Introduction
Getting highlights is a great way to add some dimension to your hair. However, if you’ve recently gotten highlights, you may be wondering how long you need to wait before washing your hair. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about how long after highlights to wash hair.
What Are Highlights?
Before we get into how long after highlights to wash hair, let’s first discuss what highlights are. Highlights are a hair coloring technique that involves lightening small sections of hair. This creates a contrast between the lighter and darker strands, giving the hair a multi-dimensional look.
How Are Highlights Applied?
Highlights are typically applied using one of two methods: foil or balayage. Foil highlights involve sectioning off small sections of hair and applying the lightener with foil to create a more precise highlight. Balayage, on the other hand, involves painting the lightener onto the hair freehand, creating a more natural-looking highlight.
How Long After Highlights to Wash Hair?
Now, let’s get to the main question: how long after highlights to wash hair? The answer is that it depends on the type of highlights and the method used to apply them. If you have foil highlights, you should wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair. This allows the color to fully set and ensures that your highlights will last longer.If you have balayage highlights, you can wash your hair the same day as your appointment. This is because the color is applied differently and doesn’t need as much time to set.
What About Shampooing?
When it comes to washing your hair after highlights, it’s important to use a gentle shampoo that won’t strip the color. Look for a shampoo that is specifically designed for color-treated hair, as these formulas are gentler and won’t cause your highlights to fade.
Can You Wash Your Hair Too Soon?
Yes, washing your hair too soon after getting highlights can cause the color to fade and your highlights to become less noticeable. This is why it’s important to wait at least 48 hours if you have foil highlights before washing your hair.
What About Swimming?
If you’ve recently gotten highlights, you should avoid swimming for at least 48 hours. Chlorine and saltwater can cause the color to fade and can also dry out your hair, causing damage.
How Can You Protect Your Highlights?
To ensure that your highlights last as long as possible, there are a few things you can do. First, avoid using hot tools like curling irons and straighteners, as these can cause damage to your hair and make your highlights fade faster. Second, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and vibrant. Finally, avoid exposing your hair to direct sunlight, as this can cause the color to fade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how long after highlights to wash hair depends on the type of highlights and the method used to apply them. If you have foil highlights, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair. If you have balayage highlights, you can wash your hair the same day. Remember to use a gentle shampoo and avoid swimming and direct sunlight to protect your highlights. By following these tips, you can keep your highlights looking great for as long as possible.