One of the most modern techniques that allows you to quickly change your look is the popular American highlighting. This method of coloring appeared relatively recently, but in a short time it has already gained a huge number of fans all over the world. Such highlighting is often confused with coloring or tinting, and they do not even realize that many of the models we see on the pages of glossy magazines resort to highlighting.

Description

The main difference between American highlighting and classical highlighting is that here they use not one shade for coloring, but several - usually from 2 to 5. In this case, the tones are selected as close as possible to the native color, and the hair is dyed not in narrow strands, but in wide ones. The result of this method of applying paint is the effect of maximum naturalness and naturalness of the hairstyle.

American highlighting has many advantages:

• there are no age restrictions here, the coloring looks good on both very young girls and women of an elegant age;
• optimal for both straight and curly hair;
• adds pomp and volume to the hairstyle, gives the necessary density and at the same time lightness;
• does not affect the area near the roots, therefore, it is a safe and gentle technique;
• there is no need to regularly adjust the haircut - as the hair grows, the border between the dyed and natural strands is almost invisible and not noticeable, so the need for correction arises no more than once every 3 months.

Coloring is optimal for:

• thick hair;
• hair dyed at least 2-3 months ago;
• natural mop color.

At the same time, there are features of the strands in which it is better to turn to other methods of coloring, these include:

• split and damaged hair;
• allergic and skin diseases;
• hair dyed with basma or henna.

In addition, coloring is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you should not do coloring during menstruation, when the result of using paint due to a hormonal surge in the body can be the most unpredictable.

Before resorting to this method of highlighting, you should thoroughly prepare your hair with regenerating masks, balms and special gels, and also cut off all damaged strands.

Kinds

American highlighting has several varieties, let's focus on the most popular ones.

Classic

2-3 shades are used, with the help of which the effect of natural tints of color and highlights on the hair is created. In accordance with the execution technology, the lower areas on the back of the head are first painted, then smoothly move to the temporal areas and from there to the crown. In order not to confuse the strands with different colors, they are wrapped in foil of several shades. This coloring makes the hair more stylish, interesting and truly glossy, while the effect on the hair is quite soft and gentle, since only a small part of the curls is affected by coloring.

Californian

This coloring is used only for light brown hair, diluting it with honey, as well as wheat and nude shades. This is the best option for those girls who want to get the effect of strands of hair slightly bleached in the hot sun with iridescent highlights on their curls. This technique is one of the most difficult; most often, masters use special paste-like paints based on natural wax, and do not wrap the hair in foil. This is precisely where the special “trick” lies - when in contact with the main head of hair, the dyed strands allow you to create the appearance of the most smooth transition of shades.

Red

This highlighting is applicable for brunettes; the tint palette in this case includes shades of brick, red, as well as bronze and red-brown. This method is ideal for reviving slightly dark, dull hair, but without spoiling the curls with bleaching.

Colored

This highlighting is suitable for daring and creative girls who love beauty experiments and are always happy to try something new. Here they use the boldest bright colors, resort to contrasts and any other non-standard solutions. As a rule, such highlighting is based on the use of ammonia-free dyes, so the coloring is short-lived and washes out within about a month. This method of coloring is optimal for creating a game look on vacation, as well as during art projects and other creative events.

Selecting a shade

In order for American highlighting to look most harmonious, you need to correctly find the optimal shades for coloring; recommendations from experienced craftsmen will come in handy for this. Owners of blond hair can use a wide variety of colors, here the choice depends solely on the original color of the curls:

• fairly light, almost white strands– ash, platinum, as well as pearl and caramel;
• light ash– here it is worth using wheat, golden-honey and milky colors will be good;
• light brown– dark blond, as well as red in any possible variations and platinum tones are appropriate here.

For owners of black hair, it is worth choosing red shades; for women with chocolate hair, it is better to use light brown tones, and for girls with chestnut curls, matte colors and milky blonde are suitable. Red-haired girls rarely resort to highlighting, because even without coloring they look impressive and bright.

If they decide to dye it, it is worth complementing the natural strands with ashy tones, if their natural hair is dark red, and if their curls are light, with hazelnut tones.

Technology

American highlighting is done only in beauty salons, since it is almost impossible to do it at home. Experienced craftsmen carry out all the necessary manipulations according to the scheme below.

