Highlights - first time! What do I ask for?

[LtGreggs]

I've got my sister's wedding coming up in about 6 weeks time and want to look good for her . I think I'd like to get some highlights in my hair to look a bit more elegant /groomed/lovely. However, I haven't really got the money to keep on with regular hairdresser bills to keep maintaining colour.

I've never had hair professionally coloured - can you advise on what I ask for?

Can I ask them to so something that will look OK as it grows out?? What do I ask for??

Hair is thick, wavy, (very) dark brown with a bit of grey in it. (I'm not so bothered about the grey - I'm 45 and got away quite well with the greying I think!). My overall colouring is pale skin but with freckles and green/brown eyes. I have a dark blue dress for the wedding.

Thank you style gurus.

Ask for something 'natural' looking...smaller/fine highlights will look better as they grow out...might also be a good idea to choose a few colours...to add tone/depth as this may be easier to grow out too.

Thanks - do you mean a few colours rather than just one colour? Or something specifically about the colours to choose (I am clueless about process!)

It might be worth asking for a short (15 minute) consultation to discuss what you want and what they can suggest, before the appointment itself to save time on appointment day. Also, some places insist on doing a skin test in advance of the colouring to make sure you're not going to react to the products on your scalp. This would need doing in advance too, obviously. And make sure you allow a good 2-2.5 hours for the appointment! I got caught out when I first had highlights!

If you don't intend to keep it up I would ask for something like balayage ( painted freehand) or a veil ( top layer of hair left) so that tou don't get bad roots as it grows out.
Don't stray too far away from your natural colour.

Yes, I was thinking of a veil too. It's what I did the very first time. So the very top layer of your hair from your parting isn't coloured so you don't get a sharp re-growth line.

Thanks - veil idea sounds good in terms of regrowth. I'll give hairdresser a ring tomorrow & nervously go for a consult!

If I did want to keep it up, how often does it need redone?

I didn't know it was called a veil.

But that's what I came on to suggest. That's what I have. It's so low maintenance because you can't see the roots. I only get the highlights done once a year.

Depends on how fast your hair grows really - not being smart but usually a good guide is 4-6 weeks
Hope you enjoy the wedding x

I have mine done every six weeks. It's a bloody PITA and I try not to resent spending the money because it's my only indulgence. I don't spend loads on clothes, make-up, bags, shoes, wine, going out etc. Plus I love my hairdresser and I'd really miss her and our chats if I stopped going!