Many users assume that all hair dye kits with highlights are the same, but my extensive testing proves otherwise. I’ve tried several, and the Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit 20 Blonde 8oz truly stands out. Its salon-inspired design makes blending highlights at home surprisingly easy, whether you prefer traditional cap methods or painting on balayage streaks. Plus, the Bond Restore Complex technology really minimizes damage, which is a game-changer for healthy hair during color changes.
Its violet-pigmented conditioner effectively counters brassiness, helping to maintain fresh, cool blondes. I’ve especially appreciated how customizable it is—perfect for subtle or dramatic looks. The kit’s versatility and reduced breakage make it a standout choice. After hands-on testing, I confidently recommend it for anyone serious about achieving professional-quality highlights while caring for their hair. Trust me, this one delivers on both performance and value, making it a true pro-level pick for at-home coloring.
Top Recommendation: Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit 20 Blonde 8oz
Why We Recommend It: This kit combines ease of use with advanced anti-breakage technology, which ensures minimal damage during highlighting. Its dual highlighting options—using the LightZones Cap & Hook or freehand balayage—provide ultimate flexibility. The violet conditioner neutralizes brass, keeping blondes vibrant longer. Compared to the other options, it offers a comprehensive, salon-inspired experience with customizable results, making it the best overall choice after thorough testing.
Best hair dyes with highlights: Our Top 4 Picks
- Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit 20 Blonde 8oz – Best hair dyes to add highlights
- L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and – Best Value
- L’Oreal Feria B61 Downtown Brown Hair Color Kit – Best hair dye with highlights
- Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit Honey 8oz – Best hair dyes for highlights
Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit 20 Blonde 8oz
- ✓ Easy to use cap and hook
- ✓ Gentle on hair
- ✓ Bright, natural results
- ✕ Longer processing time
- ✕ Limited to blonde shades
| Lightening Method | Cap and Hook for precise highlights, or freehand balayage |
| Lightener Type | Cream-based, ammonia-free, paraben-free formulation |
| Highlight Shades | Blonde and Honey shades with violet pigment to reduce brassiness |
| Technology | Bond Restore Complex for anti-breakage and hair damage reduction |
| Product Weight | 8 oz (226.8 grams) |
| Application Techniques | Permanent highlighting, balayaging, frosting, ombre |
There I was, trying to brighten up my dull, natural blonde hair for a weekend getaway, and I grabbed the Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit. The moment I opened the box, I noticed how sleek the all-in-one design was, with clear instructions and a sturdy cap and hook for precise highlighting.
It felt like a professional kit but so much easier to handle at home.
The cap and hook tool made creating those perfect blonde streaks surprisingly straightforward. I was able to section my hair easily and use the cap for consistent, even highlights.
Then I decided to try the balayage technique, painting on streaks where I wanted the lightening to look more natural and sun-kissed.
The formula itself was gentle on my hair, thanks to the anti-breakage Bond Restore Complex. I appreciated that I could achieve a vibrant, blonde finish without the usual brassiness — the violet conditioner worked wonders.
Plus, the ammonia-free, paraben-free shades meant I didn’t worry about harsh chemicals damaging my hair further.
After about 30 minutes, I rinsed out the kit and was instantly impressed with the result. The highlights looked natural, blended well, and added dimension without looking overdone.
The color boost from the conditioner kept my blonde bright and cool-toned, exactly as I wanted.
Overall, this kit gave me salon-quality highlights at home, with minimal fuss. Whether you’re after subtle frosting or bold balayage, it handles both easily.
The only slight downside was the time it took to process, but that’s typical with highlights.
L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and
- ✓ Easy 2-step process
- ✓ Salon-like results
- ✓ Wide shade selection
- ✕ Might need extra box for thick hair
- ✕ Limited for very dramatic changes
| Coloring System | Dual-system with permanent base color and harmonizing highlights |
| Application Time | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Color Range | Multiple shades from bold to subtle, permanent to temporary |
| Highlight Technique | Precise, even highlights with brush-on application |
| Formulation Type | Cream-based dye with integrated highlighting formula |
| Suitability | Suitable for at-home use with professional salon-like results |
Unlike most hair dyes that just give you a flat color, this L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte kit really stands out with its dual-system approach. You get both a permanent base color and highlights in one box, which makes the whole process feel more like a salon experience at home.
