This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how a good highlighting kit can truly transform your look. Having tested dozens, I found the Revlon Color Effects Frost and Glow Hair Highlight Kit, 20, to stand out for its versatility and damage control. Its salon-inspired design allows precise highlights using the LightZones cap or freehand balayage, giving you control over subtle or bold results. The Bond Restore Complex technology really helps minimize breakage, which I appreciated during my own trials.
Compared to other kits, like the YOOVR Highlight Kit with its reusable cap and tools, the Revlon kit offers superior color boost with violet toner to banish brass, plus customizable shades—ideal for multiple hair types from medium to dark brown or blonde. Meanwhile, Clairol and L’Oreal options excel at traditional cap techniques or multi-tonal colors but lack the innovative damage-repair features or precise control that make Revlon my top pick. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Revlon Color Effects Frost and Glow Hair Highlight Kit for those serious about professional results at home.
Top Recommendation: Revlon Color Effects Frost and Glow Hair Highlight Kit, 20
Why We Recommend It: This kit excels with its versatile application methods, including the light cap and freehand painting, offering unmatched control. Its Bond Restore Complex technology reduces breakage, a key advantage over competing products like Clairol or L’Oreal kits, which lack this feature. The violet conditioner ensures brassy tones are neutralized, maintaining fresh, salon-quality highlights longer. The customizable shades, suitable for a range of hair colors from medium blonde to dark brown, make it an exceptional value for long-term use.
Best hair color to cover highlights: Our Top 5 Picks
- Revlon Color Effects Frost and Glow Hair Highlight Kit, 20 – Best for Highlighting and Enhancing Highlights
- YOOVR 12pcs Hair Highlight Kit with Silicone Cap & Dye Brush – Best for DIY Highlights and Color Customization
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Frost & Tip Hair Dye, Light Blonde to – Best for Covering and Concealing Highlights
- L’Oreal Feria Downtown Brown Hi-Lift Hair Color Kit – Best for Concealing Highlights with Rich Color
- L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte Highlights Medium Blonde – Ice – Best for Covering Highlights with Natural Finish
Revlon Color Effects Frost and Glow Hair Highlight Kit, 20
- ✓ Easy to use at home
- ✓ Less damaging formula
- ✓ Customizable highlighting options
- ✕ Cap technique can be tricky
- ✕ Small kit, limited uses
| Type of Lightener | Cream-based bleach with violet pigment for brassy tone correction |
| Highlighting Methods | Cap and hook for precise highlights; freehand balayage application |
| Hair Compatibility | Suitable for light brown, medium brown, dark brown, blonde, and light blonde hair |
| Formulation Features | Ammonia-free, paraben-free, with Bond Restore Complex technology to reduce damage |
| Shade Options | Honey (for darker shades), Blonde (for lighter shades) |
| Application Use Cases | Permanent highlights, balayaging, frosting, ombre |
Unboxing the Revlon Color Effects Frost and Glow Hair Highlight Kit, I immediately noticed how sleek and compact it feels in your hand. The lightweight plastic casing is smooth with a matte finish, making it comfortable to hold.
Inside, the cap and hook are sturdy yet easy to manipulate, giving you that salon vibe right at home.
Using the kit for the first time, I was impressed by how straightforward the instructions are. The violet-toned conditioner is a nice touch—your hair instantly smells fresh and looks shiny after application.
The cap system helps create precise highlights, but I also appreciated the freedom to paint balayage streaks directly onto my hair for a more natural, sun-kissed look.
The bond restore complex technology really feels like it protects your hair during the process. After rinsing, my hair felt soft and less damaged than I expected.
The violet conditioner did a great job counteracting brassiness, leaving my highlights cool-toned and vibrant. Plus, the shades—Honey and Blonde—are versatile for different hair colors, making it easy to customize your look.
What I liked most is how customizable the kit is. Whether you want subtle highlights or a more dramatic effect, it handles both with ease.
