Highlighting in hair is typically done using hydrogen peroxide, or more commonly known, bleach. Obtain several swatches of natural hair that has not previously been chemically treated. Leave one swatch completely untreated. Purchase a chemical highlighting kit from the store and use this kit on another of the hair swatches. A third swatch can be lightened by leaving the swatch out in direct sunlight for one week. Lemon juice can be used to naturally lighten the fourth swatch. Leave the fourth swatch in the sun for several hours. Label all four swatches with the treatment used. Compare the swatches and make notes on the effects of each treatment. Note the effectiveness and any damage that occurred.
Different hair colors and types react to the same hair coloring differently. Obtain three to five different hair swatches from different hair colors and types. Mix up a batch of the same color dye and apply this hair color to all swatches as instructed on the box. Note the color change results to each of the different swatches. Did the hair result in the correct color as described on the box? If not, what color resulted instead?
Coloring the same hair color and type different colors can create different results as some hair colors and types are better suited for some dyes rather than others. Obtain three to five swatches from the same person so they are the same color. Purchase several different colors of hair dye, leaving one swatch the original color. Dye each of the other swatches a different color. Note which color dye was used on each swatch. Compare the swatch with the box to determine if the desired color was achieved or not.
Using chemicals on hair can have a negative impact, especially over long-term use. Obtain several swatches of hair from the same person that have not ever been chemically treated. These swatches should be light brown or darker. Leave one swatch untreated, treat the second swatch with chemical lightener for 10 minutes and treat the third for 20 minutes. Create a hygrometer for each swatch. A hygrometer is made using a 25 cm by 10 cm board. Use one strand of hair from each swatch for the hygrometer. Cut out a small plastic pointer and tape a dime to the point end. Nail the wide end of the pointer loosely to the board, about two-thirds of the way down. Glue a strand of hair to the middle of the pointer. Place another nail near the top of the board directly above the center of the pointer. Stretch the hair taut and glue it to the top nail. Monitor the way the pointer points and how quickly it points to determine the structural integrity of the hair.