When can I wash my hair after highlights?
If you can, give your hair a little time before the first shampoo, so the color and toner have time to settle. Many colorists suggest waiting a day or two. Esther will tell you what she recommends for your color.
When you do wash, use lukewarm water rather than hot. Very hot water roughs up the cuticle and can help toner fade faster.
Which shampoo and conditioner should I use after highlights?
Shampoo the scalp, not the ends. The suds that rinse through are enough to clean the lengths.
- A gentle shampoo made for color-treated hair
- Conditioner every wash, from the mid-lengths to the ends
- A moisturizing mask once a week
- A leave-in conditioner if your ends feel dry or tangle easily
- A purple or violet shampoo only now and then, if your highlights are blonde and start to look yellow
How do I style highlighted hair gently?
Lightened strands are more fragile, especially when wet. Detangle from the ends up with a wide-tooth comb, rather than pulling a brush down from the roots. Before any blow-dryer or iron, mist on a heat protectant and turn the heat down a notch or two.
Give your hair heat-free days when you can. Loose braids, soft buns and air-dried waves are kinder than daily flat-ironing. Skip tight elastics that can snap lightened strands; soft scrunchies and clips are gentler.
How do I keep highlights from fading in the sun and pool?
Fresh highlights are at their brightest, and sun, salt water and chlorine wear them down fastest. A wide-brimmed hat does more than any product. On beach days, comb a leave-in with UV filters through your lengths. In the pool, hair already soaked with tap water and coated with conditioner absorbs less chlorine, so rinse first and rinse again after.
If your highlights are blonde, see how to keep blonde hair bright for more on tone.
What salon care keeps highlights looking their best?
Esther finishes color with a glaze for mirror shine. Between highlight visits, a glaze on its own, $50, can refresh tone and shine. Kérastase treatments and products in the salon can add softness and shine to hair that feels dry. Read about highlights in Palm Beach and Kérastase treatments.
Esther's clients' favorite combination is color first, then highlights: the base color adds depth and the highlights add light.
“I could barely describe what I wanted changed about my color but Esther did it perfectly. I am sooooo happy!”
— Rebekaa R., partial highlights
When should I book my next highlights appointment?
That depends on your placement, your natural color and how much contrast you like, and Esther sets the rhythm with each client. Read how often to refresh highlights and roots, or text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation.
Questions clients ask
Why does my hair feel dry after highlights?
Lightening opens the hair's outer layer so it can lift color out, and that makes strands more porous. Porous hair loses moisture faster and can feel rough. Regular conditioning, a weekly mask and lower heat help it feel soft again.
Can I use dry shampoo on highlighted hair?
Yes, now and then. It can stretch the time between washes, which helps tone last longer. Spray it at the roots only, brush it through well and wash it out within a day or two, so it does not build up and dull your highlights.
Is it normal for highlights to look warmer over time?
Yes, a little. Toner softens with washing and sun, and the warmth underneath starts to show. A glaze in the salon refreshes the tone, and a toning shampoo used now and then helps at home.