Getting highlights is an exciting way to refresh your look, adding dimension and brightness to your hair. But once you step out of the salon, a crucial question arises: Do you need to switch to a special shampoo? The answer is a resounding yes, and this comprehensive guide will explain why, delving into the science behind it and equipping you with the knowledge to choose the best products for your highlighted hair.
Why Highlighted Hair Needs Special Care
Highlights, while beautiful, alter your hair’s structure. The process typically involves bleaching, which lifts the natural pigment from your strands. This process can make your hair more porous and prone to dryness, breakage, and color fading. Therefore, regular shampoos designed for untreated hair often aren’t equipped to address these specific needs.
Understanding the Damage Caused by Highlighting
Bleach essentially opens up the hair cuticle, the protective outer layer. This allows the lightening agents to penetrate and dissolve the melanin that gives your hair its color. However, this process also weakens the cuticle, making it more vulnerable to damage from heat styling, environmental factors, and even washing. The open cuticle also makes it easier for color molecules to escape, leading to fading.
The Importance of pH Balance
The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, measures acidity or alkalinity. Hair and scalp thrive in a slightly acidic environment, typically around 4.5 to 5.5. Bleaching tends to raise the hair’s pH, making it more alkaline. Shampoos with a high pH can further disrupt the hair’s natural balance, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Special shampoos for highlighted hair are formulated with a lower, more acidic pH to help close the cuticle and restore balance.
The Role of Special Shampoos
Special shampoos for highlighted hair are formulated to address the unique challenges posed by the highlighting process. They are designed to gently cleanse without stripping away moisture or causing further damage. These shampoos often contain ingredients that help to:
- Protect Color: Prevent fading and maintain vibrancy.
- Hydrate and Moisturize: Replenish lost moisture and improve hair’s elasticity.
- Strengthen Hair: Help to repair and protect damaged strands.
- Neutralize Brassiness: Tone down unwanted yellow or orange tones.
Key Ingredients to Look For in a Highlight-Friendly Shampoo
Navigating the world of hair care products can be overwhelming. Knowing which ingredients to look for can help you make informed choices for your highlighted hair.
Hydrating and Moisturizing Agents
Dryness is a common concern for highlighted hair, so look for shampoos containing humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Humectants attract moisture from the environment into the hair shaft. Examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and honey.
Emollients smooth the hair cuticle and add shine. Common emollients include shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil.
Occlusives create a barrier that prevents moisture from escaping. Examples include silicones (use sparingly if you prefer a silicone-free routine), beeswax, and mineral oil.
Color-Protecting Ingredients
To prolong the life of your highlights, choose shampoos with ingredients that protect against color fading.
UV Filters protect hair from sun damage, which can cause color to fade and become brassy.
Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, help to neutralize free radicals that can damage hair and fade color.
Mild Surfactants cleanse gently without stripping away color molecules. Look for sulfates-free options, such as cocamidopropyl betaine or sodium cocoyl isethionate.
Strengthening and Repairing Ingredients
Highlighted hair is often weaker and more prone to breakage. Shampoos with strengthening ingredients can help to rebuild and protect damaged strands.
Keratin is a protein that makes up the hair. Keratin-infused shampoos can help to fill in gaps in the hair cuticle and strengthen strands.
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They can help to repair damaged hair and improve its elasticity.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is a humectant that also strengthens hair and improves its shine.
Neutralizing Unwanted Tones
Highlighted hair can sometimes develop unwanted yellow or orange tones, also known as brassiness. Purple or blue shampoos can help to neutralize these tones and maintain a cool, bright blonde.
Purple Shampoos contain violet pigments that counteract yellow tones.
Blue Shampoos contain blue pigments that counteract orange tones.
Ingredients to Avoid
Just as important as knowing what to look for is knowing what to avoid. Certain ingredients can be harmful to highlighted hair, stripping away moisture, fading color, or causing further damage.
Sulfates
Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils and color from the hair. While they create a rich lather, they can also leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to fading. Common sulfates to avoid include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Alcohol
Alcohol can be drying to the hair, especially when it is already dry and damaged from highlighting. Avoid shampoos that contain high concentrations of alcohol, especially denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that have been linked to some health concerns. While the research is ongoing, many people prefer to avoid parabens in their hair care products.
