Yes, you can color hair over highlights. Coloring over highlighted hair is a common practice to change your hair color, refresh your look, or extend the time between salon visits.
Understanding Coloring Over Highlights
Coloring over highlights involves applying a new hair color over hair that already has lighter pieces (highlights). Here's a breakdown of what to consider:
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Color Choice: Choose a hair color that complements your skin tone and desired look. Going darker is generally easier and more predictable than going lighter.
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Desired Result: Consider your end goal. Do you want to blend the highlights, completely cover them, or create a new color dimension? This will influence the type of color you choose.
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Hair Condition: Assess the health of your hair. Highlights often involve bleaching, which can weaken the hair. Coloring over damaged hair may require extra care and conditioning treatments.
Methods and Considerations
Here are a few approaches to coloring over highlights:
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All-Over Color: Applying a single color all over your hair will cover the highlights entirely, creating a uniform look. This is a good option if you want to completely change your hair color or return to your natural shade.
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Toning: A toner can neutralize unwanted tones in highlights (like brassiness) or subtly shift the color without drastically changing it.
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Lowlights: Adding lowlights (darker strands) can blend highlights more seamlessly and add depth and dimension.
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Demi-Permanent Color: This type of color gradually fades and is a gentler option than permanent color, making it a good choice for covering highlights without causing excessive damage.
Potential Outcomes
Depending on the color you choose and the condition of your hair, here are some potential outcomes:
| Scenario | Potential Result |
|---|---|
| Darker color over highlights | Highlights will be covered, resulting in a darker, more uniform color. |
| Lighter color over highlights | Results may be uneven; highlights may appear brassy or orange. |
| Same shade family over highlights | Highlights will blend and create a more dimensional, natural look. |
Professional Advice
Consulting with a professional hairstylist is highly recommended. They can assess your hair's condition, advise on the best color and application method, and help you achieve your desired results while minimizing damage. They can also do a strand test to preview the color outcome.
