Getting highlights can be an exciting way to refresh your look, but before you sit down in that salon chair, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly. The process of highlighting involves using chemicals to alter the color of your hair, which can be damaging if your hair is not in the best condition. In this article, we’ll delve into the steps you should take before getting highlights to ensure the health and appearance of your hair are maintained.
Understanding Your Hair
Before we dive into the preparations, it’s essential to understand your hair type and its current condition. Hair can be broadly categorized into four types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Each type has its unique characteristics and needs. For instance, dry hair lacks moisture and can be brittle, while oily hair has an overproduction of sebum, making it look greasy. Understanding your hair type will help you tailor your pre-highlight care.
Hair Porosity and Elasticity
Two critical factors to consider are your hair’s porosity and elasticity. Porosity refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture, while elasticity is about its ability to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. Hair with low porosity may resist color penetration, leading to uneven highlights. On the other hand, hair with high elasticity can withstand the chemical process better.
Testing Your Hair
If you’re unsure about your hair’s porosity or elasticity, there are simple tests you can do at home. For porosity, try the water drop test: place a drop of water on a strand of your hair. If it absorbs quickly, your hair has high porosity. For elasticity, gently stretch a strand of hair. If it returns to its original length without breaking, it has good elasticity.
Preparation Steps
Now that you have a better understanding of your hair, let’s move on to the preparation steps that will ensure your hair is ready for highlights.
Stop Using Heat Styling Tools
For at least a week before your appointment, try to minimize the use of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. These tools can damage your hair, especially if used without a heat protectant, making it more susceptible to breakage during the highlighting process.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those that promote hair health like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin, can help improve your hair’s condition from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial for keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.
Use Gentle Hair Care Products
Switch to gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for your hair type. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Also, consider using a hair mask once or twice a week to provide an intense dose of moisture and nourishment.
Avoid Chemical Treatments
If possible, avoid any chemical treatments such as perms, relaxers, or previous color treatments for at least 4-6 weeks before getting highlights. Chemical treatments can weaken your hair, making it more prone to damage during the highlighting process.
Consultation with Your Stylist
Before the actual highlighting process, it’s beneficial to have a consultation with your stylist. Discuss your hair type, the condition it’s in, and the kind of highlights you’re looking for. Your stylist can provide personalized advice on how to prepare your hair and may recommend specific treatments or products to use before your appointment.
Choosing the Right Highlighting Technique
There are several highlighting techniques available, including foil highlights, balayage, and babylights. Each technique has its own benefits and may be more or less suitable depending on your hair type and desired outcome. For example, balayage is a freehand technique that can produce a more natural look and may be less damaging than traditional foil highlights.
Conclusion
Preparing your hair for highlights involves understanding your hair’s type, porosity, and elasticity, and taking steps to ensure it’s in the best condition possible. By following the preparation steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure that your highlights turn out looking their best. Remember, communication with your stylist is key, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice or discuss any concerns you may have. With the right preparation and care, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy-looking highlights you desire.
| Preparation Step | Importance | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Stop using heat styling tools | High | At least 1 week before |
| Maintain a healthy diet | High | Ongoing |
| Use gentle hair care products | Medium | At least 2 weeks before |
By prioritizing your hair’s health and taking the necessary steps to prepare it for highlights, you can enjoy a more successful and less damaging coloring experience. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, the right preparation can make all the difference.
What is the importance of preparing my hair before getting highlights?
Preparing your hair before getting highlights is crucial to achieve the desired results and minimize potential damage. When your hair is in good condition, it can better withstand the chemical process involved in highlighting. This includes having healthy, moisturized hair with minimal split ends and breakage. Preparing your hair also helps to ensure that the highlights take evenly and look vibrant, rather than dull and patchy. Additionally, proper preparation can help to reduce the risk of over-processing, which can lead to dryness, brittleness, and even hair loss.
To prepare your hair for highlights, start by getting regular trims to prevent split ends and breakage. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and nourished. Avoid using heat styling tools or harsh chemical treatments in the weeks leading up to your highlighting appointment. You can also use a pre-color treatment to open up your hair cuticles and allow the color to penetrate more evenly. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your hair is in the best possible condition for highlighting, and that you achieve the beautiful, vibrant results you’re looking for.
How do I choose the right highlights for my hair type and skin tone?
Choosing the right highlights for your hair type and skin tone is essential to achieving a natural, flattering look. If you have cool skin, look for highlights with blue or purple undertones to enhance your natural color. For warm skin, opt for golden or honey-toned highlights to complement your complexion. If you have fine or thin hair, consider subtle, natural-looking highlights to add depth and dimension without weighing your hair down. For thicker or curlier hair, you may be able to get away with more dramatic, chunky highlights to add texture and visual interest.
