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Techniques for Crafting Sunkissed Summer Hair Highlights

Want to bring some summer vibes to your hair? These techniques will help you craft stunning sunkissed highlights right at home, perfect for any hair type.

Watch it done Video: Brad Mondo on YouTube
Why this worksSunkissed highlights mimic the natural lightening effects of the sun, adding dimension and warmth to your hair. By strategically placing lighter shades, you can enhance your features and create a fresh, bright look. This technique works best with natural hair movement, as it blends seamlessly with your base colour.

The ritual, step by step

  1. Prepare Your Hair Start with clean, dry hair that hasn’t been freshly washed. This allows your hair’s natural oils to help protect it during the highlighting process.
  2. Mix Your Lightener Follow the instructions on your chosen hair lightener. Mix it according to the recommended proportions for optimal results.
  3. Section Your Hair Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. This helps you apply the lightener evenly and ensures you don’t miss any spots.
  4. Apply the Lightener Using a brush, apply the lightener to random sections of hair, focusing on the ends and pieces that frame your face. This will create a natural, sunkissed look.
  5. Monitor Development Check the lightening process regularly. Depending on your hair type, this could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Rinse when you achieve your desired shade.
  6. Condition and Style After rinsing, apply a deep conditioner to nourish your hair. Style as desired to showcase your new highlights!
60-sec versionSection hair, apply lightener to random pieces, rinse when desired shade is reached.

Where people go wrong

One common mistake is applying the lightener too uniformly; sunkissed highlights should be random and blended. Another is not monitoring the development time closely, which can lead to over-processing. Lastly, skipping the conditioning step afterward can leave hair dry and damaged.

The pro moveFor a more natural look, use a comb to tease sections of hair before applying lightener, creating a blended effect.
Check out the tutorial for a visual guide on achieving sunkissed highlights.

Shop the routine

Hair lightener Lightens hair for sunkissed effect. Amazon → Deep conditioner Nourishes hair after lightening. Amazon → Highlighting brush For precise application of lightener. Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, BeautyCorner earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon search results — compare options and reviews before you buy.

Good questions

How long do sunkissed highlights last?

They can last several weeks, depending on your hair care routine.

Can I do this at home?

Yes, these techniques are beginner-friendly and can be done at home.

What if I want a bolder look?

Consider using a higher volume developer for more dramatic highlights.

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