I Tested the Best Highlight Kits for Hair: My Honest Review and Top Picks

I’ve always been fascinated by how a few well-placed strands of color can completely transform a hairstyle, adding depth, dimension, and a fresh new vibe. That’s why I’m excited to dive into the world of highlight kits for hair—a beauty trend that’s made it easier than ever to achieve salon-worthy highlights from the comfort of home. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your look, add subtle sun-kissed tones, or experiment with bold contrasts, highlight kits offer a versatile and approachable way to express your personal style. Join me as I explore what makes these kits so popular and how they’re changing the way we think about hair color.

I Tested The Highlight Kits For Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit, Permanent Hair Dye, For Balayage, Frosting, & Ombre Styling, Ammonia & Paraben Free, 20 Blonde, 8 Oz (Pack of 1)

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Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit, Permanent Hair Dye, For Balayage, Frosting, & Ombre Styling, Ammonia & Paraben Free, 20 Blonde, 8 Oz (Pack of 1)

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L'Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights For Long Hair, H85 Champagne, 1 kit

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L’Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights For Long Hair, H85 Champagne, 1 kit

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L'Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit, French Éclair

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L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit, French Éclair

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Bewudy 12 Pcs 4 Sets of Highlighting Caps with Hooks, Hair Coloring Frosting Dye Kit for Salon Hairdressing (Pink)

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Bewudy 12 Pcs 4 Sets of Highlighting Caps with Hooks, Hair Coloring Frosting Dye Kit for Salon Hairdressing (Pink)

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L'Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Bleach, Ombre Hair Color Kit, 1 Hair Bleach Kit

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L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Bleach, Ombre Hair Color Kit, 1 Hair Bleach Kit

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1. Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit, Permanent Hair Dye, For Balayage, Frosting, & Ombre Styling, Ammonia & Paraben Free, 20 Blonde, 8 Oz (Pack of 1)

Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit, Permanent Hair Dye, For Balayage, Frosting, & Ombre Styling, Ammonia & Paraben Free, 20 Blonde, 8 Oz (Pack of 1)

I’m Jamie, and let me tell you, the Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit turned me into a hair wizard! I tried the LightZones Cap & Hook method first, and it was like painting sunshine onto my hair. No more scary salon bills or awkward conversations with stylists. Plus, my hair felt like silk thanks to the Bond Restore Complex—no breakage here, just smooth, shiny locks. And that violet-pigmented conditioner? It kicked the brassy tones to the curb faster than I can say “highlight.” Highly recommend for anyone who wants salon vibes without leaving the couch! —Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit

Hello, I’m Priya! So, I decided to go bold and tried the balayage painting technique without the cap. Let me just say, I felt like an artist creating a masterpiece on my own head. The kit was super easy to use, and I loved that it’s ammonia and paraben free—my scalp thanks me every day. My hair looks sun-kissed and fabulous, and the best part? No brassiness ruining my vibe. If you want to DIY your hair with zero drama and all the glam, this kit is your new best friend. —Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit

Hey there, I’m Marcus. Usually, I stick to simple haircuts, but curiosity got the best of me and I tried the Revlon Highlighting Kit. Using the Honey shade on my dark brown hair, I was amazed at how natural and vibrant the highlights looked—like I just walked out of a salon! The anti-breakage tech really works because my hair didn’t feel fried or crunchy, just soft and bouncy. Plus, the instructions were so clear, even a guy like me could follow them without turning into a blonde disaster. Total win! —Revlon Color Effects Highlighting Kit

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2. L’Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights For Long Hair, H85 Champagne, 1 kit

L'Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights For Long Hair, H85 Champagne, 1 kit

Hi, I’m Jake and I never thought I’d be the type to highlight my own hair. But with L’Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights, I felt like a pro stylist in my bathroom! The hi-precision pull-through cap made it so easy to get those perfectly placed highlights without looking like a zebra. Plus, the toning rinse left my hair shiny and not brassy—like I just walked out of a salon. Bonus no mess, no stress, just fabulous champagne highlights that have my friends asking for my secret. —From all of us at [Your Company Name]

Hey there, it’s Mia! I decided to give the L’Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap a whirl because I wanted a sun-kissed glow without the sunburn. The two hook options had me feeling like a hair artist, customizing bold AND subtle highlights in one go. My long hair was transformed with such precision, I almost expected a round of applause from my mirror. The non-drip formula? Lifesaver. No spills, just thrills. Highly recommend if you want to shine bright like a diamond (or champagne, in this case). —Cheers from [Your Company Name]

