The Ultimate Guide for Highlighted Hair Care: Top 7 Expert Tips for Healthy Hair
Shiny, smooth healthy looking hair.
UPDATED ON 04/09/ 2024
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Lightening services (ex. highlighted and balayage hair) are a fantastic way to add brightness, enhanced dimension, and add radiance to your look. However, proper hair care is essential to maintain the health, integrity and vibrancy of your lightened locks. As someone who works behind the chair, I understand that it can sometimes feel overwhelming to know what products and techniques address both the needs of your hair's individual texture and colour.
In this blog, I will share the industry's secrets to healthy, stunning hair that will turn heads wherever you go!
#1 Choose a Skilled Colourist for Your Highlighted Hair
When you are considering getting any lightening service, it's crucial to choose a skilled and experienced colourist who understands your hair type and desired outcome. A knowledgeable colourist will employ the right shade and techniques, minimizing potential damage and maximizing results. Optimal application is the first step towards ensuring the longevity and health of your hair. It is also essential to do your research. We are so lucky that we have social media at our fingertips and can pull up someone's portfolio to scope out their work.
Pro Tip: If you need clarification and have had bad experiences in the past, be sure to give the salon a call and book a consultation with the stylist you're interested in. Bring a ton of reference photos! Trust me your stylist will thank you. At that point the stylist should be able to talk you through the process so you know what exactly is involved and an estimated price. Most consultations are booked for 15 minutes and are completely FREE, so take advantage of it; it will likely put your mind at ease.
#2 Invest in Quality Haircare Products for Colour-Treated Hair
You've just spent a pretty penny on your newly lightened hair; now it's time to maintain its health when you walk out of the salon doors. Highlighted hair requires special care, and investing in high-quality haircare products formulated for colour-treated hair is essential. Salon product is best! Trust me. Look for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners containing ingredients like keratin, hydrating oils, or vitamin E. These ingredients help maintain moisture, prevent colour fading, and protect against damage.
Amazon
R & Co shampoo and conditioner is a great option for colour-treated hair and has heat protection & SPF technology built into its formula.
#3 Hydrate Your Highlighted Hair
Maintaining proper hydration is vital for preventing dryness in any colour treated hair. Remember, a chemical change has just occurred, making it more prone to breakage and dryness. So, adding that moisture back into your hair is key. You can do this by incorporating a deep conditioner once weekly to nourish and replenish your locks. Additionally, consider adding a leave-in conditioner on wet hair before styling and a heat protectant if you use any heat tools and incorporating hair masks into your routine for ongoing hydration and protection against environmental stressors.
Sephora
Amikia's Soulfood is and Ultra Rich hydrating mask that is pack with all the essential nutrients the hair needs to moisturize, soften & smooth damaged hair.
#4 Minimize Heat Styling to Preserve Your Highlights
Heat styling tools like flat irons, blow-dryers and curling wands can cause damage and can expedite colour fading and dryness. Minimize there use and opt for heat-free styling methods whenever possible. If you must use heat, apply a good heat protectant to shield your hair from high temperatures and always use the lowest setting possible to achieve your desired style.
Amazon
Get voluminous Damage Free curls with Kitsch's heatless curling set.
#5 Protect Your Highlights from UV Rays
Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to colour fading, dullness and even dryness. Protect your locks from the sun's damaging effects by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using UV protection sprays or serums specifically designed for hair. These products act as barriers, preserving your colour and maintaining hair vitality.
Oribe
Oribe's Supershine Moisturizing Cream is an all in one luxury leave-in conditioner that tames frizz, adds shine & restores hair, while having that extra added benefit of providing your hair with UV protection.
#6 Regular Trims and Maintenance
Trimming your hair every 8-12 weeks is essential to prevent split ends and maintain the health of your highlighted locks. Regular trims promote vibrant hair by removing damaged or dull ends. Consult your stylist to determine the ideal frequency for maintenance appointments based on your hair's needs. 8- 12 week is just a suggestion if you have textured hair the time frame may differ.
#7 Enhance and Maintain Your Color with Specialized Products
To keep your highlights looking fresh and vibrant between salon visits, consider using color-enhancing products tailored to your hair colour. These products deposit a small amount of colour onto your strands, reviving your highlights and extending the time between touch-ups. Ie. Purple shampoo, etc.
Amazon
Wella's Color Fresh is a color depositing mask that refreshes & tones the hair in just 10 minutes and is definitely worth the hype!
The Final Takeaway
Caring for lighted hair requires dedication, but the results are so worth the effort. You can maintain stunning, vibrant, and healthy locks by following these tips and incorporating them into your haircare routine. Remember to do your research and find a skilled colorist who also educates you on proper aftercare. And healthy hair always starts from within!
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