Can You Get Highlights On Relaxed Hair? A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to get highlights on relaxed hair? If you have relaxed hair and want to add some dimension and color to your locks, you might be wondering if highlights are an option. Well, the good news is that you can definitely get highlights on relaxed hair. In fact, highlights can be a great way to enhance your relaxed hairstyle and add some depth and dimension to your look. However, there are a few considerations and precautions you need to keep in mind before diving into the world of highlights on relaxed hair. So, let's explore how you can achieve that stunning highlighted look while maintaining the health of your relaxed tresses.

Can you safely get highlights on relaxed hair without causing damage?

Many people with relaxed hair dream of adding highlights to their locks to create a fresh and vibrant look. However, there is often concern about the potential damage that the coloring process may cause to already chemically treated hair. While it is true that highlights can be damaging if not done properly, with the right approach and care, it is possible to safely get highlights on relaxed hair.

Before discussing the steps to safely achieve highlighted hair on relaxed hair, let's first understand why the process can be damaging. Relaxers, which chemically straighten the hair, weaken the hair strands and reduce their elasticity. The high alkaline content of relaxers can also increase the hair's porosity, making it more susceptible to damage. Adding highlights involves using a bleach or color lightener, which can further weaken the hair if not used correctly.

To minimize damage and achieve safe highlights on relaxed hair, follow these steps:

• Consult a professional stylist: It is essential to consult a professional stylist with experience in coloring relaxed hair. They will be able to assess the health of your hair and recommend the best approach for achieving highlights without causing excessive damage.
• Conduct a strand test: Before applying the highlights to your entire head, perform a strand test on a small section of hair. This will allow you to assess how your hair reacts to the bleach or color lightener and determine the appropriate processing time.
• Use a gentle lightener or color: Opt for a gentle bleach or color lightener specifically formulated for use on chemically treated hair. These products are designed to minimize damage and provide better results for relaxed hair.
• Gradual highlighting: Instead of going for a drastic change, opt for a more gradual highlighting process. This involves adding lighter shades to a few sections of hair at a time, allowing you to monitor the impact on your hair and make adjustments as needed.
• Deep condition before and after: Deep conditioning treatments are essential to maintain the health and moisture balance of relaxed hair. Before the highlighting process, apply a deep conditioner to prepare the hair and minimize damage. After the highlights have been applied, continue to deep condition regularly to restore moisture and repair any potential damage.
• Limit heat styling: Relaxed hair is already prone to dryness and breakage, so it is important to minimize any additional stress. Limit the use of heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons, as these can further weaken the hair and cause color fade.

By following these steps and taking proper care of your relaxed hair, you can achieve safe and beautiful highlights without causing excessive damage. Remember to consult a professional stylist and prioritize the health of your hair throughout the process. With patience and proper maintenance, you can enjoy your highlighted locks and maintain the integrity of your relaxed hair.

What types of highlights work best on relaxed hair?

Highlights can be a great way to add dimension and style to relaxed hair. However, it is important to choose the right type of highlights that work best for relaxed hair. Here, we will discuss some of the options that you can consider for achieving the perfect highlighted look on your relaxed hair.

When it comes to relaxed hair, the two most popular types of highlights are foil highlights and balayage highlights. Foil highlights involve wrapping small sections of hair in foil and applying color or bleach to those sections. This technique allows for precise placement of highlights and can create a more dramatic and defined look. On the other hand, balayage highlights involve hand-painting the color or bleach onto the hair. This technique creates a more natural and blended look, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a softer and subtler highlight.

In terms of color choices, there are a wide range of options available for relaxed hair. For a more natural look, you can opt for highlights that are only a few shades lighter than your natural hair color. This will create a sun-kissed effect and add depth to your hair. If you are looking for a more dramatic look, you can choose bolder colors such as platinum blonde, caramel, or even vibrant colors like red or purple. However, it is important to keep in mind that the lighter or more vibrant the color, the more damaging it can be to your hair, so it is essential to take proper care and maintain the health of your hair.