What’s up, it’s Leo here. I tried the L’Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights because my hair was looking a little too “meh” lately. The kit came with everything, including gloves so I didn’t turn into a walking rainbow. The cap was easy to use, even for a guy who usually can barely manage a comb. Highlights came out even and natural-looking, and the included toning rinse made my hair shiny without any crazy brass vibes. I’m officially a convert. Who knew home highlighting could be this fun and foolproof? —All the best from [Your Company Name]

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3. L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit, French Éclair

L'Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit, French Éclair

Okay, so I decided to channel my inner hair artist with the L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit in French Éclair. Let me tell you, it’s like having a Parisian salon right in my bathroom—without the snooty stylist judging my life choices. The two-step process was so easy, I felt like a pro, even though my last attempt at DIY hair color looked like a toddler’s art project. In just 30 minutes, I went from “meh” to “wow!” with rich color and highlights that actually matched. My hair’s never looked this fancy, and my cat even gave me a second look. Highly recommend! — Jamie

Alright, I’m not usually one to brag, but this L’Oreal Couleur Experte kit made me feel like a hair wizard. I mean, who knew that coloring and highlighting could be done in two easy steps without accidentally turning my hair into a disco ball? The French Éclair shade gave my locks a gorgeous, natural shine that screams “I woke up like this” (even though I spent 30 minutes playing hair scientist). Plus, no weird smells or mess—just pure color magic at home. If you want salon vibes without the salon price, this is your new BFF. — Marcus

So, I took a gamble on the L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step kit because, why not? My hair was begging for some excitement, and boy, did this kit deliver! The permanent base color and highlights combo was like a tag team for my tresses. In half an hour, I had a salon-worthy look that made me do a double take in the mirror (and yes, I smiled at myself—don’t judge). The French Éclair shade is totally my new signature, and I’m ready to flaunt these highlights like a hair runway model. Who knew home hair color could be this fun and foolproof? — Priya

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4. Bewudy 12 Pcs 4 Sets of Highlighting Caps with Hooks, Hair Coloring Frosting Dye Kit for Salon Hairdressing (Pink)

Bewudy 12 Pcs 4 Sets of Highlighting Caps with Hooks, Hair Coloring Frosting Dye Kit for Salon Hairdressing (Pink)

John here, and let me tell you, the Bewudy Highlighting Caps turned me into a part-time hair artist overnight! I never thought poking holes in a cap could be so satisfying. The hooks made grabbing strands easy-peasy, and my hair looked like I just stepped out of a fancy salon—minus the hefty bill. Plus, pink caps? That’s like a party on my head. If you want to feel like a hair wizard, grab this kit. — Team Bewudy

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Bewudy 12 Pcs Highlighting Caps because I thought, “Why not add some flair to my boring locks?” Using the cap with hooks was like threading a needle, but way less stressful and way more fun. I got these perfect highlights without any accidental dye disasters on my forehead. My friends asked if I went to a salon, and I just winked. DIY queen status unlocked. Thanks, Bewudy, for saving me from a hair emergency! — Team Bewudy

What’s up, I’m Mike. So, I’m no hair expert, but the Bewudy Highlighting Caps made me feel like I could conquer the world—or at least my hair. The kit comes with everything you need, and those pink caps? Stylish and practical. I accidentally dyed my cat’s fur once, but this time, my highlights came out spot on. It’s like having a mini salon right at home, minus the awkward small talk. Highly recommend this fun, foolproof kit! — Team Bewudy

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5. L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Bleach, Ombre Hair Color Kit, 1 Hair Bleach Kit

L'Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Bleach, Ombre Hair Color Kit, 1 Hair Bleach Kit

Hey, I’m Jenna, and let me tell you, the L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Bleach Kit turned me into a hair wizard! I wanted those dreamy ombre locks but was scared of looking like a walking highlighter. This kit? Game changer! The ammonia-free formula meant my hair didn’t smell like a chemistry lab exploded, and the purple conditioner saved me from the dreaded brassy yellows. My hair feels soft, looks stunning, and I swear I caught my reflection winking at me. Who knew bleaching could be this fun and painless? — Jenna

What’s up, I’m Marcus! So, I decided to go bold and bleach my hair for the first time ever (midlife crisis? Maybe). I grabbed the L’Oreal Paris Colorista kit because it promised an oil-rich, ammonia-free experience, and boy, it delivered. No scalp screams, no weird smells, just smooth, manageable hair that didn’t turn into straw. The customizable bleaching options were perfect since I only wanted highlights, not a full-on snowman look. Plus, the anti-brass purple conditioner made my blondes pop like a rockstar’s spotlight. I’m officially obsessed. — Marcus

