CapSträhnen

CapSträhnen, commonly referred to as cap highlights, is a hair-lightening technique in which small strands are pulled from under a perforated cap to receive lightening color. The procedure involves placing a tight cap over the head, selecting strands through the cap’s holes, and using a crochet hook or needle to extract those strands. The extracted strands are treated with bleach or a lightening dye, left to develop, then rinsed. After treatment, the cap is removed and the hair is washed and toned as needed.

History and use: Cap highlighting originated in the early 20th century and became popular as a simpler alternative to foiling, especially for creating random, sun-kissed effects. With the rise of foiling and balayage, cap highlights have become less common for full-head lightening but remain used for controlled, lower-maintenance accents or for people seeking retro or subtle highlights on shorter hair.

Procedure characteristics: The cap method allows control over strand thickness and placement by choosing which holes to pull through. It can be faster than foils for some stylists, but results can be less even on thick or very long hair, and darker regrowth can be more noticeable.

Maintenance and safety: Results require regular touch-ups as natural hair grows, usually every 4–12 weeks depending on growth and desired contrast. Cap highlights can be toned to adjust brassiness and match the base color. Patch tests for allergies and adherence to processing times are recommended, and over-lightening should be avoided to prevent damage.