Consult a professional colorist for options.
Tools You'll Need:
Step-by-Step Guide and Warning Signs:
1. Preparation and Strand Test (The First Line of Defense):
* Step: Perform a strand test *before* applying any color to your entire head. Select a small, inconspicuous section of hair (e.g., underneath layers near the nape of your neck). Apply the lowlight color to this section according to the kit instructions.
* Warning Sign #1: Unexpected Color Outcome: If the strand test results in a color drastically different from what you expected (e.g., orange, green, or too dark), *stop immediately*. This indicates a potential incompatibility between your hair's undertones and the lowlight shade. Consult a professional or try a different shade.
* Warning Sign #2: Excessive Damage: If the strand test leaves your hair feeling dry, brittle, or excessively damaged, *stop immediately*. This suggests the developer is too strong for your hair or the color contains harsh chemicals. Consider a gentler formula or seek professional advice.
* Step: Evaluate the strand test after the recommended processing time. Check the color, texture, and overall condition of the hair.
2. Sectioning and Application:
* Step: Divide your hair into four quadrants using sectioning clips. Start at the back of your head and work your way forward.
* Step: Using the applicator brush, carefully apply the lowlight color to thin strands of hair, following the instructions in your kit. Avoid applying the color directly to the scalp. Vary the placement and thickness of the strands for a more natural look.
* Warning Sign #3: Uneven Application: If you notice the color is applying unevenly (e.g., some strands are taking the color faster than others), *slow down and reassess*. This could be due to uneven porosity in your hair, meaning some areas are more damaged and absorbent than others. Adjust your application technique or consider using a pre-color treatment to even out porosity.
* Warning Sign #4: Scalp Irritation: If you experience any burning, itching, or redness on your scalp during application, *immediately rinse the color off* with cool water. This indicates an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the chemicals in the dye. Consult a doctor if the irritation persists.
3. Processing and Rinsing:
* Step: Set a timer for the recommended processing time specified in your kit instructions. Do not exceed the recommended time.
* Warning Sign #5: Over-Processing: If you notice your hair feels excessively hot or starts to break during the processing time, *immediately rinse the color off*. This indicates over-processing, which can severely damage your hair.
* Step: Once the timer goes off, thoroughly rinse your hair with cool water until the water runs clear.
* Step: Apply a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. Leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse again.
4. Drying and Styling:
* Step: Gently towel-dry your hair and avoid rubbing it vigorously, as this can cause breakage.
* Step: Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible. If you must use a hairdryer, use a low heat setting and apply a heat protectant spray.
* Warning Sign #6: Brassy Tones: If you notice brassy or orange tones in your lowlights after drying, this indicates the color didn't fully deposit or your hair's undertones weren't properly neutralized. Use a blue or purple shampoo to tone down the brassiness. If the brassiness persists, consult a professional.
* Warning Sign #7: Excessive Dryness or Breakage: If your hair feels excessively dry, brittle, or prone to breakage after lowlighting, it's a sign that the process was too harsh. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly and avoid heat styling as much as possible.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Summary:
Successfully achieving beautiful lowlights in brown hair requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize and address potential warning signs. By performing a strand test, carefully monitoring the application and processing stages, and using appropriate aftercare products, you can minimize the risk of damage and achieve a stunning, dimensional look. If at any point you feel unsure or experience any of the warning signs outlined in this guide, don't hesitate to consult a professional colorist. Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure the health and beauty of your hair.
