Yes, you can highlight your color treated hair.
Highlighting previously colored hair is a common process, but it requires careful consideration and a different approach compared to highlighting virgin hair. As the reference states, you can highlight your color treated hair.
How Highlighting Colored Hair Works
Unlike applying color to uncolored hair, adding highlights to hair that has already been dyed cannot be done with standard hair color alone. This is because color does not remove color. To lift the existing artificial pigment and reveal lighter strands, a lifting agent is necessary.
- Bleach is required: To achieve highlights on colored hair, the process typically involves using bleach. Bleach works by oxidizing the hair's natural pigment (melanin) and any artificial color molecules present, making the hair lighter.
Factors Affecting the Process and Potential Damage
The success and potential impact of highlighting previously colored hair depend significantly on your hair's condition and the desired outcome. The reference highlights several key factors:
- Hair's Porosity: This refers to how easily your hair cuticle allows moisture and chemicals to penetrate. High porosity hair (often due to previous chemical processing) can absorb bleach quickly but may also be more susceptible to damage.
- Current Damage Level: If your strands are already damaged from previous coloring, heat styling, or other treatments, adding bleach for highlights can exacerbate the damage. Healthy hair can generally withstand the process better.
- Desired Lightness: How light you plan to go with the highlights is a major factor. Lifting hair multiple levels requires stronger developers or longer processing times with bleach, increasing the potential for stress on the hair structure.
| Factor | Impact on Highlighting Colored Hair |
|---|---|
| Hair Porosity | Affects how bleach penetrates and processes |
| Existing Damage | Influences the risk of further damage |
| Target Highlight Level | Determines the strength and duration of bleach needed |
Considering these factors is crucial for minimizing potential damage and achieving the desired result. It is often recommended to consult with a professional stylist who can assess your hair's condition and determine the best approach.
Highlighting colored hair is achievable, but it necessitates using bleach and understanding the variables that can affect the outcome and hair health.
