How to paint highlights on hair at home

What you'll need

-an envelope of bleach (I used Prevana here, but you can use Kaleidocolor or BW2, which can be found at Sally's Beauty Supply)
-20 Volume creme developer (found below bleaches in the beauty supply store)
-well-fitting gloves
-a plastic color bowl (Tupperware will do, but no metal dishes!)
-a small brush (you can use a color brush from the store, but I prefer a real paint brush, bought from Wal-Mart)
-a plastic cap

Step one:

Put on your gloves before even opening the bleach packet, and try not to lean too close when doing (it may say "dust free" but it still tends to puff into the air). Measure out the amount you think you'll need into your non-reactive bowl and add the developer, mixing with your brush (remember that you can always add more later, so as not to waste anything). I never really measure out my bleach/developer combo, instead mixing until I get a consistency I like, but the rule of thumb is usually a 1:1 ratio (one ounce bleach, one ounce developer). Here I've used 20 volume developer because it is powerful enough to lift and works slowly enough so that you can watch it carefully (40 is faster, but most people wouldn't know how to watch it to prevent damage).

Step two:

This is easier with a friend helping, first of all. Using your small brush, paint streaks on the top layer of your hair, where you want them to be seen. Don't skimp on the bleach. My friend Kyle here was a very patient model for this. This "bailage" method tends to be more subtle, since it really only highlights where the sun would naturally put them anyway.

Step three:

Once your are satisfied with your placement, carefully put a shower-cap over your hair. Half of the time I end up using a plastic back twisted and held with a clip though. This holds heat in, helping your hair to lift faster, as well as keeping the bleach from drying out (dry bleach isn't working anymore!). Depending on your hair color and type, this part could take ten to forty minutes. After the first ten minutes, use a wash cloth to wipe away some of the bleach to check the color every five minutes until you reach the lift desired (paint more bleach on these areas after if not done).

Step four:

Rinse, conditon, wash, enjoy!