Adding highlights to a human hair wig is a fantastic way to enhance its natural beauty and create a stunning new look. With the adaptability of human hair wigs, you have the freedom to explore various colors and styles without fear of damaging your natural hair. Whether you want to add subtle streaks or bold pops of color, the process is relatively simple and can be done in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of adding highlights to a human hair wig, ensuring that you achieve the desired result and unleash your creativity.
Choosing the Right Human Hair Wig for Highlighting
When choosing a human hair wig for highlighting, it’s important to consider the wig type and construction. Some wigs, such as lace front wigs, provide a more natural-looking hairline, which can enhance the overall appearance of the highlights. Additionally, the type of wig cap can affect how the highlights blend with the rest of the hair. For example, a full lace wig may offer more flexibility in terms of parting and styling options.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a human hair wig for highlighting is the wig color itself. It’s important to select a color that will complement the desired highlights. For a more subtle look, choose a wig color that is close to your natural hair color. If you want a bolder look, you can opt for a wig color that is significantly different from your natural hair color.
In addition to the wig type and color, the length and texture of the wig are also crucial factors to consider when highlighting. Longer wigs provide more surface area to work with, allowing for more creativity when applying the highlights. Similarly, the texture of the wig can affect how the highlights appear. For example, bouncy curls may create a different effect compared to straight hair when highlighted.
Preparing the Wig for Highlighting
Before highlighting the wig, it’s essential to properly prepare it. Start by washing and conditioning the wig using products specifically formulated for human hair wigs. This helps remove any residue or product buildup that may interfere with the highlighting process. Gently massage the shampoo and conditioner into the wig, being careful not to tangle or mat the hair.
Once the wig is clean, detangle it using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush. Start from the ends and work your way up, being gentle to prevent any breakage. This step is crucial to ensure that the highlighting process goes smoothly and that the hair is evenly distributed.
To protect the wig cap and lace during the highlighting process, consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a wig cap liner along the hairline. This will help prevent any bleach or hair dye from seeping into the cap or lace, which could cause discoloration or damage.
Selecting the Highlighting Technique
When it comes to highlighting a human hair wig, there are two common techniques to choose from: foil highlights and balayage. Foil highlights involve sectioning off small pieces of hair and wrapping them in aluminum foils before applying the highlighting bleach or hair dye. This technique provides precise and defined highlights.
On the other hand, balayage involves hand-painting the bleach or hair dye onto selected sections of the wig, creating a more natural and sun-kissed effect. Balayage is a great technique for achieving a softer and blended highlight look.
When deciding on the highlighting technique, you should also consider the desired placement and thickness of the highlights. Foil highlights allow for more control over where the highlights are placed and how thick or thin they appear. Balayage, on the other hand, creates a more diffused and gradual highlight effect, perfect for achieving a more natural look.
Finally, think about the highlight color or colors you want to use. For a classic look, shades of blonde or caramel are popular choices. However, you can also experiment with bold colors such as red, purple, or even pastel shades for a more unique and creative look.
Preparing the Highlighting Materials
Before you begin applying the highlights to your wig, make sure you have all the necessary highlighting tools. This may include a highlighting brush or applicator, foils (if using the foil technique), gloves, and a mixing bowl or bottle. These tools will help ensure that the highlighting process goes smoothly and that the color is evenly applied.
If you’re using a highlighting bleach or hair dye, it’s important to mix it according to the instructions provided. Always wear gloves when handling bleach or hair dye to protect your skin. Follow the instructions carefully to achieve the desired color and consistency. It’s also a good idea to do a strand test before applying the bleach or hair dye to the entire wig to ensure that you are happy with the color result.
Applying the Highlights
To apply the highlights to the wig, start by sectioning it off. Divide the hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties. This will make it easier to work through the wig and ensure that the highlights are evenly distributed.
Next, take a small section of hair and apply the highlighting bleach or hair dye using either a brush or the freehand technique, depending on the chosen highlighting method. When applying the bleach or dye, start from the roots and work your way down to the ends, being careful to avoid saturating the entire section. For a more natural look, focus the color on the mid-lengths and ends, leaving the roots slightly darker.
If using the foil technique, wrap the highlighted section of hair in an aluminum foil to prevent the color from bleeding onto the rest of the wig. This will also help the highlights process evenly and create vibrant results. Repeat this process for each section of hair until the entire wig is highlighted.
