How Often Should You Refresh Highlights?

Who loves the look of fresh highlights?   There is just something about that out of salon look that puts a pep in your step and turns on the sassy.  But how often should you be going in to get your highlights touched up?  I have some people who come in every month to get a touch up so they don't look like they ever have new growth.  But sometimes we don't all have the time to be in the salon for a couple hours every 4 weeks, so whats the proper balance?    

The above photo is roughly 6 months of new growth.  No touch ups, no glazes, just wear and tear of everyday hair.  Now, this blonde loves her blonde.  But when she came back in this state of color, she was frustrated with her look and almost ready to pull a Britney.  But I calmed her down by going over steps we can take to keep up with her highlights without her always having to be in the salon.  (Although I do love catching up with everyone,  but I understand we can't see each other nearly every other week!)

Option 1

Check out the before and after side by side.  It's miraculous what fresh highlights can do.  Can you tell how many colors are in her hair though?  I used FOUR different shades to create this seamless blend!  F O U R!  Who knew there were such options?!  The beauty in highlighting is we can have bright highlights, blending mid-lights and contrasting low-lights.  When you use more than one color, you get a more natural looking dimension, which helps the new growth to not stand out as much.  So you could potentially get 8-10 weeks out of this one highlight!
Check out the close up of all those colors...

Option 2

I like to do what I call "melted"highlights.  These are basically highlights that are purposefully painted to not all look like they are coming directly from your scalp.  Some pieces do, some pieces do not.  In this particular example, I "melted" two of the four colors the help increase the blend.  This melted look, depending on what the desired result you chat with your stylist about, can get you anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks out of your highlighting session! I know those are the numbers people are wanting to see!  But wait, there's more!

Option 3

Something new I am incorporating into my appointments with my highlight gals, is an in between services, quickie touch up.  Basically what I mean is a mini highlight, in which you really only spend 45 minutes in the salon.  It's a quick, few highlights right on top where your part is, where they are seen growing out the most.  This service is super helpful for longevity.  We know exactly what to do before you even get there because this is part of the overall plan and scheduled at your previous appointment.  Those few highlights on the part are going to give you the blending you need so you don't look overly grown out.  With this service being a "walk out wet" service, it's quick, efficient and cost effective for keeping your highlights fresh.​  This option is going to help your normal highlight appointment stretch out to around 10 to 14 weeks with a mini appointment around 5 to 6 weeks. Fear not also friend!  Just because it's a "walk out wet" service, doesn't mean you can't get a blow dry.  It's the type of service you have to chat with your stylist about before hand and plan both for time and cost of what it is you're looking for.

I hope you found this blog post helpful!  Please feel free to ask questions either in the comments section or email me your questions!
With love and hair,
Megan

---

Megan is a licensed cosmetologist in Raleigh, North Carolina available for weddings state wide and surrounding areas! She also owns her own salon suite and is available for cuts/colors/etc.  This particular model has her highlights, haircut and style all done by Megan.  To see more about pricing and availability, click "Salon" or "New Guests" on this website or click here to see her schedule and book an appointment.