The application of the main tone, as a rule, begins from the temples and the back of the head, while individual strands are separated with a knitting needle or separator on a comb. Each curl is smeared with a coloring compound and wrapped in foil. At the final stage, the product is applied to the crown. The application of additional tones proceeds in the same order, from the back of the head to the very top of the head, the master applies all the remaining shades, alternating them.

The dye is kept on the hair in accordance with the time specified in the instructions, usually up to 25-30 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, the hairdresser removes the foil, and you need to start with the darkest tone and end, on the contrary, with the lightest one. Next, the hair is thoroughly washed with warm water and shampoos that do not contain sulfates, after which the strands are treated with a conditioner and a means to fix the resulting color.

Unfortunately, it happens that even with strict adherence to all execution technology, the result turns out to be completely different from what was expected. Stylists highlight several of the most common mistakes.

• The color turns out too blurry - this happens when the foil was poorly fixed or if the strands with light dyes were unwrapped first, and the dark ones only after them.
• The shade is uneven, sometimes bright, sometimes dull - this error occurs if contrasting tones were used when painting. In this case, it is better to rinse your hair immediately as you unroll it. So, first unfold and rinse the strands covered with dark dye, then the middle ones and then the lightest ones.
• Transitions have appeared - this can happen if the foil is not fastened sufficiently, then the coloring pigment from one curl gets onto another - the effect is not the most aesthetic.
• Dry hair - sometimes after American highlighting, the hair looks like straw, this means that too aggressive a dye was used or the composition was overexposed to the hair. To prevent this from happening, you need to purchase cosmetic products from trusted manufacturers and apply them in strict accordance with the instructions.

American highlighting is a technique for creating bright highlights on the hair that are close to the natural effect. This technique enlivens the hairstyle, making it voluminous and bright.

Types of American highlighting

This trendy technology appeared in 2010 and immediately gained popularity among fashionistas all over the world.

To perform this technique, use two to four shades. However, fashion trends do not prohibit the use of 5 or more tones. American highlighting can be classified as coloring, since, in addition to lightening individual strands, it uses tinting and dyeing in various colors.

To create a hairstyle, use multi-colored foil, where each shade corresponds to the color of the strand.

American highlighting comes in four types:

A common characteristic of all these types is that beautiful color transitions are created on the hair, which make the hair brighter and the hairstyle more voluminous.

American Colors and red highlights are suitable for brown-haired and brunette women. The selected range of shades borders on naturalness, while making the hair richer and visually thicker.

Californian technology is made for blondes. It creates a beautiful effect of sun-bleached hair. In this case, the hair at the roots should remain darker, and closer to the ends - lighter.

Crazy Colors is an expressive tinting method that defies all limits of naturalness. For this coloring, eccentric red tones are used.

American-style hair highlighting should only be done in good salons by professional hairdressers.

Description of American highlighting technology

For work, use 2-4 shades close in the palette. Accordingly, prepare 2-4 colors of foil in which the strands will be wrapped.

Other American-style highlighting techniques

Californian technology is aimed at lightening hair. In this case, the dyed strands are not wrapped in foil - the paint acts in the open air.

Bunches of strands, about 1.5 cm thick, are separated in a checkerboard pattern. In this case, the paint should be mixed with a thickener so that it does not run off. The coloring composition is applied to the outer side of the strands.

The dyed bun is placed on natural hair so that the dye has a slight effect on it. This way you get the effect of natural burnt hair with smooth transitions.

Red highlighting is the original version of the American technique. The color highlights correspond to the red-brown range. First, the selected strands should be lightened, but with different exposures, and then they are colored with one color. This way you get red strands of different shades.

Crazy Colors, or “crazy colors,” is a highlighting technique that is suitable for expressive people who cannot stand gray everyday life. This coloring is performed with coloring gels of 1-2 shades.

First, the hair is lightened and then treated with easy-to-rinse tinting gels. The color remains saturated for 2-3 weeks. The good thing about this technique is that the color is quickly washed off, and after a short period of time you can again experiment with the color scheme of your hairstyle.

Changing your hair means changing your life! American highlighting is a great way to change your image and cheer yourself up.

