Highlighting your hair is one of the best ways to refresh your look and add dimension to your hair color. Whether you're opting for a bold new look with blonde highlights, or soft, natural balayage, there are certain dos and don’ts you should follow to ensure the best results. As one of NYC's top salons, Venelle Salon and Spa in Park Slope has helped countless New Yorkers achieve their dream hair with highlighting techniques tailored to their individual styles. Read on for expert advice on how to highlight your hair, the right way.

The Dos of Highlighting Your Hair

1. Do Choose the Right Color for Your Skin Tone

One of the most important factors in getting perfect highlights is choosing the right color that complements your skin tone. Whether you're opting for blonde, brunette, or even bold hues, the color should enhance your natural complexion.

• Warm skin tones tend to look great with honey blonde, caramel, or copper highlights.

• Cool skin tones pair well with platinum blonde, ash blonde, or silvery highlights.

• Neutral skin tones can rock almost any color, from soft baby lights to vibrant bold highlights.

At Venelle Salon and Spa, our expert colorists will guide you in selecting the perfect shade that enhances your natural beauty, ensuring your highlights suit both your hair and skin tone.

2. Do Start with a Consultation

Before jumping into your highlighting session, always schedule a consultation with your stylist. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your desired look, learn about different highlighting techniques, and ask any questions you might have.

• Consultations ensure your stylist understands your hair’s needs—whether you have curly, fine, or thick hair—and can tailor the highlighting technique to match.

• You'll also get a chance to see if your chosen shade will work well with your natural color and what maintenance will be required for your highlights.

3. Do Use Professional-Grade Products

Using high-quality products can make a huge difference in the longevity and health of your highlights. At Venelle Salon and Spa, we use only the best professional hair color and hair care products to ensure your highlights remain vibrant and healthy. Professional products are formulated to nourish your hair while delivering superior color results.

• Opt for color-safe shampoos and conditioners, which help to preserve the vibrancy of your highlights.

• Consider getting a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and maintain the health of your hair.

4. Do Protect Your Highlights from Sun Damage

The New York sun can be harsh, especially in the summer months. UV rays can cause your highlights to fade or turn brassy. To protect your color-treated hair:

• Always use a UV-protectant hair product when going outdoors.

• Consider wearing a hat or scarf to shield your highlights from the sun’s damaging rays.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll keep your highlights looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

5. Do Choose the Right Highlighting Technique for Your Hair Type

There are several highlighting techniques, and choosing the right one for your hair type is crucial for achieving the best results. Common techniques include:

• Balayage: Ideal for low-maintenance and natural-looking highlights. Perfect for thicker or curly hair.

• Foil Highlights: Great for more defined, precise highlights, perfect for fine or straight hair.

• Baby Lights: For a subtle, sun-kissed look, perfect for those who prefer a soft highlighting technique.

At Venelle Salon and Spa, our colorists are experts in a variety of techniques and will help you choose the one that will work best for your unique hair type.

6. Do Keep Up with Regular Touch-Ups

Regular touch-ups are key to maintaining the freshness and vibrancy of your highlights. Depending on your highlighting technique, you may need a touch-up every 6 to 8 weeks, especially if you have foils or baby lights.

• For balayage, you may only need a touch-up every 3–4 months, as the gradual fade doesn’t create obvious lines of regrowth.

A touch-up ensures your highlights continue to look fresh and your hair stays healthy.

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The Don’ts of Highlighting Your Hair

1. Don’t Overlighten Your Hair

While you may be tempted to go as light as possible, over-lightening your hair can lead to damage and breakage. Always be cautious when lightening your hair, especially if you have dark hair. It's best to work with a professional who can determine the correct level of lightness for your hair type and condition.

• Going too light in one session can cause damage, leaving your hair brittle and dry.

At Venelle Salon and Spa, our colorists will work with you to achieve the perfect level of lightness without compromising your hair’s health.

2. Don’t Use Box Dye for Highlights

While it may be tempting to try and highlight your hair at home using a box dye kit, this can lead to uneven, patchy color that’s hard to fix. Home highlighting kits are difficult to apply correctly, especially if you have long, curly, or thick hair.

• For the best results, always trust your highlights to professional colorists at a reputable salon.

3. Don’t Skip the Pre-Treatment or Aftercare

Getting highlights can stress your hair, especially if you're lightening it significantly. Skipping pre-treatments or post-care products can leave your hair damaged and your highlights fading faster. Always ask your stylist for aftercare recommendations.

• Use a hydrating mask or leave-in conditioner to restore moisture and nourish color-treated hair.

• Don’t skip sulfate-free shampoos and color-protecting treatments that will help your highlights stay vibrant.

4. Don’t Expect Instant Results if You Have Dark Hair

If you have dark hair and want blonde highlights, understand that it may take more than one session to achieve your desired look. Dark hair needs time and care to lighten gradually, especially if you're aiming for platinum blonde or ash blonde highlights.

• Patience is key, and opting for gradual lightening allows you to maintain the integrity of your hair while achieving the color you desire.

5. Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair

Washing your hair too often can cause your highlights to fade faster. Frequent washing strips away the natural oils that protect your color. Limit washing your hair to 2-3 times a week, and use a dry shampoo in between to keep it fresh.

• Over-washing also dries out your hair, making it more prone to damage.

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Ready for Gorgeous Highlights in NYC?

Whether you're new to highlights or a seasoned pro, following these dos and don’ts will help you get the most out of your salon visit. At Venelle Salon and Spa, our expert colorists are dedicated to delivering personalized, professional hair color services to help you achieve your dream highlights.

If you're ready to get stunning highlights in NYC, book an appointment with us today and let our team of experts guide you through the process. We promise to create a look that complements your unique style and hair type!