- 1). Mix the hair color or bleach in a bowl, according to the directions on the packaging. Some hair bleaches require both bleach powder or cream and developer. For highlights, 20 or 30 developer is often used. For more subtle highlights, choose a hair color one or two shades lighter than your natural shade.
- 2). Clip the bulk of your hair back so that one piece of hair is loose. Style Magazine recommends that you begin from the front of your head and move back. Also, keep in mind that highlights are meant to be placed around the crown of the head for a sun-kissed effect.
- 3). Use the rat tail end of the comb to weave out the first section of hair from the larger piece. While continuing to hold the isolated section of hair, select a foil and hold it in one hand, with the comb in the other hand.
- 4). Slide the rat tail end of the comb under the top end of the foil and fold the foil over the tail about an inch. The foil should now be attached to the end of the comb, which will give you more control when you place the foil.
- 5). Slip the end of the foil underneath the section of hair and hold in place.
- 6). Dip the tint brush into the hair color and paint the strand of hair over the foil. Make sure to coat the entire piece of hair, including the underside, with hair color for the most even coverage.
- 7). Fold the foil up over the hair into thirds. Do not crease the foil too much; this will cause a "banding effect."
- 8). Flip the foil up and unfold the top of the foil with the rat tail. This will help keep the hair color from leaking at the root.
- 9). Repeat Steps 1 through 8 until the entire desired area of hair is covered. For hair color, let it process for about 20 minutes. With bleach, check the hair every 5 minutes until the desired shade is acquired.
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