Do highlights and lowlights damage your hair? This is a question that has been floating around the beauty industry for quite some time now. On the one hand, highlights and lowlights can give your hair a stylish and trendy update. But on the other hand, they can leave your locks dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. So, what is the truth? In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the science behind highlights and lowlights to determine whether they really do damage your hair.
Many women turn to highlights and lowlights to achieve the perfect sun-kissed look. However, the harsh chemicals used in the coloring process can strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining healthy-looking locks. When the hair cuticle is damaged, it can become more porous, leading to breakage and split ends. Moreover, frequent salon visits for coloring can take a toll on your wallet as well as your hair. So, is it worth the risk? In this article, we’ll explore alternative hair coloring options that are gentler on your hair.
If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different hair colors, you’ve probably asked yourself “do highlights and lowlights damage your hair?” more times than you can count. And while highlights and lowlights can add dimension and depth to your hair, they can also cause significant damage if not done correctly. So, what can you do to protect your locks while still enjoying the benefits of color-treated hair? In this article, we’ll share expert tips and tricks for keeping your hair healthy, happy, and vibrant, no matter what color you choose.
Pros and Cons of Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights and lowlights are two popular hair coloring techniques used for adding dimension and depth to hair color. Both are effective in transforming your look and enhancing your natural beauty. However, there are pros and cons to each technique that you should consider before deciding which one to choose. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of highlights and lowlights:
- Highlights
- Pros:
- Adds brightness and glow to your hair
- Creates a more youthful and natural appearance
- Offers a wide range of colors to choose from
- Can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences
- Easy to maintain and touch up
- Cons:
- Can be damaging to hair if overdone or done improperly
- Can be expensive, especially for frequent touch-ups
- May require more time and attention during styling and maintenance
- May require more frequent use of hair care products
- Lowlights
- Pros:
- Creates depth and dimension to hair color
- Offers a natural and subtle appearance
- Can help to blend gray hairs
- Can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences
- Requires less maintenance and touch-ups
- Cons:
- May create a darker and duller appearance if overdone
- Can be difficult to get the desired shade
- Requires more time and attention during styling and maintenance
- May cause damage to hair if done improperly
How to Minimize Damage from Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights and lowlights can transform your hair, but they can also cause damage if not done correctly or if proper care is not taken after the treatment. However, there are ways to minimize damage and keep your hair healthy and shiny.
- Choose a professional hair colorist with experience in highlighting and lowlighting. A skilled hair colorist will know how to apply the color properly, avoiding overlapping and overprocessing.
- Consider getting a hair strand test before your appointment to determine the strength and elasticity of your hair. This can help your colorist choose the right products and techniques to minimize damage.
- Limit the frequency of highlights and lowlights. Avoid getting them too often, as this can lead to excessive damage and breakage.
After your highlights or lowlights treatment, there are several things you can do to keep your hair healthy:
- Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair. These products will help to maintain your hair’s color and protect against damage.
- Avoid using hot styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons. Heat can zap moisture from your hair and lead to damage, especially if used on already processed hair.
- Apply a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to keep your hair moisturized and nourished. You can also use a leave-in conditioning spray to keep your hair hydrated throughout the day.
Additionally, if you are concerned with damage from highlights or lowlights, you may want to consider getting a gloss treatment. Gloss helps to seal your hair cuticles, making them smoother and shinier. It can also add a protective layer to your hair, minimizing damage and reducing the risk of breakage.
| Product | Description | Benefits |
| Shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair | Formulated to help maintain your hair’s color and protect against damage | Retains hair color, hydrates, and reduces risk of damage |
| Leave-in conditioning spray | Hydrates hair and helps to reduce frizz and breakage | Keeps hair hydrated and reduces risk of damage |
| Gloss treatment | Seals hair cuticles, adds shine, and reduces the risk of breakage | Minimizes damage, adds shine, and reduces breakage |
Alternative Hair Coloring Techniques
When it comes to coloring our hair, we often think of highlights and lowlights as the go-to choices. But are they damaging to our hair? Here’s what you need to know.
- Balayage: This technique involves freehand painting the hair, creating a more natural, subtle look. Because the color is applied without foil, it can be less damaging to the hair.
- Ombre: This technique creates a gradient effect, with the hair getting lighter towards the ends. Like balayage, it can be less damaging since the color is not applied directly to the scalp.
- Sombre: A subtler version of ombre, sombre involves a more gradual transition between colors. This technique can also be less damaging to the hair since it doesn’t involve drastic color changes.
The Pros and Cons of Henna
Henna is a natural plant-based dye that has been used for centuries. While it can be a great alternative to traditional hair dyes, there are pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
- Henna is all-natural and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, making it less damaging to the hair.
