How to Take Care of Blonde Highlighted Hair
Maintaining blonde highlighted hair requires a dedicated hair care routine to keep it vibrant, healthy, and free from brassiness. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to take care of your blonde highlights effectively.
1. Limit Washing Frequency
Washing your hair less frequently is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy of your blonde highlights. Frequent washing can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to color fading. Aim to wash your hair every two to four days. In between washes, use dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your roots without water.
2. Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Invest in a high-quality shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. Look for sulfate-free products that are gentle on your strands while helping maintain the color. Brands like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner are designed to hydrate over-processed hair while neutralizing brassiness.
3. Incorporate Purple or Blue Shampoo
To combat unwanted yellow or brassy tones, incorporate purple or blue shampoo into your routine. Purple shampoo neutralizes yellow tones, while blue shampoo is effective against orange tones in darker blondes. Use these shampoos once a week or as needed based on how quickly your hair develops brassiness.
4. Deep Condition Regularly
Deep conditioning treatments are essential for keeping highlighted hair hydrated and healthy. Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to restore moisture and repair damage caused by bleaching processes. Products like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector can help strengthen the bonds in your hair, making it less prone to breakage.
5. Protect from Heat Damage
Minimize heat styling whenever possible, as excessive heat can damage highlighted hair significantly. If you must use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand and set tools to the lowest effective temperature. Consider air-drying your hair or using heatless styling methods when you can.
6. Shield Your Hair from Environmental Factors
Protect your blonde highlights from sun exposure and chlorine damage. UV rays can fade color-treated hair, so wearing hats or using UV protection sprays specifically designed for hair is advisable when spending time outdoors. Additionally, if swimming in chlorinated pools, wetting your hair before entering the pool or applying leave-in conditioner can help minimize chlorine absorption.
7. Get Regular Trims
Regular trims every six to eight weeks will help keep split ends at bay and maintain the overall health of your highlighted locks. This practice ensures that any damaged ends are removed promptly, allowing for healthier growth.
8. Consider Water Quality
The quality of water you use can affect the health of your blonde highlights significantly. Hard water contains minerals that may dull color-treated hair; consider installing a shower filter to reduce mineral buildup that could lead to brassy tones.
Conclusion
By following these steps diligently—limiting washes, using appropriate products, incorporating deep conditioning treatments, protecting against heat and environmental factors, getting regular trims, and considering water quality—you can maintain beautiful blonde highlighted hair that looks vibrant and healthy.