Have you noticed your roots growing out after getting highlight? That’s completely normal. Hair grows about half an inch per month, which means after 6 to 8 weeks, your roots will start showing. That’s where a highlight touch-up helps.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a highlight touch-up is
- The step-by-step process salons follow
- How often to get touch-ups
- How much it costs
- What to expect during your appointment
Whether you have foil highlights, balayage, or partial highlights, this guide is for you.
What Is a Highlight Touch-Up?
A highlight touch-up is when the salon refreshes only the roots or the new hair growth to match the color of your existing highlights. This service keeps your hair looking blended, natural, and vibrant without redoing the full head of highlights.
Why Get a Touch-Up Instead of a Full Highlight?
- It’s quicker
- Less expensive
- Helps maintain hair health
- Keeps color looking even and polished
How Salons Touch Up Highlights – Step-by-Step
1. Consultation with Your Stylist
Every good color service starts with a chat. The stylist will:
- Examine your current highlights
- Ask when your last touch-up was
- Discuss the shade you want
- Decide on the technique: foils, balayage, or root smudge
This helps match your new growth to your existing color.
2. Sectioning the Hair
Your stylist will part your hair into small sections. This helps:
- Identify where the new growth is most visible
- Work on targeted areas like your hairline, crown, and parting
Only the regrowth is touched, not the whole strand.
3. Choosing the Right Technique and Formula
Depending on your original color and style, the stylist may use:
- Foils for bold, defined streaks
- Balayage for softer, hand-painted touches
- Toners to refresh and neutralize brassiness
The formula is customized to blend smoothly with your old highlights.
4. Application of Color
The stylist carefully applies color or lightener to the new roots only. This takes skill because:
- Overlapping old color can cause breakage
- Precise work avoids banding or uneven tones
In some cases, a root melt or shadow root technique is used to blur the line between roots and highlights.
5. Processing Time
The color is left to process for:
- 15 to 45 minutes
- May include a heat lamp or cap to speed things up
Timing depends on:
- Hair type
- Desired lift (lightness)
- Product used
6. Rinsing and Toning
Once the highlights are ready:
- The color is rinsed with cool or lukewarm water
- A toner is applied to refresh color and reduce unwanted orange or yellow tones
Toning helps match your overall hair color and adds shine.
7. Shampoo, Conditioning & Treatment
To protect and nourish your hair:
- Sulfate-free shampoo is used
- A hydrating mask or deep conditioner is applied
- Products used depend on your hair’s condition
8. Blow-Dry and Style
Finally, your hair is blow-dried and styled so you can see the full results. The stylist may:
- Recommend home care products (like purple shampoo or hair masks)
- Suggest how often to return for maintenance
How Often Should You Get a Highlight Touch-Up?
Here’s a basic guide:
| Hair Type/Style | Touch-Up Timeframe |
| Full highlights | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Partial highlights | Every 8–10 weeks |
| Balayage | Every 10–12 weeks |
| Root smudge / Root melt | Every 10–14 weeks |
How Much Does a Highlight Touch-Up Cost?
It depends on:
- Location (e.g. Vancouver vs rural towns)
- Stylist experience
- Technique used
Average costs:
- Partial root touch-up: $80–$150
- Balayage refresh: $120–$200
- Root melt or toner only: $60–$100
Always ask for a quote before booking.
Can You Touch Up Highlights at Home?
Yes, but it’s tricky. Mistakes are common, like:
- Uneven color
- Damaged hair from overlapping bleach
- Poor blending with previous highlights
At-home kits may work for basic root touch-ups, but for highlights, it’s safer to trust a professional colorist.
FAQs: Highlight Touch-Up Questions Answered
Q1: How long does a highlight touch-up take?
Answer: Most salon touch-ups take 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Q2: Is toner always needed after a touch-up?
Answer: Often yes. Toners help match tones and fix brassiness.
Q3: Will touching up my highlights damage my hair?
Answer: Not if done professionally and not too often. Using conditioning treatments helps keep your hair healthy.
Q4: Can I get a highlight touch-up without foils?
Answer: Yes. Some stylists use balayage or freehand painting for a softer look.
Q5: How do I keep my highlights fresh between visits?
Answer: Use sulfate-free shampoo, avoid hot tools, and try color-protecting treatments at home.
Final Thoughts
Touching up your highlights is a smart and cost-effective way to maintain your hair color. It keeps your style looking fresh, polished, and professional. Whether you have balayage, babylights, or traditional foils, a root refresh can make a big difference in your appearance.
Book Your Highlight Touch-Up Today
Looking for a trusted salon in Vancouver for a root highlight refresh or partial highlight touch-up? Our expert stylists specialize in natural-looking results using safe, salon-grade products.
Call us now or book online to keep your color fresh and roots beautifully blended.
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