How long do highlights last
Highlights are a popular hair coloring technique that adds dimension and brightness to your locks. Whether you want subtle, natural-looking highlights or bold, vivid streaks, highlights can transform your entire look. But if you’re planning to get highlights, you might be wondering: how long do they actually last?
The lifespan of highlights largely depends on several factors, such as the color of your hair, the type of highlights, and how well you take care of your hair. On average, highlights can last anywhere from four to six weeks. However, some factors can affect their longevity.
If you have dark or course hair, your highlights may fade faster than someone with lighter or finer hair. The porosity of your hair can also affect how long your highlights last. If your hair is more porous, it can absorb the coloring products more easily, resulting in fading that may happen quicker than expected.
What is the Duration of Highlights?
Highlights, when done professionally, can last up to six to eight weeks. However, the exact duration of highlights largely depends on several factors, such as the natural hair color, the type of highlights, and the hair care routine.
The duration of highlights also varies based on the technique used. For example, foils tend to last longer as they offer more precise and controlled color placement. On the other hand, balayage highlights, which are painted freehand, may fade more subtly and blend with the natural hair color, resulting in a longer-lasting effect.
The natural hair color also plays a significant role in determining the duration of highlights. Darker hair colors may require bleaching or lightening before applying the highlights, which can make them more prone to fading over time. Additionally, those with lighter hair colors may find that highlights blend in more seamlessly, reducing the visibility of grown-out roots.
Proper hair care and maintenance also contribute to the longevity of highlights. Using color-safe shampoo and conditioner, avoiding excessive heat styling, and protecting the hair from sun exposure can help preserve the vibrancy of highlights and prevent premature fading.
In general, it is recommended to schedule a touch-up appointment with a professional colorist every six to eight weeks to maintain the desired look. Regular touch-ups will ensure that the highlights remain fresh and vibrant, without any noticeable grow-out or fading.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Highlights
1. Haircare Routine: The longevity of highlights heavily depends on how well you take care of your hair. If you follow a proper haircare routine, which includes gentle shampooing, regular conditioning, and the use of hair masks or deep conditioners, your highlights are more likely to last longer.
2. Hair Color: The color of your highlights also plays a role in their longevity. If you opt for a lighter shade, it may fade more quickly compared to darker hues. Additionally, vibrant or bold colors tend to fade faster than natural or subtle shades.
3. Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun can be damaging to your hair and may cause your highlights to fade. To protect your highlights from fading due to sun exposure, consider wearing a hat, using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection, or opting for a haircare product specifically designed for color-treated hair.
4. Swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can also diminish the vibrancy of your highlights. To minimize the impact of swimming on your highlights, try wetting your hair with fresh water before entering the pool or ocean. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or apply a hair mask before swimming to create a barrier between the water and your highlights.
5. Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, can cause your highlights to fade faster. To protect your highlights, use a heat protectant spray before styling your hair and avoid using high temperatures or prolonged exposure to heat.
6. Hair Growth: As your hair grows, your highlights will move farther away from the roots, which may result in a less noticeable appearance. To maintain the desired effect, you may need to touch up your highlights every few months or as recommended by your stylist.
In conclusion, the longevity of your highlights is influenced by various factors, ranging from your haircare routine to external elements like sun exposure and swimming. By taking proper care of your hair, avoiding excessive heat styling, and protecting your hair from the sun and chlorine, you can extend the lifespan of your highlights.
How to Make Highlights Last Longer
Highlights can add depth and dimension to your hair, so it’s no wonder you want to make them last as long as possible. While it’s natural for highlights to fade over time, there are steps you can take to help prolong their vibrancy. Here are some tips to make your highlights last longer:
1. Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. Regular shampoos can cause the color to fade faster, so choose products specifically formulated to preserve color-treated hair.
2. Avoid excessive washing. Washing your hair too frequently can strip away the color from your highlights. Try to wash your hair every other day or use dry shampoo in between washes to keep it looking fresh without overdoing it.
3. Opt for lukewarm water. Hot water can open up the hair cuticles, allowing the color to escape more easily. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water instead to help seal in the color and prevent fading.
4. Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can fade the color of your highlights, so wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
5. Minimize heat styling. Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can cause damage to your hair, leading to faster fading of your highlights. Try to limit your use of these tools and use a heat protectant spray when styling.
6. Get regular touch-ups. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to schedule touch-ups every 6-8 weeks to maintain the look of your highlights. Your stylist can help ensure that your color stays fresh and vibrant.
7. Deep condition regularly. Keeping your hair well-nourished and moisturized can help prevent your highlights from looking dull and lackluster. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your highlights and enjoy the vibrant look for a longer period of time.
When to Go for Hair Highlighting Again?
When it comes to maintaining your hair highlights, timing is key. Depending on the type of highlights you have and how well you take care of your hair, you will generally need to go for hair highlighting again every few weeks to every few months.
If you have subtle or low-maintenance highlights such as balayage or babylights, you can typically wait around 8-12 weeks before getting them redone. These techniques blend the highlights with your natural hair color, so they grow out more naturally and don’t require frequent touch-ups.
On the other hand, if you have more noticeable highlights like foils or chunky highlights, they may need to be refreshed every 4-6 weeks. These types of highlights create more contrast and can be more prone to noticeable regrowth.
It’s also important to consider the health of your hair when deciding when to go for hair highlighting again. If your hair is damaged or brittle, it’s best to give it some time to recover before getting highlights redone. Consult with a hair stylist to determine the right timing based on your hair’s condition.
In addition to the type of highlights and the condition of your hair, personal preference also plays a role in when to go for hair highlighting again. Some people prefer a more blended and natural look, while others may enjoy the contrast and boldness of fresh highlights. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how often you want to maintain your highlights.
Remember to regularly apply hair treatments and use color-protecting hair products to maintain the color and health of your highlights between touch-up appointments. Following a proper hair care routine will extend the lifespan of your highlights and help you achieve the desired look for a longer duration.
So, whether it’s for subtle dimension or a dramatic change, keep an eye on the growth of your highlights and plan your next hair highlighting appointment accordingly. A trained hair colorist can guide you on the ideal frequency and timing to maintain your highlights and keep your hair looking vibrant and beautiful.
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
