Last updated: November 08, 2023

Ponylights: How To Brighten The Hairline in Less Than 20 Foils

5 Tips & Steps To Make The Hairline Pop With Fast Highlights

Things we’re bringing into 2024 with us: Less foils = more impact, and ponylights are the technique that’s going to take you there. That’s why Mirella Manelli (@mirellamanelli), Kenra Professional Artistic Ambassador, is sharing a hairline highlight blueprint to brighten the face-frame in less than 20 foils. This fast method packs visible brightness that POPS, even when your client wears their hair up. Watch the full video and snag these pro tips!

Slide Through The Before & After

Photo Credit: Instagram via @mirellamanelli

1. Start With Highlighting The Back Hairline

For clients with naturally light hair, Mirella typically starts her first weaved ponylight on the exterior section of the back hairline. For clients with dark natural levels who don’t want a global blonding look, Mirella prefers to keep the exterior as their natural color, so she foils on top of that section instead. This will leave some background depth along the perimeter.

how to achieve ponylights highlights that are visibly when clients wear their hair up brighten the hairline in less than 20 foils partial mirella manelli kenra professional simply blonde — Leave this section OUT—and foil directly above it.

Here’s why Mirella reaches for Kenra Professional Simply Blonde No Ammonia Lightener:

Because it’s ammonia-free, the white-colored lightener allows her to see the lift nicely.
The viscosity makes it easier to get closer to the scalp and have control in her application.
For clients with texture that easily dries out, the DualBond complex allows her to keep the hair hydrated as she lifts on darker levels.
If you’re using the appropriate lightener and ratio, and allow the hair to process at natural room temperature, you’re not going to get any swelling, says Mirella.

Formulate bright ponylights with up to 8 levels of lift—click here!

2. The Two Foolproof Ways Mirella Foils Ponylights

“The worst way you can foil the hairline is by using the curve of the neck,” says Mirella. There are two ways Mirella foils ponylights: Flipping the foil up toward the head, or using a board and foil (seen below.) Both ways allow her to have maximum tension and get really close to the scalp area without foils moving or bleeding.

how to achieve ponylights highlights that are visibly when clients wear their hair up brighten the hairline in less than 20 foils partial mirella manelli kenra professional simply blonde

3. Move To The Front Hairline & Fringe Section

Take a diagonal section directly at the front hairline and leave it out (similar to the back hairline) to make sure the natural base is the primary color. Then, apply two to three foils based on the impact you want to create. Repeat on both sides of the head.

how to achieve ponylights highlights that are visibly when clients wear their hair up brighten the hairline in less than 20 foils partial mirella manelli kenra professional simply blonde

Pro Tip: The further away your foils are and the type of stitch you use will determine the more depth you’re going to create. For this technique, Mirella opts for a fine babylight. If you want to pack more brightness, she suggests using a slice for more global coverage.

4. Don’t Forget To Connect These Foils

The key to connecting the hairline and avoiding holes are within these two spots: Directly above the ear on both sides, and in the center-back of the nape. This is where Mirella will add an extra foil for a seamless hairline around the entire head, so the blonde visibly connects when clients wear their hair up. Click here to watch the full tutorial to see how customizes placement on clients with fringe.

5. Scandinavian Hairline vs. Ponylights: What’s The Difference?

The viral “Scandinavian Hairline” method isolates a quarter-inch of the hairline and completely lightens it, while “Ponylights” incorporate the natural background color into the highlight application. Mirella wouldn’t do the Scandinavian Hairline technique for clients with a lot of contrast, but rather for clients who are already pretty blonde.

The Before:

Photo Credit: Instagram via @mirellamanelli

The Finished Result: