What to Know Before Getting Highlights for the First Time
Thinking about getting highlights for the first time? You’re not alone! At Venelle Salon & Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we work with tons of clients who are new to color and want a fresh, dimensional look that enhances their natural beauty—without going overboard.
Whether you're going for a sun-kissed glow, subtle dimension, or a bold pop of color, getting highlights can be a game-changer. But before you book your first appointment, here’s everything you need to know to ensure your experience is smooth, exciting, and hair health-friendly.
💡 What Are Highlights?
Highlights are sections of hair that are lightened to create contrast and dimension. They can range from bold streaks to soft, blended strands, depending on your style goals and natural hair color.
There are several types of highlights:
-
Traditional foil highlights – for precise placement and contrast
-
Balayage – hand-painted, natural-looking, and low-maintenance
-
Babylights – ultra-fine, delicate highlights that mimic sun-lightened hair
-
Face-framing highlights – lighter strands around the face for a brightening effect
Keywords: first-time highlights Brooklyn, beginner hair highlights NYC, what to expect highlights
👩🎨 How to Choose the Right Type of Highlights
When you're new to highlights, it's important to pick a technique that aligns with your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
Ask yourself:
-
Do I want something subtle or dramatic?
-
How often do I want to visit the salon for upkeep?
-
Do I style my hair often, or prefer a wash-and-go routine?
At Venelle Salon & Spa, our experienced stylists offer personalized consultations to determine the best highlight technique for your hair type, color goals, and commitment level.
🔍 What to Know Before You Book
1. Bring Inspiration Photos
Having 2–3 reference images helps your stylist understand the tone, placement, and finish you’re looking for. Be open to suggestions based on your skin tone, natural hair color, and texture.
2. Consider Maintenance
Highlights require toners and touch-ups every few months, depending on the technique. If you want something low-maintenance, balayage or face-framing highlights are great beginner options.
3. Healthy Hair = Better Results
Hair that's damaged or over-processed may not hold color well. If your hair is dry or brittle, we may recommend a deep conditioning treatment or trim before highlighting.
Keywords: hair prep before highlights, how to choose highlights, best beginner highlights NYC
💬 FAQs About First-Time Highlights
Q: Will highlights damage my hair?
A: Not when done professionally! At Venelle, we use high-quality lighteners and bond builders to protect the hair’s integrity during the process.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Your first highlight session can take 2–3 hours depending on the amount of color, hair length, and technique.
Q: Can I highlight dark hair?
A: Absolutely! Our stylists specialize in highlighting brunette and black hair with warm caramel, honey, mocha, or ash tones that look natural and radiant.
Q: Will I need a toner?
A: Most likely, yes. A toner refines the final color tone, neutralizing brassiness or enhancing cool or warm undertones.
🧴 Aftercare for New Highlights
Your new look deserves the best care! Here’s how to protect and prolong your highlights:
-
Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner
-
Limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant
-
Schedule a gloss or toner treatment every 6–8 weeks
-
Deep condition regularly to maintain shine and softness
We carry top salon-quality haircare brands in-store and can recommend the best options for you.
🗓️ Book Your First Highlights with Confidence
At Venelle Salon & Spa, we’re here to make your first highlight experience fun, stress-free, and tailored to YOU. Whether you want natural dimension or a bold new look, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Visit us in Park Slope, Brooklyn
📞 Call now: 718.989.9800
🌐 Book online: venellespa.com
🎉 First-Timers Special:
Mention this blog post and get $25 OFF your first highlight service with a complimentary consultation!
📱 Follow @venellesalonspa on Instagram
Check out real client before & afters, color transformations, and highlight inspo!
SEO Tags to use on your backend:
first-time highlights, highlight consultation NYC, beginner hair color Brooklyn, what to know before highlights, foil vs balayage, best salon for highlights Park Slope, natural hair color enhancement