#The Tip Out Hair Color Technique: A Complete Guide
The “tip out” hair color technique is a popular way to add dimension and brightness to your hair. It’s known for its softer, more blended look compared to traditional highlights. Here's everything you need to know about it.
#1. What Is Tip Out & How Does It Work?
Tip out involves painting lightener onto the ends of your hair strands, leaving the roots untouched initially. This is done by carefully lifting and "tipping" sections of hair outwards with a brush or freehand application. The stylist applies product to varying lengths of the ends for a more natural look—some tips get more color than others.
Tools Used:
- Lightener/Bleach: A gentle lightening formula is essential, often customized by your stylist.
- Developer: The developer activates the lightener and determines how much lift occurs. Strength depends on desired result and hair health.
- Color Brush: A fine-tipped brush for precise application.
- Gloves: For protection.
- Towel/Cape: To keep clothing clean.
Placement & Timing:
The stylist will carefully section your hair, typically working in smaller subsections. The amount of time the lightener stays on depends on your natural color, desired level of lightness and product strength—your stylist monitors this closely. A post-lightening toner or gloss is almost always applied after processing to refine the tone.
#2. What Can Tip Out Achieve?
Tip out excels at creating a naturally dimensional look. Here’s what it's great for:
- Dimension & Brightness: Adds subtle pops of lightness throughout the hair, especially on ends.
- Root Blur: While not as dramatic as some root-smudging techniques, tip out can soften demarcation lines between your natural roots and colored lengths.
- Face Framing: Strategically placed lighter pieces around the face brighten and enhance features.
- Subtle Coverage: Can lightly camouflage slightly brassy or uneven tones on ends without a full color change.
#3. Who Is Tip Out For?
Tip out is versatile, but certain factors make it particularly well-suited for some individuals:
- Natural Color Level: Works best on levels 4–7 (light brown to medium blonde). Those with darker hair may need multiple sessions or a pre-lightening step.
- Undertone: Suits most undertones, but your stylist will choose a toner that complements your skin tone. Warmer tones (golden, red) might benefit from warmer glazes; cooler tones (pink, blue) often look great with violet or ash toners.
- Hair Type/Texture: Adaptable to all hair types:
- Straight Hair: Shows off the dimension beautifully.
- Wavy Hair: Enhances natural waves and adds shine.
- Curly & Coily Hair: Can be tricky—requires a skilled stylist who understands curl patterns and avoids disrupting curl integrity. Sectioning is crucial to prevent uneven processing. Shorter lengths often work best initially.
- Hair Density: Works on both fine and thick hair, but stylists may adjust the amount of product used based on density.
- Hair Length: Most effective on medium-to-long hair (shoulder length or longer), as it allows for visible tip placement. Shorter styles can work with adjustments to technique.
- Lifestyle: Ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, natural look who don’t want frequent salon visits.
#4. Tip Out vs. Other Techniques
Understanding the differences is key:
- Balayage vs. Tip Out: Balayage involves painting all over sections of hair; tip out focuses only on the ends. Balayage creates a more blended, overall lightness.
- Foilyage vs. Tip Out: Foilyage combines balayage painting with foil wrapping to maximize lift and control processing time. Tip out is typically a freehand technique without foils for a softer result.
- Highlights vs. Tip Out: Traditional highlights involve weaving hair and applying color, often creating more defined lines of brightness than tip out’s diffused look.
- Root Smudge/Shadow Root vs. Tip Out: These techniques focus on blending the roots to create an illusion of grown-out color. Tip out primarily targets the ends; root work can be combined with a tip out for a more seamless transition, but isn't inherent to the technique itself.
#5. Maintenance & Longevity
Salon Timing: Tip outs typically last 6–12 weeks before needing refreshers, depending on how quickly your hair grows and how much brightness you desire. A toner/gloss will be needed more frequently than a full color application.
Toner/Gloss Refresh: A gloss or toner is crucial to maintain the desired tone and add shine after lightening. This can be done in-salon or at home (with professional products only – see below).
Grow-Out Behavior: The grow-out is very soft! Because the roots aren't directly lightened, there’s minimal contrast as your hair grows, making it a low-maintenance option.
Budget/Time Planning: Initial tip out can range from $150–$400+, depending on salon location and stylist experience. Refresh appointments are usually quicker (1–2 hours) and less expensive ($75-$200+).
#6. At-Home Care Tips
- Wash Cadence: Wash your hair only when necessary to avoid fading the color.
- Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands. Heat accelerates color fade and can damage hair.
- Color-Safe Care: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for colored hair to prolong vibrancy. Purple shampoo/conditioner can help neutralize brassiness (use sparingly!).
- Deep Conditioning: Incorporate a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
#7. Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Low-maintenance grow out
- Soft, natural look
- Versatile for various hair types/lengths
- Less damaging than traditional highlights (when done correctly)
Cons:
- May not be suitable for very dark hair without pre-lightening.
- Can be tricky to achieve on extremely short or tightly coiled hair.
- Requires a skilled stylist for best results
#8. Salon Consultation Script – What Your Stylist Will Ask You:
Your stylist will ask questions like these to understand your goals and ensure the technique is right for you:
- What are your expectations for the final result? (Show pictures!)
- What’s your natural hair color level?
- Do you have any concerns about damage or sensitivity?
- Have you colored your hair recently, and what products were used?
- How much time/budget do you want to allocate for maintenance appointments?
- Are there any areas of the hair that are particularly important to brighten (e.g., face-framing)?
#9. FAQs
- Can I get a tip out if my hair is dark brown? Possibly, but it will likely require pre-lightening or multiple sessions to achieve desired lightness and may impact hair health.
- How long does a tip out take? Expect around 2–4 hours for the initial appointment. Refresh appointments are typically shorter (1–2 hours).
- Is tip out damaging? Like any lightening process, it can cause some damage if not done correctly. A skilled stylist will use gentle products and techniques to minimize impact.
- Can I do a tip out at home? While technically possible with the right skills and knowledge, it's highly recommended to have this technique performed by a professional for optimal results and safety.
- How often should I get my tip out touched up? Every 6–12 weeks, or as needed based on your hair growth and desired brightness.
- Will a toner change the color dramatically? Toners are used to refine the tone of the lightened ends - they don't drastically alter the overall lightness but can shift it warmer, cooler, more golden, etc.
- What if I want more root blending later on? Tip out and root smudging/shadowing can be combined in a subsequent appointment for a softer transition.
- Can tip out be done on previously colored hair? Yes, but your stylist will need to assess the condition of your hair and any previous color treatments carefully before proceeding.