American highlighting is the best way to change your usual look. Once it appeared, this procedure became a real trend that won the hearts of fashionistas.

What is highlighting the American way?

American highlighting - what is it? This technique involves dyeing hair in wide strands according to a specific pattern. As a rule, from 2 to 5 shades are used. Not so long ago, the main colors were red, red, burgundy, brown, copper and orange. But recently, this technique has been overtaken by a lot of fashionable changes.

Advantages of this technique

American-style highlighting has a number of very important advantages:

• It has no age restrictions and looks great on both young girls and older ladies;
• Suitable for both curly and completely straight hair;
• Works great on strands of any length, even very short ones;
• Makes the hairstyle voluminous and gives it the desired volume;
• Does not affect the roots and is considered gentle;
• For the same reason, you don’t have to visit the hairdresser every month - the regrown roots simply won’t be noticeable. The procedure can be repeated no earlier than after 3 months;
• In most cases, American highlighting looks very natural.

Types of American highlighting

Experts distinguish several types of American highlighting. Interestingly, the technique for performing them remains unchanged. The only difference is in the shades, which are selected depending on the original hair color.

Classic American

Initially, this look was intended for girls with dark locks. When performing it, 3-4 shades are used, which create natural highlights and give the hair a stylish glossy effect. The main advantage of standard painting is its soft effect. The fact is that the dye is applied only to the top layer of hair, but the bottom layer remains in its natural color. Recently, another new trend has emerged in this direction, involving dyeing individual curls in lighter colors. As a rule, they are taken from the chestnut palette. This solution allows you to revive your hair and give it a bright shine.

The classic version of American highlighting can be seen on Hollywood actress Jessica Biel, after UN goodwill Angelina Jolie, Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge and top model Chrissy Teigen.

Californian

Unlike the previous version, California highlighting can only be performed on light hair - blond or light brown. For this option, golden, wheat, beige, sand, honey and caramel are relevant. They are ideal for those who want to achieve the effect of sun-bleached strands.

The California highlighting technique is considered one of the most difficult. During the dyeing process, a special paste based on beeswax is used. The strands are not wrapped in anything, allowing the dye to come into contact with undyed hair, and the composition itself is carefully stretched along the entire length of the hair. The result is a very soft transition from darkened roots to highly lightened ends.

American California-style highlighting can be seen on many world celebrities - Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Aniston, Karlie Kloss, Fergie, etc.

Red

But this type of highlighting can be done exclusively on dark hair. For its implementation, bronze, red, red, brick, burgundy and brown shades are used. This is an ideal way to dilute dark hair with bright strands without using harmful lightening compounds.

Crazy colors

This type of American highlighting is considered universal - it can be used on strands of any color. Coloring in the Crazy Colors style is incredibly popular among extraordinary girls who dream of adding bright and bold colors to their image. It completely denies naturalness and involves the use of truly eccentric and crazy colors - green, blue, pink, purple, etc. The selected shades may belong to the same color palette, or they may contrast with each other. As a rule, Crazy Colors are performed using a non-persistent gel, which is washed off after about 2-3 weeks. You can safely do it while on vacation, and then return to your original color again.

How to choose the right shade?

To make your look as harmonious as in these photos, try to choose the right paint color. Our advice will certainly help you with this.

Blonde hair

You can consider a lot of fashionable options - it all depends on the shade of the original color of the strands:

• Very light hair - ash, bright pearl, light brown, platinum, golden copper, cold blonde;
• Light ash – milky blond, golden, bright honey and light brown;
• Light blond - dark blond, ash blond, red in all variants.

Brown and dark hair

Rich colors, especially red ones, are ideal for you. But there are several other suitable variations:

• Ash - milky and light brown;
• Dark brown and mousey - chestnut and honey;
• Medium brown and chestnut - light brown;
• Black – reddish brown;
• Chocolate - light or medium brown;
• Chestnut - honey, milky, blond.

Tips on how to choose the perfect American highlight shade for brown hair:

Red hair

Red-haired girls look unusually bright without any additional devices. The following tones can highlight their beauty:

• Dark red - ash blond, light brown;
• Light red – nut, chestnut.

Highlighting technology

It is almost impossible to perform this type of coloring at home. For this, it would be better to contact the experts. In a beauty salon, the procedure is performed according to the following scheme.

