Fixing hair after highlights requires a multi-pronged approach focused on rehydration, damage repair, and maintaining color vibrancy. Here's a breakdown of how to nurse your highlighted hair back to health:
Addressing Dryness and Damage
Highlighting involves bleaching, which can strip hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
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Wash Less Frequently: Over-washing further dries out your hair. Aim for 2-3 washes per week.
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Condition Generously: Use a moisturizing conditioner every time you wash your hair. Focus on the ends, where damage is most prevalent.
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Incorporate Hair Masks: Treat your hair to a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times per week. Look for masks containing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil. These help to replenish moisture and repair damage.
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Handle Hair Gently: When your hair is wet, it's at its weakest. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle gently and avoid rubbing it vigorously with a towel. Consider using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to absorb excess water without causing friction.
Maintaining Color and Preventing Brassiness
Highlights can become brassy over time due to oxidation and mineral buildup.
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Use Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: Purple shampoo and conditioner contain violet pigments that neutralize yellow tones, helping to keep your highlights bright and fresh. Use them once a week or as needed.
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Rinse with Cool Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade faster. Rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in color.
Protecting and Nourishing Your Hair
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Add Hair Oil: Apply a lightweight hair oil to the ends of your hair while it's still damp to seal in moisture and protect against breakage. Argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are excellent choices.
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Minimize Heat Styling: Heat styling can further damage already compromised hair. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand and use the lowest heat setting possible. Explore heatless styling options like braids or buns.
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Trim Regularly: Get regular trims (every 6-8 weeks) to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft.
Professional Treatments
- Consider a Hair Gloss: A hair gloss treatment can help to add shine, seal the cuticle, and tone your highlights. It's a great way to refresh your color and improve the overall health of your hair. Consult with your stylist about whether a gloss is right for you.
Summary
To effectively fix hair after highlights, focus on rehydration, damage repair, and color maintenance. This involves less washing, increased conditioning, incorporating hair masks and oils, minimizing heat styling, using color-protecting products like purple shampoo, and regular trims. Consider professional treatments like hair glosses for an extra boost of shine and color vibrancy.