It’s also important to consider your hair’s natural texture and porosity when choosing highlights. If you have porous hair, you may want to opt for more subtle, gentle highlights to avoid over-processing. If you have non-porous hair, you may be able to get away with more vibrant, bold highlights. Consult with a professional stylist to determine the best highlights for your hair type and skin tone. They can help you choose a color and application method that will enhance your natural beauty and leave you looking and feeling great.
What is the best way to prepare my hair for highlights if I have damaged or over-processed hair?
If you have damaged or over-processed hair, it’s especially important to take extra steps to prepare your hair for highlights. Start by using a nourishing hair mask or deep conditioning treatment to help repair and restore your hair’s moisture and protein balance. Avoid using heat styling tools or harsh chemical treatments in the weeks leading up to your highlighting appointment, as these can further damage your hair. Consider using a pre-color treatment to help open up your hair cuticles and allow the color to penetrate more evenly.
In addition to using gentle, nourishing products, you may also want to consider getting a hair treatment or repair service before your highlighting appointment. This can help to repair and restore your hair’s damaged cuticles and leave your hair looking and feeling healthier and more vibrant. Be sure to communicate with your stylist about your hair’s condition and any concerns you may have. They can help you determine the best course of treatment and ensure that your hair is prepared for the highlighting process.
Can I get highlights if I have previously colored or chemically treated hair?
If you have previously colored or chemically treated hair, it’s still possible to get highlights, but you may need to take extra precautions to ensure the best results. Previously colored or chemically treated hair can be more prone to over-processing or uneven color deposition, so it’s essential to work with a professional stylist who can help you navigate the process. They can help you determine the best course of treatment and choose a highlight color and application method that will complement your existing color and minimize potential damage.
Before getting highlights on previously colored or chemically treated hair, be sure to disclose your hair’s history to your stylist. This includes any previous color treatments, chemical processes, or heat styling habits. Your stylist can help you determine the best way to proceed and ensure that your hair is prepared for the highlighting process. In some cases, your stylist may recommend a pre-color treatment or a gentler highlighting method to minimize the risk of over-processing or damage. By working together, you can achieve the beautiful, vibrant highlights you’re looking for while minimizing potential risks to your hair.
How long before my highlighting appointment should I stop using heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments?
It’s generally recommended to stop using heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments at least 2-3 weeks before your highlighting appointment. This allows your hair to recover from any damage or stress caused by these treatments and helps to ensure that your hair is in the best possible condition for highlighting. Additionally, avoiding heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments in the weeks leading up to your appointment can help to minimize the risk of over-processing or uneven color deposition.
During this time, try to use gentle, nourishing products and avoid using excessive heat or harsh chemicals. Instead, opt for natural styling methods or use a diffuser to help distribute heat evenly and minimize damage. You can also use a pre-color treatment to help open up your hair cuticles and allow the color to penetrate more evenly. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your hair is prepared for the highlighting process and that you achieve the beautiful, vibrant results you’re looking for.
What can I expect during the highlighting process, and how long will it take?
During the highlighting process, your stylist will typically start by sectioning your hair and applying a lightener or color to the desired areas. The length of time it takes to complete the highlighting process will depend on the type and extent of highlights you’re getting, as well as the length and thickness of your hair. On average, a highlighting appointment can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the service.
Once the lightener or color has been applied, your stylist will typically wait a specified amount of time to allow the color to process. This can range from 20-45 minutes, depending on the type of color and the desired result. After the color has processed, your stylist will rinse your hair and apply a toner or gloss to enhance the color and add shine. Finally, your stylist will style your hair to show off your new highlights and provide you with after-care instructions to help you maintain your color and keep your hair looking its best.
How do I care for my hair after getting highlights to maintain the color and health of my hair?
To care for your hair after getting highlights, it’s essential to use gentle, color-protecting products and avoid using excessive heat or harsh chemicals. Look for a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and consider using a color-depositing mask or treatment to help maintain the color and vibrancy of your highlights. You should also avoid using hot water, which can cause the color to fade faster, and instead use warm or cool water when washing your hair.
In addition to using the right products, it’s also important to be gentle when combing or brushing your hair, as rough handling can cause breakage and damage. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work out tangles, and avoid using heat styling tools or harsh chemical treatments for at least 2-3 weeks after your highlighting appointment. By taking these steps, you can help to maintain the color and health of your hair and keep your highlights looking vibrant and beautiful for weeks to come. Regular trims and touch-ups can also help to keep your highlights looking their best and prevent overgrowth or fading.