Home Health & Fitness Can I Wash My Hair After Highlights? (Answered)
can I Wash My Hair After Highlights

Can I Wash My Hair After Highlights? (Answered)

by Peter Barnes

Yes, you can wash your hair after getting highlights, but it’s generally recommended to wait at least 48 – 72 hours before washing your hair to allow the hair color to fully set. This can help prevent the color from fading or washing out too quickly.


Everyone wants to highlight their hair until they see how much maintenance it requires. If you don’t take good care of your hair, it starts to lose its vibrancy.

You need to make certain important adjustments to your daily routine in order to have color that lasts for a long time, such as avoiding prolonged sun exposure, using shampoos with fewer harsh ingredients, and avoiding heated styling products, among other things.

Key Points

• Many hair experts advise waiting at least 2–3 days before washing your hair after coloring it.

• You should also avoid washing your dyed hair every day and instead wash it once or twice a week.

• Avoid shampooing your hair before dying it, especially if the dyeing process involves bleaching it. The color will absorb better into clean hair that has probably been washed the day before.

• Avoid using your typical shampoo and conditioner on your hair.

can I Wash My Hair After Highlights 1
Photo – Pinterest

Do you want to know how long you should wait to wash your hair after getting highlights? Continue to read.

Your main concern after coloring your hair may have been how long it would be until your next hair wash.Many hair experts advise against washing your hair for at least two to three days after getting it colored.

The hair color will have time to thoroughly set in your hair throughout this 3-day interval. You won’t have to worry about your hair getting dirty because rinsing off the hair color is a necessary step in the coloring procedure.

So, hold off on washing your hair for a few days. Avoid doing any work that will make you perspire, since perspiration might wash the color out of your hair.

Does washing your hair before highlighting make sense?

can I Wash My Hair After Highlights

Your hair’s natural oils frequently shield your scalp from the coloring process. In light of this, refrain from washing your hair before dying it, especially if the dyeing procedure entails bleaching it. It’s a good idea to adhere to the directions on the specific dye you’re using.

Why Can’t I Wash My Hair After Getting Highlights?

can I Wash My Hair After Highlights
Photo – Pinterest

Because of the way the highlights are applied, you shouldn’t wash your hair right after obtaining them. In order for the pigment to color the hair from the inside, highlights function by opening up the cuticle. The hair cuticle will still be open for the first few days following your session, and shampoo may wash the color away. This can hasten the highlight’s fading process.

Washing the highlights the next day will merely peel the hair, resulting in the loss of all the lovely colors (literally). Before washing your hair, wait up to 72 hours to give the hair cuticles a chance to close. Additionally, the pigments will be able to penetrate the hair fibers. The highlights will appear better the longer you wait!

How To Wash Highlighted Hair?

can I Wash My Hair After Highlights
Photo – Wikihow

You will eventually need to shampoo your hair. Be sure to listen to your stylist and ask questions, because different highlighting treatments have different guidelines. You can adhere to the general rules listed here:

  • Even if you haven’t used any products, avoid washing or rinsing your hair with hot water. The heat will cause the outer layer of the hair to loosen, allowing the color to wash away. When you’re not washing your hair, cover it and use lukewarm or cold water to rinse.
  • Although they can be found in a wide range of tones, some shampoo and conditioner treatments are developed expressly for certain hair colors; be sure to choose the one that’s perfect for your hair!
  • Don’t panic if some brighter colors, like purple or red, fade more quickly than more subdued hues.
  • Carefully read and follow the instructions if you’ve found a terrific shampoo and conditioner because they can change depending on the product. Do not be reluctant to speak with your hairstylist if you have questions about the product.
  • Avoid washing your hair too frequently. Even water can influence the highlights, and overusing the substance might damage your hair beyond repair. Additionally, refrain from rinsing your hair too thoroughly; instead, lean your head back and allow the water to run through your hair for a few minutes to remove the shampoo and conditioner.

Ask us if you have any questions about anything shower-related! There are no silly questions, and you’ll be happy you asked one if it keeps your highlights looking beautiful for longer.

Washing Hair After Highlights (Video)

How to Highlight Hair. How to wash hair after highlighting; get professional tips and advice on methods, techniques, and products for doing your own hairstyling in this free beauty video.


FAQs

Is it OK to wet hair after highlights?

Yes, it’s okay to wet your hair after highlights, but it’s generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair to allow the hair color to fully set.

Do highlights tone down after washing?

It depends on the type of highlights and the condition of your hair. Some highlights may become less visible after washing, while others may remain the same. Regular touch-ups can help maintain the intensity of your highlights.

Can I wash my hair with regular shampoo after highlights?

Yes, you can wash your hair with regular shampoo after highlights. However, it’s recommended to use a color-safe shampoo to help preserve the color and prevent it from fading.

What not to do after getting highlights?

Avoid exposing your hair to direct sunlight or heat for long periods, as this can cause the color to fade or change. It’s also recommended to avoid using harsh chemicals or products that can damage your hair.

Do blonde highlights fade with washing?

Blonde highlights may fade with washing, especially if you use harsh or non-color-safe shampoos. Using a color-safe shampoo and avoiding excessive washing can help preserve the color.

How long does it take for highlights to set?

It usually takes at least 48 hours for highlights to set and for the color to fully develop. During this time, it’s recommended to avoid washing your hair or exposing it to heat or sunlight.

Why did my hair highlights disappear?

There are many reasons why hair highlights may disappear, including exposure to heat or sunlight, washing with harsh or non-color-safe shampoos, or using chemical treatments that can damage the hair.

Which is more damaging highlights or color?

Both highlights and color can be damaging to the hair, especially if not done correctly or with the right products. However, highlights typically involve less processing and are often less damaging than full-color treatments.


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2 comments

Victoria Addington November 3, 2023 - 10:43 am

Thank you for the advice it would be better not to expose your hair in direct sunlight after getting highlights. This can help in preventing the color from fading out, as you indicated. I’ll be sure to share this with my daughter to keep in mind as she has been planning to acquire one. I’ll look for experts that can assist her as well.

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Peter Barnes
Peter Barnes November 8, 2023 - 6:57 am

thanks for the comment

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