First-Time Highlights? Here’s What to Expect During Your Appointment
Thinking about getting highlights for the first time? You're not alone—highlights are one of the most popular ways to add dimension, brightness, and personality to your look. Whether you want a soft sun-kissed glow or bold contrast, your first appointment at Venelle Salon & Spa in Park Slope will be exciting, personalized, and all about you.
We know the idea of coloring your hair can be a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. So here’s everything you need to know about the process, what to expect, and how to prepare.
💬 Step 1: The Consultation
Before we touch a strand of your hair, we’ll start with a thorough consultation. Here’s what we’ll cover:
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Your hair goals and inspiration photos
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Your natural hair color and texture
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Your skin tone and how it affects tone choices
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Whether you want something low-maintenance or bold
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Any previous color history (yes, even that one box dye from 3 years ago!)
💡 Tip: Bring pictures of hair you love—it helps us understand your vision!
🎨 Step 2: Choosing Your Highlight Style
Not all highlights are the same. We’ll help you choose the best technique based on your desired result:
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Babylights: ultra-fine, subtle brightness
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Balayage: hand-painted, natural sun-kissed effect
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Foil Highlights: precise, defined, and customizable
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Face-Framing Highlights (“Money Piece”): a bold pop around your face
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Peekaboo Highlights: hidden fun color that peeks through
Each method offers a different vibe—and we’ll guide you toward what works best for your lifestyle and maintenance goals.
🪞 Step 3: The Application Process
Depending on the technique and your hair type, application time may vary (usually 1.5 to 3 hours). Here’s a peek at what happens:
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Sectioning your hair for even color
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Applying the lightener or color
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Letting it process while checking tones carefully
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Rinsing and toning (key step for the perfect shade)
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Shampoo + conditioning treatment
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Blow-dry and style reveal!
🎉 This is the exciting part—your new dimension and glow come to life!
💆 Step 4: Aftercare Advice
We’ll walk you through how to care for your new highlights with:
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Color-safe shampoo and conditioner
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When to return for a toner or gloss refresh
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How to avoid fading, brassiness, or dryness
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Suggested products to maintain vibrancy and shine
Bonus: You’ll leave the salon with a full care plan and product recommendations tailored to your hair!
🕒 How Long Do Highlights Last?
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Traditional foil or balayage: ~8–12 weeks before a touch-up
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Face-framing or peekaboo pieces: may last even longer
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Gloss or toner refresh: every 4–6 weeks to keep color fresh
Highlights are customizable, so your maintenance schedule can be too.
🧴 What You Can Do to Prepare
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Wash your hair 1–2 days before the appointment
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Avoid heavy styling products on the day of
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Know your hair color history
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Wear comfy clothes (you’ll be in the chair a while!)
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Trust the process—and enjoy the transformation!
💛 You’re in Good Hands at Venelle
At Venelle Salon & Spa, our expert colorists love helping first-timers discover the magic of customized highlights. We’ll explain every step, answer your questions, and ensure your color suits your face, tone, and lifestyle.
📍Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn
📞 Book your appointment today: 718.989.9800
🌐 venellespa.com
🌟 NEW CLIENT OFFER: First-time highlights? Get a free gloss or deep conditioning treatment with your color service—just mention this blog!
Follow @venellesalonspa on Instagram
For before & after photos, highlight inspiration, and client transformations.
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