Aveda Theory Hair Salon

If you have ever walked out of a salon thinking your highlights looked more “oops” than “wow,” you are not alone. Highlights can brighten your face, boost your confidence, and give your hair the lift it deserves. They can also turn brassy, streaky, or flat if the process goes off track.

The good news is that most highlight problems have simple explanations and easy fixes. Here is how to avoid the most common pitfalls so you get fresh, glowing color every time.

1. Harsh Lines

The first and most common issue is harsh lines. You know the look. Instead of soft ribbons of color, you see clear stripes. This happens when the sectioning is too thick or the lightener is applied without enough blending at the roots. The fix is controlled placement.

When booking an appointment, ask your stylist for micro highlights or a blended foil pattern. If you highlight at home, think thin. The smaller the section, the softer the result. Always feather the brush near the root so the color melts instead of landing in a block.

2. Brassiness

Next up is brassiness. Warm tones can be beautiful, but unplanned brass can throw off your whole look. Brass usually shows up when the hair is not lifted to the right level or when minerals in the water react with the color. To avoid this, make sure your stylist lifts your hair slowly and evenly.

If you color at home, invest in a purple shampoo and use it once a week to keep yellow tones in check. A shower filter can also help reduce mineral buildup, which keeps your highlights clear and bright.

3. Chunky or Outdated

Another pitfall is highlights that look too chunky or outdated. Chunky highlights had their moment, but most women today want a more blended, dimensional effect. Chunkiness happens when the highlight sections are too wide or placed too close together.

The solution is variety. Mixing fine highlights with a few slightly thicker pieces gives the hair movement without creating those early 2000s stripes. If your highlights look bulky, ask for a root smudge or a gloss to soften the contrast.

4. Dryness and Brittleness

Then there is the dry, brittle feeling that sometimes follows a highlight session. Bleach opens the cuticle, and if the hair is not treated right, it can feel rough and fragile. This is a common problem for women who highlight regularly.

Deep conditioning is your new best friend. Use a moisture mask every week, and add protein treatments once or twice a month. Heat protectant is non negotiable. Healthy hair reflects light better, which makes your highlights shine instead of frizz.

5. Dullness

Finally, many women struggle with highlights that fade or lose brightness too fast. This usually means the toner has washed out or the color was not sealed properly.

Try to avoid washing your hair for 48 hours after your appointment. Use sulfate free products, which keep the toner from slipping away. A quick gloss every six to eight weeks can keep your highlights fresh between full appointments.

Highlights should make you feel bright, confident, and polished. Once you understand what can go wrong and how to prevent it, you can enjoy a color routine that works with you, not against you.