Are you tired of spending hundreds of dollars on salon highlights? Do you want to achieve a lighter, brighter hair color without the hefty price tag? If so, you’re in luck. Lightening spray is a game-changing product that allows you to get highlights at home, without the need for foils or a professional stylist. In this article, we’ll show you how to use lightening spray to achieve salon-quality highlights from the comfort of your own home.
What is Lightening Spray?
Lightening spray is a type of hair lightener that comes in a spray bottle. It’s typically used to add highlights or dimension to your hair, and can be applied to specific sections or all over. Lightening spray is usually ammonia-free, making it a gentler alternative to traditional hair bleach. It’s also relatively easy to use, as it can be applied directly to your hair without the need for foils or a developer.
How Does Lightening Spray Work?
Lightening spray works by using a combination of hydrogen peroxide and other lightening agents to break down the pigment in your hair. When you apply the spray to your hair, the lightening agents penetrate the hair shaft and lift the color, resulting in a lighter, brighter shade. The amount of lift you achieve will depend on the type of lightening spray you use, as well as your natural hair color and porosity.
Choosing the Right Lightening Spray
With so many lightening sprays on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a lightening spray:
- Desired level of lift: If you’re looking for a subtle, natural-looking highlight, you may want to choose a lightening spray that’s formulated for a lower level of lift (e.g. 1-2 levels). If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, you may want to choose a spray that’s formulated for a higher level of lift (e.g. 3-4 levels).
- Hair type: If you have dry or damaged hair, you may want to choose a lightening spray that’s formulated with nourishing ingredients, such as argan oil or coconut oil. If you have oily hair, you may want to choose a spray that’s formulated to help control oil and add volume.
- Color deposit: Some lightening sprays deposit color as they lift, while others do not. If you’re looking to add a specific tone or color to your hair, you may want to choose a spray that deposits color.
Popular Lightening Sprays
Here are a few popular lightening sprays that you may want to consider:
- L’Oréal Professionnel Blondifier Lightening Spray: This spray is formulated to provide up to 4 levels of lift, and is suitable for use on both virgin and colored hair.
- Wella Blondor Lightening Spray: This spray is formulated to provide up to 3 levels of lift, and is suitable for use on both virgin and colored hair.
- Joico Vero K-Pak Lightening Spray: This spray is formulated to provide up to 2 levels of lift, and is suitable for use on both virgin and colored hair.
How to Use Lightening Spray
Using lightening spray is relatively easy, but it does require some caution and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using lightening spray:
Pre-Lightening Prep
Before you start using lightening spray, make sure to:
- Wash your hair: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or impurities.
- Towel-dry your hair: Towel-dry your hair until it’s damp, but not soaking wet.
- Section your hair: Section your hair into the areas where you want to apply the lightening spray.
Applying the Lightening Spray
To apply the lightening spray, follow these steps:
- Shake the can: Shake the can of lightening spray well before use.
- Spray the lightening spray: Spray the lightening spray onto the sections of hair you want to lighten, holding the can 6-8 inches away from your hair.
- Massage the spray into your hair: Use your fingers or a tint brush to massage the lightening spray into your hair, making sure to saturate the hair evenly.
Processing Time
The processing time for lightening spray will depend on the type of spray you’re using, as well as your natural hair color and porosity. Here are some general guidelines for processing time:
- 10-20 minutes: For a subtle, natural-looking highlight, process the lightening spray for 10-20 minutes.
- 20-30 minutes: For a more dramatic change, process the lightening spray for 20-30 minutes.
Rinsing and Toning
After processing the lightening spray, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear. If you want to add a specific tone or color to your hair, you can use a toner after rinsing out the lightening spray.
Tips and Tricks for Using Lightening Spray
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when using lightening spray:
- Always follow the instructions: Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully, and take the recommended processing time into account.
- Do a strand test: Before applying the lightening spray to your entire head, do a strand test to make sure the desired results are achieved and to check for any allergic reactions.
- Use a conditioning treatment: After using lightening spray, use a deep conditioning treatment to help nourish and moisturize your hair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using lightening spray:
- Over-processing: Don’t over-process the lightening spray, as this can cause damage and dryness to your hair.
- Not following the instructions: Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully, and take the recommended processing time into account.
- Not doing a strand test: Always do a strand test before applying the lightening spray to your entire head, to make sure the desired results are achieved and to check for any allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Lightening spray is a great way to achieve salon-quality highlights at home, without the need for foils or a professional stylist. By following the instructions carefully and taking the recommended processing time into account, you can achieve a lighter, brighter hair color that’s tailored to your individual needs. Remember to always do a strand test, use a conditioning treatment after use, and avoid common mistakes such as over-processing and not following the instructions. With a little practice and patience, you can achieve the highlights of your dreams with lightening spray.
What is Lightening Spray and how does it work?
Lightening Spray is a hair lightening product designed to help users achieve salon-quality highlights at home. It works by using a combination of hydrogen peroxide and other lightening agents to break down the pigment in the hair shaft, resulting in a lighter color.
The spray is typically applied to the hair in sections, and then left to process for a specified amount of time before being rinsed out. The length of time the spray is left on the hair will depend on the desired level of lightening, as well as the individual’s hair type and condition.
Is Lightening Spray suitable for all hair types?
Lightening Spray can be used on most hair types, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Those with very damaged or over-processed hair may want to exercise caution when using the product, as it can cause further dryness and breakage. Additionally, those with previously colored or chemically treated hair may need to take extra precautions to ensure the desired results.
It’s also important to note that Lightening Spray may not be suitable for those with certain hair textures, such as very curly or tightly coiled hair. In these cases, it may be more difficult to achieve even coverage and results.
How do I apply Lightening Spray to my hair?
To apply Lightening Spray, start by sectioning your hair and putting on a pair of gloves to protect your skin from staining. Then, spray the product onto the hair, making sure to saturate the sections evenly. Be careful not to overlap or apply too much product to one area, as this can cause uneven lightening.
Once the product is applied, use a tint brush or applicator bottle to gently work the product into the hair, making sure to saturate the ends as well as the roots. Then, leave the product on for the recommended amount of time before rinsing it out with warm water.
How long does it take to see results from Lightening Spray?
The amount of time it takes to see results from Lightening Spray will depend on the individual’s hair type and the desired level of lightening. Generally, the product will start to take effect within 20-30 minutes, with the full results visible after 45-60 minutes.
It’s also important to note that the results may vary depending on the individual’s hair porosity and condition. Those with more porous hair may see faster results, while those with less porous hair may need to leave the product on for a longer period of time.
Can I use Lightening Spray on previously colored hair?
Yes, Lightening Spray can be used on previously colored hair, but it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure the desired results. Before applying the product, make sure to perform a strand test to check the condition of the hair and the desired level of lightening.
It’s also important to note that Lightening Spray may not lift the color evenly, especially if the previous color was a dark or vibrant shade. In these cases, it may be necessary to use a color corrector or toner to achieve the desired results.
Is Lightening Spray safe to use at home?
Lightening Spray is generally safe to use at home, but it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to avoid any adverse reactions. Before using the product, make sure to perform a patch test to check for any sensitivity or allergic reactions.
It’s also important to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes. Additionally, make sure to rinse the product out thoroughly and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to help hydrate the hair.
Can I achieve salon-quality results with Lightening Spray?
Yes, it is possible to achieve salon-quality results with Lightening Spray, but it may require some practice and patience. To get the best results, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and take the necessary precautions to avoid any adverse reactions.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations and understand that the results may vary depending on the individual’s hair type and condition. With the right technique and a bit of practice, it’s possible to achieve professional-looking highlights at home with Lightening Spray.