Fading lowlights

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carrielm1 originally wrote:
Hello,

About three months ago I had lowlights (opposite of highlights, darker color) put in my dark blonde hair to make it more brown. I loved it, but then a couple of weeks ago I noticed it looked blonder again, and it seemed to have faded a lot. I use moisturizing salon brand shampoo and conditioner, both made for color-treated hair. I have gone tanning since getting the lowlights; could that be the sole cause of the fading color, or is it something else? Thanks,
Carrie

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Carrie-

Hi. I am a colorist and it is typical that lowlights will fade gradually over time. Using a good shampoo that is acid balanced will keep you lowlights in longer. As colorists, we do all we can do to keep this from happening - but any time you put something darker over something lighter, fadage does occur. You will notice your highlight - since it is not being woven so heavy at the scalp due to the lowlights - will start adding your natural color in as lows. Also make sure you go to a colorist that will retouch your scalp only with the lightener and does not pull lightener down thru ends. This causes over blonding on ends. Next time you visit you will add lowlights agin. But as time goes on with just scalp retouches your hair will become balanced again with highs and lows. In the meantime - I always tell my clients that I have lowlighted or tinted back darker - to wear a sunscreen based product in their hair - a leave in spray - and if they do tan - to take a towel and cover their head - if not the sun or artificial sun will cause your hair to fade a lot faster. Hope this helps. Protect your hair!

Cindy, BCH