Which highlights are less damaging?

Author: Prof. Carissa McDermott  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Pros of Partial Hair Highlights:
  • You have less hair damage as we bleach fewer strands of hair.
  • Partial compared to full highlights are more affordable.
  • You can place the highlights where you want for a natural, lightened look at the front.

What are the least damaging hair highlights?

The least damaging is a semi permanent color. It is not mixed with developer. It can add shine and a hint of color. Next is a Demi color. It is used in grey blending. It is mixed with low developer. So it is also less damaging.

Can you get highlights without damaging hair?

Generally, highlights are considered less damaging to hair than full color treatments. Here's why: Application Method: Highlights typically involve applying color only to sections of hair, which means less overall exposure to harsh chemicals compared to coloring all the hair.

What is the least damaging way to lighten hair?

Natural bleaching agents like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, chamomile tea, or cinnamon and honey can lighten hair gently and naturally with minimal damage.

Why is my hair so damaged after highlights?

Yes, getting highlights can potentially damage your hair. The process involves using bleach or lightening agents to lift your hair color, which can weaken the hair structure, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Here are some factors to consider:

Watch This Before Getting Highlights

How to prevent damage when highlighting hair?

Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can weaken lightened hair, so always use a heat protectant and opt for lower heat settings. Schedule Regular Trims: Trimming away split ends every 6-8 weeks keeps your hair looking fresh and prevents further damage.

How to make highlighted hair healthy?

How to Keep Your Highlights Salon-Fresh
  1. Stay away from the sun. ...
  2. Avoid styling hair highlights with hot tools. ...
  3. Say yes to heat protection. ...
  4. Wash with shampoo and conditioner that are formulated for colored hair and highlights. ...
  5. Think twice about taking the plunge. ...
  6. Use deep conditioning treatment regularly.

What is the least damaging way to go blonde?

Tips for Going Blonde This Summer: How to Avoid Ruining Your Hair
  • Go Gradually. ...
  • Smudge the Roots. ...
  • Consider Your Skin Tone. ...
  • Choose a Haircut That Suits Your Dye Schedule. ...
  • Plan for a Lifestyle Adjustment. ...
  • Find a Good, Moisturizing Conditioner. ...
  • Experiment with Purple Shampoo and Toners. ...
  • Consult a Professional.

Can I do highlights without bleaching?

Is It Possible To Lighten Hair Without Bleach? "Yes, you can use color to get a lift," says celebrity colorist and Matrix brand ambassador, Rachel Bodt. "The biggest question/issue is if you have previous color in your hair, which can change how much lift you get out of it."

What is the least damaging hair color for dark hair?

Golden Light Brown

Cataanda James, a color expert and multicultural hair specialist, recommends trying golden brown and blonde tones. “Brunettes on the darker side of the spectrum [can achieve] beautiful shades of caramel and warm, golden light browns—without the damage.”

Is balayage or highlight more damaging?

Is balayage healthier than highlights? Either coloring technique can be achieved with minimal damage when done by a seasoned pro, but balayage and ombre are generally more at risk of damage than highlights.

Are highlights bad for thinning hair?

Bleaching treatments required for lightening hair can damage thin hair, causing breakage. The contrast between your skin tone and hair color can also make your hair look thinner. For example, if you have very dark hair but pale skin, scalp show-through will be more noticeable than with a lighter shade.

What are the cons of getting highlights?

Highlighting can cause damage to the hair if not done properly or too often. 3. Fading of highlights due to exposure to sun, heat, or other elements is common and requires regular salon visit for touch ups in order to maintain a natural look and color balance throughout the hair's length and layers.

How do I highlight my hair without damaging it?

One of the most effective ways to minimize damage while sweeping on highlights is by using a lightener with a bond-building treatment built in, like BlondorPlex Opens in a new tab.

What are the best low maintenance highlights for hair?

Balayage. A low-maintenance balayage can create natural-looking dimension, and you won't need to spend every other Saturday in the salon. This hand-painted highlighting technique blends your natural root color into lightened ends, creating a soft gradation from root to tip.

Are highlights healthier than all-over color?

In most salons, single-process color is cheaper than highlights. Additionally, single-color tends to be gentler on your hair than highlights. The bleach used in highlight formulas can cause damage, particularly if you have them done often, or use other chemical hair treatments.

What is the least damaging way to get highlights?

Consider a Milder Bleaching Approach

Faye adds, “Balayage is a great technique to consider that uses bleach painting on the surface of the hair, not penetrating as deep into the hair cuticle which creates less opportunity for damage.”

Which hair color does not damage hair?

Opt for hair dyes made with natural colorants like henna, indigo, cassia, beetroot, coffee, and other plant-derived ingredients. These natural hair dye options allow you to color your hair without harsh chemicals like ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, and peroxide commonly found in conventional dyes.

What are the most natural looking highlights?

Babylights. These are the finest and most natural looking highlights.

What is the gentlest way to lighten hair?

Add Apple Cider Vinegar

"Mix one part apple cider vinegar and six parts water to take off build-up (for example, chlorine)," Bodt explains. "This is a gentle way to lighten strands—but you may have to do it a few times to get results."

What is the lowest maintenance blonde?

Linen Blonde Hair Is The Low-Maintenance Version Of Blonde That's Everywhere Right Now.

What is the least damaging way to put your hair up?

Contents: Hairstyles for healthy hair:
  1. Low bun.
  2. Pulled-out dutch braid.
  3. Half up, half down.
  4. Messy bun.
  5. Low ponytail.
  6. Half top knot.
  7. Space buns.
  8. Braided bun.

What not to do after getting highlights?

Stay Away From Heat

Heat-based styling tools won't do anything good to your color, especially when you couple it with products. “Try to avoid using volumizers, mousse, hairsprays, and even gels with high heat for long periods of time. The hair is too vulnerable and easily damaged,” says Dorram.

What happens if you use purple shampoo after bleaching?

Hair stylists often tone bleached or blonde hair to neutralize brassy yellow and orange tones on bleached hair with a purple color. Purple shampoo is a great at-home solution for toning hair and preventing brassiness.

Is Olaplex good for bleached hair?

Designed to strengthen and smooth hair, OLAPLEX No. 3 prolongs colour and repairs hair follicles, rebuilding dry, brittle strands, and reversing signs of chemical damage, including bleach.

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