Highlights & Balayage After Care

Caring for highlights or balayage after your salon appointment is crucial to maintain the vibrancy and health of your hair. Here are some detailed tips to help you care for your newly highlighted or balayaged hair:

Washing

Wait Before Washing: Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair for the first time after getting highlights or balayage to allow the color to set.

Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo to preserve the color and prevent it from fading. Purple shampoos can help maintain blonde highlights by neutralizing brassiness.

Conditioner: Use a moisturizing conditioner designed for color-treated hair. Condition from mid-length to the ends to avoid weighing down the roots.

Conditioning Treatments

Deep Conditioning: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments or hair masks into your routine once a week to keep your hair hydrated and to repair any damage from the coloring process.

Leave-In Conditioner: Use a leave-in conditioner to add extra moisture and protection against environmental factors.

Heat Styling

Minimize Heat: Limit the use of heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons to prevent further damage to your color-treated hair.

Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using any heat styling tools to shield your hair from high temperatures.

Sun Protection

UV Protection: Use hair products that contain UV filters to protect your hair from the sun's harmful rays, which can cause your color to fade.

Hats and Scarves: When spending extended time outdoors, wear a hat or a scarf to provide extra protection against sun exposure.

Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater

Pre-Swim Care: Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier against chlorine and saltwater.

Post-Swim Care: Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water immediately after swimming to remove any chlorine or saltwater residue. Follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Brushing

Gentle Brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair to detangle your hair gently. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage.

Avoid Tugging: Be careful not to tug or pull on your hair, especially when it is wet, as this can cause breakage and damage to the highlighted areas.

Regular Trims

Maintenance Trims: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair healthy and to remove any split ends that can make your highlights or balayage look less vibrant.

Color Maintenance

Touch-Ups: Depending on the type of highlights or balayage you have, you may need to schedule touch-up appointments every 6-12 weeks to maintain the look.

Toning: Consider using a toning shampoo or visiting your stylist for a toner application to keep your color looking fresh and to counteract any unwanted brassiness.

Hydration

Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health and shine of your color-treated hair.

Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle.

By following these tips, you can keep your highlights or balayage looking vibrant and your hair healthy and beautiful for a longer period. Regular care and maintenance are key to preserving the color and ensuring your hair stays in the best possible condition.