Getting highlights is the perfect option for those of us who want to experiment with color without going all the way. No matter how much you plan to color your hair, there are things you should do to make sure you get the most flattering look ever. Celebrity colorist Beth Minardi shows us how to do just that with these five tips.
Leave Your Hair Alone
To ensure a fabulous and healthy highlighting experience, don’t do anything that can chemically alter your hair within five weeks of your color appointment. That includes keratin treatments, relaxers, perms or any other color treatments. Also be sure to let your colorist know if you’ve colored your hair before.
Get a “Health-Trim”
Instead of doing a major hair change before your highlights, go the simple but healthier route by getting what Minardi calls a “health trim.” She suggests seeing your stylist a bit before your appointment to remove the last fourth of an inch to half of an inch of old, damaged ends so hair is at its best before you highlight it.
Condition Your Strands
Another thing you can do to prep your hair is to condition after every wash to strengthen strands. Minardi’s Balancing After Wash ($26) is rich in conditioning agents that keep hair strong and pliable before and after you get your highlights.
Consider Skin Tone and Eye Color When Choosing A Shade
When choosing your color highlights, your skin tone and eye color play a major part in which ones will look the most flattering. As a general rule, the lighter the base color, the brighter the highlight can be. Most dark brunettes look best with rich caramel or café au lait shades. Redheads can go for a lighter shade of red or a deep golden color. You can also ask your colorist about adding in lowlights for a multi-dimensional look.
Care For Your Newly Highlighted Hair
Before you leave the salon chair, ask your colorist for a touch-up schedule. Minardi says that highlights will stay looking fabulous for eight to 14 weeks, but will need regular touch-ups to stay that way. Between those visits, be sure to properly care for your hair. Shampoo two to four times a week, condition, and after cleansing, comb hair gently with a wide-tooth comb. Be sure to protect your hair with a scarf or a hat if you plan to lounge out in the sun.
