The 14 Best Highlighting Kits

I get it. The idea of at home highlighting can be a little scary. We’ve all seen the horror stories of orange streaks and fried ends. But trust me, the new generation of DIY hair highlights is so much better than what we had in the 90s.

Doing your own highlights saves a ton of money and a trip to the salon. I’ve tried a bunch of these kits myself, from pull-through caps to fancy balayage systems. After a lot of testing, I’ve found the best highlighting kits that actually work.

 

 

Best for Bold Lift & Dark Hair

Manic Panic Amplified Flash Complete Hair Lightening Kit – 40 Volume Cream Developer

This one costs about $12.99.

If you have darker hair and need serious lift, this is the kit. I was impressed by how well it lightens, getting you up to seven levels brighter. It’s what you need if you’re going for a really noticeable change or prepping your hair for a vibrant color.

The results are surprisingly consistent, even on my medium brown hair. It works fast and gets you that salon-level brightness. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is always a bonus.

The Downside: A 40-volume developer is no joke. It can definitely cause some damage or irritate your scalp if you’re not careful. Always do a strand test.

 

 

Schwarzkopf BlondMe Bond Enforcing Highlight Kit

This kit is around $25.00.

I was nervous about highlighting my dark hair at home because breakage is a real concern. But this kit’s bond-building technology is fantastic. It helps protect the hair structure while it lifts, so you don’t end up with tons of damage.

It delivers really even, bright highlights without totally wrecking your hair. It’s a great choice if your hair is resistant to lightening but you still want a vibrant result.

The Downside: You have to watch the clock like a hawk. Leaving it on for too long or not long enough can mess up the results.

 

 

Best for Classic Cap Highlights

Revlon Color Effects Frost & Glow – Platinum

You can find this for about $6.98.

This is a classic for a reason. It’s perfect for lighter hair colors when you want to add some platinum dimension. The pull-through cap lets you control exactly where you want the highlights, so it’s easy to get those nice face-framing pieces.

The formula is ammonia-free and has keratin in it, so my hair actually felt pretty soft and silky afterward, not like straw. It gives you a salon-style look without the high price tag.

The Downside: I wouldn’t recommend this for dark hair. It’s really designed for blondes or light brunettes.

 

 

L’Oreal Paris Frost & Design Hi-Precision Pull-Through Cap Highlights For Longer Hair – H85 Champagne

This kit costs around $10.94.

If you have long hair, you know the struggle of trying to get highlights even all the way down. This kit is specifically designed for hair past the shoulders. The formula doesn’t drip, which saved me from making a huge mess.

The pull-through cap lets you decide if you want subtle streaks or a bolder look. It also comes with a toner, which is a lifesaver for kicking out any brassy tones and adding shine.

The Downside: That plastic cap isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear. It can pull a bit when you’re pulling strands through.

 

 

Garnier Nutrisse Multi-Lights Highlighting Kit – H2 Golden Blonde

This one costs about $15.94.

My hair tends to get really dry, so I’m always hesitant about highlighting. This kit is enriched with avocado, shea, and olive oil, and you can feel the difference. It nourishes your hair while it lightens, which is a huge plus.

The non-drip crème is easy to work with, and the applicator brush helps create subtle, natural-looking contrast. It’s a great option if your hair is a little damaged or you just want to add dimension without drying it out.

The Downside: Like any hair color product, it has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. A patch test is a good idea.

 

 

L’Oreal Paris Frost and Design Pull-Through Cap Highlights

This kit is around $10.94.

If you’re new to at home highlighting, this is a great starter kit. The cap and hooks make it almost foolproof. You just pull the strands through the holes you want, and it’s impossible to mess up the placement.

The whole process takes less than 20 minutes, and the application is super clean. It even includes a conditioning rinse to fight brassiness and leave your hair shiny.

The Downside: If you have super thick hair, pulling enough strands through the little holes in the cap can be a real chore.

 

 

Best for Sun-Kissed & Natural Looks

Sun Bum Blonde Lighten And Tone Kit

You can find this for about $12.65.

For a true “I just spent a week at the beach” vibe, this is my go-to. It’s a heat-activated spray, so it works with your blow dryer or the sun to give you natural, sun-kissed highlights. No harsh chemicals involved.

It comes with a toner to keep brassiness away and helps protect your hair from UV rays. My hair felt really hydrated, not crunchy, thanks to ingredients like pineapple and lemon.

The Downside: It’s easy to overdo it. If you use it too much, you can definitely end up with some unwanted brassy tones.

 

 

Clairol Nice’n Easy Balayage Kit

This one sells for about $12.00.

I always thought balayage was something you could only get at a salon, but this kit proved me wrong. It’s designed for that hand-painted look, and the applicator brush makes it surprisingly easy to get a natural, blended result.

It’s very beginner-friendly if you want to try a more modern highlighting technique. The results are soft and sun-kissed, not stripy at all.

The Downside: This works best on lighter base colors. It might not give you a very noticeable result on dark brown or black hair.

 

 

Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit

This kit is pricier at $35.00.

But you get what you pay for. If you’re worried about damage, this is an excellent choice. The formula is ammonia-free, and it comes with a toning glaze that makes the highlights look so rich and natural. It feels very luxurious.

The kit includes everything you could possibly need, like gloves, clean-up wipes, and the toning glaze. It’s a complete system that gives you a salon-inspired result without the harsh chemicals.

The Downside: The price is definitely higher than your typical drugstore hair highlight products.

 

 

John Frieda Go Blonder Lightening Kit

This one costs about $14.00.

If you’re really nervous about going too light too fast, this spray is perfect. It lightens your hair gradually, so you have total control over the final result. You just spray it on and let heat activate it.

The formula is pretty gentle, so it doesn’t cause a lot of damage. It’s ideal for getting a very subtle, natural-looking glow over time instead of a dramatic, one-time change.

The Downside: Patience is key here. The results are very slow and gradual, so don’t expect a big change after one use.

So, you don’t have to be afraid of a home hair highlights kit anymore. There are so many great options out there, whether you want a few subtle strands or a full-on balayage look. Just read the instructions carefully!

My biggest piece of advice? Always, always, always do a strand test first. It lets you see exactly how your hair will react and how long you need to leave the lightener on. Happy highlighting!