Before getting highlights, it is important to consider the condition of your relaxed hair. Relaxed hair is already chemically processed, so it may be more prone to damage and breakage. To minimize the risk of damage, it is recommended to get a professional consultation before opting for highlights. They will assess the condition of your hair and advise you on the best approach to achieve your desired look.

Once you have decided on the type and color of highlights, it is important to take proper care of your relaxed hair to maintain its health and prevent damage. This includes using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair hydrated, using a deep conditioner or hair mask regularly to nourish and strengthen your hair, and avoiding excessive heat styling or chemical treatments.

In conclusion, there are several options for achieving beautiful highlights on relaxed hair. Whether you choose foil highlights or balayage highlights, it is important to consider the condition of your hair and choose colors that complement your natural hair color. By taking proper care of your hair and following a regular maintenance routine, you can enjoy stunning highlights without compromising the health of your relaxed hair. So, go ahead and embrace the versatility and style of highlights on your relaxed hair.

How does the process of highlighting relaxed hair differ from highlighting natural hair?

When it comes to highlighting hair, there are differences in the process between relaxed hair and natural hair. Understanding these differences is crucial to achieving the desired results and avoiding any potential damage. This article will explore the unique aspects of highlighting both relaxed and natural hair.

Before diving into the process, it is important to note that highlighting hair involves lightening specific strands or sections of hair to create multidimensional color. This is typically done using bleach or lightening products that lift the natural pigment of the hair.

Highlighting Relaxed Hair:

Relaxed hair has undergone a chemical process to break down the natural bonds and alter the hair's texture permanently. This makes the hair more susceptible to damage from lightening products. Considering this, it is important to approach highlighting relaxed hair with caution and take extra steps to minimize any potential harm.

• Consultation: Before beginning the highlighting process, it is crucial to have a consultation with a professional hairstylist. They will assess the condition of your relaxed hair and determine whether it is suitable for highlighting. They will also suggest the appropriate bleach or lightening products to use.
• Protein Treatment: Relaxed hair is often protein-depleted and prone to breakage. Prior to highlighting, it is recommended to undergo a protein treatment to strengthen and fortify the hair strands. This will help prevent excessive damage during the highlighting process.
• Strand Testing: Testing a small section of hair before applying lightener to the entire head is essential with relaxed hair. This will help determine how the hair will react to the lightening process and ensure that it remains healthy.
• Controlled Bleaching: When highlighting relaxed hair, it is essential to use a gentle bleaching process and closely monitor the development of the color. Leaving the bleach on for too long can cause the hair to become over-processed and prone to breakage.
• Conditioning and Moisturizing: After highlighting, it is crucial to provide extra care and moisture to the hair. Deep conditioning treatments and regular moisturizing routines will help restore moisture and maintain the health of the hair.

Highlighting Natural Hair:

Natural hair, also known as unprocessed or afro-textured hair, has not undergone any chemical relaxing treatments. The process of highlighting natural hair differs slightly from highlighting relaxed hair.

• Moisture Balance: Natural hair tends to be naturally drier and more prone to breakage. Prior to highlighting, it is important to ensure the hair is properly moisturized to minimize potential damage.
• Strand Testing: Similar to relaxed hair, it is necessary to conduct a strand test before applying lightener to the entire head. This will help determine how the hair will react to the bleach and ensure that the desired color is achieved.
• Natural Texture Consideration: Highlighting natural hair requires strategic placement of the highlights to enhance the hair's natural texture. This can be achieved by sectioning and carefully applying the lightener to specific areas of the hair.
• Limited Bleaching: Unlike relaxed hair, natural hair is generally more resilient and can withstand longer periods of bleaching. However, it is still important to monitor the development of the color to prevent excessive damage.
• Moisture Retention: After highlighting, it is crucial to maintain moisture in natural hair. Regular deep conditioning treatments, moisturizers, and protective styling can help prevent dryness and breakage.

It is important to note that both relaxed and natural hair require proper care and maintenance after highlighting. Using sulfate-free shampoos, avoiding excessive heat, and regular treatments will help maintain the health and integrity of the hair.

In conclusion, the process of highlighting relaxed hair differs from highlighting natural hair due to the varying levels of hair texture, porosity, and resilience. It is crucial to consult with a professional hairstylist and conduct strand tests to ensure a successful highlighting process while minimizing damage.

