Important Considerations:
* Condition of the Hair: Bleached hair is inherently damaged and porous. Adding more chemicals, even for lowlights, can cause further damage, breakage, and dryness. Make sure your hair is in good condition before proceeding. Focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein masks for several weeks prior.
* Level Difference: The color of the lowlights should be significantly darker than the bleached hair. Be realistic, and it's best to go a few shades darker than your target rather than going for a drastic change that could leave you with unwanted tones.
* Filler is Key (Potentially): If the bleached hair is very light (level 9 or 10) and you're going for lowlights that are several shades darker, you might need a filler. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural pigment, leaving it difficult for new color to grab onto. A filler adds some of the missing underlying tones back into the hair, helping the lowlights adhere better and preventing them from turning muddy or ashy.
* Developer Volume: Use a low-volume developer (10 volume or less) when applying the lowlights. This will help deposit the color without lifting the already lightened hair and causing further damage.
* Tone: Choose lowlight colors that complement your skin tone and the base color of your hair. Avoiding colors that clash with your skin tone will help achieve the desired effect.
* Strand Test: ALWAYS do a strand test before applying the lowlights to your entire head. This allows you to see how the color will take, how your hair will react, and make any necessary adjustments to the formula or application time.
* Application Technique: Be precise with your application to avoid overlap. Overlapping the lowlight color onto previously bleached areas can create unwanted dark spots or banding. Use a balayage or foil technique to strategically place the lowlights.
* Timing: Process the lowlights for the minimum amount of time necessary to achieve the desired color. Over-processing can lead to damage and unwanted color results.
* Professional Recommendation: It's highly recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess the condition of your hair, determine the best lowlight color and formula for your hair, and apply the color safely and effectively.
In Summary:
Putting lowlights on bleached hair is possible but requires careful planning, assessment, and execution. Prioritize the health of your hair, use gentle products, and consider seeking professional help to achieve the best results and avoid damage.