2. Sun-Kissed Mocha Highlights
If you want to maintain a primarily dark appearance but crave a touch of brightness, sun-kissed mocha highlights are your best friend. This technique involves painting very fine, subtle ribbons of a lighter, warmer mocha through a darker base. Because the highlights are only one or two shades lighter than your natural color, the effect is understated and incredibly natural. It mimics the way hair lightens after a long summer, giving you a fresh, youthful look that brightens the complexion without requiring the heavy maintenance or damage associated with traditional high-contrast blonde highlighting.
How to Make
Section your hair into manageable parts. Using a balayage technique, hand-paint thin, diagonal sections starting from the mid-lengths down to the ends, ensuring the pieces closer to your face are slightly lighter. By avoiding a heavy root application, you maintain a soft, lived-in feel. After the lightener processes to the desired soft mocha level, rinse and apply a warm-toned toner to bridge the gap between your natural base and the new highlights. This step is crucial for achieving that “sun-kissed” warmth rather than an ash-toned look. Use a lightweight, hydrating leave-in conditioner after styling to maintain the health of the highlighted strands.
Things Needed
- Clay-based lightener
- 20-volume developer
- Warm mocha toner
- Balayage paddle
- Tail comb
- Leave-in hydrating conditioner
- Microfiber towel
