12 best highlighter paints

Review of the best according to the editorial board. About selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Highlighting for more than a dozen years has been an important stage in the transformation of hair. Techniques are changing and becoming more complicated, leading to various effects, but it still remains one of the main components of the coloring process. Once upon a time, subtle highlighting was in vogue without the subsequent toning of curls. Several techniques are at their peak today. And this is not only lightening the strands, but also their coloring in a darker tone or bright color.

The complex procedure is performed in salons, but you can do it yourself without the help of professionals using kits designed specifically for home use. Manufacturers took into account all the nuances to simplify the process and make it accessible to beginners. The illustrated instructions detail the dyeing steps, so even inexperienced users won't have any problems.

What paints for highlighting are the most effective today? The experts of our magazine analyzed the market and selected 12 products of different price segments, which received the most votes from ordinary buyers. They were agreed with by hairdressers who use many of the paints from the review in their professional activities.

Rating of the best paints for highlighting

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best paints for lightening highlights	1	Wella Professionals Blondor Blonde Meches	646 r
	2	Artego balayage	RUB 3,449
	3	Revlon Professional Gentle Meches System set # 1	2 340 rub.
	4	L'Oreal Professionnel Blond Studio Majimeches №1	RUB 680
	5	Schwarzkopf Professional Blondme Blonde Hi-lighting, 60 ml	477 r
	6	L'Oreal Paris Colorista Balayage	419 RUB
The best paints for color highlighting	1	Cream paint Nouvelle PASTISS 60 ml	749 RUB
	2	Igora Royal Fashion Lights	542 r
	3	Dikson Meches Toner 60ml	RUB 1,005
	4	Lakme Collage Red Motion, 60 ml	483 r
	5	Estel Professional Princess Essex Lumen, 60 ml	139 RUB
	6	Kapous Professional Hyaluronic Acid Special highlight, 100 ml	202 RUB

The best paints for lightening highlights

Set for highlighting Wella Professionals Blondor Blonde Meches

Rating: 4.9

The leader is the non-ammonia product of the German brand, which contains the necessary components for high-quality and effective staining of strands. With it, saturated shades of blonde with a beautiful iridescent shine are obtained. The paint can lighten up to 5 levels of the starting color. Its main advantage is the effect of automatically controlling the degree of discoloration. Upon completion of 15 minutes of exposure and reaching the level set by the oxidizer, the composition ceases to work.

This guarantees the preservation of the hair structure and the acquisition of a precisely defined shade. The preparation takes a few minutes. The cream base is mixed with an activator powder and an oxidizing agent until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. The resulting composition is moderately thick, elastic. It is well distributed, while firmly fixed on the strands.

Both professionals and amateurs became interested in the tool. With him, you can not worry about the result, creating fashionable blonde shades at home. The gentle formula allows you to make highlights even on damaged curls without worsening their condition.

Advantages

• self-stop of the clarification process;
• discoloration without yellow and copper spots;
• base without ammonia;
• giving hair shine and smoothness.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Hair highlighting agent (without foil) Artego Balayage

Rating: 4.8

In second place is an innovative product of the Italian brand, created for highlighting without the use of foils, caps and substrates. Its formula contains natural ingredients that have a gentle effect on the curls. The structure is not disturbed, the hair is not thinned, not split. The composition is applied to the strands. After a few seconds, it dries up, creating a durable capsule in which the hair is mildly colored.

The mixture is very easy to prepare. The powder is mixed with an oxidizing agent, turning into a viscous mass, which is tightly fixed on the strands. The paint is characterized by a fast speed of shading. In one procedure, a tone is achieved that is 5 levels lighter than the previous one without the appearance of yellowness.

The Artego product is gaining popularity among ordinary users. It stands out for its simplicity of action and excellent results. Many people note that it is difficult to make a mistake even without professional skills, since the composition colors exclusively processed strands without discoloration of the neighboring ones.

Advantages

• safe balanced formula;
• high dyeing speed;
• accessories for highlighting are not required;
• keeping the hair structure intact.

disadvantages

• not identified.

System for highlighting Revlon Professional Gentle Meches System set # 1

Rating: 4.7

The paint, which took third place, is intended for salon use, but is also actively used at home for self-highlighting. Safe brightening up to 5 levels guaranteed by a mild ammonia-free formula. The tool is used to obtain the effect of slightly burnt strands, or to contrast the base and the resulting shade. It can be used with foil or painted using the hands-free technique without additional tools.

After mixing the components, a texture is obtained that is optimal for the master and the client in density. It is elastic, does not flow down the hair. The smell is delicate, without chemical impurities. The professional product is enriched with useful substances that take care of the curls, repair damage, strengthen, enhance the protective properties.

The composition works for a certain period of time, at the end of which the action stops, creating the desired shade. According to reviews, the paint has shown itself to be excellent in practice. It is resistant, does not harm hair, and provides good post-procedure care.

