How Often Should You Touch Up Your Highlights?

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Published on: 2025-05-26

Getting highlights is a great way to add depth, brightness, and dimension to your hair—but how often should you come in to maintain that fresh-from-the-salon look?

At Venelle Salon & Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, one of the most common questions we get from color clients is:
“How often do I need to touch up my highlights?”

The answer depends on your highlight technique, hair goals, and how you care for your color between appointments. Let’s break it all down so you can keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy all year long.


⏳ General Rule: Every 6 to 12 Weeks

Most highlight touch-ups fall within the 6–12 week range, but your schedule may vary depending on:

  • Your natural hair color vs. highlight color

  • Highlight placement (root vs. mid-lengths vs. ends)

  • The technique used (foil vs. balayage vs. babylights)

  • How fast your hair grows

  • How well you maintain your color at home


💡 Touch-Up Timing by Highlight Type

1. Foil Highlights

These are more structured and precise, so regrowth is more noticeable.

👉 Touch-up every 6–8 weeks for best results
✅ Best for high-contrast blondes or traditional streaks
✅ Adds brightness from root to tip

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2. Balayage Highlights

This low-maintenance favorite is hand-painted and grows out naturally.

👉 Touch-up every 10–12 weeks, or even longer
✅ Great for subtle dimension
✅ Perfect for clients who want a lived-in, effortless look

Bonus Tip: Add a toner or gloss between full appointments to keep the color fresh.

Keywords: balayage refresh Brooklyn, low-maintenance highlights, painted hair highlights NYC


3. Babylights

These ultra-fine highlights blend beautifully into your natural base.

👉 Touch-up every 8–10 weeks
✅ Delicate, seamless look
✅ Great for first-timers or those looking for soft dimension

Keywords: babylights Brooklyn, fine highlights Park Slope, natural highlight maintenance


4. Face-Framing Highlights

A quick pop of brightness around the face that’s easy to maintain.

👉 Touch-up every 8–10 weeks, or refresh as needed
✅ Quick update between full highlight sessions
✅ Ideal for summer or seasonal glow-ups

Keywords: money piece highlights NYC, front highlights Park Slope, fast hair refresh


✨ Don’t Forget About Toners and Glosses

Even if your highlights haven’t grown out much, the color can fade or become brassy over time. That’s where toners and glosses come in.

We recommend:

  • Gloss treatment every 4–6 weeks to add shine and refresh tone

  • Toner touch-up to counteract brassiness or yellowing

  • Deep conditioning treatments to keep color-treated hair healthy and hydrated

Keywords: hair toner Brooklyn, gloss treatment NYC, maintain blonde highlights


🧴 At-Home Tips to Extend Time Between Touch-Ups

Keep your highlights vibrant longer with these pro tips:

  • Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner

  • Limit heat styling and always use thermal protection

  • Try a purple shampoo if you’re blonde to combat brass

  • Protect your hair from sun exposure with UV-filter products

  • Book a toner or mini-refresh instead of a full highlight between services


📆 Ready to Schedule Your Next Touch-Up?

At Venelle Salon & Spa, our experienced colorists are here to help you maintain the perfect shade—whether it’s bold blonde, rich brunette, or soft sun-kissed balayage. Not sure what you need? Come in for a free consultation and we’ll customize a schedule that works for your lifestyle and budget.

📍 Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn
📞 Call us: 718.989.9800
🌐 Book online: venellespa.com


🌟 Mention this blog and receive 15% OFF your toner or gloss refresh!


📸 Follow @venellesalonspa on Instagram

See real client transformations, highlight inspo, and maintenance tips from our expert stylists.


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