Hello, friends of Scissors by Effi! This is Effi! Today I decided to sit down and write about a topic that we discuss daily at the salon with my team and you.
I’m talking, of course, about the light in our hair, our beloved highlights. They are probably the most popular service you ask for, and for good reason, since they can completely transform a face.
However, I often hear the question: “Effie, what should I know about highlights before we start?” There is fear about the quality of the hair, anxiety about the final color, or a question about how they will be maintained.
Don’t worry at all! In this article, my team and I have gathered all our experience to answer all your questions. Grab your coffee and let’s go see everything in detail!
Table Of Contents
What I need to know about highlights: The Base
Before we grab the brushes and foils, the first step at Scissors by Effi is always a conversation. Adding light to your hair is not a simple process that everyone can follow. It is a technique that needs to be adapted to your own colors.
So when you’re wondering what I should know about highlights, the first thing is understanding your skin tone. If you have cool skin, sable and platinum tones will brighten you up.
If you have wheatish or warm skin, honey, gold, and caramel shades are the ones that will highlight your features.
We here at the team always examine the quality of the hair. If the hair is damaged, a strengthening treatment may be required before proceeding with the lightening. The health of your hair is non-negotiable for us.
The Different Techniques: Not All Are the Same
In the past, when we said highlights, we meant the classic lines from root to tip. Now, things have evolved.
Babylights
These are very subtle highlights that mimic the natural lightening that children’s hair gets from the sun. They are ideal if you want a very natural result without strong contrasts.
Balayage vs Highlights
We are often asked what the difference is. In classic highlights, we use foils and usually start near the roots. In Balayage, we paint the color freely onto the hair, usually leaving the roots natural.
Chunky Highlights
For the boldest, wide ’90s-inspired highlights are back in full force. It’s a statement look that we love to create in our salon.
Highlighters for covering whiteheads: The Great Ally
This is a huge expense. Many ladies come in and ask for full-head dye to hide their gray hair. However, highlights to cover whites hair are perhaps the smartest solution we recommend.
Why choose them?
- Naturalness: Instead of having a solid color (also called a “helmet”), highlights blend white with blonde tones.
- Less Maintenance: When hair grows longer, the root does not create such a strong contrast (“line” that stands out) as it does with full-on dyeing.
- Duration: Highlights to cover whites hair allow you to visit the salon less often, since the result grows out more smoothly.
At Scissors by Effi, we specialize in “erasing” whites through low-lights and highlights techniques, creating a multidimensional color that always looks fresh.
The Process: What happens in our chair
When you come to us, we want you to feel relaxed. The highlighting process can take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the density of the hair and the technique.
We use new technology bleaching products that contain protective agents (bonders) to prevent the hair bonds from breaking. This is a key part of what I need to know about highlights today: technology is on our side, as long as it is used correctly by professionals.
After lightening, there is always a toner. The toner is what gives the final shade and neutralizes unwanted yellow or orange tones. It is the secret to the perfect, glossy finish.
Hair care with highlights: The A and Z
Great, we made them, they are wonderful, we even took our photos for Instagram. Now what about at home? Taking care of highlighted hair is 50% of the success in maintaining the color and health of the hair.
Blonde hair or hair that has been chemically treated tends to become dehydrated more easily. Bleaching lifts the hair cuticles, making them more prone to dryness and breakage.
Specialized Products
You can’t use the same shampoo you used before. You need products that are designed for colored or blonde hair. These products lock in the color and provide the necessary hydration.
Masks and Oils
The mask should become your best friend. Once a week, a deep hydration is required. Also, oils on the ends daily protect against split ends. Proper care for highlighted hair requires consistency.
8+1 Tricks to Keep Highlights Fresh!
Because we want you to enjoy your hair as much as possible, our team has compiled the best tips:
1. The Purple Shampoo
It’s the savior for cool blondes. Use it once a week (no more, or it will turn gray/dull) to banish yellow tones.
2. Cold Water for Bathing
I know, especially in the winter it’s hard. But, hot water opens the hair cuticles and fades the highlights. Try to use lukewarm to cold water for the final rinse. This is essential for caring for highlighted hair.