Harsh Cleansers
Avoid shampoos that contain harsh cleansers such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate. These ingredients can strip away moisture and color, leaving your hair feeling dry and damaged.
How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Highlights
With so many options available, choosing the right shampoo for your highlighted hair can feel daunting. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
Identify Your Hair Type and Needs
Consider your hair type (e.g., oily, dry, fine, thick) and specific concerns (e.g., dryness, frizz, brassiness). Choose a shampoo that is formulated for your hair type and addresses your specific needs. If you have dry hair, look for a moisturizing shampoo. If you have oily hair, look for a lightweight shampoo that won’t weigh your hair down. If you are dealing with brassiness, a purple or blue shampoo may be necessary.
Read Labels Carefully
Pay attention to the ingredient list and look for the beneficial ingredients mentioned earlier. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, alcohol, parabens, or harsh cleansers.
Consider Your Highlight Color
The color of your highlights can influence your shampoo choice. If you have blonde highlights, a purple shampoo may be beneficial to neutralize yellow tones. If you have warm-toned highlights, you may want to avoid purple shampoo, as it can make your highlights appear dull.
Read Reviews
Before purchasing a shampoo, read reviews from other people with highlighted hair. This can give you an idea of how the product performs and whether it is a good fit for your needs.
Start with a Small Size
If you are trying a new shampoo for the first time, start with a small size to see how your hair reacts. This can help you avoid wasting money on a product that doesn’t work for you.
Tips for Washing Highlighted Hair
Even with the right shampoo, proper washing techniques are crucial for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your highlighted hair.
Wash Less Frequently
Over-washing can strip away natural oils and fade color. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, typically 2-3 times per week.
Use Lukewarm Water
Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade more quickly. Use lukewarm water instead.
Apply Shampoo to the Scalp
Focus the shampoo on your scalp, where oil and dirt accumulate. Gently massage the scalp to remove impurities.
Avoid Rubbing the Ends
The ends of your hair are the most delicate and prone to damage. Avoid rubbing them vigorously with shampoo.
Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure to rinse all of the shampoo out of your hair. Leftover shampoo can weigh down your hair and make it look dull.
Follow with Conditioner
Conditioner is essential for replenishing moisture and smoothing the hair cuticle. Use a conditioner that is formulated for highlighted hair.
Use a Hair Mask Regularly
A hair mask can provide deep hydration and repair damaged hair. Use a hair mask once or twice a week.
Beyond Shampoo: A Complete Hair Care Routine for Highlights
Using the right shampoo is a great start, but a complete hair care routine is essential for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your highlights.
Conditioning is Key
Always follow shampooing with a conditioner designed for color-treated or highlighted hair. Look for conditioners that contain moisturizing ingredients and UV protection. Leave-in conditioners can also provide extra hydration and protection throughout the day.
Heat Protection
Heat styling tools can cause significant damage to highlighted hair. Always use a heat protectant spray before using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine once or twice a week to replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for hair masks that contain hydrating ingredients, such as shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil.
Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for preventing split ends and maintaining the overall health of your hair. Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove damaged ends.
Sun Protection
Just like your skin, your hair can be damaged by the sun. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Diet and Hydration
A healthy diet and adequate hydration are essential for healthy hair. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out.
Conclusion: Investing in the Right Shampoo is an Investment in Your Highlights
In conclusion, using a special shampoo for highlighted hair is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity. It’s an investment in the longevity, vibrancy, and overall health of your beautifully highlighted strands. By understanding the science behind why highlighted hair needs specific care, choosing the right products, and adopting proper washing techniques, you can ensure that your highlights look their best for longer. Don’t skimp on this crucial step – your hair will thank you for it.
Why are highlights more prone to damage?
Highlights, whether subtle or bold, involve chemically lightening strands of your hair. This process lifts the hair cuticle, the protective outer layer, to allow the lightening agent to penetrate and remove pigment. Unfortunately, this lifting action weakens the hair shaft, making it more porous and susceptible to breakage, dryness, and frizz. The altered structure loses moisture more easily, which can lead to a dull and brittle appearance if not properly cared for.
The initial lightening process also disrupts the natural protein structure within the hair. The resulting damage increases vulnerability to environmental aggressors like UV rays, heat styling, and even everyday washing. Regular shampoos, especially those containing harsh sulfates, can exacerbate this damage by stripping away essential oils, further compromising the integrity of the highlighted strands and accelerating color fade.
