Getting your hair highlighted can give it a bright, vibrant look with added dimension. However, to keep those highlights looking fresh, you need to be careful with how you care for your hair afterwards. One of the most common questions is: can I wash my hair 24 hours after highlights?
Overview
- It’s best to wait 48-72 hours before washing highlighted hair.
- Washing too soon can cause the color to fade quickly.
- Follow your stylist’s recommendations on when to wash.
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and lukewarm water.
- Limit washing to 2-3 times per week to maintain vivid color.
- Avoid heat styling for the first few days post-highlights.
Why You Should Wait to Wash Highlighted Hair
When you get highlights, your hair undergoes a chemical process to lift the cuticle and deposit color inside the hair shaft. Immediately after, the cuticle is still open and the color has not fully settled into the hair. Washing too soon can cause the highlights to fade quickly.
Brittany VanDyke, Redken artist, recommends waiting 48 hours before washing newly highlighted hair.
“I generally tell my clients to wait 48 hours before they wash their hair. During the first 48 hours after a color service, the pigments of the salon color are still settling—meaning if you shampoo your hair too soon after an appointment, it can cause your hue to fade quicker.”
The general guideline is to wait 48-72 hours after highlights before washing your hair. This gives time for:
- The cuticle to close back down and protect the color inside the hair shaft.
- The hair color pigments to fully penetrate the hair for maximum vibrancy.
Following your colorist’s recommendations is best, as they’ll consider the specific products and techniques used on your hair.
Can I Wash My Hair After 24 Hours?
Washing after only 24 hours is not recommended, as the color is still oxidizing and settling into the hair cuticle. However, if you must wash your hair sooner, follow these tips:
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Use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot, which can open the cuticle and lead to fading.
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Opt for a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo made for color-treated hair, which is gentler than regular shampoo.
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Use a moisturizing conditioner and avoid shampooing the roots, where color is most vibrant.
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Rinse hair briefly and avoid vigorous scrubbing when washing.
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Blot hair gently with a towel and allow to air dry instead of heat styling.
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Use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask to boost moisture.
While washing after 24 hours is possible, waiting the full 48-72 hours is best for maximizing the longevity of your new highlights!
How to Wash Highlighted Hair After Processing
Once the waiting period has passed, you can shampoo your hair while being gentle to preserve your highlights. Here are some tips:
Use Lukewarm Water
Hot water opens the cuticle, allowing color to escape. Lukewarm or cool water is best.
Pick a Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfate-free cleansers are gentler on color-treated hair. Look for ones specifically labeled as “color safe.”
Focus Shampoo on the Scalp & Mid-Shafts
Concentrate lather on the roots and mid-lengths rather than ends to limit stripping of color.
Rinse Thoroughly But Quickly
Avoid vigorous scrubbing. Rinse until water runs clear.
Blot Hair Gently with a Towel
Rubbing can roughen cuticles and cause fading. Gently squeeze or pat hair with a towel instead.
Use a Moisturizing Conditioner
Look for formulas that contain ceramides or oils to nourish highlighted hair.
Limit Washing to 2-3 Times Per Week
Washing less helps keep those vivid highlights fresh and shiny.
Let Hair Air Dry
Avoid heat styling for the first few washes to allow cuticles to fully close.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in treatments add extra moisture between washes.
Get a Glaze or Toner Within 2 Weeks
A refresher gloss or toner can boost shine and vibrancy.
Maintaining Your Highlights
To keep your highlights looking salon-fresh:
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Wash hair only 2-3 times per week max. Overwashing causes fading.
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Alternate between a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair.
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Use a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment weekly.
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Limit use of hot styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons.
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Apply a heat protectant if heat styling to prevent damage.
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Avoid chlorine and salt water that can strip color. Wet hair before swimming.
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Use a UV-protecting product before sun exposure.
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Get a gloss or toner treatment within 2 weeks of highlights for refreshed vibrancy.
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See your colorist for a root touch-up around every 6-8 weeks.
How Long Highlights Last
With proper at-home care between salon visits, you can expect highlighted hair to last:
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6-8 weeks for single-process highlights
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8-12 weeks for double-process highlights
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3-4 months for balayage or ombre highlights
Factors like your natural hair color, tone of highlights, and hair type impact longevity too. Following a diligent haircare routine keeps highlights vibrant for max duration.
When to See Your Colorist Again
Plan to see your colorist:
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Every 6-8 weeks to refresh roots for single-process highlights
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Every 8-12 weeks to retouch double-process or partial highlights
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Every 10-12 weeks to tone balayage/ombre highlights
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If highlights start to look brassy, book a toner or glaze service
Regular touch-ups keep your hair color multi-dimensional. Be sure to book your next appointment when you’re in the salon chair.
Get Salon-Worthy Highlights at Home
If you want to extend time between salon visits, an at-home highlight kit lets you touch up roots and brighten color. Options include:
Honey Blonde Highlight Kit
Adds soft, warm golden tones to blonde hair. Gradual color doesn’t damage hair.
Platinum Highlight Kit
Brightens blonde hair and removes brassiness. Easy to apply formula.
Sunset Auburn Highlight Kit
Boosts red tones and enhances natural red hair color. Conditions as it colors.
Natural Streaks Highlight Kit
Subtle, face-framing highlights in blonde, brown or red shades.
When using an at-home highlight product, carefully follow the instructions. Test