2026 Timing Guide: Swimming After Highlights

If you've just had highlights, the general advice is to wait 48 to 72 hours before swimming. This waiting period allows the color to set properly and minimizes damage.

The short answer

Waiting 48 to 72 hours reduces color fading. This timeframe helps new highlights to settle. Chlorine and saltwater can strip away color, risking damage. Approximately 48 hours is often noted by stylists. There's debate on waiting longer for darker shades. Learn more about care at our blog.

What changes the lifespan

Factors like application technique, your hair type, and lifestyle impact highlight durability. For instance, balayage tends to last longer because it's painted directly on the hair and less affected by root growth. Products like Davines offer sulfate-free options that help retain color. The FDA highlights the importance of ingredient safety for colored hair. In our network of stylists, many recommend choosing sulfate-free products.

Your hair's porosity, another consideration, impacts how color fades. Low-porosity hair holds color longer than high-porosity hair. Lifestyle factors, like regular swimming or outdoor activities, will necessitate quicker retouching cycles.

How to make it last longer

Using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, like Olaplex No. 4 or Brazilian Bond Builder, can extend the life of your highlights. Also, consider using Aquaphor on your hairline to prevent any product from irritating your skin during aftercare.

Minimize exposure to chlorine and saltwater by wearing a swim cap. If you're swimming regularly, rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming to lessen water absorption. Our professionals recommend glossing treatments every four to six weeks to maintain vibrancy. Consult with John Brown Salon for a customized plan.

When to book the redo

You'll know it's time to redo your highlights when roots become visible or color appears dull. Most clients book touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks. Costs typically range from $100 to $200 depending on location and salon expertise.

Check with your salon on special packages that include toner and gloss treatments for maintaining color between appointments. Cullins Hair in Dallas offers packages.

Longevity vs alternatives

Highlights usually last 6 to 12 weeks but a comparison with alternative hair treatments highlights differences in maintenance and cost.

Choose / Avoid

Next: Explore salon listings for personalized color care.

Price Influencers

Highlight pricing isn't uniform. Factors include the salon's reputation, stylist expertise, and desired highlight complexity. For instance, intricate placement or blending techniques often increase costs. Geographic location matters too; high-end urban salons may charge significantly more than smaller, local ones. Additionally, aftercare products such as recommended shampoos and treatments post-highlights can raise overall expenses. Before committing, confirm what the quoted price covers, like toner or additional treatments that might not be included.

Assessing Quality in Highlights

Quality assessment begins with the consultation. Look for a stylist who asks about your hair history and lifestyle; this indicates a tailored approach. Examine their past work, especially on similar hair types and colors, through salon portfolios or social media. Observe the blend and natural appearance of highlights in before-and-after photos. During the consultation, inquire about their preferred techniques and product lines; brands like Davines or Olaplex often signal high-quality care. Understanding the stylist’s method can assure alignment with your hair's needs.

Consultations: Key Questions

A thorough consultation should address your hair health, past chemical treatments, and maintenance preferences. Key questions to ask include: 'What steps will you take to protect my hair during highlighting?' and 'How often will retouching be needed given my routine?' Discuss the stylist's customization approach considering hair type and lifestyle. Inquire about specific aftercare products or routines they suggest to extend the life of your highlights. Transparent communication can lead to better outcomes and satisfaction.

Cost-Effective Choices

Choosing a less expensive option isn't always detrimental. Less complex highlight techniques, such as partial rather than full highlights, can save money while offering a refreshed look. Opt for salons offering packages that include touch-ups, toner applications, or glossing treatments at a reduced rate. Consider junior stylists under supervision in reputable salons for quality at a lower price. Routine maintenance with recommended products allows for healthier hair longevity, delaying the need for frequent touch-ups.

Price Variability: What to Expect

Highlight pricing varies widely based on several factors. Salon reputation and location significantly influence costs, with upscale urban salons typically charging more than smaller or suburban establishments. Stylist expertise can also drive up prices, as seasoned professionals generally charge more for their services. Product choice affects the overall price too; higher quality, brand-name products like Olaplex cost more, but they may contribute to longer-lasting results. When booking highlights, inquire about potential extra charges, such as fees for long or thick hair, which might require additional product or time.

Evaluating Salon Experience

Choosing a reputable salon for your highlights is crucial. Begin by researching reviews and ratings online to assess overall customer satisfaction. During your consultation, ask about the stylist's experience specifically with highlights, especially if you have particular preferences like balayage or ombre techniques. Scoping out the salon environment offers insights into cleanliness and professionalism, both markers of a quality establishment. Finally, gauge how well the stylist listens to your goals and concerns; clear communication is key to achieving your desired look.

Understanding Maintenance Commitments

Post-highlights maintenance is an ongoing commitment that can affect the longevity of your color. Before booking, be sure you're ready for the upkeep involved, such as regular salon visits for touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks and routine at-home care with recommended products. Ask about the frequency and type of treatments recommended to maintain vibrancy, such as gloss treatments or toners. Note that some aftercare products or treatments may carry extra costs, adding to your monthly hair maintenance budget.

When Budget Options Make Sense

Economizing on highlights isn't out of reach if you're strategic. For those on a budget, opting for partial highlights can provide a similar aesthetic to full highlights at a lower cost, while also requiring less frequent touch-ups, which means further savings. Additionally, choosing less experienced stylists still under supervision in reputable salons can offer quality results at reduced prices. Regardless, ensure you understand the salon's redo policy, as lower budget work might risk underwhelming results that require correction. Explore these options in advance to align them with your budget.

FAQs

Using protective products like a swim cap can help but waiting 48 hours is still recommended to let dye fully settle.

Chlorinated or saltwater may cause brassiness, particularly in blonde highlights. Use a purple shampoo to neutralize the yellow tones.

Rinsing is advised but not as a substitute for waiting. It can reduce chlorine uptake, not replace settling time.

Both can damage your color but chlorine is often more aggressive. Always rinse thoroughly with fresh water after exposure.

There isn't a surefire way to expedite color setting. However, avoid abrasive styling for a few days to preserve the highlights.

Ensure your highlights endure by consulting salons for aftercare advice. Explore our listings for expert recommendations.