Are there any specific aftercare instructions or products recommended for maintaining highlights on relaxed hair?

Aftercare for Maintaining Highlights on Relaxed Hair

Highlights can be a great way to add dimension and brightness to your relaxed hair. Whether you opt for bold blonde streaks or subtle caramel tones, it's important to take proper care of your hair to maintain the longevity and vibrancy of your highlights. Here are some specific aftercare instructions and product recommendations for maintaining highlights on relaxed hair.

• Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner: The first step in caring for your highlighted hair is to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair. Look for products that are labeled "color-safe" or "color-protecting." These will help to minimize fading and will be gentle on your relaxed hair.
• Avoid over-washing: Washing your hair too often can strip away the color and natural oils from your hair, causing your highlights to fade faster. Try to limit washing your hair to two or three times a week, or use dry shampoo in between washes to refresh your hair without water.
• Apply a deep conditioning treatment regularly: Relaxed hair can be prone to dryness, and highlights can further exacerbate this issue. To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your hair care routine. Look for a product that is specifically formulated for chemically treated hair and use it once a week or as recommended by the product instructions.
• Protect your hair from heat: Heat styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands can cause damage to your hair and accelerate color fade. Whenever possible, try to minimize the use of heat styling tools. If you must use them, make sure to apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair beforehand.
• Avoid chlorine and excessive sun exposure: Chlorine can cause color fading and damage to your relaxed hair, so it's best to avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. If you do swim, make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water afterwards. Additionally, excessive sun exposure can also cause your highlights to fade. Consider wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray when spending prolonged periods in the sun.
• Schedule regular touch-up appointments: Depending on the specific technique used to achieve your highlights, you may need to schedule touch-up appointments every few weeks or months. Consult with your hairstylist to determine the best timeline for touch-ups based on your individual hair type and desired result.

By following these aftercare instructions and using the recommended products, you can prolong the life of your highlights on relaxed hair. Remember to always consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice based on your unique hair needs. With proper care and attention, your highlights will stay vibrant and beautiful for longer.

Are there any specific concerns or risks to be aware of when getting highlights on relaxed hair, such as breakage or excessive dryness?

Getting highlights on relaxed hair can be a great way to add some dimension and a pop of color to your style. However, it is important to note that there are some specific concerns and risks to be aware of when undergoing this process.

One of the main concerns when getting highlights on relaxed hair is the potential for breakage. Relaxed hair is already chemically treated and weakened, so the additional bleaching and coloring process can cause further damage. This is because the chemicals used in the highlighting process can strip the hair of its natural moisture and proteins, leading to dryness and breakage.

To minimize the risk of breakage, it is important to work with a skilled and experienced stylist who is familiar with working on relaxed hair. They will be able to assess the condition of your hair and determine if it is strong enough to handle the highlighting process. Additionally, they can use techniques and products that are specifically designed for relaxed hair, which can help to minimize damage.

Another concern with getting highlights on relaxed hair is excessive dryness. As mentioned earlier, the chemicals used in the highlighting process can strip the hair of its natural moisture, leading to dry and brittle strands. This can make the hair more prone to breakage, as well as causing it to look dull and lifeless.

To combat this dryness, it is essential to maintain a good hair care routine before, during, and after the highlighting process. This includes using moisturizing and nourishing products, such as deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners. It is also important to avoid excessive heat styling and to protect the hair from environmental factors that can further contribute to dryness, such as sun exposure and harsh weather conditions.

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, it is also worth noting that the color result of highlights on relaxed hair can be unpredictable. Relaxed hair tends to be more porous and can have different textures throughout, so the color may take differently in different areas. This can result in uneven or patchy color, which may require additional correction work to achieve the desired result.

In conclusion, while getting highlights on relaxed hair can be a fun and stylish way to switch up your look, it is important to be aware of the specific concerns and risks involved. Working with a skilled stylist and maintaining a good hair care routine are key to minimizing breakage and excessive dryness. By taking these precautions, you can achieve beautiful highlights while keeping your hair healthy and strong.

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