Should I get my hair cut before having it highlighted/lowlighted?

Question

I have long hair that hasn't been cut in a while (6-7 months). It's thick, layered, wavy, and I'm wondering if makes sense to get it cut, maybe just a trim, before getting it highlighted...I'm not the most primpy type (I'm getting partial hilites for free!), so help me out! Is this necessary?

Also, is it really necessary to use a special shampoo?

Answer 1

Yes, you should, But go to the hairdressers and ask them what you should do.

Answer 2

Cutting before coloring or highlighting depends on how short you are going to go... If you are planning on taking a lot of length off, I would cut some off in order to use less product, however the final cut should be done AFTER the processing so that any damage incurred by the chemicals can be trimmed off, just in case. If you are not planning on taking a lot of length off, don't waste the hair by trimming first. There will be damage, even if slight and not noticeable. Have the freshest looking hair by trimming or cutting after the chemicals.

As far as shampoo... you should use a shampoo specifically formulated for color treated hair, it will help your color last longer. Some shampoos protect from sun damage with SPF, and the color treated hair shampoos are milder inorder to cause less drying to the hair.

Answer 3

Yes always cut or perm first before dying or highlighting.
Don't cut the paper after painting, cut and shape first, then paint.

Yes. Use a shampoo that can handle color/highlights because your hair does not need a shampoo that will strip it dry because it cannot handle the color in your hair. It may also affect the hue in the color. Be careful. Better to be safe than sorry.

Don't forget to condition and hydrate hair often to maintain its moisture.

Answer 4

I think if your hair hasn't been cut in years it's best to cut the unhealthy growth at the bottom. Also you're going in for the hilights so why not go for a new style. I think it's always good to use a special shampoo for chemically treated hair. It will keep your hair from feeling to try and looking frizzy.

Answer 5

if you go to a salon you can get both done at the same time and it really won't matter how long you haven't got your hair cut. Also, unless your hair is oilly or some thing like that you can use any type of shampoo with highlights. TRUST ME I KNOW

Answer 6

if you havent had it cut in 6 or 7 months you should definately get it cut. this will help your hair grow and make it look much more healthy, especially if your getting your hair colored. also i do recommend salon style shampoos and conditioners because the highlighting chemicals can cause damage to your hair and these "special" shampoos can reduce or eliminate the damage when used regularly.

Answer 7

you should trim after getting highlighted it will chop off any damage done by the process, and different shampoo is mainly if your adding color to keep it truer longer if your highlighting your taking color/pigment out of your hair i would go with a conditioning shampoo for about a month to fix any frizzes and then normal shampoo is fine. salon shampoo is better though because its got a higher pH balance then most

Answer 8

definitely get it cut....colouring your hair damages it, so you'll want it to be at it's best before you highlight.
Just a trim is all you need to get rid of the split ends and damage at the ends of your hair.

as for the "special shampoo" yes, some shampoos are made to be more delicate on coloured hair...if you want the highlights to stay at their best, go out and buy a shampoo for colour treated hair.

Answer 9

since it is going to be free, I would say, if you are happy with your hair style the way it is, keep it the length it is, or just get a trim, if you feel daring and are ready for a new style, I say go for it and have it cut and then have the color done, it will enhance the cut. Good luck.

Answer 10

Cut it or trim it to get the split ends out. And no, you can use your normal shampoo unless your hair is really damaged.

Answer 11

My suggestion is to have it highlighted and then trimmed or cut. That way, your hairdresser knows how much of your hair is or was damaged and can cut accordingly.