Processing and Monitoring the Highlights
Once the highlights are applied, it’s important to cover the wig with a plastic cap to create a controlled environment for the highlighting process. Leave the wig to process for the recommended amount of time, which will vary depending on the bleach or hair dye being used. It’s crucial to monitor the processing time closely to prevent over-processing, which can lead to damage or breakage.
During the processing time, it’s a good idea to periodically check the highlights to ensure they are developing evenly. Carefully lift a section of the foil or gently examine the hand-painted highlights to check their color intensity. If necessary, you can adjust the processing time or apply additional product for more vibrant results. However, be cautious not to leave the bleach or dye on for too long, as this can result in undesirable effects.
Rinsing and Treating the Wig
After the highlights have processed, it’s time to rinse out the highlighting bleach or hair dye. Rinse the wig under cool water, gently massaging the hair to remove any excess product. It’s important to rinse the wig thoroughly to ensure that all the bleach or dye is removed, as any leftover product can potentially cause damage or color transfer.
Once the wig is thoroughly rinsed, apply a color-safe conditioner to the hair to restore moisture and maintain the hair’s health. Gently massage the conditioner into the hair, avoiding the wig cap and lace. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse it out with cool water.
Carefully detangle the wig using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush, starting from the ends and working your way up. Be gentle to avoid any breakage or damage to the hair. This step is crucial to ensure that the wig maintains its smooth and natural appearance after the highlighting process.
Styling and Caring for the Highlighted Wig
Once the wig is rinsed and detangled, it’s time to dry and style it. Avoid using excessive heat on the wig, as this can cause damage to the hair fibers. Instead, gently blot the wig with a towel to remove excess water, then let it air dry on a wig stand or mannequin head. If desired, you can use a low-heat setting on a hairdryer or a diffuser attachment to speed up the drying process.
When styling the wig, it’s important to avoid excessive use of styling products, as this can weigh down the hair and make it appear dull or greasy. Opt for lightweight and non-greasy products specifically formulated for human hair wigs. These products will help enhance the shine and manageability of the wig without weighing it down.
To protect the highlights from fading, it’s crucial to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. UV rays can cause the hair color to fade and the highlights to become dull. When outdoors, consider wearing a hat or using a protective spray that contains UV filters to shield the wig from the sun’s rays.
Maintaining the Highlighted Wig
To keep your highlighted wig looking its best, it’s important to clean it regularly. Use a wig shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for human hair wigs to ensure gentle yet effective cleansing. Avoid using regular shampoos and conditioners, as they may contain harsh ingredients that can strip the color or damage the hair.
In addition to regular shampooing, it’s essential to condition and moisturize the hair of the wig. This helps keep the hair soft, smooth, and manageable. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the ends of the hair, avoiding the wig cap and lace. This step helps prevent the hair from becoming dry or brittle, which can lead to breakage.
When not wearing the wig, store it properly to avoid tangling or damage. Place the wig on a wig stand or store it in a wig box, making sure to brush or comb the hair before storing it. Avoid storing the wig in a humid or damp environment, as this can cause the hair to become frizzy or moldy. With proper care and storage, your highlighted wig can maintain its vibrancy and quality for a long time.
Experimenting with Different Highlight Colors and Styles
One of the great advantages of owning a human hair wig is the ability to experiment with different highlight colors and styles. Highlighting allows you to add dimension and depth to the hair, enhancing its visual appeal. By trying different highlight colors and placement techniques, you can create various looks and styles to suit your mood or occasion.
Consider experimenting with different highlight colors, such as warm blonde, ash blonde, copper, or even vibrant fashion colors like pink or blue. The color you choose will depend on your personal style and the overall look you want to achieve. Remember to consider the current hair color of the wig to ensure compatibility and a seamless blend between the base color and the highlights.
When it comes to highlighting, don’t be afraid to have fun and be creative. You can try different placement techniques like face-framing highlights, peek-a-boo highlights, or even ombre effects. Play around with the thickness and density of the highlights to create a unique and personalized look.
Conclusion
Adding highlights to a human hair wig is a fantastic way to enhance its appearance and create a personalized style. With the right wig selection, preparation, and highlighting techniques, you can achieve stunning results that are sure to turn heads. Remember to choose a wig type and construction that suits your preferences, select a highlight color that complements your desired look, and take care of the wig to maintain its beauty and longevity. Whether you’re looking for a subtle or bold change, highlighting your human hair wig opens up a world of possibilities for creativity and self-expression. So go ahead, have fun, and enjoy the transformative power of highlighted human hair wigs!