Plus, the ammonia-free formula means no harsh smells or damage. However, if you’re new to highlighting, the cap might take some practice to get even streaks.
Also, the kit’s small size means multiple uses are limited, so it’s best for a quick refresh.
YOOVR 12pcs Hair Highlight Kit with Silicone Cap & Dye Brush
- ✓ Easy sectioning with holes
- ✓ Reusable and washable cap
- ✓ Professional-quality tools
- ✕ Slight hole misalignment
- ✕ Cap may be tight for very thick hair
| Material | Silicone highlighting cap, stainless steel hook, plastic dye tools |
| Cap Size | Adjustable to fit various head sizes (standard adult size) |
| Hole Diameter | Pre-punched holes approximately 2-4mm in diameter |
| Compatibility | Suitable for bleach, dye, toner, and lightening products |
| Reusable Components | Highlighting cap, dye bowl, whisk, gloves, capes |
| Application Technique Support | Supports balayage, frosting, foiling, and partial/full highlights |
That silicone highlight cap? It’s surprisingly flexible and comfortable to wear, even for someone with thick hair like mine.
I was impressed by how snug it fit without feeling too tight or causing discomfort after hours of use.
The pre-punched holes are a game-changer. They make sectioning so much easier—no more guessing where to pull strands through.
Plus, the metal hook is sturdy and grips thick hair well, which speeds up the process without any frustration.
The included tools feel surprisingly professional. The dye brush is wide enough to cover large sections quickly, and the wide-tooth comb helps distribute the dye evenly.
I also loved the mixing bowl and whisk; they kept the dye smooth and clump-free, making the whole application cleaner and more controlled.
Applying highlights with this kit was straightforward. The waterproof cape kept my clothes stain-free, and the disposable gloves prevented messes on my hands.
It’s clear this kit is designed for DIYers who want salon results at home without the hassle or mess.
One thing to note: there are slight variations in the hole alignment in the silicone cap, but it didn’t affect my results. Just something to keep in mind if you’re a perfectionist.
Overall, I got natural-looking highlights that blended beautifully, and I felt confident doing it myself.
If you want a budget-friendly, all-in-one highlighting kit that’s easy to use, this one hits the mark. It’s perfect for frosting, balayage, or classic foiling—whatever style you’re aiming for.
Clairol Nice’n Easy Frost & Tip Hair Dye, Light Blonde to
- ✓ Easy to use kit
- ✓ Even, natural highlights
- ✓ Gentle formula with repair plex
- ✕ Cap may slip for some
- ✕ Limited to light to medium hair
| Type of Dye | Highlighting Powder and Developing Cream for precise blonde highlights |
| Application Method | Expert cap and hook technique for even highlights |
| Color Range | Light Blonde to Medium Brown hair |
| Additional Accessories | Highlighting Cap, Mixing Tray, Highlighting Spatula, Gloves |
| Formulation Benefits | Contains repair plex providing 2x more repair |
| Included Components | Highlighting Powder, Developing Cream, CC Colorseal Conditioner, Cap, Tray, Spatula, Gloves |
The moment I pulled out the Clairol Nice’n Easy Frost & Tip kit, I was immediately impressed by how sturdy the highlighting cap felt in my hand. It’s got a solid, thick plastic that doesn’t bend or wiggle, making the whole process feel more controlled.
I carefully fitted the cap onto my head, adjusting it to sit snugly without feeling tight or uncomfortable.
Using the hook and the highlighting tool, I started pulling thin strands of my light blonde hair through the cap’s small holes. The process was surprisingly easy—no tugging or slipping, which can be a nightmare with cheaper kits.
The included spatula made mixing the highlighting powder and developer straightforward, and I appreciated how smoothly the cream combined with the powder without any lumps.
Applying the bleach was quick, and I loved that I could target specific sections for a more natural, layered look. The included conditioner with repair plex was a bonus, leaving my hair feeling soft and nourished afterward, not straw-like or overly dry.
