Are you considering adding some flair to your hair with highlights? You’re not alone. Many men are discovering the benefits of hair highlighting to enhance their look and boost confidence.
However, weighing the pros and cons before taking the plunge is important.
In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations of men’s hair highlighting, including the techniques available, choosing the right color for your skin tone, and tips for maintaining your new look.
We’ll also discuss the potential drawbacks, such as the time and cost involved, and how to minimize damage to your hair.
By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand whether hair highlighting is right for you and how to achieve the best results if you decide to go for it.
The Benefits of Men’s Hair Highlighting
Highlighting your hair offers multiple aesthetic and practical benefits that appeal to many men. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of this popular hair treatment.
1. Enhances Visual Appeal
Highlights can add incredible texture and depth to your hair, making it look fuller and more vibrant.
Techniques like balayage create a natural, sun-kissed look by strategically painting on highlights that enhance the natural undertones of your hair.
This results in a multi-dimensional appearance that catches the light and adds visual interest to your style.
2. Versatility in Styling
One of the great things about highlights is their versatility. Depending on your chosen technique and colors, you can adapt your highlights to various settings, from casual to formal.
Subtle highlights can add a touch of sophistication to your professional appearance, while bolder, more contrasted highlights might suit personal or social settings better.
This flexibility allows you to express your style while maintaining a put-together look.
3. Low Maintenance
Highlights generally require less maintenance than full hair coloring, making them a practical choice for many men.
While full-color treatments may require touch-ups every 4-6 weeks, highlights can often last 8-12 weeks before needing a refresh.
To maintain your highlighted hair between salon visits, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and protect your hair from excessive heat styling and sun exposure.
With minimal effort, you can keep your highlights fresh and vibrant for longer.
The Drawbacks of Hair Highlighting
While hair highlighting offers aesthetic benefits and versatility, there are several drawbacks that individuals should consider before getting highlights.
1. Potential Hair Damage
The chemicals used in highlighting, like bleach and dye, can weaken hair strands and lead to damage if the hair isn’t properly cared for.
The highlighting process involves opening up the hair cuticle to allow the color to penetrate, which can leave the hair more porous and prone to breakage.
Signs of damage from highlighting include dryness, split ends, and a brittle texture.
It is important to follow a gentle hair care routine and limit the frequency of highlighting treatments to minimize the risk of damage.
2. Cost of Hair Highlighting
The cost of getting highlights can be significant, especially when you factor in both the initial application and ongoing maintenance.
Prices for highlighting services at salons can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the length and thickness of your hair, the complexity of the technique used, and the salon’s reputation.
Touch-ups, usually needed every 8-12 weeks to maintain the look, can also add up over time.
Before committing to highlights, consider whether the cost fits within your budget and if you’re prepared to invest in the upkeep.
3. Time Commitment
Applying highlights is time-consuming, particularly for more intricate styles or techniques like balayage or foiling.
A typical highlighting session can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the desired results and the skill of your stylist.
This time commitment can be a significant drawback for those with busy schedules or limited free time.
Touch-up appointments can also take a considerable amount of time, so it’s important to factor this ongoing time investment into your decision to get highlights.
Key Considerations Before Highlighting
Before deciding to highlight your hair, it’s crucial to evaluate several factors to ensure satisfaction with the results and maintain the health of your hair. Let’s explore some key considerations.
Hair Type and Health
Assessing your hair’s condition and type is essential before highlighting. Some hair types, such as fine or dry hair, may be more susceptible to damage from the highlighting process.
Highlighting could exacerbate the issues if your hair is already damaged or weakened. The best way to evaluate your hair’s health is to consult with a professional stylist.
They can recommend whether to proceed with highlighting or suggest treatments to improve your hair’s condition beforehand, such as deep conditioning or protein treatments.
Color and Technique Choice
Selecting the appropriate color shades and highlighting techniques that align with your desired aesthetic and hair type is crucial for achieving the best results.
For example, foil techniques may be the best choice if you want precise, uniform highlights. On the other hand, if you prefer a more natural, sun-kissed look, balayage or ombre techniques might be more suitable.
Your stylist can help you choose colors that complement your skin tone and base hair color, ensuring a flattering overall appearance.
Maintenance Requirements
After highlighting, ongoing care is necessary to maintain the vibrancy of the color and the health of your hair.
Color-safe shampoos and conditioners are essential to prevent the highlights from fading too quickly.
Deep conditioning treatments should be used regularly to keep your hair moisturized and to repair any damage caused by the highlighting process.
Your stylist can recommend specific products and a care routine tailored to your hair type and the highlighting technique used.
Practical Advice for Preparing for Highlighting
Before booking a highlighting appointment, schedule a consultation with a skilled hairstylist. They can provide personalized advice based on your hair type, coloring history, and desired results.
During the consultation, discuss your lifestyle, budget, and time you’re willing to dedicate to maintaining your highlights.
Researching different highlighting styles before your appointment is also a good idea.
Look for inspirational images that showcase the colors and techniques you like, and share these with your stylist.
They can help you determine whether these styles are achievable given your hair’s condition and type and can offer alternatives if necessary.
By carefully considering these factors and seeking professional guidance, you can decide whether highlighting is right for you and how to achieve the best possible results.
In Conclusion
Highlighting your hair can greatly enhance your look and express your style.
You can decide whether highlighting is right for you by considering factors such as your hair type, desired aesthetic, and maintenance requirements.
While there are potential drawbacks, such as the risk of damage and the cost involved, these can be minimized by working with a skilled stylist and following a proper care routine.
If you’re ready to try highlighting, remember to schedule a consultation with a professional to discuss your options and develop a plan tailored to your individual needs.
With the right approach and a little care, you can enjoy the many benefits of highlighted hair and feel confident in your new look.
