Getting highlights is an exciting way to refresh your look, adding dimension and vibrancy to your hair. However, the process involves chemicals that alter your hair’s structure, leaving many wondering about the best aftercare practices. A common question that arises is: can I get my hair wet after highlights? The answer, while seemingly simple, is nuanced. It depends on several factors, including the timing, water quality, and products you use. Let’s delve into the details to ensure your highlighted hair remains healthy and radiant.
Understanding the Highlighting Process and Its Impact
Highlighting involves lightening sections of your hair using bleach or other chemical lighteners. These chemicals penetrate the hair shaft, lifting the natural pigment. This process inherently weakens the hair, making it more porous and susceptible to damage.
The cuticle, the outermost layer of your hair, is lifted during highlighting. When the cuticle is open, hair becomes more vulnerable to external factors like water, heat, and pollutants. This is why freshly highlighted hair requires extra care to prevent dryness, breakage, and color fading.
Furthermore, highlights often require toners to achieve the desired shade. Toners deposit color to neutralize unwanted brassy tones and create a more polished look. These toners can also fade quickly if not properly maintained, especially with frequent washing.
The Initial 24-72 Hours: A Critical Period
The first 24 to 72 hours after getting highlights are crucial for color retention and hair health. During this period, the hair cuticle is still settling. Exposing your hair to water too soon can lead to premature color fading and increased dryness.
Professional stylists often recommend waiting at least 48 hours, and ideally 72 hours, before washing your hair after highlights. This allows the cuticle to close, sealing in the color and preventing it from washing out.
Why is this waiting period so important? Think of your hair like a freshly painted wall. You wouldn’t want to touch it while the paint is still wet, as it would smudge and ruin the finish. Similarly, freshly highlighted hair needs time to allow the color to fully set and the cuticle to close.
The Science Behind Waiting to Wash
The waiting period is not just an old wives’ tale. It’s based on scientific principles. When you highlight your hair, the chemical process disrupts the natural oils that protect your hair. These oils help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent color from fading.
Washing your hair too soon after highlighting can strip away these essential oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle. Moreover, the open cuticle makes it easier for the color molecules to escape, leading to dull and faded highlights.
Dry Shampoo to the Rescue
If your hair feels oily or dirty during the waiting period, dry shampoo is your best friend. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and grease, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and clean without the need for water.
Simply spray dry shampoo onto your roots and massage it in. Be sure to choose a dry shampoo that is specifically designed for color-treated hair to avoid further damage or color fading.
Water Quality Matters: Hard Water vs. Soft Water
The type of water you use to wash your hair can significantly impact the longevity and vibrancy of your highlights. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can wreak havoc on highlighted hair.
Hard water can deposit these minerals onto your hair, leading to build-up that dulls the color and makes your hair feel rough and brittle. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of shampoos and conditioners, making it difficult to properly cleanse and hydrate your hair.
Soft water, on the other hand, is gentler on highlighted hair. It doesn’t contain as many minerals, so it’s less likely to cause build-up or dull the color.
Identifying Hard Water
How do you know if you have hard water? Common signs include: difficulty getting soap to lather, a film or residue on your shower doors, and dry, itchy skin. You can also purchase a water hardness test kit to determine the mineral content of your water.
Combating Hard Water Effects
If you have hard water, there are several steps you can take to protect your highlighted hair. Investing in a shower filter is a great way to remove minerals from your water. These filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Another option is to use a chelating shampoo. Chelating shampoos are designed to remove mineral build-up from your hair. However, they can be drying, so it’s important to use them sparingly and follow up with a hydrating conditioner.
Rinsing your hair with distilled water or bottled water after washing can also help to remove any remaining mineral deposits. This is a simple and effective way to maintain the vibrancy of your highlights.
Choosing the Right Hair Products After Highlights
Using the right hair products is essential for maintaining the health and color of your highlighted hair. Look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair, as these are formulated to be gentle and protect your color.
Sulfate-free shampoos are a must. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away your hair’s natural oils and cause color to fade quickly. Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse your hair without being overly drying.
Hydrating conditioners are also crucial. Highlights can leave your hair dry and brittle, so it’s important to replenish moisture with a nourishing conditioner. Look for conditioners that contain ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or shea butter.
Leave-in conditioners can provide an extra layer of hydration and protection. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp hair after washing to help detangle, smooth, and protect your hair from heat and environmental damage.
Heat protectant sprays are essential if you use heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners. Heat can damage your hair and cause color to fade, so it’s important to protect your hair with a heat protectant spray before styling.
The Power of Hair Masks
Incorporating hair masks into your hair care routine can provide deep hydration and repair damage. Use a hair mask once or twice a week to nourish your highlighted hair and keep it looking healthy and vibrant.
Look for hair masks that contain ingredients like keratin, protein, or amino acids to help strengthen and repair damaged hair. You can also make your own DIY hair masks using ingredients like avocado, honey, or olive oil.
Swimming and Highlights: A Precarious Combination
Swimming can be particularly damaging to highlighted hair. Chlorine, found in most swimming pools, can strip away your hair’s natural oils and cause color to fade or turn green. Saltwater can also be drying and damaging.
Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. This will help to create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine or saltwater.
Wearing a swimming cap is another effective way to protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine and saltwater. Make sure the cap fits snugly to prevent water from seeping in.
After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with fresh water to remove any chlorine or saltwater. Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for swimmers to help remove any remaining chemicals and replenish moisture.
Addressing the Green Tint
Sometimes, highlighted hair can develop a green tint after swimming in chlorinated water. This is caused by copper in the water reacting with the lightened hair.
To remove the green tint, you can use a clarifying shampoo or a vinegar rinse. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and rinse your hair with the solution. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Maintaining Healthy Highlights: Long-Term Care
Maintaining healthy highlights requires ongoing care and attention. Regular trims are essential to remove split ends and prevent breakage. Aim for a trim every six to eight weeks.
Avoid over-washing your hair. Washing your hair too frequently can strip away natural oils and cause color to fade. Try to wash your hair only two or three times a week.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. This will help to prevent breakage and damage. Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots.
Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can damage your hair and cause color to fade. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Listen to your hair. If your hair feels dry, brittle, or damaged, adjust your hair care routine accordingly. Experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for your hair.
Getting highlights is an investment in your appearance, and following these tips will help you maintain healthy, vibrant, and beautiful highlighted hair for longer. Remember that patience and consistency are key to achieving the best results. By understanding the effects of water, choosing the right products, and adopting a consistent hair care routine, you can enjoy your stunning highlights without compromising the health of your hair.
FAQ 1: How long should I wait to wash my hair after getting highlights?
Waiting at least 48 to 72 hours after getting highlights is crucial. This waiting period allows the hair cuticle to fully close and seal in the color. Washing your hair too soon can cause the color to fade faster, as the hair cuticle is still open and porous, making it easier for the dye molecules to escape.
Furthermore, waiting also gives the bonding agents in the highlighting product time to fully develop. These agents help the color adhere to the hair shaft and contribute to the longevity of your highlights. Ignoring this waiting period might lead to premature fading and dullness, defeating the purpose of getting your hair highlighted in the first place.
FAQ 2: What type of shampoo should I use after getting highlights?
You should opt for a sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause the highlights to fade quickly. A sulfate-free shampoo will be gentler on your color and help maintain its vibrancy for a longer period.
Look for shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as argan oil, shea butter, or keratin. These ingredients will help to replenish the moisture lost during the highlighting process and keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances, as these can also contribute to color fading and damage.
FAQ 3: Can I swim after getting highlights? What precautions should I take?
Swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater can significantly damage your highlights. Chlorine can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause the highlights to turn brassy or green, especially for blonde shades. Saltwater can dehydrate the hair and make it brittle, leading to breakage and fading.
To protect your highlights while swimming, saturate your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before entering the pool or ocean. This will help prevent your hair from absorbing as much chlorinated or salty water. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a barrier and wear a swimming cap whenever possible. Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water immediately after swimming and follow with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
FAQ 4: Will wetting my hair in the shower without shampoo affect my highlights?
Simply wetting your hair in the shower without using shampoo generally won’t significantly harm your highlights, especially if you’re not using hot water. However, it’s still beneficial to minimize frequent wetting, particularly if the water is hard or contains minerals that can dull the color over time.
Repeated exposure to water can gradually leach some of the color from your hair, even without shampoo. Consider using a shower cap on days you’re not washing your hair to prevent it from getting wet. If your hair does get wet, follow up with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help replenish moisture and protect the highlights.
FAQ 5: How can I prevent my highlights from fading when I wet my hair?
Use a color-depositing conditioner regularly. This type of conditioner deposits small amounts of pigment into the hair shaft, helping to refresh the color and prevent fading between salon visits. Choose a conditioner that is specifically formulated for your hair color to maintain the desired tone of your highlights.
Limit your hair washing to only when necessary. Over-washing can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause the highlights to fade faster. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can open the hair cuticle and allow the color to escape.
FAQ 6: Can I use dry shampoo after getting highlights?
Yes, dry shampoo is an excellent option for extending the time between washes after getting highlights. It absorbs excess oil and grease from the scalp, leaving your hair feeling clean and refreshed without the need for water. This helps preserve the color and prevents it from fading too quickly.
When choosing a dry shampoo, opt for one that is formulated for color-treated hair. Some dry shampoos can leave a white cast on darker hair, so consider using a tinted dry shampoo that matches your hair color. Apply the dry shampoo sparingly and evenly to the roots, and then brush it through to distribute it throughout your hair.
FAQ 7: What happens if I don’t wait long enough to wash my hair after highlights?
Washing your hair too soon after getting highlights, especially within the first 24 hours, significantly increases the risk of color fading and diminished vibrancy. The hair cuticle hasn’t fully closed, leaving the color molecules vulnerable to being washed away. This can result in your highlights appearing duller and less defined than intended.
Furthermore, premature washing can disrupt the bonding process of the hair color to the hair shaft. This can lead to uneven color distribution, inconsistent tones, and a shorter lifespan for your highlights. You might also experience increased dryness and damage, as the hair cuticle is more susceptible to damage when it’s still open.