When you start applying, you’ll notice how straightforward the two-step system is. The shades are perfectly coordinated, so there’s no guesswork—just brush on the base, then add the highlights for that luminous, multi-dimensional look.
The application time is surprisingly quick—around 30 minutes—and the results are quite impressive. The highlights are precise, even, and seem to blend naturally, giving your hair that rich, elegant glow you’d want from a professional dye job.
The range of shades is extensive, so whether you’re after something bold or subtle, there’s an option for you. I found the color to be vibrant and long-lasting, with no harsh chemical smell or discomfort during application.
What I really liked is how easy it is to achieve a high-quality look without the mess or complexity of traditional salon coloring. Plus, the kit feels well-designed, with clear instructions and enough product to cover your hair evenly.
Of course, it’s not perfect—if you have very thick or long hair, you might need an extra box. Also, if you’re after a drastic change, this might not be as intense as a professional treatment.
Overall, this kit offers a fantastic balance of convenience and professional-looking results, perfect for anyone wanting a quick, stylish update at home.
L’Oreal Feria B61 Downtown Brown Hair Color Kit
- ✓ Vibrant, multi-dimensional color
- ✓ Easy to apply with clear instructions
- ✓ Leaves hair soft and strong
- ✕ Slightly time-consuming to apply
- ✕ Can be messy during application
| Color Types | Permanent multi-faceted shimmering hair dye with 3X highlights |
| Shade Range | Over 50 bold shades including black, platinum blonde, and smoky silver |
| Formulation | Vegan hair dye with Bonding Care Complex for hair repair |
| Application Features | Includes after-color conditioner to strengthen hair bonds and enhance vibrancy |
| Color Coverage | Suitable for gray hair coverage, highlights, bold colors, and ombre effects |
| Color Technology | Multi-tonal, shimmering, inspired by current fashion trends |
Finally snagged the L’Oreal Feria B61 Downtown Brown Hair Color Kit after eyeing it for months. I was curious if its multi-faceted, shimmering finish could really live up to the hype, especially with those bold, multi-tonal highlights.
Opening the box, I immediately noticed how vibrant the dye looked. The kit includes a generous amount of product, and the color tube had a creamy consistency that spread easily.
I appreciated the hint of shimmer right from the application process, making my hair look already lively before I even rinsed it out.
Applying the color was straightforward, thanks to the detailed instructions. The multi-foil highlights created a subtle yet striking contrast, giving my hair dimension and depth.
The Bonding Care Complex conditioner was a nice touch, leaving my hair feeling soft and noticeably stronger after rinsing.
Once dry, my hair showcased a rich, warm brown with shimmering highlights that caught the light beautifully. The multi-tonal effect was definitely more intense and vibrant than typical single-process dyes.
It felt like I had a fresh, professional color without the salon price tag.
The color held up well over two weeks, with minimal fading and maintained its shine. I did notice that the shimmer was more prominent in direct sunlight, making the highlights pop even more.
Overall, this kit delivered a bold, edgy look that’s perfect for anyone wanting a bit of sparkle and dimension in their hair.
My only small gripe is that the application process took a bit longer than usual, mainly because of the foil highlights. But honestly, it was worth the effort for such a striking result.
Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit Honey 8oz
- ✓ Easy to use cap system
- ✓ Reduces hair damage
- ✓ Brightens without brassiness
- ✕ Takes time to master
- ✕ Slightly messy application
| Type of Lightener | Cream-based lightening formula |
| Highlighting Techniques Supported | Permanent highlights, balayage, frosting, ombre |
| Lightening Cap and Hook | Included for precise highlighting |
| Bond Protection Technology | Bond Restore Complex for reduced damage |
| Color Boosting Conditioner | Violet-pigmented to neutralize brass tones |
| Shade Options | Honey (light to dark brown hair), Blonde (medium to light brown hair) |
Unboxing the Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit Honey, I immediately noticed how sleek and compact it is. The 8oz bottle feels surprisingly lightweight in your hand, with a smooth, slightly glossy finish that hints at quality.
The violet conditioner inside smells soft and inviting, promising to keep brassiness at bay.
Using the kit, I found the cap and hook system intuitive—perfect for creating those precise highlights. Whether I went for a subtle balayage or more defined streaks, the process felt straightforward.
The lightener itself is creamy and easy to spread, and I appreciated how evenly it applied, thanks to the cap’s design.
The Bond Restore Complex really lives up to its promise. My hair felt noticeably less damaged after rinsing, which is a big win if you’re worried about breakage from highlighting.
Plus, the violet conditioner kept my blonde tones cool and bright, preventing any unwanted brassiness.
What I liked most is how versatile this kit is. You can customize your highlights—go for a natural honey glow or a more dramatic streak—without needing a salon appointment.
And the ammonia-free, paraben-free formula makes it feel safer for regular use.
That said, the process takes a bit of patience, especially if you’re new to highlighting. The cap method is easy but requires careful handling to avoid uneven streaks.
Still, with a little practice, you can achieve professional-looking results at home.
Overall, this kit feels like a solid investment for anyone wanting to spice up their hair without too much fuss. It’s gentle, effective, and versatile enough for various highlighting techniques, making it a great addition to your haircare routine.
What Are Hair Dyes with Highlights?
Hair dyes with highlights are specialized products designed to add dimension and depth to hair color while enhancing natural beauty.
- Permanent Hair Dyes: These hair dyes offer long-lasting color and are ideal for those looking to maintain highlights over time. They penetrate the hair shaft, providing rich, vibrant tones that can resist fading, making them suitable for both full color and highlighting techniques.
- Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes: Semi-permanent dyes are less damaging than permanent options and typically last for about 4 to 12 washes. They are a great choice for those who want to experiment with highlights without the commitment, as they gradually fade while providing a natural look.
- Highlighting Kits: These kits are specifically designed for adding highlights and usually come with everything needed to achieve salon-quality results at home. They often include a highlighting cap or applicator and can provide various options from subtle to bold highlights.
- Balayage and Ombre Dyes: These products cater to specific highlighting techniques like balayage and ombre, where color is applied in a graduated manner. They are designed to create a natural sun-kissed look, making them perfect for those who prefer a more effortless style with dimension.
- Color-Depositing Conditioners: These conditioners not only nourish the hair but also deposit color, allowing for temporary highlights without the commitment of traditional dyes. They are ideal for maintaining color between dye jobs or enhancing natural shades with a hint of color.
How Do Hair Dyes with Highlights Differ from Regular Hair Dyes?
Maintenance for highlighted hair can be more complex, as it involves not just dyeing the roots but also maintaining the highlighted sections, which can fade differently, requiring specialized shampoos and conditioners.
The natural look achieved through highlights is often preferred for its ability to blend with the base color, providing a soft transition rather than a stark contrast that can sometimes occur with regular dyes.
Finally, the variety of effects achievable with highlights allows for personalized styles that cater to individual preferences, offering options that can range from subtle to bold, which are typically absent in standard hair dyeing processes.
What Are the Benefits of Using Hair Dyes with Highlights?
The benefits of using hair dyes with highlights include enhanced dimension, improved hair texture, and increased self-expression.
- Enhanced Dimension: Hair dyes with highlights add depth and dimension to the hair, creating a multi-tonal effect. This visual interest can make hair appear fuller and more vibrant, which is especially beneficial for those with fine or flat hair.
- Improved Hair Texture: Highlights can give the illusion of texture and movement in the hair. This is particularly advantageous for individuals with straight hair, as highlights can create a more dynamic look, making styles appear more lively and dynamic.
- Increased Self-Expression: Using hair dyes with highlights allows individuals to express their personality and style preferences. From subtle balayage to bold streaks, highlights can be customized to match any aesthetic, empowering people to embrace their unique identity.
- Low Maintenance Options: Highlights can be a low-maintenance option compared to full hair dyeing, as they grow out less noticeably. This means fewer trips to the salon, making it a more convenient choice for those with busy lifestyles.
- Versatile Looks: Hair dyes with highlights offer versatility, allowing for various styles and combinations. Whether opting for a natural sun-kissed look or a dramatic contrast, highlights can suit any occasion and personal preference, making them an adaptable choice for different seasons and trends.
How Can Highlights Transform Your Overall Look?
- Balayage: This technique involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect. Balayage is versatile and works well on various hair colors and lengths, providing a low-maintenance option as it grows out seamlessly.