• Stage 1. Selection of shades for coloring.
• Stage 2. Applying the main color of paint to the strands. Begin the procedure with the hair at the back of the head, separating the lower strands with the sharp tip of a comb. Each dyed strand is wrapped in foil. As a rule, stylists use multi-colored foil - this allows them to better navigate the applied shades. Now the same procedure is performed on the temples, selecting the lowest strands for painting. The stage is completed on the strands of the crown area.
• Stage 3. Application of additional shades. Then, in the same order, the master applies the remaining tones, alternating them with each other. Dyed hair is also wrapped in multi-colored foil. In this case, you need to move from the face to the crown area.
• Stage 4. Exposure of the coloring composition. The exact time depends not only on the desired result, but also on the original hair color. As a rule, the paint is kept for about 30 minutes.
• Stage 5. Removing foil from hair. After waiting the right time, the master removes the foil sequentially, starting with the darkest and most saturated color and ending with the lightest.
• Stage 6. Washing your hair with shampoo. You need to wash off the coloring composition with a special shampoo for colored hair. Then a balm and a product are applied to the strands to protect and fix the color.

Contraindications to the procedure

This type of coloring has several contraindications that must be taken into account:

• Pre-painting with natural substances - henna or basma;
• Recent bleaching, perm or solid coloring;
• Severe damage to curls;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Thanks to American highlighting, your curls will take on a completely different look - your hairstyle will become vibrant, stylish and very voluminous, and the hair itself will shine with new unusual shades.

Find out how easy it is to do California highlighting yourself (video)

The popularity of highlighting, which girls loved in the last decade, seems to have gradually faded away. But in fact, many people use the American highlighting technique without even knowing it.

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The uniqueness of American highlighting

You may have seen this type of coloring a thousand times in photos and in real life, but you probably never thought that this was just one of the types of highlighting. Unlike the standard one, his technique involves the use of 2 to 4 shades, similar in tone, which are applied to the hair not in small, but in large strands. American highlighting is only suitable for those with dark or light brown hair.

Depending on the type of American highlighting, the hairdresser uses certain similar shades, which are distributed onto the hair according to a pre-planned pattern. It allows you to color your hair so that it looks as natural and natural as possible.

Types of American highlighting

The technique of this coloring always remains the same, but depending on the shade of your hair, the master selects the type that is right for you.

Standard American

Originally created for those with light brown and dark hair, it uses 3-4 shades, aimed at creating natural highlights and giving the effect of healthy, shimmering hair.

First, the lower strands on the back of the head are painted, then on the temple. We move on to the upper temporal strands, completing the coloring on the back of the head. For convenience, it is recommended to wrap the strands in foil of different shades, since a second application of paint is required.

Hollywood actress Jessica Biel, Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge, top model Chrissy Teigen - three completely different girls share the same type of highlighting. Owners of dark hair chose slightly different shades, and therefore everyone looks absolutely beautiful in their own way.

Californian

Unlike the first one, it is suitable only for fair-haired girls. His arsenal includes all types of honey, golden, beige shades. Ideal for those who have always dreamed of perfectly sun-bleached strands like in photos from glossy pages.

The most difficult type of American highlighting. Hairdressers usually use a specialized paste based on beeswax; the strands are colored with it and do not require foil or any wrapping at all. Thanks to contact with undyed hair, the softest transition is created.

In photos from red carpets you can often see stars with this type of coloring. The combination of the most harmless effect on the hair and the speed of the process has made it popular even in Hollywood.

Top models Gisele Bündchen, Miranda Kerr and Karlie Kloss regularly dye their hair using the California highlighting technique. And who else but them should know the main trends and fashionable modern techniques.

Red

This look, on the contrary, is exclusively for dark hair. Created using red, red, brick, bronze colors. First of all, it is aimed at those who want to dilute their dark hair with a red tint, but do not want to use lighteners for this.

"Crazy" colors

The only type of American highlighting that can be applied to blonde hair. It is popular among bright, bold and extravagant girls who want to add a riot of colors to their usual look. Applies all possible colors of the palette, including those that are not at all close in shade. True, the effect of such coloring is short-lived. Since a specialized, unstable gel is used, it is washed off after 2-3 weeks. The perfect holiday look. The photo below shows the most unusual and beautiful types of “crazy” dyeing in dark colors.