- It can help strengthen and thicken the hair, thanks to its natural conditioning properties.
- Henna can provide long-lasting color that fades gradually, rather than a stark contrast as traditional dyes tend to do.
Cons:
- Since henna is a natural dye, color options can be limited and can’t lighten hair.
- It can be difficult to remove from the hair if you’re unhappy with the color.
- Henna can be messy and time-consuming to apply, so it’s important to allot enough time for the process.
Coloring Techniques to Avoid
While there are many alternative hair coloring techniques out there, some should be avoided if you’re looking to keep your hair healthy.
| Technique | Description | Potential Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Bleach | Used to lighten hair drastically, bleach can severely damage the hair cuticle. | Breakage, split ends, dryness, and chemical burns. |
| Permanent Dye | A more traditional form of hair dye, permanent color is often more damaging than alternative methods. | Dryness, split ends, and breakage. |
When it comes to alternative hair coloring techniques, it’s important to find one that works for you and your hair type. By weighing the pros and cons and taking steps to avoid damaging techniques, you can achieve the perfect color without sacrificing hair health.
Protecting Your Hair Before and After Highlights and Lowlights
Getting highlights or lowlights can give your hair an instant makeover, but it comes with a price tag: hair damage. Bleaching hair, a common step in the highlighting process, can lead to weakened hair strands that are prone to breakage. Luckily, there are easy ways to protect your hair before and after getting highlights or lowlights, so you can avoid damage and achieve the gorgeous color you want!
- Use a deep conditioning treatment: To prevent damage from bleaching agents, it’s important to fortify your hair beforehand. Use a deep conditioning treatment a week before your appointment to strengthen your strands and help them withstand the chemical process.
- Avoid heat styling: Blow drying, straightening, and curling your hair can stress it out and weaken it further. If you must style your hair, use a heat protectant spray to shield your locks from the high heat.
- Wash your hair less frequently: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leaving your hair brittle and prone to breakage. Before your appointment, cut down on how frequently you wash your hair to ensure its health.
Once you’ve gotten your highlights or lowlights, it’s just as important to care for your hair to ensure it looks and feels great.
Here are some tips for protecting your hair after getting highlights or lowlights:
- Avoid washing your hair immediately: Wait at least 72 hours before washing your hair to ensure the color has set in.
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner: Regular shampoos and conditioners can strip your hair of its color, leading to dull and faded hues. Opt for a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair to protect your highlights or lowlights.
- Stay away from chlorine: Chlorine can cause the color in your hair to fade, so avoid swimming in chlorinated water for the first few weeks after getting highlights or lowlights.
To help you in your hair care routine, here’s a table of the best deep conditioning treatments for color-treated hair:
| Product | Price | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 | $28.00 (3.3 oz) | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Water, and more |
| Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | $36.00 (8 oz) | Algae Extract, Vitamin B5, and more |
| Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque | $14.99 (12 oz) | Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Organic Shea Butter, and more |
By following these tips and using the right products, you can enjoy your highlights or lowlights without worrying about damage. Beautiful and healthy hair can go hand in hand!
How Often Should You Get Highlights and Lowlights?
Highlighting and lowlighting can transform your hair, adding dimension and depth. However, there is a limit to how often you should have these treatments done to avoid damaging your hair.
- For Natural Highlights: If you want natural highlights, you should limit the treatment to a maximum of twice a year. This will allow your roots to grow out, and your hair to replenish naturally. You can also opt for balayage or ombre coloring techniques, which are low-maintenance and can last several months.
- For Subtle Changes: If you’re looking for subtle changes, such as adding dimension or brightness, you can have them done every four to six weeks. However, it’s important to ensure that the highlights and lowlights are applied to different sections of the hair to avoid over-processing.
- For Dramatic Changes: If you’re after a more dramatic change, such as going from dark to light hair, you’ll need to have the treatment done every four to six weeks. This is because there will be a significant contrast between your natural hair color and the highlights, and the regrowth will be more noticeable.
Ultimately, the frequency of highlights and lowlights will depend on your hair type, color, and condition. For example, if you have thick, coarse hair, you may be able to handle more frequent treatments, while those with fine or fragile hair may need to space them out. It’s best to consult with your stylist to determine the ideal frequency of treatments for your hair.
It’s also important to note that highlights and lowlights can damage your hair if done too frequently or improperly. It’s crucial to use high-quality hair products, avoid excessive heat styling, and moisturize regularly. Overuse of bleach and other chemicals can weaken your hair, causing breakage and split ends.
| Signs that you’re overdoing it with highlights and lowlights: | How to address it: |
|---|---|
| Your hair looks dull and brittle. | Use a deep conditioning treatment and give your hair a break from highlighting and lowlighting for a while. |
| You have more split ends than usual. | Trim your hair regularly, and limit the frequency of your treatments. |
| Your hair is breaking or falling out. | Stop coloring your hair immediately and seek professional advice. |
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should highlight or lowlight your hair. It depends on your hair type and condition, the extent of the coloring you want, and your desired maintenance level. But with proper care and attention, you can avoid the damage that often comes with frequent treatments.
