Colouring over highlights can be a bit tricky, and it’s essential to understand the process before attempting it. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hair colouring, exploring the possibilities and limitations of colouring over highlights. Whether you’re a seasoned hair colour enthusiast or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your hair.
Understanding Hair Highlights
Before we dive into the world of colouring over highlights, it’s crucial to understand what highlights are and how they work. Highlights are sections of hair that have been lightened using a chemical process, typically using bleach or high-lift colour. The goal of highlights is to create a multi-dimensional look by adding lighter shades to your hair.
There are several types of highlights, including:
- Foil highlights: This is the most common method of highlighting, where sections of hair are wrapped in foil and lightened using a chemical process.
- Balayage highlights: This is a freehand technique where the lightener is painted onto the hair in a sweeping motion.
- Lowlights: This is the opposite of highlights, where sections of hair are darkened to create depth and dimension.
Can I Colour Over Highlights?
Now that we understand what highlights are, let’s address the question at hand: can I colour over highlights? The answer is yes, but it’s not always a straightforward process.
Colouring over highlights can be a bit tricky because the lightened sections of hair may not take the colour as well as the rest of your hair. This is because the lightener used to create the highlights can damage the hair shaft, making it more prone to colour fade.
However, with the right approach and the right products, it’s possible to achieve great results when colouring over highlights.
Factors to Consider When Colouring Over Highlights
Before you start colouring over your highlights, there are several factors to consider:
- The type of highlights you have: If you have foil highlights, it may be more challenging to colour over them than if you have balayage highlights. This is because foil highlights can create a more uniform lightness, which can be harder to colour over.
- The condition of your hair: If your hair is damaged or over-processed, it may not take the colour as well as healthy hair.
- The colour you want to achieve: If you want to achieve a drastic colour change, it may be more challenging to colour over highlights than if you want to make a subtle change.
How to Colour Over Highlights
If you’ve decided to colour over your highlights, here are some steps you can follow:
- Choose the right colour: Select a colour that complements your existing highlights. If you want to make a drastic colour change, it may be best to consult a professional stylist.
- Use a colour-depositing treatment: Before colouring over your highlights, use a colour-depositing treatment to help restore the health and integrity of your hair.
- Apply the colour carefully: When applying the colour, be sure to saturate the highlighted sections of hair thoroughly. You may need to use a colour brush to apply the colour directly to the highlighted sections.
Colouring Over Highlights at Home
While it’s possible to colour over highlights at home, it’s essential to exercise caution. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Follow the instructions carefully: When using a home colour kit, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. This will help you achieve the best results and minimize the risk of damage.
- Do a strand test: Before applying the colour to your entire head, do a strand test to ensure the colour takes well and doesn’t cause any damage.
- Be gentle when applying the colour: When applying the colour, be gentle to avoid damaging the highlighted sections of hair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Colouring Over Highlights
When colouring over highlights, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong colour: Using a colour that’s too light or too dark can result in uneven colour distribution and damage to the hair.
- Not using a colour-depositing treatment: Failing to use a colour-depositing treatment can result in dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage.
- Applying the colour too aggressively: Applying the colour too aggressively can cause damage to the highlighted sections of hair, leading to breakage and frizz.
How to Fix Common Colouring Mistakes
If you’ve made a mistake when colouring over your highlights, don’t panic. Here are some tips to help you fix common colouring mistakes:
- Use a colour corrector: If you’ve ended up with uneven colour distribution, use a colour corrector to help even out the colour.
- Apply a hair mask: If you’ve damaged your hair during the colouring process, apply a hair mask to help restore the health and integrity of your hair.
- Consult a professional stylist: If you’re unsure of how to fix a colouring mistake, consult a professional stylist for advice.
Conclusion
Colouring over highlights can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach and the right products, it’s possible to achieve great results. By understanding the factors to consider when colouring over highlights and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve the colour you want without damaging your hair.
Remember to always exercise caution when colouring over highlights, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from a professional stylist if you’re unsure of how to proceed.
| Colouring Method | Difficulty Level | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| Foil Highlights | Medium to High | Those who want to achieve a uniform lightness |
| Balayage Highlights | Low to Medium | Those who want to achieve a natural, sun-kissed look |
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can achieve the colour you want without damaging your hair. Remember to always prioritize the health and integrity of your hair, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from a professional stylist if you’re unsure of how to proceed.
