2026 Guide: How Long Do Highlights Take to Grow Out?

Highlights typically take about three to six months to grow out, depending on individual hair growth rates, usually around half an inch per month. This information helps manage expectations post-highlighting, especially if you're planning for a natural fade rather than repeated salon visits. Regular trims can affect this timeline, often speeding up the process.

The short answer

Highlights take about three to six months to grow out completely. This matters for planning a maintenance schedule. A typical hair growth rate is about half an inch per month. Some highlight placements may grow out unevenly. Explore hair care tips in our blog for detailed guidance.

What changes the lifespan

Different techniques like balayage or foil can alter how highlights grow out, with balayage typically fading more naturally. Technique matters because it affects maintenance needs. Use of color-protecting products from brands like Olaplex No. 4 or Davines can prolong the look. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and swimming further influence the visible change over time.

The FDA reports highlight treatments can alter hair structure. Careful product selection in your routine, especially repairing conditioners, can make a marked difference. Check our listings for colorists that specialize in highlight techniques.

How to make it last longer

To extend highlight longevity, use sulfate-free shampoos and condition regularly. Protect hair from direct sunlight using hats or UV-protection sprays. Brands like K18 specialize in maintaining hair health post-coloring, which is crucial.

Maintain hydration with products like Aquaphor and avoid excessive heat styling. Regular trims to remove split ends keep hair healthy, indirectly prolonging the time before highlights grow out fully. Read more about recommended hair care products in our dedicated article.

When to book the redo

Once new growth becomes highly visible (usually 1 to 2 months), it may be time to refresh highlights. Average maintenance involves touch-ups every 8-12 weeks, with costs varying by salon. The Professional Beauty Association recommends discussing a maintenance schedule with your stylist to keep costs predictable.

Our network suggests maintenance pricing starts at $75 and can vary up to $200 or more per session, depending on service complexity. Visit our listings page for contacts.

Longevity vs alternatives

Long-lasting options like full-color treatments often extend the time between salon visits. Below is a comparison of different hair treatments and their costs per month.

Choose / Avoid

FAQs

Trimming your hair regularly, every 6-8 weeks, can help your highlights grow out faster by removing old colors. Using nourishing hair treatments that stimulate growth can also expedite the process.

While some damage is possible, using protection like Olaplex and avoiding frequent heat treatment minimizes risks. Consulting with a professional colorist ensures your hair stays healthy.

Maintenance can range from $75 to $200 per salon visit. Frequent visits or additional hair is care products can increase costs. Budgeting for treatments and hair care products like color-safe shampoos is advisable.

Typically, highlights need refreshing every 8-12 weeks to maintain vibrancy. This frequency varies based on hair type and desired look longevity.

Yes, they're designed to blend as hair grows. Incorporating regular trims and using recommended hair care prevents visible demarcation lines.

Balayage may grow out more naturally without the noticeable regrowth line seen with foil highlights, potentially extending the time between touch-ups.

Ultimately, for those considering a style transition or needing specific guidance, find expert advice on our platform's listings page.

What Moves the Price

The cost of highlights can significantly fluctuate based on several factors. The technique used, such as balayage or traditional foil highlights, can influence the starting price, with balayage often being more expensive due to its artistic, hand-painted nature. The length and thickness of your hair might result in higher costs, as they require more product and time. Geographic location and the salon's reputation also play crucial roles; high-demand areas or renowned stylists typically charge premium prices. Additionally, the level of experience of the colorist can impact the cost, with seasoned professionals often commanding higher fees. Before booking, inquire about additional costs such as toners, aftercare kits, or follow-up treatments that might be required, as these can add to the overall expense.

How to Judge Quality

When considering highlights, inspect the salon's portfolio. Look for consistency and satisfaction in their previous work, favoring visible results with smooth transitions and natural fading. Pay attention to customer reviews online, paying specific heed to mentions of color longevity and the condition of the hair post-treatment. During an initial consultation, inquire about their techniques and the products they use - high-quality, reputable brands like Olaplex or Davines are indicative of good practices. Moreover, a proficient colorist will explain their process clearly and offer a tailored approach based on your hair type and desired outcome. Ensuring that a salon adheres to high sanitation and safety standards is also a key quality indicator.

Aftercare Cost

After getting highlights, maintaining their vibrancy can entail further expenses. Investing in color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, such as those offered by Davines or Olaplex, is typical. Additionally, heat protectants and hydrating treatments, essential for preserving hair health and color, can add up, costing anywhere from $10-$50 for premium brands. If you require toner refreshes every few months to maintain the desired hue, factor in those costs as well, which might range from $30-$100 per session. Consider budgeting for UV protection sprays if you spend a lot of time outdoors, as these products can prevent sun damage that fades color.

When the Cheaper Option is the Right Call

Opting for a more affordable highlighting service is sometimes practical. If trying highlights for the first time, test with a junior stylist who offers lower rates but still possesses the foundational skills learned under senior colorists' guidance. For those with naturally lighter hair, less time-consuming and costly partial highlights or cap highlights may suffice for achieving a sun-kissed look. Tight budgets might also consider extending the time between appointments by opting for low-maintenance styles like balayage. Additionally, when prioritizing hair health, simple color-safe hair care products might save money in the long run by prolonging the interval between salon visits, reducing the necessity for frequent touch-ups.