Advantages

• non-aggressive effective lightening;
• suitable for different staining techniques;
• controlled holding time;
• pleasant floral scent.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Highlighting cream L'Oreal Professionnel Blond Studio Majimeches No. 1, 50 ml

Rating: 4.6

On the fourth line is a two-component paint-cream for creating bleached strands in a closed and open technique. It does not contain ammonia, while bleaching hair up to 5 tones. The composition includes reducing agents that provide complete care after staining. Silk proteins are responsible for smoothness and shine. Beeswax gives elasticity, creates an invisible film that protects against external damage.

The cream is mixed with a clarifier sold separately. The manufacturer also offers a set of two components at once. The concentration of the oxidant is selected depending on the level of clarification. The mixture is homogeneous, gently and tightly applied to the strands, quickly fixes and does not flow during the procedure.

According to reviews, the tool is used on thin, dry hair without the risk of harming them. They not only color in the right tone, but also receive the necessary nutritional support. The sloughness disappears, the curls are compacted along the entire length, including the ends. The preparation is straightforward. The composition smells good, is convenient for self-application.

Advantages

• patented technology;
• coloring power: up to 5 tones;
• fashionable effect of golden threads;
• subtle refined aroma.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Schwarzkopf Professional Blondme Blonde Hi-lighting Bonding Cream for Highlighting, 60 ml

Rating: 4.5

Fifth on the list is the development of Schwarzkopf Professional experts for lightening and toning natural and colored hair in one step. With its help, you can create a delicate shade with shiny tints without yellowness and spots. Designed for technicians with a non-contact method that does not touch the scalp. It minimizes hair damage and relieves stress.

The preparation is pretty simple, so the process itself will not cause difficulties at home. The base is mixed with an oxidizing agent 12% in a 1: 1 ratio. The resulting composition is applied abundantly on the divided strands. The most popular technique is the 'free hand'. The dye can be applied with a brush, with a comb, or with your hands. The exposure time is 45 minutes. No additional exposure to heat is required.

Buyers note that the German brand has released a long-lasting dye that helps lighten even dark hair without defects and completely paint over gray hair in one procedure. The texture is soft, well distributed, does not drip from the hair. The curls acquire a brilliant shine, which lasts until the next dyeing.

Advantages

• beautiful iridescent shade;
• guaranteed anti-yellow effect;
• easy application technique for beginners;
• minimum painting tools.

disadvantages

• not identified.

L'Oreal Paris Colorista Balayage cream hair dye

Rating: 4.4

The sixth place is taken by paint for lightening individual strands at home. The manufacturer has included all the necessary tools in the kit to facilitate the process and get the desired result without errors. It includes a tube of brightening cream, a bottle of developing cream, a bag of brightening powder, shampoo, gloves. With the help of a specially shaped expert comb, you can achieve the desired effect with one movement of your hand.

The texture after mixing is soft, elastic. After distribution, it stays firmly on the strands, does not drain. The smell is faint, quickly disappears. Shampoo gently cares for hair, neutralizes stress after coloring, makes curls soft, shiny and obedient. It is enough for 4-5 cleansing, depending on the length and thickness of the hair.

According to reviews, the paint satisfied all buyers with its characteristics. With it, you can easily make highlighting using the Balayage technique. Hair after dyeing is not damaged, does not break off. The components mix well with each other, creating a homogeneous consistency without lumps.

Advantages

• simple preparation and the process itself;
• beautiful color contrasts;
• professional brush included;
• good care after staining.

disadvantages

• not identified.

The best paints for color highlighting

Cream-paint Nouvelle PASTISS for semi-permanent color dyeing and highlighting hair

Rating: 4.9

The first place in this category is given to a professional brand from Italy, which will create highlights with fashionable non-trivial shades. Its gentle formula does not affect the structure, while at the same time it gives a rich fashionable color with a brilliant shine. She cares, improves the appearance, making the curls healthy and beautiful. The intensity can be varied, mixed shades, colored several strands or completely the entire hair.

The whole process will not cause difficulties for self-staining. The cream is mixed with an oxidizing emulsion and the resulting mixture is applied to the strands. The exposure time varies from 5 to 15 minutes. The composition holds well, untreated hair is not dyed. The color is washed off slowly, evenly.

According to reviews, the paint helps to get trendy shades with beautiful names: 'Wisteria', 'Green Tea', 'Pastel Blue', 'Turquoise', 'Orchid', 'Pastel Rose', 'Diamond'. She is semi-permanent. If desired, the color can either be quickly neutralized or corrected: make it more saturated and bright, or, conversely, lighten it a little.

Advantages

• wide palette of color shades;
• giving pearl shine;
• comfortable use for beginners;
• fragrant dense texture.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Cream paint for color highlighting Igora Royal Fashion Lights

Rating: 4.8

On the second line is a paint suitable for any highlighting technique. A rich palette of shades allows you to choose the perfect tone, make light, dark, ultra-bright strands. Igora Royal contains Vitamin C and Care Complete, which restore hair at all levels and increase the protective function against harmful effects. The texture is well distributed, does not spread. The exposure time depends on the intensity: 30-45 minutes.

