Highlights can transform your hair, adding dimension, brightness, and a touch of glamour. But the process of lightening hair can also leave it dry, brittle, and prone to damage. Maintaining healthy hair after highlights requires a dedicated approach to care and maintenance. This article will guide you through proven strategies to keep your highlighted locks looking and feeling their best.
Understanding the Impact of Highlights on Your Hair
The highlighting process involves using chemical lighteners, typically containing hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, to lift the natural pigment from your hair strands. This process, while effective for achieving the desired color, can significantly alter the hair’s structure.
The Science Behind Hair Lightening
To understand how highlights affect your hair, it’s important to know a little about hair structure. Each strand is composed of three layers: the cuticle (outer layer), the cortex (middle layer), and the medulla (inner layer). The cuticle, made up of overlapping scales, protects the inner layers.
The lightening process works by penetrating the cuticle and breaking down the melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. This process weakens the cuticle, making it more porous and susceptible to moisture loss and damage. The cortex, responsible for the hair’s strength and elasticity, can also be affected, leading to breakage and split ends.
Common Post-Highlighting Hair Issues
Following a highlighting session, you might notice several changes in your hair’s texture and appearance. Dryness is one of the most common complaints, as the lightening process strips the hair of its natural oils.
Other frequent issues include:
- Increased frizz and flyaways
- Split ends and breakage
- Dullness and lack of shine
- Changes in hair texture (e.g., becoming more coarse or brittle)
- Color fading and brassiness
The Golden Rules of Post-Highlighting Hair Care
Adopting a consistent hair care routine is crucial for counteracting the damaging effects of highlights and maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. These golden rules will form the foundation of your post-highlighting care plan.
Invest in High-Quality, Sulfate-Free Products
The products you use on your hair after highlights can make a significant difference in its health and appearance. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are essential, as sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the hair of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness.
Look for products specifically formulated for color-treated hair, as these often contain ingredients that help to protect the color and repair damage. Ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and natural oils can help to strengthen the hair shaft and restore moisture.
Embrace Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioning treatments are your best friend when it comes to replenishing moisture and repairing damage caused by highlights. These treatments penetrate the hair shaft more deeply than regular conditioners, delivering intense hydration and nourishment.
Aim to use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week, or even more frequently if your hair is particularly dry or damaged. Leave the treatment on for the recommended time, usually 10-20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Consider using a hooded dryer or warm towel to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
Minimize Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can further damage highlighted hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Try to minimize your use of these tools as much as possible.
When you do use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand. This will create a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the risk of damage. Use the lowest heat setting possible and avoid holding the tool in one place for too long.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Just as the sun can damage your skin, it can also damage your hair, especially highlighted hair. UV rays can fade your color, dry out your strands, and weaken the hair shaft.
Whenever you’re spending time outdoors, protect your hair with a hat or scarf. You can also use hair products that contain UV filters. These products will help to shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays, preserving its color and health.
Regular Trims are Non-Negotiable
Split ends are a common problem for highlighted hair, and the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off. Regular trims, every 6-8 weeks, are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Trimming away split ends will prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, causing further damage.
Even if you’re trying to grow your hair out, regular trims are still important. They will help to keep your hair looking its best and prevent breakage.
Specific Product Recommendations and Ingredients to Look For
Navigating the world of hair care products can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find the right products for highlighted hair. Here are some specific ingredients and product types to look for.
Key Ingredients for Highlighted Hair
- Keratin: A protein that helps to strengthen and repair the hair shaft.
- Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, which help to rebuild and fortify damaged hair.
- Argan Oil: A rich source of antioxidants and fatty acids that moisturize and protect the hair.
- Coconut Oil: A natural emollient that helps to hydrate and soften the hair.
- Shea Butter: A nourishing butter that helps to moisturize and protect the hair from damage.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that attracts moisture to the hair, keeping it hydrated and plump.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A provitamin that helps to strengthen and moisturize the hair.
Product Types to Prioritize
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Gently cleanses the hair without stripping away natural oils.
- Hydrating Conditioner: Replenishes moisture and detangles the hair.
- Deep Conditioner or Hair Mask: Provides intense hydration and repair.
- Leave-In Conditioner: Helps to detangle, moisturize, and protect the hair throughout the day.
- Heat Protectant Spray: Shields the hair from heat damage during styling.
- Hair Oil or Serum: Adds shine, smooths frizz, and protects the hair from environmental damage.
- Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: Neutralizes brassy tones in blonde and highlighted hair.
Lifestyle Changes for Healthier Hair
Your overall health and lifestyle habits can also impact the health of your hair. Making a few simple changes can significantly improve the condition of your highlighted locks.
Diet and Hydration
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is essential for healthy hair growth. Ensure you’re getting enough protein, as hair is primarily made of protein. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Staying hydrated is also crucial. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. Dehydration can lead to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body, including your hair. Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss and thinning.
Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Getting enough sleep is also important for stress management and overall health.
Protecting Your Hair While You Sleep
The way you treat your hair while you sleep can also impact its health. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help to reduce friction and breakage. Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
You can also try braiding your hair loosely before bed to prevent tangles and breakage. Avoid sleeping with your hair pulled back tightly, as this can put stress on the hair follicles and lead to breakage.
Dealing with Specific Post-Highlighting Problems
Even with the best care routine, you may still encounter some specific problems after getting highlights. Here’s how to address some common issues.
Tackling Brassiness
Brassiness is a common problem for blonde and highlighted hair. It occurs when the underlying warm tones in the hair become exposed.
