How to Get Rid of Highlights in Your Hair

Highlights can be a great way to brighten your hair and give it a fresh and creative new look. Highlights need to be touched up every six to eight weeks to avoid obvious dark roots, however. If you're tired of the maintenance and cost involved, or you want to change your hair color entirely, removing your highlights need not be a difficult process. You must do it correctly to avoid making color mistakes, over-processing, drying and damaging your hair.

Instructions

1. Wait at least three to four weeks after getting your hair highlighted before trying to remove highlights to avoid damaging your hair. If you've just gotten your hair highlighted and find the color unattractive or it's not what you expected, seek professional advice from your hair colorist on the best immediate ways to rectify the problem.

2. Determine the degree of difficulty involved with removing your highlights. If you've gone one shade lighter than your natural hair color or have only a few highlights around your face, you will probably be able to deal with it yourself. If you have chunky, multicolored or light blonde highlights, or if they're considerably lighter than your regular color, have your highlights removed professionally.

3. Remove your highlights at home by using a semi-permanent or permanent hair color that is close to your natural shade. To locate the right shade, go to a beauty supply store and compare your non-highlighted hair to the sample swatches. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the best results.

4. If your highlights are more drastic or complex, visit a hair salon and consult with a stylist or colorist to see what the options are for removing your highlights. This is the best choice for you if you're not comfortable tinkering with home hair color. Your colorist can modify your hair color with lowlights or whole-head treatments. While the cost is significantly higher than removing highlights at home, the peace of mind in having your hair tended to professionally can be well worth the expense.

5. Condition your hair regularly after removing highlights to keep your locks strong, shiny and hydrated. Look for conditioners specifically designed for highlighted or color-treated hair.