Getting highlights is an exciting way to refresh your look, add dimension, and brighten your overall appearance. However, before you head to the salon (or begin the DIY process), a crucial question arises: should you wash your hair beforehand? The answer, like many things in the beauty world, isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a nuanced topic influenced by hair type, product usage, and the specific type of highlights you’re getting. Let’s delve into the factors that determine the best approach for achieving stunning, long-lasting results.
The Impact of Hair’s Natural Oils
Your scalp naturally produces sebum, an oil that keeps your hair moisturized and protected. This natural oil barrier plays a significant role in the highlighting process. Understanding how sebum interacts with hair dye is key to making the right decision about washing your hair.
Sebum as a Protective Barrier
Sebum acts as a natural shield, offering a degree of protection to the hair shaft during chemical treatments like highlighting. This protective layer can help to minimize damage and irritation from the bleach or dye. A freshly washed scalp might be more prone to sensitivity, leading to discomfort during the highlighting process.
The Balancing Act: Too Much vs. Not Enough
While some oil is beneficial, excessive oil buildup can hinder the dye’s ability to penetrate the hair shaft evenly. If your hair is visibly greasy, the highlights may not process correctly, resulting in patchy or uneven color. Finding the right balance is crucial.
Considering Hair Type and Texture
Different hair types react differently to highlighting processes. Factors like porosity, thickness, and natural oil production influence how the hair absorbs and retains color.
Fine Hair: Proceed with Caution
Fine hair tends to be more delicate and susceptible to damage. Washing fine hair immediately before highlighting can strip it of its natural oils, making it even more vulnerable to breakage and dryness. Waiting a day or two after washing is often recommended for fine hair.
Thick Hair: A More Forgiving Canvas
Thick hair generally has a stronger structure and can withstand chemical treatments better than fine hair. However, if you use a lot of styling products, buildup can be a significant issue. A gentle cleanse a day before highlighting might be beneficial to remove product residue and ensure even color distribution.
Curly Hair: Moisture is Key
Curly hair tends to be naturally drier than straight hair due to the shape of the hair shaft, which makes it harder for sebum to travel down the strands. Washing curly hair right before highlighting can exacerbate dryness and lead to frizz. It’s generally recommended to avoid washing curly hair for several days before highlighting to maintain moisture levels.
Oily Hair: A Unique Approach
If you have excessively oily hair, you might be tempted to wash it right before your appointment. While removing excess oil is important, avoid using harsh shampoos that can strip the hair of its natural oils completely. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo used a day or two before highlighting can help to balance oil levels without leaving the hair overly dry.
Highlighting Techniques and Hair Condition
The specific highlighting technique being used and the overall health of your hair also influence the decision to wash or not to wash.
Balayage vs. Foil Highlights
Balayage, a freehand highlighting technique, often benefits from slightly “lived-in” hair with some natural texture. This texture can help the colorist create a more seamless and natural-looking blend. Foil highlights, on the other hand, typically require cleaner hair to ensure even saturation and prevent bleeding of the dye.
Damaged Hair: Extra Care Needed
If your hair is already damaged from previous chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental factors, it’s even more critical to protect it during the highlighting process. Washing damaged hair right before highlighting can further weaken it, leading to increased breakage and dryness. Consider using a deep conditioning treatment in the days leading up to your appointment to strengthen and hydrate the hair.
Virgin Hair: A Blank Canvas
Virgin hair, which has never been chemically treated, is generally more resilient and less prone to damage. While washing isn’t strictly prohibited, it’s still wise to avoid over-washing to maintain the hair’s natural moisture balance.
Product Buildup: A Hidden Culprit
Styling products like hairspray, gel, mousse, and dry shampoo can leave residue on the hair that interferes with the highlighting process. This buildup can prevent the dye from penetrating evenly, resulting in patchy color or brassiness.
Identifying Product Buildup
If you regularly use styling products, you likely have some degree of buildup on your hair. Signs of buildup include dullness, stiffness, and difficulty styling the hair.
Clarifying Shampoos: Use with Caution
Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove product buildup, but they can also be very drying. If you choose to use a clarifying shampoo before highlighting, do so several days in advance and follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Avoid using clarifying shampoos immediately before your appointment.
Pre-Highlighting Hair Care Routine
Preparing your hair in the days leading up to your highlighting appointment is crucial for achieving optimal results.
Hydration is Key
Hydrated hair is healthy hair, and healthy hair holds color better. Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, and incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine at least once a week.
