Getting fresh highlights is a transformative experience. The subtle shimmer, the added dimension, and the overall refreshed look can significantly boost your confidence. However, maintaining that salon-fresh brilliance requires careful attention, especially when it comes to washing your hair. The question of how long to wait before washing your hair after highlights is a crucial one, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Why Waiting Matters: The Science Behind Hair Highlights and Washing
Understanding the chemical processes involved in highlighting is key to appreciating the importance of delaying that first wash. Highlights, unlike permanent hair color, typically involve bleaching sections of your hair to remove the existing pigment. This process opens up the hair cuticle, the protective outer layer, making the hair more porous and vulnerable.
When you wash your hair too soon after highlighting, the hair cuticle is still open and susceptible to color loss. The color molecules haven’t fully settled and washing can easily strip them away, leading to faded highlights and a dull appearance. Moreover, the already weakened hair is more prone to damage and breakage when wet and manipulated, especially with harsh shampoos.
The bleaching process also affects the natural oils in your hair. These oils provide essential moisture and protection. Washing too soon can further deplete these oils, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and prone to frizz.
In essence, waiting to wash your hair allows the cuticle to close, the color to set, and the natural oils to replenish, contributing to longer-lasting, healthier, and more vibrant highlights.
The Golden Rule: 48-72 Hours is Your Best Bet
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the general consensus among hair stylists is to wait at least 48 to 72 hours after getting your highlights before washing your hair. This timeframe allows the hair cuticle to close properly, trapping the color molecules inside.
Think of it like letting paint dry. You wouldn’t touch wet paint immediately after application, would you? The same principle applies to your highlighted hair. Patience is key to preserving your investment and maintaining the integrity of your hair.
The longer you wait, the better. Even extending the wait to 3 or 4 days can significantly improve the longevity of your highlights and the overall health of your hair.
Factors That Influence the Waiting Period
Several factors can influence how long you should wait before washing your hair after highlights. These include:
The Type of Highlights You Got
The technique used for your highlights can affect the waiting period. For example, subtle highlights like babylights might be less damaging than bolder, more dramatic highlights. If you’ve undergone a significant color change or a double-process color treatment, waiting longer is especially crucial.
- Babylights and subtle highlights: A 48-hour wait may be sufficient.
- Balayage and Ombre: Waiting 72 hours or longer is recommended.
- Dramatic color changes: Extend the waiting period to 4 days or more.
Your Hair Type and Condition
Your hair type and its pre-existing condition also play a role. Fine or damaged hair is generally more porous and susceptible to color loss, so waiting longer is advised. Coarse or oily hair might be able to withstand washing sooner, but it’s still best to err on the side of caution.
Dry or damaged hair needs more time to recover and replenish its natural oils, so avoid washing it too soon after highlights.
The Products Used During and After the Highlighting Process
The quality of the products used during and after the highlighting process can also impact the waiting period. High-quality salon products are often formulated to be gentler on the hair and help seal in the color. Your stylist might also use a color-locking treatment after highlighting to further protect your investment.
If your stylist uses bond-building treatments like Olaplex during the highlighting process, this can strengthen the hair and potentially shorten the waiting time. However, it’s still best to follow your stylist’s recommendations.
What Happens if You Wash Your Hair Too Soon?
Washing your hair too soon after getting highlights can have several negative consequences:
- Fading: The most common consequence is premature fading of your highlights. The color simply washes out, leaving your hair looking dull and lifeless.
- Brassiness: For blonde highlights, washing too soon can lead to brassiness. This is because the underlying warm tones in your hair are exposed, and the toner that neutralizes them washes away quickly.
- Dryness and Damage: As mentioned earlier, washing too soon can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
- Increased Porosity: Washing opens the cuticle, causing increased porosity. This results in hair becoming overly absorbent making it prone to frizz and susceptible to damage.
Extending the Life of Your Highlights: Tips and Tricks
Beyond waiting the recommended time before washing, there are several other steps you can take to extend the life of your highlights and keep them looking vibrant:
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfate-free shampoos are much gentler on color-treated hair than traditional shampoos. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away color and natural oils, leading to fading and dryness. Look for shampoos specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
Likewise, using a moisturizing conditioner after each wash is essential to replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy. Consider using a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week for extra hydration.
Invest in a Color-Depositing Shampoo or Conditioner
Color-depositing shampoos and conditioners contain pigments that help to refresh and maintain the tone of your highlights. These products can be particularly useful for blonde highlights, as they can help to counteract brassiness and keep your blonde looking bright and vibrant. Be sure to choose a color-depositing product that is specifically designed for your hair color.
Lower the Water Temperature
Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade faster. When washing your hair, use lukewarm or cool water instead. This will help to seal the cuticle and prevent color loss.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Sun exposure can also cause your highlights to fade and become brassy. Wear a hat or scarf when you’re spending time outdoors, especially during peak sun hours. You can also use a hair product that contains UV protection.
Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage your hair and cause your highlights to fade faster. Minimize your use of these tools as much as possible. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a great way to keep your hair looking fresh and clean between washes. It absorbs excess oil and adds volume without stripping away color. Choose a dry shampoo that is formulated for color-treated hair.