Transform yourself without harming your hair!

If this is the first time you have heard about American highlighting, it is only because it is often classified as one of the types of coloring. After all, it also includes the use of durable paints and tinting.

Nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with one-color painting. While highlighting refreshes the natural dark color, increases its depth and adds additional texture. By entrusting the work to a professional, you can safely play with your own color. Arriving at the salon, the stylist will select the shade that suits you, show professional photos of the results and the palettes used specifically by him.

Do you want to change your image, but are you afraid to take risks and radically change your image? Choose any of the listed types of American highlighting or simply bring the photo you like to the hairdresser. The new color will make you look completely new, but will cause minimal damage to your hair.

American highlighting until recently was called dyeing individual strands exclusively in red shades. The main colors in this case were red, burgundy, copper, brown, orange and red. Usually the master uses from 2 to 5 different shades of paint.

In contact with

Modern versions of this type of highlighting also allow the use of such unexpected colors as yellow, lilac, green, and violet.

Both very contrasting highlighting and soft coloring with highlights, which has a smooth play of shades, can be created. This coloring technology is used mainly on the hair of brunettes and brown-haired women, giving their image newness and brightness.

Features of American highlighting: essence and application technology

American highlighting is the use of several tones of paint. In some cases, the master can simultaneously work with more than 5 shades.

Depending on the color palette used for coloring, highlighting can be divided into 4 types:

1. California highlighting;
2. American Colors staining;
3. red highlighting;
4. Crazy Colors coloring.

The main feature of all types of American highlighting is the creation of beautiful color transitions and highlights on the hair. With their help, you can visually increase the volume of your hair and revive it.

The more shades dark hair is dyed in, the more impressive the haircut will look. Various styling methods can further transform a girl’s appearance.

The above types of American highlighting differ in the range of shades and the tasks assigned to them.

California highlighting

By dyeing dark hair with shades that match California highlights, you can see stunning results. A professional hairdresser is able to create the effect of beautifully burnt hair in this way, that is, even in winter, the hairstyle will be reminiscent of warm summer and bright sun. This option can be used even by blondes.

American Colors and red highlights

These types of coloring look very natural, but at the same time make the hair brighter and richer. Both options are usually chosen by those who do not want to radically change their image and hair color.

This American highlighting is suitable for extravagant girls who are not afraid to change and experiment with their hair. It denies naturalness, since in this case only eccentric and truly “crazy” colors are used.

All types of American highlighting, except for the Californian technique, are used only on dark short and long hair. American Colors, Crazy Colors and red highlights can look messy and even vulgar on light-colored hair.

When applying the dye, foil is always present, and usually the master uses this material in various shades. This is very convenient, since you can clearly see in what sequence different strands of hair were dyed.

When choosing American highlighting, it is best to go to a professional salon. Only a specialist can choose the right range of colors and apply them correctly to the hair. When highlighting yourself, it is almost impossible to get a spectacular result.

American highlighting technique: step-by-step instructions

The technique for creating this type of highlighting depends not only on the effect to be obtained, but also on the technological techniques of the master. That is why there can be many options for performing highlighting in the American style.

For example, the Californian technique is necessarily performed with the so-called color stretching, because naturally bleached hair at the roots always looks darker than at the ends.

Watch a video of how it's done two-tone American highlights for blonde hair:

To perform highlighting in American Colors style you will need:

• gloves,
• foil in the form of strips (it must be taken in several colors - one tone per shade of paint that will be applied to the curls in the process),
• plastic container,
• brush,
• comb
• blanket on the shoulders.

American highlighting step by step:

After the effect of the paint is over, you need to properly rinse it off. The foil must be removed sequentially: first from the most saturated colors (dark strands), then move on to light shades. This will help avoid mixing colors, and the highlights will turn out clean and beautiful.

After completely removing the dyes, it is advisable to apply a special color protection product to freshly dyed dark hair.

Thanks to American highlighting, dark curls take on a completely different look: the hairstyle becomes voluminous and lively. If you don’t want to dye your hair a color that is very different from your native shade, you can choose this type of highlighting. It will pleasantly update the image, and dark hair will shine with new interesting shades.