Can I Colour Over Highlights Immediately?
It’s generally not recommended to colour over highlights immediately. This is because the highlighting process can cause damage to the hair, particularly if bleach or other strong chemicals were used. Colouring over highlights too soon can exacerbate this damage and lead to breakage, frizz, and other problems. It’s best to wait at least a few weeks after highlighting before attempting to colour over the highlights.
The exact amount of time you should wait will depend on the type of highlights you got and the condition of your hair. If you got balayage or other gentle highlighting treatments, you may be able to colour over the highlights sooner. However, if you got traditional foil highlights or used bleach, it’s best to wait at least 4-6 weeks. This will give your hair time to recover from the highlighting process and reduce the risk of damage.
How Do I Prepare My Hair for Colouring Over Highlights?
Before colouring over highlights, it’s essential to prepare your hair properly. This starts with a good conditioning treatment to help repair any damage caused by the highlighting process. You can use a deep conditioning mask or a hair treatment product to help restore moisture and shine to your hair. It’s also a good idea to get a trim to remove any split ends or damaged hair.
In addition to conditioning and trimming, you should also choose a colour that complements your highlights. If you’re trying to cover up highlights, you’ll want to choose a colour that’s at least one shade darker than your natural colour. If you’re trying to enhance your highlights, you can choose a colour that’s similar to your natural colour or one shade lighter. Be sure to consult with a professional stylist if you’re unsure about how to prepare your hair or choose a colour.
What Are the Risks of Colouring Over Highlights?
Colouring over highlights can be a bit tricky, and there are some risks involved. One of the biggest risks is damage to the hair, particularly if you’re using a permanent dye. Permanent dyes can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, especially if you’re colouring over highlights that were done with bleach or other strong chemicals.
Another risk is uneven colour distribution. If you’re trying to cover up highlights, you may end up with uneven colour distribution, particularly if the highlights are still visible under the new colour. This can be frustrating and difficult to fix. To minimize the risks, it’s essential to work with a professional stylist who has experience colouring over highlights.
Can I Colour Over Highlights at Home?
While it’s technically possible to colour over highlights at home, it’s not always the best idea. Colouring over highlights can be a bit tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage your hair or result in uneven colour distribution. If you’re not experienced with colouring your hair, it’s best to leave it to a professional stylist who can help you achieve the look you want.
If you do decide to colour over highlights at home, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do a strand test before applying the colour to your entire head. This will help you ensure that the colour takes evenly and doesn’t cause any damage. It’s also a good idea to use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye, which is generally less damaging than permanent dye.
How Long Does Colouring Over Highlights Take?
The amount of time it takes to colour over highlights can vary depending on the type of colour you’re using and the length and thickness of your hair. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to colour over highlights. If you’re using a permanent dye, the process can take longer, as the dye needs to be left on the hair for a certain amount of time to take effect.
If you’re colouring over highlights at a salon, the stylist will typically start by applying a toner or colour corrector to the highlights to help neutralize any brassy tones. Then, they’ll apply the new colour, which can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes to process. After the colour is processed, the stylist will rinse it out and apply a conditioner to help lock in the colour and moisture.
Can I Colour Over Highlights with Semi-Permanent Dye?
Yes, you can colour over highlights with semi-permanent dye. In fact, semi-permanent dye is often a good option if you’re looking to add a bit of colour to your hair without making a long-term commitment. Semi-permanent dye is generally less damaging than permanent dye and can help to enhance your natural colour without covering up your highlights completely.
Semi-permanent dye can be a good option if you’re looking to add a bit of dimension to your hair or enhance your natural colour. It’s also a good option if you’re not sure what colour you want to use or if you’re looking for a temporary solution. Keep in mind that semi-permanent dye typically lasts for 4-6 washes, so you’ll need to reapply it regularly to maintain the colour.
How Do I Maintain My Colour After Colouring Over Highlights?
To maintain your colour after colouring over highlights, it’s essential to use colour-protecting products and avoid using hot water or heat styling tools too frequently. Colour-protecting products can help to lock in the colour and moisture of your hair, while avoiding hot water and heat styling tools can help to prevent the colour from fading too quickly.
It’s also a good idea to get regular trims to help maintain the health and integrity of your hair. Regular trims can help to prevent split ends and breakage, which can make your colour look dull and uneven. Additionally, be sure to use a colour-depositing shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the colour and vibrancy of your hair.