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Commercial highlighting products contain substances such as PPD that are known for their reactivity. The chemical reaction during highlighting alters the hair’s structure, leading to a lot of damage and compromised physical properties.
The application of highlighting mixtures to the scalp may also result in adverse effects, including allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, scalp burns, or more severe conditions. (1)
Therefore, minimizing the frequency of hair highlighting is key, balancing the maintenance of your vibrant highlights and preserving hair health.
According to experts, frequent highlighting, within the general 8–12-week interval, allows your hair to recover from the chemical process. However, this rule varies.
Also, alternative techniques, such as a touch-up only on roots minimize overall damage, the products used, and the hairstylist’s expertise are important to consider too.
Continue reading to understand the factors that dictate how often you should highlight your hair without causing damage.
How Often Should You Highlight Hair Without Causing Damage?
Keep these points in mind when determining the right frequency of highlighting your hair without damaging it:
- The type of highlights matters as contrasting shades (shades that are very different from your natural hair color) need monthly touch-ups while noncontrasting shades may last longer.
- Wider highlights (highlights done on large sections of hair) require more frequent redoing compared to thinner ones.
- Natural highlights can wait around 2 months before they need to be freshened.
- The type of dye is crucial too. Permanent dyes last up to 8 weeks but are harsher; therefore, a 4-week break is needed. Semipermanent dyes last for 6-8 weeks, needing a 3-week gap. Lastly, natural and gentle temporary dyes can be touched up weekly.
- A wait time of 6-8 weeks is needed for low-porosity hair and roughly 4 weeks for high-porosity hair.
- For damaged hair, a rest of 6-12 weeks is needed before reapplication.
How Can Highlights Damage Your Hair?
Hair highlights, achieved through dyeing, can cause significant damage to both the structure and health of the hair.
These processes, which fall into the category of long-lasting hair cosmetics, result in molecular and cellular harm.
Permanent and semipermanent hair dyes act on the hair’s cortex, causing structural and chemical alterations. The impact includes damage to cuticles, cortex, and cell membrane complexes, as revealed by microscopy. (1)(2)
Thermal damage is also a concern, leading to scalp burns and potential hair loss.
Additionally, the chemicals in the dye agents may trigger allergies and pose long-term risks, compromising the scalp’s defense and potentially leading to adverse health effects, including dysplasia. (1) (3) (4)
How to Make Your Hair Highlights Last Longer?
Integrate these measures shared by hairstylists and experts in your hair care routine to make your highlights last longer:
- Wash your hair every third day using a color-safe shampoo, and use a hydrating conditioner.
- Install a shower filter that removes mineral deposits from hard water that can dull your hair.
- Consider color-depositing products to neutralize unwanted tones.
- Protect your highlights from heat styling by using a thermal protectant.
What Type of Highlights Do Not Need a Lot of Touch-Ups?
For long-lasting, low-maintenance highlights:
- Choose ombre styles to avoid visible roots as they grow out.
- Another option is “babylights,” which focus on natural sun-kissed highlights. These highlights involve coloring very thin sections instead of wide sections of hair. Also, the sections highlighted are kept very close to one another to enable easy blending of colored and noncolored strands.
- Keep the lightening or highlighting shade near your natural shade to minimize mismatch after hair regrowth.
- Opt for subtle shades. For instance, go just a shade or two lighter rather than something drastic.
Most-Asked Questions
Can I add highlights to gray hair?
Yes, you can! There are many options for those with gray hair, such as a blend of blonde and gray or the salt-and-pepper look.
When should I touch up my highlights?
For a fresh look, consider retouching highlights every 6-8 weeks, based on the contrast between your natural color and highlights.
What are partial highlights?
Partial highlights focus on the top and side sections, while full highlights cover every section for a more complete transformation.
What are lowlights?
Highlights lighten strands, while lowlights add depth and contrast to make your hair appear darker than your natural color.
Final Word
Highlighting your hair involves a chemical process that can cause damage, including allergic reactions and thermal harm.
Experts recommend a general 8–12-week interval for highlighting, but this changes based on factors such as color contrast and type of dye.
To make highlights last, use color-safe shampoo, a shower filter, color-depositing products, and a thermal protectant.
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