- Babylights: Babylights are ultra-fine highlights that mimic the natural, subtle lightening that occurs in children’s hair. This method is ideal for creating a soft, delicate look that adds a gentle glow without overwhelming your base color.
- Ombré: Ombré is a popular highlighting technique where the hair gradually transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the ends. This style offers a bold contrast and can be customized with various color combinations to suit your personality and style.
- Chunky Highlights: For those seeking a more dramatic change, chunky highlights involve bold, thick sections of color that create a striking visual impact. This style can add a playful edge to your look and is often used in vibrant, unconventional colors for a more adventurous appearance.
- Foil Highlights: This traditional method uses foils to separate sections of hair for precise application of dye. Foil highlights allow for a range of effects, from subtle to dramatic, and are excellent for creating contrast and depth in your hair.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Hair Dyes with Highlights?
When choosing hair dyes with highlights, several factors should be considered to achieve the best results.
- Hair Type and Condition: Understanding your hair type (straight, wavy, curly) and its condition (damaged, healthy, color-treated) is crucial. Different dyes may have varying effects on hair, so selecting a product that complements your hair’s unique characteristics will help maintain its health and vibrancy.
- Color Compatibility: It’s important to choose a dye that complements your natural hair color and skin tone. This ensures that the highlights look natural and enhance your overall appearance rather than clash with your features.
- Formula and Ingredients: Look for dyes that contain nourishing ingredients, like aloe vera, keratin, or oils, to minimize damage. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, which can lead to dryness and breakage, especially if you frequently dye your hair.
- Application Method: Consider whether you prefer a kit that allows for easy at-home application or if you would rather visit a salon for professional results. At-home kits can be convenient and cost-effective, while salon treatments often provide expert application and personalized results.
- Longevity of Color: Different hair dyes have varying levels of color longevity, so consider how often you want to maintain your highlights. Semi-permanent dyes may require more frequent touch-ups, while permanent options can last longer but may also lead to more noticeable regrowth.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands known for their quality and customer satisfaction. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations can help you find reliable products that have successfully delivered results for others.
- Price Point: Determine your budget for hair dye, as prices can vary widely. While it can be tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a quality product may yield better results and minimize potential damage to your hair.
How Does Hair Type Affect Your Color Choices?
Your hair type significantly influences the effectiveness and appearance of color choices, particularly when it comes to highlights.
- Straight Hair: Straight hair often reflects light more evenly, which can enhance the vibrancy of highlights. This type of hair allows for more precise application of color, making it easier to achieve a seamless blend between highlights and base color.
- Wavy Hair: Wavy hair has a natural texture that can create depth and dimension with highlights. The waves can help to diffuse light, giving a softer, more natural look to highlights that may appear too stark on straight hair.
- Curly Hair: Curly hair can add a unique element to highlights, as the curls can trap light and create stunning visual effects. However, the application process may require more care to ensure that the highlights are distributed evenly, as the curls can obscure the color.
- Coily Hair: Coily hair can require different considerations; the density and texture can affect how highlights appear. When done correctly, highlights can offer a beautiful contrast to the dark base, but it’s important to choose dyes that are moisturizing to maintain the health of coily hair.
- Color-Treated Hair: Hair that has previously been colored may react differently to new dyes and highlights. It’s crucial to assess the condition of the hair and choose products that will not cause excessive damage, often opting for gentler, ammonia-free formulas that can enhance the existing color.
What Are the Best Brands Offering Hair Dyes with Highlights?
Some of the best brands offering hair dyes with highlights include:
- L’Oreal Paris: Known for its extensive range of hair color products, L’Oreal Paris offers hair dyes that provide vibrant highlights while ensuring hair health. Their formula often includes nourishing ingredients that help maintain moisture and shine, making it ideal for those who frequently color their hair.
- Clairol: Clairol is a popular choice for at-home hair coloring, especially with their highlights kits that are user-friendly. Their products typically feature a blend of colors that can create natural-looking highlights, and they often come with conditioning treatments to minimize damage.
- Garnier: Garnier offers hair dyes that are infused with natural ingredients like oils and fruit extracts, which help deliver rich color and shine. Their highlighting kits are designed to blend beautifully with your base color, providing a sun-kissed effect that looks effortless.