3. Heat Protection
Blow dryers and straighteners are the enemies of color if you’re not careful. Always use a heat protectant spray. Heat “burns” the color and makes it look dull.
4. Fewer Hair Washes
Try not to bathe every day. The natural oils of the scalp are beneficial. If necessary, use dry shampoo in between.
5. Hair Sunscreen
We live in Corfu, the sun is strong! Just like you put sunscreen on your face, you should also put it on your hair, especially if you have highlights. The sun oxidizes the color very quickly.
6. Water Filter
If the water in your area is hard (has a lot of salts), this can affect the color. A filter in the shower head can work wonders.
7. Satin Pillowcase
Helps reduce friction and hair breakage while sleeping. Hair glides and doesn’t tangle.
8. Regular Haircut
Even if you grow your hair long, a trim every 2-3 months is essential to keep your highlights looking healthy and not straw-like. Book a haircut appointment here.
+1. The Intermediate Toner
You don’t have to wait for the roots to grow out to come to the salon. You can come in between (in 1-1.5 months) just for a toner and treatment. This will revive the color and make the highlights look like new at a much lower cost!
Myths and Truths
In the context of what I should know about highlights, let’s also dispel some myths.
- Myth: Highlights damage hair.
- Truth: Poor technique and poor quality products damage hair. At Scissors by Effi, with the use of bond builders and proper diagnosis, hair health is ensured.
- Myth: I can’t get highlights if I’m pregnant.
- Truth: Highlights don’t touch the scalp, so they’re generally considered safe. However, you should always consult your doctor.
Why choose Scissors by Effi?
Here in Corfu, we love beauty and grooming. Our team is constantly training in new techniques. We are not satisfied with just doing “blonde hair“. We want to create the color that suits your personality and your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for subtle highlights to cover grays or a dramatic change with strong contrast, we’re here to listen. We see your hair as a canvas and our goal is for you to leave the salon feeling confident.
Additionally, we place a huge emphasis on caring for highlighted hair. We won’t let you leave without explaining exactly how to care for your new hair at home so that your investment pays off.
The Psychology of Change
In closing, I want to say something that I’ve noticed for years. A change in hair, especially when we add light, changes our mood. Highlights have a way of brightening the face, “soften” the corners, and making us look more rested and younger.
Don’t be afraid of change. If you’re wondering what I should know about highlights because you’re hesitating, come and talk to me in person. The consultation is free and we’re always happy to answer any questions.
For more ideas and inspiration regarding hair trends, you can also take a look at this very interesting article from Vogue Greece that analyzes the trends of the season.
Key Takeaways
- Diagnosis: The choice of shade depends on skin tone and hair quality.
- Covering White Hair: Highlights to cover whites offer a more natural result and easier maintenance than full-on dyeing.
- Care: Proper care for highlighted hair includes specialized products, masks, and heat protection.
- Maintenance: Purple shampoo and highlights between appointments keep the color vibrant.
- Protection: Be careful with the sun and hot water to prevent the color from fading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I refresh my highlights?
This depends on the technique. Classic highlights that start at the roots need to be touched up every 6-8 weeks. Balayage or root-blurred techniques can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, with a touch-up in between.
Will highlights damage my hair?
If done correctly, no. At Scissors by Effi we use products that protect the hair bonds during bleaching. However, blonde hair always requires more hydration at home.
What is the difference between highlights and low-lights?
Highlights are lighter than your base color and add shine. Lowlights are darker strands (usually your natural color or slightly darker) that add depth and dimension. Combining the two gives the most natural look, especially for highlights to cover whites.
Can I get highlights if I’ve had henna or straightening?
This is where great care is needed. You must definitely inform us during the diagnosis. Some techniques may not be compatible or we may need to do a strand test first to see how the hair will react.
I hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any more questions about what I should know about highlights, don’t hesitate to send us a message or stop by the salon. We look forward to seeing you and creating the perfect color for you together!
With love,
Effi and the Scissors by Effi team