What ingredients should I avoid in shampoo if I have highlights?
Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are aggressive cleansing agents found in many traditional shampoos. While effective at removing dirt and oil, they can also strip away the natural oils and moisture that are crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant highlights. This stripping action leads to dryness, dullness, and can contribute to the rapid fading of your color-treated hair.
Alcohol is another ingredient to watch out for, particularly in shampoos designed for oily hair. While alcohol can provide a temporary feeling of cleanliness, it can also have a drying effect, making highlights appear brittle and lackluster. Likewise, avoid shampoos with a high pH level, as these can open the hair cuticle and cause further damage, increasing porosity and color fade. Opt for shampoos specifically formulated for color-treated hair, as they typically contain gentler surfactants and are pH-balanced to protect your highlights.
What are the benefits of using a shampoo specifically designed for highlights?
Shampoos formulated for highlights are designed to gently cleanse the hair without stripping away essential moisture or fading the color. They often contain mild, sulfate-free surfactants that effectively remove dirt and impurities while preserving the integrity of the hair shaft. These specialized shampoos help maintain the vibrancy and shine of your highlights, preventing them from becoming dull or brassy over time.
Moreover, these shampoos often incorporate ingredients like UV filters and antioxidants to protect your highlights from environmental damage. UV filters shield the hair from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause color fading and damage the hair structure. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can also contribute to color loss and overall hair damage. Hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and keratin can replenish moisture and strengthen the hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and manageable.
How often should I wash my hair if I have highlights?
Washing your hair less frequently is generally better for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your highlights. Over-washing can strip away natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, fading, and increased brittleness. Aim to wash your hair only two to three times a week, or even less if possible, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.
In between washes, consider using a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair. This will help extend the life of your style and prevent the need for frequent shampooing. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade more quickly. Focus on massaging the shampoo into your scalp and roots, and avoid scrubbing the ends, which are more prone to dryness.
What is the difference between sulfate-free and color-safe shampoo?
Sulfate-free shampoos are formulated without sulfates, which are harsh cleansing agents that can strip away natural oils and moisture. These shampoos are generally gentler on the hair and scalp, making them a good choice for all hair types, especially those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. Sulfate-free shampoos are a subset of color-safe shampoos; the absence of sulfates is one mechanism by which a shampoo can be color-safe.
Color-safe shampoos are specifically designed to protect and prolong the life of hair color. They often contain a blend of gentle cleansing agents, antioxidants, and UV filters to prevent color fading and damage. While many color-safe shampoos are also sulfate-free, not all sulfate-free shampoos are necessarily color-safe. Color-safe shampoos may also contain ingredients that help deposit pigment or tone the hair to maintain the desired color. So, when selecting a shampoo for highlights, look for both “sulfate-free” and “color-safe” on the label for optimal protection.
Can I use purple shampoo on my highlights?
Purple shampoo is specifically designed to counteract brassy or yellow tones that can develop in blonde and highlighted hair over time. The purple pigments in the shampoo neutralize the yellow tones, helping to restore a cooler, brighter blonde. It works by depositing a small amount of purple dye onto the hair shaft, which cancels out the unwanted yellow hues according to color theory.
However, it’s essential to use purple shampoo judiciously. Overuse can result in a purple or lavender tint, especially on lighter or more porous highlights. Start by using it once a week, and adjust the frequency based on your hair’s needs. Always follow the product’s instructions carefully, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any unwanted color cast. Consider diluting the shampoo with your regular shampoo for a more subtle effect if you find it too strong.
Are there any natural alternatives to commercial shampoos for highlighted hair?
Yes, there are several natural alternatives to commercial shampoos that can be gentle and effective for highlighted hair. Soap nuts, derived from the soapberry tree, contain natural saponins that create a mild lather and cleanse the hair without harsh chemicals. You can boil a few soap nuts in water to create a natural shampoo solution or purchase pre-made soap nut shampoos.
Another option is to use a diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. ACV helps balance the pH of the scalp and hair, removing buildup and leaving hair shiny. Mix one to two tablespoons of ACV with a cup of water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Other natural cleansing options include baking soda and aloe vera gel, but these may require some experimentation to find the right balance for your specific hair type and needs. Remember to always do a patch test before using any new product, natural or commercial, to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.