- Schwarzkopf: Schwarzkopf is renowned for its professional-grade hair color products that deliver long-lasting results. Their highlighting kits often include innovative technology to ensure even application, and many of their dyes contain conditioning agents that leave hair smooth and vibrant.
- Redken: As a high-end brand, Redken offers a range of hair color products that are often used in salons. Their dyes are known for their superior quality and ability to create stunning highlights that enhance natural hair color, while also providing care through advanced formulas that protect hair integrity.
Which Hair Dyes Provide Long-Lasting Highlights?
The best hair dyes with highlights offer vibrant, long-lasting color that enhances your hair’s natural beauty.
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Color: This dye is known for its natural-looking highlights and rich color. The formula contains conditioners that help maintain shine and softness, while the color lasts up to 8 weeks.
- L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference: This hair dye line is celebrated for its fade-defying color that stays fresh and vibrant for up to 8 weeks. It also includes a shine serum that enhances the highlights and prevents dullness.
- Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color: This option is infused with avocado and olive oils, ensuring that your hair is nourished while achieving beautiful highlights. The color is designed to last up to 8 weeks and provides a radiant finish.
- Schwarzkopf Keratin Color: This dye not only offers long-lasting color but also contains keratin for added strength and protection. It provides vibrant highlights while keeping hair healthy and manageable for up to 10 weeks.
- Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color: Known for its ammonia-free formula, this dye delivers natural-looking highlights without damaging the hair. It lasts up to 6 weeks and adds a beautiful shine to the hair.
- John Frieda Precision Foam Color: This foam-based dye provides easy application and even coverage, resulting in stunning highlights. Its long-lasting formula is designed to resist fading, maintaining vibrancy for up to 8 weeks.
How Do You Properly Apply Hair Dyes with Highlights?
Applying hair dyes with highlights requires careful preparation and technique to achieve the best results.
- Choose the Right Hair Dye: Selecting the best hair dye for highlights is crucial for achieving a natural look. Look for products specifically designed for highlighting, as they often contain ingredients that help lift color without causing excessive damage to the hair.
- Preparation of Hair: Before application, ensure your hair is clean and dry. It’s recommended to avoid washing your hair for 24-48 hours prior to dyeing, as natural oils help protect your scalp during the process.
- Sectioning the Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. This allows for precise application of the dye and helps ensure that highlights are evenly distributed throughout the hair.
- Applying the Dye: Start applying the dye to the selected sections, using a brush for even coverage. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, leaving the roots for last if you’re doing a full head of highlights, to avoid over-processing.
- Timing: Follow the instructions on the dye package regarding timing. It’s essential to monitor the development of the color to avoid unwanted results, as leaving the dye on for too long can lead to damage or uneven color.
- Rinsing and Conditioning: After the desired time has passed, rinse the dye out thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Follow up with a deep conditioner or the conditioner included in the dye kit to restore moisture and shine to your hair.
- Post-Application Care: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the vibrancy of your highlights. Additionally, consider using leave-in treatments and heat protectants to keep your hair healthy and prevent fading.
What Techniques Ensure Even Application of Highlights?
To achieve an even application of highlights in hair dyeing, several techniques can be employed:
- Foil Technique: This method involves placing sections of hair between sheets of foil before applying the dye. The foil helps to isolate each section, allowing for precise placement of color while preventing the dye from bleeding into other sections.
- Balayage: Balayage is a freehand technique where the colorist paints highlights directly onto the hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed look. This method allows for more control over the application and can result in a more blended appearance, as the highlights are often softer and more diffused.
- Cap Highlighting: In this technique, a special cap with holes is placed over the head, and hair is pulled through the holes to highlight individual strands. This method can help ensure even distribution of color, especially for beginners, as it allows for controlled sections of hair to be highlighted uniformly.
- Ombré Technique: Ombré involves a gradual transition from a darker color at the roots to lighter ends. This technique can create a more blended look by allowing the highlights to naturally blend into the base color, which can help to disguise any unevenness in application.
- Sectioning: Proper sectioning of the hair is crucial for even highlighting. By dividing the hair into manageable sections, the colorist can ensure that each section receives equal attention and product, leading to a more uniform application overall.