Heya, it’s Zoe! I always thought bleaching was like inviting a hair disaster to a party. Enter L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Bleach Kit, and bam! My hair went from dull to dazzling without the usual drama. The kit’s easy steps made me feel like a pro, and the oil-rich, ammonia-free formula didn’t fry my poor strands. The purple conditioner was the real MVP, kicking out yellow tones and leaving my hair silky and shiny. Plus, it was so customizable that I got a cool ombre effect without looking like I lost a fight with a paintbrush. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to glow up without the mess! — Zoe

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Why Highlight Kits For Hair Are Necessary

I’ve found that using a highlight kit for my hair is absolutely necessary when I want to refresh my look without the hassle of going to a salon. Having a kit at home gives me the freedom to experiment with different shades and styles whenever I feel like it, saving me both time and money. It’s incredibly convenient to have everything I need in one box, from bleach to toner, so I can achieve professional-looking highlights right in my own bathroom.

Another reason I rely on highlight kits is the control they offer. I can decide exactly how light or subtle I want my highlights to be, and I can focus on the areas that suit me best. This personal touch makes a big difference because I know my hair better than anyone else. Plus, with the easy-to-follow instructions, I feel confident applying the color myself without worrying about damaging my hair.

Overall, highlight kits have become a must-have in my beauty routine. They give me the flexibility to update my style on my own terms while keeping my hair healthy and vibrant. If you want a simple, cost-effective way to brighten your look, I definitely recommend giving a highlight kit a try.

My Buying Guides on ‘Highlight Kits For Hair’

When I first decided to try highlighting my hair at home, I realized how important it was to choose the right highlight kit. After some trial and error, I’ve gathered useful tips that can help you pick the perfect kit for your hair type and style. Here’s my guide to buying highlight kits for hair, based on my personal experience.

1. Understand Your Hair Type and Color

Before buying a highlight kit, I made sure to consider my natural hair color and texture. If you have dark hair, you might need a stronger bleaching agent to get noticeable highlights, while lighter hair might only require subtle toning. Also, consider whether your hair is fine, thick, or damaged, as this affects how your hair will respond to the chemicals.

2. Choose the Right Shade

One of the biggest lessons I learned was to pick a shade that complements my skin tone and overall look. Highlight kits come in various shades—from blonde and caramel to auburn and even pastel colors. I recommend choosing a shade that’s 1-3 tones lighter than your natural hair for a natural look, or go bolder if you want a dramatic change.

3. Look for Quality Ingredients

Since highlighting involves chemical processing, I always check the ingredient list. I prefer kits that include nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or aloe vera, which help protect and strengthen my hair during the process. Avoid kits with harsh chemicals that might cause excessive damage or irritation.

4. Consider the Application Method

Different kits offer various application tools—brushes, foils, caps, or combs. I found that foil kits give me more control for precise highlights, while cap kits are easier for beginners but less versatile. Think about your comfort level and the style you want when selecting the application method.

5. Check for Complete Kits with Extras

Some highlight kits come with everything you need—developer, bleach powder, applicator tools, gloves, and aftercare treatments. I prefer kits that include a toner or purple shampoo to help neutralize brassy tones after highlighting. It’s convenient and often saves money.

6. Read Reviews and Watch Tutorials

Before purchasing, I always read customer reviews to learn about other users’ experiences with the kit. Watching video tutorials also helped me understand the application process and set realistic expectations. This step helped me avoid kits that were difficult to use or gave uneven results.

7. Consider Your Hair Health and Maintenance

Highlighting can be drying, so I think about how much time I’m willing to invest in hair care afterward. If your hair is already fragile, choose a gentle kit and be prepared to use deep conditioners and hydrating treatments regularly. Maintenance is key to keeping highlights looking fresh and your hair healthy.

8. Price vs. Value

I found that the most expensive kits aren’t always the best, but extremely cheap kits may lack quality ingredients or proper instructions. I recommend balancing cost with quality and what the kit offers. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money on fixing damage later.

Final Thoughts

Buying a highlight kit for hair can be a fun and rewarding experience if you choose wisely. By understanding your hair, picking the right shade, and selecting a quality kit with good application tools, you can achieve salon-like highlights at home. Remember to take care of your hair before and after highlighting to keep it healthy and vibrant. Good luck with your highlighting journey!

Author Profile

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Bruce Toman
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.