Consider a Shower Filter
Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can also cause your highlights to fade and become dull. Consider installing a shower filter to remove these minerals and protect your hair.
Consulting with Your Stylist
The best advice on how long to wait before washing your hair after highlights will always come from your stylist. They know your hair type, the specific highlighting technique used, and the products they used during the process. Don’t hesitate to ask them for personalized recommendations.
Your stylist can also recommend specific products that are best suited for your hair and your highlights. They can also advise you on how to maintain your highlights at home and when to schedule your next salon appointment.
Beyond Washing: Other Post-Highlighting Care Tips
- Avoid chlorine: Chlorine can strip color from your hair and cause it to become dry and brittle. If you swim regularly, wear a swimming cap or apply a leave-in conditioner to protect your hair.
- Gentle brushing: Be gentle when brushing your hair, especially when it’s wet. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair and avoid pulling or tugging.
- Protein treatments: If your hair is damaged from the highlighting process, consider using a protein treatment to help strengthen and repair it.
- Hydrating masks: Regular hydrating masks can help to replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Caring for your highlighted hair is an ongoing process. By following these tips and tricks, you can extend the life of your highlights and keep them looking vibrant and healthy for weeks to come. Remember, patience and proper care are key to maintaining your salon-fresh look.
How long should I wait to wash my hair after getting highlights?
It’s generally recommended to wait at least 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) after getting highlights before washing your hair. This waiting period allows the hair cuticle to fully close and the color to set properly. Washing your hair too soon can cause the color to fade faster and may even alter the intended tone of your highlights.
The hair coloring process involves opening the hair cuticle to deposit pigment. Giving your hair time to recover allows the cuticle to seal, trapping the color molecules inside. This will prolong the vibrancy of your highlights and ensure a more even and lasting color result. Think of it like letting paint dry completely before touching it – the same principle applies to your highlighted hair.
What happens if I wash my hair sooner than 48 hours after highlights?
Washing your hair too soon after getting highlights, particularly within the first 48 hours, can lead to accelerated color fading. The hair cuticle is still open and vulnerable, making it easier for the dye molecules to escape when exposed to water and shampoo. This can result in your highlights looking less vibrant and potentially shifting in tone.
Furthermore, washing your hair prematurely can also dry out your hair. The chemicals used in highlighting can already strip your hair of its natural oils, and washing too soon exacerbates this dryness. This can leave your hair feeling brittle, prone to breakage, and less healthy overall.
Can I use dry shampoo during the waiting period after getting highlights?
Yes, dry shampoo is an excellent option to use during the waiting period after getting highlights. It helps absorb excess oil and refresh your hair without the need for water and shampoo. This allows you to maintain a clean and presentable look while avoiding the risk of color fading.
Choose a dry shampoo specifically formulated for color-treated hair to avoid harsh chemicals or ingredients that could potentially dull your highlights. Apply it sparingly to the roots, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, and gently massage it in. Remember that dry shampoo is not a substitute for regular washing but a temporary solution to extend the life of your highlights.
What type of shampoo should I use when I finally do wash my hair after highlights?
When you finally wash your hair after getting highlights, it’s crucial to use a shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. These shampoos are formulated with gentler ingredients that are less likely to strip the color from your hair. They also often contain ingredients that help to protect and enhance the vibrancy of your highlights.
Look for sulfate-free shampoos, as sulfates are harsh detergents that can fade color quickly. Also consider shampoos that contain antioxidants and UV filters, which can help protect your hair from environmental damage and prevent color fading caused by the sun. Always follow with a conditioner formulated for color-treated hair to replenish moisture and keep your highlights looking healthy and shiny.
Does washing my hair with cold water help preserve highlights?
Yes, washing your hair with cold water can indeed help preserve your highlights. Cold water helps to seal the hair cuticle, which, as mentioned earlier, is crucial for trapping the color molecules inside the hair shaft. This prevents the color from leaching out as quickly, leading to longer-lasting and more vibrant highlights.
While a completely cold shower might not be the most comfortable option, even rinsing your hair with cold water after shampooing and conditioning can make a significant difference. This simple step helps to smooth the hair cuticle and lock in moisture, contributing to healthier and more vibrant color.
How often should I wash my hair after getting highlights to maintain the color?
The frequency of washing your hair after getting highlights depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but generally, washing it less often is better for maintaining the color. Aim to wash your hair only 2-3 times per week, or even less if your hair isn’t prone to oiliness. Overwashing can strip the color and natural oils, leading to dryness and fading.
Listen to your hair and adjust your washing schedule accordingly. If your hair feels clean and looks good, there’s no need to wash it. Utilize dry shampoo and other styling products to extend the time between washes and keep your highlights looking their best.
Are there any other products I should avoid besides shampoo after getting highlights?
Besides harsh shampoos containing sulfates, there are other products you should avoid or use sparingly after getting highlights to prolong the life and vibrancy of your color. These include products containing alcohol, which can dry out your hair and cause the color to fade faster. Also, avoid using clarifying shampoos too frequently, as they are designed to strip buildup and can also strip color.
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, can also contribute to color fading and damage. Use heat protectant sprays before using these tools to minimize the damage and protect your highlights. Additionally, be mindful of products with a high pH level, as they can open the hair cuticle and lead to color loss.