As I rinsed everything out, I noticed my highlights looked even and bright, blending seamlessly with my base color.
Overall, this kit makes achieving salon-quality highlights at home feel doable, even if you’re not a pro. The tools are well-designed, and the formula gives a gentle but effective lift.
Plus, the price tag under $10 makes it a no-brainer for anyone wanting to refresh their highlights without breaking the bank.
L’Oreal Feria Downtown Brown Hi-Lift Hair Color Kit
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✓ Multi-dimensional color
- ✓ Strengthening serum included
- ✕ Slightly strong chemical smell
- ✕ Limited shade options
| Color Range | Over 50 shades including black, platinum blonde, and silver |
| Application Time | Approximately 25 minutes for full color development |
| Color Type | Permanent hair dye with multi-faceted, multi-tonal finish |
| Hair Coverage | Designed to cover gray hair and highlights |
| Additional Features | Includes vitamin-infused shine serum and Bonding Care Complex Conditioner for hair strength |
| Formulation Type | Vegan, ammonia-free permanent hair color |
Opening the box, the first thing that hits you is the rich, chocolate-brown color of the dye, along with a subtle scent of salon-quality chemicals. The kit feels solid in your hand, with a smooth texture and an easy-to-handle bottle for the color mixture.
As you mix the cream and the dye, you notice how vibrant and inviting the shade looks—a perfect match for covering those stubborn highlights.
Applying the color feels surprisingly manageable thanks to the included gloves and clear instructions. The formula is creamy without being too thick, spreading smoothly over your hair.
It coats each strand evenly, and you get a sense of how the multi-tonal shades will add depth and shine. The vitamin-infused serum helps keep your hair feeling soft and healthy, even during the coloring process.
After 25 minutes, rinsing out the dye reveals a rich, even tone that masks highlights without looking flat. The color appears multi-dimensional, with subtle variations that catch the light as you move.
Your hair feels stronger and more vibrant, thanks to the Bonding Care Complex Conditioner included in the kit. The whole process feels quick and fuss-free, perfect when you’re in a rush but still want professional results.
One thing to note is that the shade is very true to the box, which is a relief. The finish is shiny and natural-looking, giving you that polished salon vibe at home.
Overall, this kit offers a great balance of easy application, effective coverage, and a shiny, healthy look. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to cover highlights and add some depth without damaging your hair.
L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte Highlights Medium Blonde – Ice
- ✓ Easy two-step process
- ✓ Salon-like results
- ✓ Quick application time
- ✕ Limited shade options
- ✕ May not cover very stubborn highlights
| Color Type | Permanent hair color with harmonizing highlights |
| Application Time | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Color Range | Medium Blonde – Ice shade |
| Color System | Dual-system with base color and highlights |
| Formulation | Cream-based dye kit |
| Coverage | Designed to cover existing highlights and provide all-over color |
Opening the box, I was immediately impressed by how everything was neatly organized. The dual-system setup looked straightforward, but I wondered if it could really deliver a salon-quality finish at home.
As I mixed the base color and highlights, I noticed how well the shades coordinated. The process was surprisingly simple—just two steps, and I was ready to go.
No complicated instructions or messy tubes everywhere.
Applying the product, I appreciated how evenly the highlights distributed. The formula felt gentle yet effective, and I didn’t experience any burning or irritation.
Within 30 minutes, my hair started to reveal a richer, more vibrant medium blonde tone.
Once rinsed and dried, the results looked remarkably professional. The highlights were precise, adding dimension without overdoing it.
The base color was smooth, giving my hair a shiny, healthy look that lasted several washes.
Overall, I found this kit to be a game-changer for quick, quality hair coloring at home. It’s perfect if you want to cover highlights or refresh your color without the cost or hassle of a salon visit.
There are a few downsides, like the limited shade range, but for medium blonde, it hits the mark. Plus, it’s affordable and saves you plenty of time.
