Ask the Experts: How Often Should You Get Highlights?

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Is your hair client yearning for radiant locks but hesitant about the commitment? If so, join us on an enlightening journey to unravel the age-old query — “How often should I get highlights?” The answer, like so many things in life, isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many factors impact how often your client should get highlights, but we’re here to help you determine how frequently you should help them plan to schedule follow-up appointments. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Hair Growth and Highlight Maintenance

Your client’s hair growth rate is critical in determining how often they need to revisit the salon for highlight touch-ups. Naturally, if their hair grows rapidly, they’ll need more frequent appointments to sustain the desired vibrant look.

The choice of highlighting technique also contributes to this equation. Whether you opt for foil, balayage or ombre, each method has its own considerations, influencing the longevity of their highlights and how well they align with your client’s preferred style. Learn more about balayage vs. highlights before deciding which technique is best for them.

Maintaining Healthy Highlighted Hair

Maintaining balance is crucial. Excessive highlighting, regardless of the technique, can do more harm than good to your client’s strands. Striking the right balance ensures that their highlights last without compromising the health of their hair. It’s also important to use the appropriate hair developer volume. Your client will trust you to help them achieve (and maintain) stunning color without damage. 

Personalizing Your Client’s Highlight Schedule

Crafting a personalized highlight schedule is essential in achieving a perfect balance between style and maintenance. If your client prefers an effortlessly chic aesthetic, options like balayage or understated highlights are ideal. These styles exhibit a graceful grow-out and only require touch-ups every three to four months.

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On the other hand, those who embrace a bolder aesthetic should be prepared for more frequent visits to the salon. Striking highlights that demand attention and precision often need touch-ups every six to eight weeks. Committing to a frequent schedule ensures their bold highlights always look great.

If your client is graying, their highlights may have unique maintenance needs. Consult with your client to talk about coverage and their desired aesthetic to ensure their gray hairs seamlessly blend into their chosen style.

Also, consider the impact of seasonal transitions and your client’s styling habits. Environmental factors, such as sun exposure or changes in humidity, can impact hair color’s longevity. Adapting your client’s highlight schedule based on these external elements ensures their hair remains vibrant and healthy year-round.

The Importance of Professional Highlight Services

The allure of the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to highlights is undeniably tempting, offering the promise of convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s crucial for your client to understand that there is no substitute for the expertise of a professional. Professional hair color services ensure meticulous application, adept color correction and measures to prevent damage.

Providing professional tips and advice ensures personalized advice tailored to your client’s hair type, color goals and overall health. A stylist’s expertise guarantees a more refined and customized approach and minimizes the likelihood of unexpected complications. Plus, as a professional stylist, you understand the interplay between various hair colors and can recommend products that suit their specific needs.

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Closing Thoughts

When it comes to scheduling highlight touch-ups, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Advise your client to consider their hair and their desired look. Remind your clients that you’re always available to help them determine how often they should get highlights. With open communication and attentive care, you can help your client find the perfect rhythm for maintaining gorgeous highlights and keeping hair healthy.