Natural Remedies for Damaged Hair
While highlights and lowlights can add dimension and depth to your hair, they can also cause damage if not done properly. If you’ve noticed your hair has become dry, brittle, or prone to breakage, it’s time to invest in some natural remedies that can help repair and nourish your strands. Here are six natural remedies that can help restore your hair’s health:
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that can penetrate your hair shaft, nourishing it from the inside out. Apply a small amount of warm coconut oil to your hair, massage it gently, and leave it on for an hour or two before washing it out with shampoo.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to your hair and scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also mix aloe vera gel with coconut oil for even more nourishment.
- Avocado: Avocado is loaded with vitamins and healthy fats that can help repair damaged hair. Mash a ripe avocado and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse it off with cool water.
- Egg: Eggs are rich in protein and vitamins that can help repair and strengthen your hair. Beat an egg and apply it to your hair, focusing on the roots and ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse it off with cool water.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can help remove buildup from your hair, leaving it clean and shiny. Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar and use it as a rinse after shampooing your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse it off with cool water.
- Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote hair growth. Brew a strong cup of green tea and let it cool. Use it as a rinse after shampooing your hair, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse it off with cool water.
These natural remedies can help repair and nourish your hair, but they won’t work if you don’t take care of your hair on a daily basis. Here are a few tips to help keep your hair healthy:
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Avoid heat styling tools as much as possible
- Protect your hair from the sun and chlorine
- Get regular haircuts to prevent split ends
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals
If you’re still experiencing hair damage despite these natural remedies and hair care tips, it’s possible that there’s an underlying medical condition or hormonal imbalance. Consult with a healthcare professional or a licensed hairstylist for further advice and assistance.
| Remedy | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | Penetrates hair shaft to nourish from inside out |
| Aloe Vera | Soothes and moisturizes scalp |
| Avocado | Loaded with vitamins and healthy fats to repair hair |
| Egg | Rich in protein and vitamins to strengthen hair |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Removes buildup and promotes shine |
| Green Tea | Rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth |
Try these natural remedies and hair care tips to repair and nourish your damaged hair. With a little effort and patience, you can restore your hair’s health and vitality.
Best Professional Hair Care Products for Highlighted and Highlighted Hair
After getting your hair highlighted or lowlighted, it is important to use the right products to maintain its health and color. Here are some of the best professional hair care products to use:
- Shampoo and Conditioner: Look for products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. They should be gentle and sulfate-free to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Some great options are Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner, and Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color.
- Treatment Mask: Use a weekly treatment mask to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Look for ingredients like keratin, protein, and argan oil. A great option is the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3.
- Heat Protectant: When using hot tools on colored hair, it is important to protect it from further damage. Use a heat protectant before blow drying or styling with a flat iron or curling iron. Try the Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream or the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray.
Using these products will help keep your highlighted or lowlighted hair looking vibrant and healthy.
FAQs: Do Highlights and Lowlights Damage Your Hair?
1. Do highlights and lowlights damage your hair?
Highlights and lowlights can cause some damage to your hair, but it depends on the level of bleach used and the health of your hair.
2. What causes hair damage during highlighting and lowlighting?
The bleach used in highlighting and lowlighting can cause damage to your hair by stripping it of its natural moisture.
3. Can you avoid hair damage during highlighting and lowlighting?
You can lessen the damage done by highlighting and lowlighting by using a lower level of bleach, frequent conditioning, and maintaining the health of your hair.
4. What are the signs of hair damage from highlighting and lowlighting?
Some signs of hair damage from highlighting and lowlighting include dryness, breakage, split ends, and brittleness.
5. Is it possible to repair hair damage from highlighting and lowlighting?
Yes, hair damage from highlighting and lowlighting can be repaired through deep conditioning treatments, regular trims, and using hair repair products.
6. How often should you highlight or lowlight your hair?
It’s recommended to wait at least 8-12 weeks between highlighting or lowlighting sessions to give your hair enough time to recover from the process.
7. What are some alternatives to highlighting and lowlighting that are less damaging?
Balayage and ombre are alternatives to highlighting and lowlighting that can produce similar results with less damage to your hair.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to read about the potential hair damage caused by highlighting and lowlighting. Remember that while these processes may damage your hair, maintaining the health of your hair and using proper care can lessen the damage done. If you have any more questions, please feel free to visit our website again later.