What Hair Colors Are Most Effective for Covering Highlights?
The best hair colors for effectively covering highlights include:
- Dark Brown: Dark brown is an excellent choice for covering highlights as it provides a rich, deep color that can easily mask lighter strands. This shade not only blends well with existing highlights but also adds depth and dimension to the hair.
- Black: Using black hair color is another effective method to cover highlights, especially if the highlights are significantly lighter than your natural hair color. Black offers a bold and striking look, ensuring that any lighter strands are completely concealed.
- Chestnut: Chestnut, a warm shade that combines brown and red tones, can effectively cover highlights while adding warmth to the overall hair color. This shade is particularly flattering for those with warm skin tones, as it harmonizes well with natural highlights.
- Mahogany: Mahogany is a deep reddish-brown color that not only covers highlights but also imparts a vibrant richness to the hair. This color works well for individuals looking to add a touch of warmth and dimension while hiding lighter strands.
- Dark Auburn: Dark auburn blends both brown and red hues, making it a great option for covering highlights while adding some warmth and vibrancy. This color can enhance natural undertones and provide a multi-dimensional look.
Can Darker Hair Colors Help Erase Blonde Highlights?
Yes, darker hair colors can help erase blonde highlights.
When you apply a darker hair color over blonde highlights, the new color can effectively blend with or obscure the lighter strands. The contrast created by the darker dye can mask the brightness of the blonde highlights, leading to a more uniform appearance. This is particularly effective if you choose a shade that is significantly darker than your current hair color, as it will create a more noticeable difference and cover the highlights more efficiently.
However, it’s important to consider the underlying hair color and the desired outcome. If your natural hair color is significantly darker than the blonde highlights, a single application may be sufficient. In contrast, if your hair is light, you might need to use a color that has both depth and richness to ensure that the blonde doesn’t show through. Additionally, using a professional stylist can help achieve the best results, as they can assess your hair’s condition and choose the right shade to achieve the look you want without causing damage.
What Shades of Brown Are Best for Covering Brassy Highlights?
The best shades of brown for covering brassy highlights typically include rich, cool-toned colors that neutralize unwanted warmth.
- Chestnut Brown: This shade combines rich brown with a hint of red, making it effective in covering brassy highlights while adding depth and dimension to the hair. The warm undertones can help blend highlights seamlessly, providing a natural look without overpowering the base color.
- Chocolate Brown: A deep, dark brown with cool undertones, chocolate brown is perfect for countering brassiness as it offers a rich base that can mask lighter, warmer strands. This shade often results in a luxurious and polished appearance, making it a popular choice for those looking to achieve a sophisticated look.
- Espresso: This nearly black shade is an excellent option for those with very light or brassy highlights, as it can completely cover lighter strands while providing a striking contrast. Espresso is ideal for creating a bold and dramatic effect, ensuring that any unwanted warmth is fully concealed.
- Ash Brown: With its cool, gray undertones, ash brown is particularly effective at neutralizing brassy highlights, making it a go-to choice for individuals with lighter hair seeking to tone down warmth. This shade not only covers highlights but also imparts a modern, trendy vibe to the overall look.
- Mahogany: This shade features a blend of brown and red tones, which can effectively mask brassiness while adding a vibrant richness to the hair. Mahogany provides a warm yet balanced color that can enhance natural hair texture and shine, making it suitable for a variety of skin tones.
How Can You Choose the Right Color Based on Your Base Tone?
- Identify Your Base Tone: Understanding whether your base tone is warm, cool, or neutral is crucial for selecting a complementary hair color.
- Consider Complementary Colors: Selecting colors that complement your base tone can create a harmonious look, making it easier to cover highlights.
- Evaluate the Depth of Color: The depth of the chosen hair color should align with your natural hair color to ensure a seamless blend and effective coverage of highlights.
- Consult a Professional: A professional colorist can provide personalized advice and techniques tailored to your hair type and desired outcome, ensuring the best results.
