What to Do After Getting Highlights — 2026 Guide

After getting highlights, immediate aftercare is crucial to maintain their vibrancy and health. Your first step should typically involve avoiding washing your hair for at least 48 hours. This allows the cuticle to close and the color to set, ensuring more lasting effects.

What what to do after getting highlights actually is

Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours to set the color. This waiting period is essential for longevity. A single session can lift hair shades significantly. Over-washing may lead to color fade. Explore more maintenance tips on our blog.

Proper aftercare following the initial treatment can prolong the vibrancy and shine of your highlights. Hair is often most vulnerable post-treatment due to chemical exposure, which can make it prone to drying out. Using conditioners and hair masks specifically designed for color-treated hair can help mitigate damage and maintain moisture.

How it works

The highlight process involves lightening specific sections of hair. This ensures contrast and an added dimension to your hair's appearance. Expect the session to last between 2 to 4 hours. Longer appointments allow time for precise application and processing. Find local experts through our provider database.

Highlighting requires precision and expertise to ensure an even distribution of color. Generally, your stylist will separate hair sections and apply a bleaching agent to lighten them, followed by a neutralizing toner. The process varies slightly depending on the desired look, from subtle balayage to bold, full-head highlights.

Cost and time

Costs range from $75 to $350 depending on hair length. Recognize these prices often exclude aftercare products. Maintenance every 8–10 weeks is typical. Salon experience and geographic location can impact costs. Explore our pricing guide for more details.

Highlight treatments can be expensive due to the skill and products involved. It's important to consider not only the initial cost but also ongoing maintenance. Using high-quality conditioners and regular color-refreshing products contributes to long-term expenses.

Who it suits and who it doesn't

Highlights work for those who want dimension in hair. They aren't ideal for extremely damaged hair. Color maintenance requires commitment. Consider hair type and lifestyle before booking. Use our salon locator to find a suitable salon.

While highlights can revitalize a hair color, they might not be suitable for everyone. Those with severely damaged or very dark hair may require additional treatments or risk further damage. Consulting with a professional stylist can provide clarity and tailor treatments to match hair type and desired results.

Alternatives compared

Balayage vs highlights: subtle vs bold contrast. Ombre creates a graduated color depth. Root smudge offers a softer look. Each alternative differs in color approach. Read our in-depth alternative styles piece.

Balayage and ombre techniques offer less stark but natural-looking color transitions. Choosing between these options often depends on desired color effects, budget, and maintenance capabilities. The table below distinguishes highlights from these popular styles.

FAQs

It's recommended to wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after highlights. This delay helps the color to set in properly, improving its longevity.

Use a sulfate-free shampoo as it helps preserve hair color by preventing fading. Sulfates in regular shampoos can strip color-treated strands more quickly.

Incorporate a color-safe conditioner and weekly hair mask into your routine to maintain moisture and color. Heat protection sprays are also essential to prevent color degradation from styling tools.

Avoid swimming for a week if possible, particularly in chlorine or saltwater, as these can strip the color. Consider using a protective cap or leave-in conditioner if swimming cannot be postponed.

Highlighting can cause damage if not done properly, as it involves bleaching. Regular deep-conditioning treatments and avoiding heat styling can help mitigate this risk.

Touch-ups are typically needed every 8–10 weeks to maintain the colored look. The frequency can vary based on hair growth and the level of contrast desired.

You can use heat styling tools, but apply a heat-protectant spray beforehand to minimize damage and color fading.

Use a purple or blue shampoo to tone down brassiness. This type of product neutralizes unwanted yellow or orange tones in the hair.

For further guidance and appointments, check our listings to find local experts who can provide personalized service.

Questions to Discuss During Your Consultation

The consultation is your first chance to ensure the final result aligns with your expectations. Ask about the different highlighting techniques your stylist recommends given your hair type, and if multiple sessions are needed to achieve your desired look without excessive damage. Inquire about the types of products they will use and whether you might need to adjust your current hair care routine. Consider asking about potential risks, like dryness or hair breakage, and what specific aftercare steps they suggest. Understanding the longevity of the chosen technique, whether it’s a subtle balayage or bold full-head highlights, can help manage expectations regarding how frequently you might need touch-up sessions.

Factors Influencing Highlight Costs

Highlighting costs can vary widely due to several factors beyond just the length of your hair. The complexity of the highlighting method, as a partial highlight may be less expensive than a full head. The reputation and experience level of the stylist, and their location, also play significant roles. Bespoke color treatments or using high-end coloring products can markedly increase the price. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes a toner, as this can add to the cost but is necessary for achieving the final desired shade.

Evaluating Stylist Credentials and Their Work

Quality varies significantly among stylists, so evaluating their credentials is crucial. Request to see a stylist's portfolio of past work, particularly if they specialize in the highlighting technique you desire. Look for evidence of continued education and professional development in their profiles, which can indicate they stay updated on best practices and emerging trends. Reviews and recommendations from other clients can provide insights into their customer service quality and reliability. Choose a stylist who demonstrates an understanding of hair health and can explain how they will achieve your desired outcome without compromising your hair's integrity.

Expected Duration of Results and Consistent Maintenance

When done correctly, the initial vibrance of highlights can last up to 8–10 weeks, necessitating regular maintenance. The time highlights remain looking fresh depends largely on your natural hair color and growth rate. Using color-protective products can help extend this period by preventing color fading. For quicker grow-out rates, ask if your stylist offers root touch-up services to extend the time between full highlight sessions without a notable demarcation line. Evaluating the frequency and cost of these maintenance treatments is vital to budget accurately over time.