Subtle blonde highlights are easy to do at home (Wella Hair Streaking Kit)

Member Name: andyLDN

Product:	Wella Hair Streaking Kit
Date:	12/08/08 (729 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Natural look, without the high cost of proffessional highlights

Disadvantages: Check box for missing contents

With Wella's trendy ranges of hair styling products, their hair streaking kit (around £4.99) sits slightly awkwardly alongside. It looks like the packaging hasn't been updated in many years, and at least it hasn't changed at all since I first bought it in 2000. But then I guess, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

When I buy the product in Boots or Superdrug it is easy to locate. (This is important, because as a male I don't want to be spotted in the hair dye aisle) I just quickly grab the blue box with woman on the front with a boyish haircut who looks like she just stepped out of 1992 and go.

However one thing I have learned is to check the contents of the box as on two or three occassions, I have found the cap to be missing which was particularly annoying. The box should contain one each of:

Cream Developer
Lightening Powder
Highlighting Cap
Mixing Tray
Applicator Brush with Hook
Plastic Gloves
Conditioning Shampoo
Instructions


Although the image on the box may put you off, it is easy to achieve a really natural look. Infact, at the hairdressers, on several occassions the stylist thought I had it done proffessionally.

At this point I should say, I am male, have short to medium length hair which is naturally mousy blonde.

When you open the pack, everything is pretty straight forward but make sure you read the instructions first which also includes details of how to test the product on the hairs on your arm first, should you have an allergy. Also, allow about 2 hours for the entire process.

Before you start I would recommend locking all doors, as you'll look so ridiculous applying the highlights, as its tempting for cohabitors to take photos of you with their mobile phones which could end up on the internet.

Although if doing this for the first time, you may want someone to help you, but it can be done alone. Make sure it's a good friend! The first stage requires you to place the plastic highlighter cap on your head and tie under your chin. The cap has many tiny holes in it, and through these holes you need to pull through strands of hair with the hook that you wish to be highlighted. Remember the more hair you pull through each hole, the blonder the hair will appear. I prefer pulling less hair through for a subtle look.

Put on the gloves and cover anything around you wish to protect from the bleach incase of spillages. I just put down an old towel. Then blend together the cream developer and lightening powder together in the mixing tray with the brush until it forms a smooth paste. Brush this over your hair evenly so everything is fully covered. After this, throw away the mixing tray, brush and remaining paste and wait for the colour to develop according to the times given in the instructions. For my hair, I get the best colour by leaving the colour on for 50 minutes.

Then rinse your hair with the cap still on to remove the excess, then take off the cap and wash your hair with the supplied conditioning shampoo and you're done!

Summary: I have used this for many years and am always pleased with the results