The ultra-pigmented formula covers the original tone the first time. The dye is suitable for partially or completely gray hair. It gives shine, strengthens, reduces fragility and delamination. The dense film does not allow the resulting color to quickly wash out and fade in the sun.

The Schwarzkopf Professional line is chosen by both stylists and girls for self-coloring. It presents a collection that combines natural shades with creative ones. This gives unlimited freedom to imagination, allows you to experiment and bring original ideas to life.

Advantages

• a wide range of various tones;
• the colors correspond to the declared ones;
• actively restoring complex;
• accessibility of the procedure to beginners.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Dikson Meches Toner Ammonia Free Highlighting Cream

Rating: 4.7

The third is a dye for highlighting already bleached strands and light natural hair. It lasts up to 4 weeks, washes out smoothly, allows you to experiment with color without harming the curls. The composition does not contain ammonia, so the effect on the structure is minimal. It has undergone dermatological testing, where experts have found it to be safe. The Italian manufacturer has released a product with which home staining will take place without difficulty. It is enough to dilute the paint and tinting emulsion to a uniform consistency and apply the mixture in any way.

The exposure time depends on the desired color intensity and varies within 5-15 minutes. The texture of optimal density allows you to paint over thin strands and easily completely cover the entire hair. The mixture does not drip or run off. The palette contains two shades: silver and ash.

After the procedure, the hair literally comes to life. They shimmer with a beautiful metallic sheen, become obedient, crumbly, the surface is smoothed due to multi-level restoration. The effect is long lasting, lasts until the next highlight.

Advantages

• composition safe for skin and hair;
• beautiful silvery shades;
• completely covers gray hair;
• restoration of weakened curls.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Permanent cream color for contrast highlighting Lakme Collage Red Motion

Rating: 4.6

The fourth on the list is the dye that gives the strands bright red hues. It is distinguished by its color intensity, due to the high concentration of pigments, ease of preparation and application, obtaining the desired result from one procedure. Shades are transmitted 'tone-on-tone' as specified by the manufacturer. If desired, you can mix them together to create unique colors.

The formula contains caring ingredients that prevent stress during coloring. It also includes UV filters to protect hair from the aggressive effects of UV rays. Soy proteins protect from damage, visibly strengthen. Meadowfoam oil restores, nourishes, softens curls.

The paint mixes well with the oxidizing agent. The homogenized consistency is fixed on the strands, does not flow from them, does not form a strong odor. Reviews confirm the effectiveness of Collage Red Motion. The product works on both dyed and natural hair, creates iridescent highlights, actively cares for the strands.

Advantages

• high chromatic ability of pigments;
• protection of hair from solar radiation;
• Soy-Based Cationic patented ingredient;
• restoration of deep damage.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Estel Professional Princess Essex Lumen cream-paint for color highlighting

Rating: 4.6

Fifth place is taken by a tool designed to highlight strands in bright shades. You can achieve the result without preliminary clarification. The colors are saturated, with overflows, resistant to washing out and fading. Depending on the concentration of the oxidizing agent, the color level can be varied from 1 to 4. The manufacturer has proposed a completely new care technology. VIVANT SYSTEM includes several components useful for curls.

Keratin restores the damaged structure. It makes the surface perfectly smooth and resistant to static effects. Guarana seed extract contains caffeine, which stimulates growth, prevents hair loss, gives an energy boost, and reduces stress from external influences. Beeswax creates an additional barrier to protect hair and scalp from aggressive factors.

The creamy texture adheres well to the hair, does not slip, does not form a pungent odor. After the procedure, the hair becomes smooth, shiny, combed without problems and fit into any hairstyle. The tool allows you to create various effects: to highlight several strands, or to make a bright contrast with the main color throughout the hair.

Advantages

• bright, fashionable shades;
• innovative care system;
• homogeneous viscous consistency;
• extra shine and strength.

disadvantages

• not identified.

Hair color cream with hyaluronic acid Kapous Professional Hyaluronic Acid Special highlighting

Rating: 4.5

Our review ends with a paint created for everyone who is not afraid to experiment. Amaranth, fuchsia, emerald, red, copper, purple shades will surely highlight the girl among the crowd and make the image as memorable as possible. A micro-pigment cocktail covers the hair with a dense mesh, allowing you to achieve the desired tone, satin shine and high durability.

The formula contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that transforms dry, brittle hair. It reconstructs the structure along the entire length, seals the tips, smoothes the surface. As a result of staining, they not only acquire a beautiful shade, but also receive complete care. Curls stop fluffing, the static effect is neutralized.

Buyers note that this is one of the best budget-priced paints for color highlights. The intensity of the tone can be adjusted, making the shades muted or bold bright. It is also used to fully cover hair with any starting tone.

Advantages

• juicy, rich palette of colors;
• innovative caring complex;
• maximum moisture for dry hair;
• wash-out resistant pigment.

disadvantages

• not identified.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.