Tips on healing the damage caused by the highlighting process. These tips will also help dry, color treated and over processed hair.
Highlighting is a fairly harsh process, stripping the pigment from the hair shafts and then often the hair endures a second chemical toning process to redeposit a new shade (for example, to make it gold or coppery instead of platinum).
Restore Moisture and add Protein
The first time you wash your hair after your highlighting services (whether in the salon or at home), apply a deep conditioning mask with protein to help restore moisture and strength to your hair. Leave it in a couple minutes longer than recommended. Then I recommend using a similar mask weekly. If you can cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it in a little longer, that's even better. If your budget doesn't allow for a separate mask and conditioner then you can leave your regular conditioner in extra long (for example, leave it on for 10 minutes instead of the 3 recommended on the bottle). Be sure to use products rated for color treated hair. It's not as important that your products be all from the same brand, just that they are all appropriate for color treated hair, especially your shampoo. Products formulated especially for color treated hair are available in both drug store and salon brands so there is something available for every budget.
Always condition your hair whenever you wash it and, if your hair is very dry or damaged, in addition to the rinse out conditioner you use in the shower, use a leave in conditioner.
Limit Damage
It is very important to limit additional damage to your hair. One way to do this is to undergo as few chemical processes as rarely as possible to achieve the look you love. If you have long hair and your highlights are only a few shades lighter than your natural color you can probably get away with doing highlights only once or twice a year. The more frequently the process is done, the more damage is often sustained.
Another way to reduce damage is to use heat styling appliances less frequently. Air dry your hair whenever possible. When you do use the flat or curling iron, try to limit the contact of the iron to your hair to just what you need to achieve your style without overdoing it.
Adding a UV protection spray to your styling routine will help limit damage from the sun (which is the primary cause of skin aging, so it stands to reason that you would want to protect your hair from these harsh rays too).
Treat your hair as gently as possible. Use a high quality brush, ouch less elastics and smooth accessories that are less likely to snag your hair. If you can sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase that will help reduce friction when you toss and turn in your sleep. Wear a scarf or pop your hair under a hat on very windy days.
Employ Healthy Habits
The things you do to have general good health should be good for the health of your hair too (although this tip is more likely to help with the health of your hair that is currently growing than what is already highlighted; think of it as preparing a healthy foundation for future highlighting processes). Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit (and if you don't have a good diet at least take a balanced daily multivitamin that includes folic acid). Exercise regularly (as always, get approval from your doctor before starting any new exercise routine). Get plenty of sleep. You get the idea.
My stylists comment that I have some of the healthiest hair they've ever seen so these tips do work for me. I hope you find that they work for you too!
Originally published 5/14/2010
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