Highlighting on dyed hair – photo before and after, suitable type of highlighting and means

When applied to colored hair, highlights can change the way you look by adding brightness, depth, and dimension. The correct kind of highlights can make a big difference, whether your goal is to create a striking contrast or soften your current shade.

The ideal technique to use will depend on the color, texture, and desired outcome of your hair. Numerous techniques, ranging from delicate balayage to striking streaks, look great on colored hair. "Before and after" pictures show the distinct outcomes that each method produces, making it easier to choose the one that works best for you.

We’ll go over the most common highlights for dyed hair in this guide, along with the supplies you’ll need to keep and improve your new style.

Suitable types of highlighting

1. Classic (lightening strands all over the head using a special cap or comb). Suitable for blondes.
2. Californian (bleaching in the open air, which allows you to get the effect of strands burnt out in the sun). Ideal for hair dyed blond.
3. Venetian (dyeing strands in different shades without a sharp transition). Suitable for brunettes.
4. Colored (toning strands in contrasting colors). Will look advantageous on red hair.

Without completely changing the color of your hair, you can update the look of your dyed hair by adding dimension and depth through highlights. This post will explain how highlighting works on hair that has already been colored, providing before and after pictures so you can see the finished product. We’ll also help you select the best products to preserve healthy, vibrant strands after the process, as well as the ideal highlighting technique for your hair type and color.

How often can you do highlights on dyed hair

The condition, type of dye, and desired shade of the hair all affect how long you can highlight previously dyed hair.

How much time has passed since the last dyeing is the most crucial factor.

One to one and a half months after the last dyeing is the best time to bleach strands. During this time, if the dyeing was ammonia-free, it will totally wash out. When using permanent dye, the hair will already be restored from the prior exposure, preventing the pigments from washing out.

You must wait for at least two weeks if you are unable to wait that long. It is crucial to actively nourish your hair during this time by using masks to get it ready.

Take note! Re-dying your hair after a few days is very unfavorable! They might turn brittle and dry, breaking off all the way along.

What negative consequences may there be after the procedure

• dryness, brittleness, "lifeless" appearance;
• breaking off strands along the length, hair loss;
• getting an unwanted shade (usually yellow or red);
• dull color, lack of shine, "gloss".

Negative effect of the procedure on dyed hair

The original color must be considered in order to obtain highlights of a gorgeous shade.

On light hair

Level 10 and lighter shades of blond will make the bleached strands blend in with the background without being noticeable. Furthermore, this process will result in additional harm. When light hair has shades of honey, sand, or caramel and its tone is at level 8, it makes sense to highlight it.

For dark hair

The light brown and chestnut hair that has previously undergone coloring yields the most exquisite highlighted strands. The basis for obtaining yellow or reddish strands is a black or dark chestnut hue.

It is sufficient to choose nutty, bronze, or caramel shades in this situation; you shouldn’t aim for extremely light hair.

For red hair

If henna, a natural dye, is used to achieve the red shade, further dying may produce an unanticipated result (green, swamp shade).

On red strands dyed with permanent dyes, shades of amber, copper, peach, caramel, and reddish-brown will appear favorable.

How to avoid bad consequences

1. Do a trial highlighting – first dye in an inconspicuous place to see how the dye will behave on the original hair.
2. If possible, choose the powder and oxidizer yourself, rather than using ready-made highlighting kits. For example, to bleach previously dyed hair, a 6-9 percent oxidizer is enough. The 12 percent oxidizer often used in ready-made paints has an extremely detrimental effect on the hair structure.
3. Before highlighting actively nourish the ends with masks for at least a week.

Important!

What products are suitable for highlighting colored hair

1. Bleaching powders (for example, Matrix Light Master, Schwarzkopf Igora Vario Blond Plus, Concept Lightening Powder) or powder (Londa Blondoran, Schwarzkopf BLONDME), used with oxidizers from the same company.
2. Home highlighting sets (L’oreal, Schwarzkopf and Garnier).

How to do the procedure yourself, at home

For highlighting, you should use specific sets like L’oreal Colorista Balayage or L’oreal Preference Glam Lights.

A unique comb that comes with the set is used for coloring. Applying cream paint to individual hair strands and letting them sit for 25 minutes is sufficient.

A more polished method that is also doable at home is to highlight with powder or powder. The powder is applied to the hair after being combined in a specific ratio with an oxidizer.

Using a cap to highlight on your own is convenient:

• put the cap on dry unwashed hair and fix it on the back of the head;
• pull the selected strands through the holes in the cap using a special hook;
• apply the mixture and hold according to the instructions;
• after the time has elapsed, wash off the paint without removing the cap.

Applying powder coloring or powder on foil with a brush to highlight areas.

This technique calls for some assistance or experience, particularly when coloring the back of the head.

Phases of emphasis:

1. cut the foil into strips equal to the length of the hair in advance;
2. prepare a coloring mixture;
3. separate the selected strand from the rest of the hair, place a sheet of foil under its base and apply the dye, stepping back 1 cm from the roots;
4. wrap the foil so that the strand is inside and fix it;
5. repeat the procedure with all the selected strands;
6. after the time has elapsed, remove all the strips of foil and wash the hair with shampoo.

How long does the effect last?

The effect of highlighting lasts for a long time, up until the next coloring, because it is based on an oxidation reaction that breaks down the pigment of previously dyed hair.

Possible errors

• failure to observe the proportions of the powder and oxidizer when preparing the coloring mixture;
• incorrect dye holding time (insufficient or excessive);
• failure to take into account the original color (what color, shade does the dyed hair have; how long ago it was dyed);
• incorrect application of the highlighting mixture (uneven distribution, especially when coloring on the back of the head);
• using low-quality dye.

What to do in case of failure?

1. If the strands are unevenly colored – re-apply the dye only to the uncolored strands.
2. If you get an unsightly yellow tint on your hair – toning with ash or silver shades of tinting paint. Another option is to tint your hair independently using tinted shampoo or balm.
3. The most radical option is full coloring of the entire length in your natural color (shade as close as possible to the color of the roots).

Important! If highlighting is unsuccessful, the best solution is to contact a professional. Since the hair has been subjected to a powerful effect in a short time (coloring and subsequent highlighting), there is a risk of permanently damaging and drying it out.

On colored hair, highlights can give your appearance a new lease on life and add depth, making your hairstyle stand out. There are numerous techniques to fit your hair type and style, whether you want bold or subtle highlights.

Selecting the appropriate technique for your colored hair is crucial to prevent damage and attain the intended outcome. Maintaining the health of your hair as well as your highlights can be achieved by using the right products and seeking professional advice.

Following the suggested guidelines and selecting the appropriate highlighting technique will enable you to maintain the vibrancy and health of your hair while experiencing a stunning transformation that enhances your appearance.