Whether you’re flaunting face-framing highlights, a sunkissed balayage, or bold platinum streaks, one thing is clear: hair care for highlighted hair requires a dedicated routine.
Without the proper maintenance, that fresh-from-the-salon glow can quickly fade into brassiness, dryness, or breakage, especially in Boston’s unpredictable climate and hard water.
But don’t stress, we’ve got you. This guide walks you through tips and product picks that preserve your color. From when to wash to what to avoid, you’ll learn how to care for highlighted hair so your strands stay vibrant, soft, and selfie-ready.
Why Does Highlighted Hair Need Special Care?
Highlighted hair undergoes a chemical lightening process, which lifts pigment but also weakens the hair structure. This makes strands more porous, meaning they absorb and lose moisture (and color) quickly. Without aftercare, this leads to:
- Brassiness
- Color fading
- Split ends
- Breakage
Add Boston’s hard water and summer UV exposure, and your color is working overtime to stay vibrant.
That’s why the right products, routines, and salon check-ins matter.
Steps For Hair Care For Highlighted Hair
1. Wait Before Washing — Timing Is Everything
Don’t rush to wash your hair right after your highlight appointment. The general rule is to wait 48–72 hours. This gives your hair cuticle time to close and lock in color.
When you do wash:
- Use cool or lukewarm water (hot water fades color fast)
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Avoid daily washing — 2–3 times/week is ideal
💧Tip: Switch to a filtered showerhead to reduce mineral build-up from Boston’s hard water.
2. Choose the Right Hair Products
Using the wrong shampoo is one of the fastest ways to ruin your highlights. Stick to:
- Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos (like Kérastase Color Care line)
- Hydrating masks and deep conditioners weekly
- Leave-in conditioners with UV and heat protection
And when brassiness strikes? Know whether to use a purple or blue shampoo — we break that down here.
3. Limit Heat & Always Use Protection
Flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers zap moisture from already-delicate highlighted hair. If you style frequently:
- Let hair air dry when possible
- Apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools
- Set your tools to medium heat, never max
🔥 Tip: A weekly blowout? Go for it, just make sure it’s from a pro who uses thermal protection. Book a pro blowout with us.
4. Protect Hair from UV, Salt, & Chlorine
Sun exposure fades color. Chlorine turns blonde highlights green. Salt dries them out. To guard your hair in summer or on vacation:
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove pool or product build-up
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors
- Rinse hair before and after swimming
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or UV spray before sun exposure
5. Schedule Gloss & Toner Appointments
To refresh faded color or neutralize brassiness, add a gloss or toner service to your aftercare schedule. These hair care for highlighted hair tips can help:
- Enhance shine
- Adjust tone (warmer or cooler)
- Seal the cuticle
- Extend the life of your highlights
We recommend booking every 4–6 weeks. Learn more about hair glossing here.
6. Hair Care Routine for Highlighted Hair (Table)
| Routine Step | Product Type | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo | 2–3x/week |
| Deep Conditioning | Hydrating mask | 1x/week |
| Toner/Gloss Refresh | Salon service | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Clarifying Treatment | Clarifying shampoo | Monthly |
| UV/Heat Protection | Leave-in + UV/thermal spray | Daily/as needed |
7. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
Sleep can rough up delicate strands. A great hair care for highlighted hair tip to reduce breakage, it helps:
- Sleeping on a silk pillowcase
- Wearing a loose braid or bun
- Avoiding wet hair in bed
Maintain Salon-Fresh Hair with Haste Hair
Ready to refresh your look, tame brassiness, or get a custom care routine? Explore our full highlighting and aftercare services or book now for expert guidance tailored to your hair type.
From subtle shimmer to bold balayage, we’ll help your highlights stay radiant, healthy, and head-turning long after your salon visit.
FAQ
Should I use purple shampoo every wash?
No, use it 1–2 times a week. Overuse can cause dull or violet tones.
Can I go swimming with highlighted hair?
Yes, but apply a leave-in conditioner first and rinse your hair before and after the pool.
What if my highlights start turning brassy?
Use a toning shampoo or schedule a gloss refresh with your stylist.
How long should I wait to wash my hair after highlights?
Wait at least 48–72 hours for best color retention.