Purple shampoo and conditioner are designed to neutralize brassy tones. The purple pigments in these products counteract the yellow and orange tones in the hair, leaving it looking brighter and more vibrant. Use purple shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week, or as needed, to maintain your desired color.
Repairing Damaged Hair
If your hair is severely damaged after highlighting, you may need to take more intensive measures to repair it.
Consider using a bond-building treatment, which helps to repair the broken bonds in the hair shaft. These treatments can significantly improve the strength and elasticity of damaged hair. You may also want to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best course of action for repairing your hair.
Maintaining Moisture
Dryness is a common issue for highlighted hair, so it’s important to focus on maintaining moisture.
In addition to using hydrating shampoos and conditioners, incorporate leave-in conditioners, hair oils, and hair masks into your routine. Avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this can strip it of its natural oils. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can further dry out your strands.
Professional Treatments to Consider
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your hair may need extra help from professional treatments. These can provide a boost of hydration, repair damage, and enhance the overall health of your highlighted hair.
Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments can help to smooth frizz, reduce breakage, and add shine to highlighted hair. However, it’s important to note that some keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, which can be harmful. Look for formaldehyde-free options and consult with a stylist to determine if a keratin treatment is right for you.
Olaplex Treatments
Olaplex is a bond-building treatment that helps to repair damaged hair. It works by reconnecting the broken bonds in the hair shaft, making it stronger and more resilient. Olaplex treatments can be done in the salon or at home, and they are particularly beneficial for highlighted hair.
Hair Glosses
Hair glosses can add shine and vibrancy to highlighted hair. They also help to tone the hair and correct any unwanted brassiness. Hair glosses are typically semi-permanent, and they can last for several weeks.
Maintaining healthy hair after highlights requires a commitment to proper care and maintenance. By following these tips and incorporating the right products and treatments into your routine, you can keep your highlighted locks looking beautiful and healthy for years to come. Remember, consistency is key, and a little extra effort can go a long way in preserving the health and vibrancy of your highlighted hair.
FAQ 1: Why does highlighted hair require extra care?
Highlighted hair needs extra care because the highlighting process involves chemically altering the hair’s structure. The bleaching agents lift the hair cuticle to remove pigment, which can leave the hair more porous, brittle, and susceptible to damage. This makes highlighted hair more prone to dryness, breakage, and color fading.
The chemical process weakens the hair’s natural protein bonds and reduces its elasticity. Therefore, it is crucial to replenish moisture, strengthen the hair shaft, and protect it from further damage through proper hair care practices. This includes using moisturizing products, minimizing heat styling, and avoiding harsh chemicals.
FAQ 2: What type of shampoo and conditioner should I use on highlighted hair?
When dealing with highlighted hair, you should prioritize sulfate-free shampoos and hydrating conditioners. Sulfates can strip away the hair’s natural oils, exacerbating dryness and leading to color fade. Opting for sulfate-free formulas ensures gentle cleansing without compromising moisture levels.
Look for conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These conditioners often contain ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and oils that help to repair and strengthen damaged strands. Regularly conditioning your highlighted hair is crucial for maintaining its softness, shine, and overall health.
FAQ 3: How often should I wash my highlighted hair?
Washing your highlighted hair too frequently can strip away natural oils and cause dryness, leading to damage and color fading. Aim to wash your hair only 2-3 times per week, or even less if possible, to maintain moisture and extend the life of your color.
On days you don’t shampoo, consider using dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your roots. This will help to extend the time between washes and prevent your highlights from becoming dull or brassy. Experiment to find the frequency that works best for your hair type and lifestyle.
FAQ 4: What are the best ways to protect highlighted hair from heat styling?
Heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can further damage highlighted hair, making it even more prone to breakage and dryness. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tool to create a barrier between the hair and the heat source.
Lower the temperature settings on your heat styling tools to minimize damage. Consider air-drying your hair whenever possible or using heatless styling methods to reduce your reliance on heat. Taking these precautions will help to preserve the integrity of your highlighted hair and prevent unnecessary damage.
FAQ 5: How can I combat brassiness in my highlighted hair?
Brassiness, the appearance of unwanted yellow or orange tones in highlighted hair, is a common issue that can occur over time. This happens when the underlying warm tones in the hair become exposed as the color fades. To combat brassiness, use a purple shampoo or conditioner once or twice a week.
Purple shampoos contain violet pigments that neutralize yellow and orange tones, restoring a cooler, brighter appearance to your highlights. Be careful not to overuse purple shampoo, as it can sometimes cause a slight purple tint, especially on very light blonde hair. Always follow the product instructions carefully and rinse thoroughly.
FAQ 6: Are hair masks beneficial for highlighted hair?
Hair masks are exceptionally beneficial for highlighted hair, as they provide intense hydration and repair. They penetrate deeper into the hair shaft compared to regular conditioners, delivering a concentrated dose of nourishing ingredients to combat dryness and damage caused by highlighting.
Look for hair masks specifically formulated for color-treated or damaged hair, containing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, or keratin. Apply a hair mask once a week or as needed, leaving it on for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly. This will help to restore moisture, strengthen the hair, and improve its overall health and shine.
FAQ 7: Should I get regular trims after highlighting my hair?
Regular trims are crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of highlighted hair. Highlighting can make hair more prone to split ends and breakage, so trimming away damaged ends prevents the damage from traveling further up the hair shaft.
Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. Trimming also helps to maintain the shape of your haircut and prevents your ends from looking frayed or uneven. This simple step can significantly improve the overall look and feel of your highlighted hair.