She’s reincarnated 🤎😌

There's truly nothing more rewarding than seeing your bestie light up with a fresh new look, especially when you're the one behind the chair! Doing my BFF's hair is always a special experience, and this time we decided it was time for some beautiful, natural-looking highlights to give her hair that 'reincarnated' glow – but in a hair sense, of course! ✨ Before diving in, any good hairstylist knows the importance of a thorough consultation. We chatted about her hair goals, her current hair health, and what kind of maintenance she was looking for. Since her hair was in great condition, we decided to go for a delicate balayage-style highlight, using Redken products, which I totally trust for consistent, gorgeous results. The goal was subtle sun-kissed brightness that would grow out beautifully. Now, for the fun part: the actual highlighting! When you're thinking about a 'HIGHLIGHT W ME' session, the prep is key. I started by sectioning her hair carefully, creating clean partings to ensure even application. For the lightener, I opted for a Redken Flash Lift Pods Bonder Inside, which is amazing because it helps protect the hair's integrity during the lightening process. I mixed it with a low-volume developer to achieve a soft, sun-kissed lift, carefully painting the strands where the sun would naturally hit. I also used Redken Shades EQ Gloss for toning later, which is my absolute favorite for achieving that perfect, seamless finish and incredible shine. It's like magic for canceling out unwanted warmth and sealing the cuticle. We had an idea for the finished look, and the FORMULA POSTED was carefully selected to achieve that perfect blend. Placement is everything when it comes to highlights. I used a foiling technique for some areas to get maximum lift, and then did some hand-painting around her face frame for a softer, more blended effect. It’s all about creating dimension and movement. After processing, rinsing, and shampooing, the next crucial step was toning with the Redken Shades EQ. This step truly refines the highlight, giving it that professional, salon-quality look. I chose a natural, cool-toned formula to complement her skin tone and give her a beautiful, creamy blonde that really enhanced her natural color. Aftercare is just as important as the service itself to maintain those gorgeous highlights. I always recommend using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, like Redken's Color Extend Magnetics line, to keep the color vibrant and the hair healthy. Deep conditioning treatments once a week can also make a huge difference, especially for highlighted hair that needs extra moisture. Regular trims also help keep the ends looking fresh and prevent breakage. It's moments like these, seeing the before and after, that remind me why I love being a hairstylist and studying cosmetology. The transformation was stunning, and her hair now has this incredible depth and sparkle. If you're thinking about getting highlights or even trying to do them at home (though I always recommend a professional!), remember to prioritize hair health and use quality products like Redken. The results are totally worth it, and nothing beats making your best friend feel amazing in her own skin, with her fabulous new hair!