How Long Does It Takes To Get Highlights?

How Long Does It Takes To Get Highlights Done in Your Hair at a Salon

Without having to colour your entire head of hair, highlights are a fantastic method to update your appearance. They can be a fantastic option whether you merely want a few carefully placed highlights to cover some grey hair or a major balayage change.

While it is possible to create your own highlights at home with some strategically placed foil and grit, for the best results, we suggest visiting a hair salon. Skilled hairstylists and colorists are aware of the best methods to use according on your particular requirements.

Also Read: Mix Purple And Blue Hair Dye

What Are Highlights and Why Do People Get Them?

Highlights are a popular hair coloring technique where specific sections of the hair are lightened or dyed in a shade that contrasts with the base color. The term “highlights” is derived from the fact that these colored strands add brightness and dimension to the hair, drawing attention to specific areas.

There are several reasons why people choose to get highlights. Firstly, highlights can enhance one’s natural features and complement their overall appearance. By adding lighter or different colored strands to their hair, individuals can create depth, texture, and visual interest, giving their hair a more vibrant and dynamic look.

Another reason people opt for highlights is to add dimension to their hair. Flat, monotone hair can sometimes lack depth and appear lifeless. Highlights introduce variations in color, creating the illusion of movement and volume, which can make the hair look fuller and more voluminous.

Additionally, highlights can be used to achieve a specific style or to follow fashion trends. Many individuals get highlights to mimic the sun-kissed look that naturally occurs during summer months, while others choose bolder, more vibrant colors for a unique and eye-catching appearance. Highlights can be customized to suit personal preferences, allowing individuals to express their individuality and personal style.

How Long Does It Takes to Get Highlights?

The typical length of time for highlights in a salon is two hours. But, depending on your hair’s length and thickness, the colouring procedure used, your previous hair colour choices, and the outcome you want, this could change and take much longer.

Also Read: How Long does Highlights Last? All You should know

Factors Affecting the Time Required for Highlights

The time required to get highlights can vary depending on several factors. Here are some factors that can affect the duration of the highlighting process:

1. Desired Result: The complexity and extent of the desired highlights play a significant role in determining the time required. If you’re looking for subtle, natural-looking highlights, the process may be relatively quick. However, if you want a more dramatic or multi-dimensional effect, it will likely take longer.
2. Hair Length and Thickness: The length and thickness of your hair can influence the time needed for highlights. Longer and thicker hair will generally require more time because there is a larger surface area to work with and more hair to be processed.
3. Technique Used: Different highlighting techniques can have varying time requirements. Traditional foil highlights involve sectioning the hair and individually wrapping each highlighted strand in foil. This technique can be time-consuming, especially if you have a lot of hair. On the other hand, techniques like balayage or ombre involve hand-painting the highlights onto the hair, which may be quicker in some cases.
4. Skill and Experience of the Stylist: The expertise and experience of the stylist performing the highlights can impact the time required. Experienced stylists who specialize in color treatments are often more efficient and can complete the process more quickly while ensuring excellent results.
5. Preparation and Processing Time: The process of getting highlights involves several steps, including consultation, sectioning the hair, applying the color or bleach, and allowing it to process. The processing time can vary based on the desired lightening effect and the condition of your hair. Additionally, if your hair needs pre-lightening or toning, these steps may add to the overall time.
6. Salon Environment and Equipment: The efficiency of the salon environment, such as the availability of equipment like heat lamps or accelerated drying devices, can impact the time required. These tools can help expedite the color processing and reduce the overall time spent in the salon.

It’s important to note that the duration can vary from a few hours to several hours, depending on the factors mentioned above. To get a more accurate estimate, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist who can assess your hair and discuss your desired outcome before providing a time estimate for your specific situation.

Aslo Read: What Color Cancels Out Green?

How to Make Highlights Last Long

To make highlights last longer and maintain their vibrancy, here are some tips:

1. Use Color-Safe Products: Opt for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle and minimize color fading.
2. Minimize Washing: Frequent washing can cause color to fade more quickly. Try to limit your hair washing to every other day or use dry shampoo in between washes. When washing, use lukewarm or cool water as hot water can strip away color.
3. Protect from UV Rays: Sun exposure can fade hair color, so protect your highlights by wearing hats or using UV-protective hair products when you’re outside for extended periods.
4. Avoid Heat Styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can accelerate color fading. Minimize the use of such tools or use a heat protectant spray to shield your highlights from damage.
5. Deep Condition Regularly: Moisturized hair retains color better. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to keep your highlights nourished and prevent them from becoming dull.
6. Schedule Touch-Up Appointments: Over time, your highlights may grow out or become less vibrant. To maintain their appearance, schedule touch-up appointments with your stylist. The frequency of touch-ups depends on how quickly your hair grows and the desired maintenance level.

How Often You Should Get Highlights?

The frequency of getting highlights can vary depending on personal preference, hair growth rate, and the desired look. As a general guideline, many people opt to refresh their highlights every 8-12 weeks. However, it ultimately depends on factors such as how noticeable the regrowth is, the desired contrast between the base color and highlights, and individual hair characteristics. It’s best to consult with your stylist, who can assess your hair and recommend the ideal timing for touch-ups based on your specific situation.

Maintaining and Extending the Life of Your Highlights

Maintaining and extending the life of your highlights requires some effort and care. Here are some key tips to help you keep your highlights looking vibrant and fresh for longer:

1. Use color-safe and sulfate-free hair products: Regular shampoos and conditioners can strip away the color from your highlights. Opt for color-safe products specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Look for sulfate-free options as sulfates can be harsh and cause color fading.
2. Minimize washing frequency: Washing your hair too often can lead to color fading. Try to extend the time between washes by using dry shampoo or refreshing your hair with waterless cleansing products. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water, as hot water can open up the hair cuticles and cause color to fade.
3. Use a deep conditioning treatment: Color-treated hair tends to be more prone to dryness and damage. Regularly use a deep conditioning treatment or mask specifically designed for colored hair. This will help nourish and hydrate your hair, keeping it healthy and prolonging the life of your highlights.
4. Protect your hair from heat styling: Excessive heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can cause damage to your hair and fade the color of your highlights. Minimize the use of heat styling tools, or if you do use them, apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
5. Shield your hair from the sun: UV rays from the sun can also fade your highlights. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner or hair sunscreen that offers UV protection.
6. Avoid chlorine and saltwater: Chlorine and saltwater can cause your highlights to become brassy or dull. Before swimming in a pool or the ocean, wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier. You can also wear a swim cap to minimize exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
7. Schedule regular touch-ups with your stylist: As your hair grows, the roots will start to show, and the color of your highlights may fade over time. Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to keep your highlights looking fresh and vibrant.
8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Your hair’s health is influenced by your overall well-being. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and manage stress levels as they can impact the health and appearance of your hair, including your highlights.

By following these tips and incorporating them into your hair care routine, you can maintain and extend the life of your highlights, ensuring they remain vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.

Conclusion: Patience Pays Off

The process of getting highlights professionally done can take some time. As you figure out what you want to achieve, there is no need in hurrying any of the crucial processes, not even the first conversation with your stylist.

To make sure your highlights remain as long as possible, you’ll also want to take care of your hair appropriately. While highlights are a fun way to change your natural appearance, they frequently require a lot of upkeep.