Are you looking for tips for getting rid of the once 'stylish and trendy' hair highlights? If yes, then this article would be of help, as we have listed effective tips on how to get rid of highlights.

How To Get Rid Of Highlights

Were you allured by the trendy highlights shown off by a model on the ramp or on the red carpet? Did you get the same done for yourself as well? Are you now having a tough time keeping up with the highlights? If yes, then you would have realized by now that something that looks good on others, need not work well for you as well. However, the good news is you do not have to live with the blunder throughout your life; rather can get rid of it with little or no effort. Depending on the type of hair dye used earlier, you can remove the highlights from your hair within no time. Go through the following lines and know how to get rid of hair highlights, easily and effectively.
Image: Eneas@flickr
 
Getting Rid Of Hair Highlights
 
Pre- Removal Treatment - Hair Assessment
Assessment of the condition of the hair is the first step towards getting rid of those 'once stylish and chic' highlights. Remember, your hair comprises one of the most delicate parts of your body. It is also extremely susceptible to damage and harm. So, the best bet would be to assess your hair condition, before applying further chemicals and dyes to remove the highlights. In case you have dry and damaged hair, go for a deep conditioning treatment the night before you decide to remove highlights from your hair. Adding chemicals to already damaged hair will traumatize them further.
 
Types Of Removal Treatment
 
Temporary Treatment
Depending on the type of dye used, highlights wash out or lighten after 24 washes, on the average. For a temporary treatment, all you need to do is get a darker/lighter shade of the highlights (whatever you want it to be). To darken, choose a warm, semi-permanent color that’s a shade or two lighter than what you want. Semi-permanent color contains no ammonia or peroxide and as such would not damage or lighten the hair. However, it would not last for more than twelve washes. Another option would be to go for demi-permanent coloring. Though it contains a small amount of peroxide, it is believed to last twice as long as the semi-permanent one.
 
Permanent Treatment
For those looking for a permanent removal of the highlight, the best option would comprise of bleaching the hair. It would serve as the first coating of your hair and also make the new color more prominent and visible. Once bleached, wait for a couple of days and then apply a hair dye to even out the color of your hair. In case you had blonde or gold highlights, covering them with a darker hair dye would be the best alternative. At the time of using the permanent hair color, do not apply it to the roots. Instead, run the color over your hair, making sure that the highlights have been covered.
 
Shampooing & Mild Bleaching
If you are apprehensive about applying dye (both temporary and permanent), the third option would be to go for shampooing and mild bleaching. Since shampooing would not be enough, using mild bleach is compulsory. For this purpose, all you need to do is mix bleaching powder, conditioner/shampoo and water. Make sure that the amount of water is extremely less, as the main idea is to make a creamy mixture. The advantage of using the mixture is that it slows down the reaction of the bleaching powder on your hair, thereby causing less damage.
 
Some Tips 
  • Do not remove the highlights before you have worn them for at least three weeks, even if they look dreary and dull. This is mainly because removal would involve pouring chemicals on your hair and it is not a wise idea to pour strong substance day in and day out, on your delicate locks.
  • You need to figure out the type of highlighting done on your hair, whether it is permanent or temporary. The method of removal would vary, depending on the type of hair dye used.  
  • If you are done removing your temporary or permanent highlight, do not dye your hair again, for quite some time. Hair dyes usually have strong chemicals that damage your hair and scalp, if overused. Give your hair enough time to breathe and recover.

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