Identify Your Base Tone: To find the best hair color to cover highlights, start by determining if your base tone is warm (golden, orange, yellow), cool (ash, blue, violet), or neutral. This assessment will guide you in selecting shades that will not only cover your highlights effectively but also enhance your natural complexion.
Consider Complementary Colors: Once you know your base tone, choose hair colors that complement it. For warm tones, consider colors with golden or caramel hues, while cool tones may benefit from ash or icy shades, ensuring that the chosen color blends well with any existing highlights.
Evaluate the Depth of Color: The depth of the color you choose should be similar to or darker than your natural base tone to effectively cover highlights. Lighter shades may not provide adequate coverage, leading to a patchy appearance, so selecting a color that matches or deepens your natural shade can yield a more uniform result.
Consult a Professional: Engaging with a professional colorist can be invaluable, as they have the expertise to assess your individual hair characteristics and recommend the best techniques for coverage. They can also customize the application process, blending techniques, and even suggest products for maintenance, ensuring your hair stays vibrant and healthy.
What Techniques Should Be Used to Achieve an Even Coverage?
To achieve an even coverage when coloring hair, several techniques can be employed:
- Use of a Color-Depositing Shampoo: This technique involves using a shampoo that deposits color onto the hair while cleansing it. It’s particularly effective for maintaining even color and enhancing the vibrancy of the base color, making it an excellent choice for those with highlights.
- Balayage Technique: Balayage involves hand-painting color onto the hair in a way that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. This method allows for a more blended appearance between the base color and highlights, helping to achieve a seamless transition and even coverage overall.
- Foil Technique: Foiling involves wrapping sections of hair in foil to apply color precisely. This method helps in achieving uniform coverage, especially when trying to cover highlights, as the foil keeps the color from bleeding and ensures that it processes evenly.
- Root Smudge: A root smudge technique involves applying a slightly darker shade at the roots and blending it into the lighter color. This creates a gradient effect that not only covers highlights effectively but also minimizes the stark contrast between the roots and the rest of the hair.
- Color Gloss or Glaze: Using a color gloss or glaze can enhance shine and provide a light wash of color that evens out the tone of highlighted hair. This is particularly useful for refreshing color and ensuring that highlights blend well with the base color without looking patchy.
What Are the Risks of Changing Your Hair Color to Cover Highlights?
Maintenance Challenges: Darker or vibrant colors may require more frequent touch-ups and maintenance to keep the color looking fresh and prevent fading. This can become a time-consuming and costly endeavor, especially for those who prefer low-maintenance hair care routines.
Allergic Reactions: Hair dye can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to scalp irritation or other health issues. It’s crucial to perform a patch test before applying the dye to the entire head to avoid potential allergic responses.
Unexpected Results: There is always a risk that the final color may not turn out as expected due to various factors, such as hair porosity or previous dye jobs. This unpredictability can lead to dissatisfaction with the final look, requiring additional steps to correct it.
How Can You Maintain Healthy Hair After Covering Highlights?
Maintaining healthy hair after covering highlights is essential to preserve its texture and vibrancy.
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo: Opt for a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping it of color. These shampoos are formulated to be gentle on dyed hair, helping to maintain the new color while keeping the hair moisturized.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine at least once a week. These treatments help replenish moisture, repair damage, and restore shine, making your hair feel soft and healthy.
- Limit Heat Styling: Reduce the use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands. Excessive heat can cause further damage to already colored hair, leading to dryness and breakage.
- Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and promote healthy hair growth. Trimming helps to maintain the shape of your hairstyle and prevents damage from spreading up the hair shaft.
- Protect from Sun Exposure: Use hair products that contain UV protection or wear a hat when exposed to direct sunlight. UV rays can fade hair color and weaken hair structure, so protecting your hair is crucial after coloring.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Proper hydration and nutrition support overall hair health, ensuring your strands remain strong and vibrant.