Minimize Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can damage the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage. Reduce your use of heat styling tools in the days leading up to your highlighting appointment to minimize stress on the hair.
Communicate with Your Stylist
The best way to determine whether or not to wash your hair before highlights is to consult with your stylist. They can assess your hair type, condition, and product usage, and recommend the best approach for your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and express any concerns you have.
Debunking Common Myths
Let’s address some common misconceptions surrounding washing hair before highlights.
Myth: Dirty Hair Protects Better
While some natural oils are beneficial, excessively dirty hair can actually hinder the highlighting process. Heavy buildup can prevent the dye from penetrating evenly, leading to uneven color and potentially prolonging the processing time.
Myth: You Should Always Wash Your Hair Right Before
As we’ve discussed, washing your hair immediately before highlighting is not always the best approach. In many cases, waiting a day or two allows the scalp to produce some natural oils that can help protect the hair during the chemical treatment.
The Verdict: Tailoring Your Approach
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wash your hair before highlights depends on a variety of factors. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your hair type, condition, product usage, and the specific highlighting technique being used. Communicate with your stylist, and follow their recommendations for optimal results. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your hair is healthy, vibrant, and beautifully highlighted. Remember, prioritizing hair health will always be beneficial, leading to longer lasting color and less damage in the long run.
FAQ: Can I wash my hair right before getting highlights?
Washing your hair immediately before getting highlights is generally not recommended. The natural oils present in your hair act as a protective barrier. This barrier helps shield your scalp from the harsh chemicals in the hair dye and bleach, potentially reducing irritation and sensitivity.
Think of those natural oils as a gentle buffer. They help the color adhere evenly and can contribute to a more vibrant and consistent result. Washing your hair strips away these protective oils, leaving your scalp more vulnerable. This can lead to discomfort during the highlighting process.
FAQ: How many days before highlighting should I wash my hair?
Ideally, you should aim to wash your hair one to two days before your highlighting appointment. This allows your natural oils to build up sufficiently to provide adequate protection to your scalp. The exact number of days depends on your hair type and how quickly your scalp produces oil.
If your hair tends to be oily, one day might be sufficient. If your hair is dry, two days may be more appropriate. Avoid using heavy styling products in the days leading up to your appointment, as these can interfere with the highlighting process.
FAQ: What if I have to wash my hair right before getting highlights?
If washing your hair right before your appointment is unavoidable, let your stylist know. They might adjust the strength of the developer or apply a scalp protectant to mitigate potential irritation. Communication is key to ensuring a comfortable and successful highlighting experience.
Consider using a mild shampoo that is sulfate-free. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler and less likely to strip your hair of all its natural oils. Also, avoid scrubbing your scalp too vigorously, as this can further irritate it.
FAQ: Does hair type affect whether I should wash my hair before highlights?
Yes, hair type definitely influences the recommendation. Those with fine, oily hair might be okay with washing their hair the day before highlights. The scalp produces oil faster, so the protective layer will replenish relatively quickly.
Conversely, individuals with dry, coarse hair should ideally wait two to three days before washing. Their scalp produces less oil, and it takes longer to accumulate a sufficient protective barrier. This minimizes the risk of dryness and irritation during the highlighting process.
FAQ: Can dirty hair actually help highlights take better?
While completely “dirty” hair isn’t necessary, slightly unwashed hair can actually be beneficial. The natural oils help the color adhere more evenly to the hair shaft. This can lead to more vibrant and long-lasting highlights.
However, there’s a difference between natural oils and product buildup. Excessive product residue can interfere with the highlighting process. It can create a barrier that prevents the bleach from lifting the color effectively, resulting in uneven or lackluster highlights.
FAQ: What products should I avoid before getting highlights?
Avoid using products that create a heavy buildup on your hair. This includes heavy oils, waxes, hairsprays, and dry shampoos. These products can create a barrier that prevents the highlights from processing evenly and effectively.
Also, avoid using clarifying shampoos right before your appointment. These shampoos are designed to strip away buildup, including natural oils. This can leave your scalp more susceptible to irritation from the highlighting chemicals.
FAQ: What if my scalp is already irritated before my appointment?
If your scalp is already irritated, red, or inflamed, reschedule your appointment. Highlighting can further exacerbate the irritation and potentially lead to discomfort or even damage. It’s crucial to address the underlying cause of the scalp irritation before subjecting it to harsh chemicals.
Consider using a soothing scalp treatment in the days leading up to your rescheduled appointment. Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or tea tree oil. Always consult with your stylist or a dermatologist before proceeding with any chemical treatments if you have scalp issues.