Myth or reality? dish soap vs. hair highlights: the ultimate showdown

The quest for lustrous and vibrant hair often leads us to experiment with various hair care products, including dish soap. While dish soap is an effective degreaser, its potential to fade highlights is a concern that has sparked much debate. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the evidence and provide expert insights to answer the burning question: Does dish soap fade highlights?

The Science Behind Dish Soap

Dish soap is a surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension and allows it to penetrate dirt and grease. It is typically made with harsh chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can strip away natural oils from hair and skin.

Impact on Highlights

Highlights are created by using bleach or lighteners to remove pigment from specific hair strands. The process can leave hair more porous and vulnerable to damage. Dish soap, with its strong detergents, can further weaken the hair structure, potentially causing the highlights to fade.

Factors Influencing Fading

The extent to which dish soap fades highlights depends on several factors:

• Frequency of Use: Frequent use of dish soap on highlighted hair can accelerate fading.
• Strength of Dish Soap: Stronger dish soaps with higher concentrations of SLS can be more damaging to highlights.
• Hair Condition: Damaged or weakened hair is more susceptible to fading.
• Type of Highlights: Permanent highlights are less likely to fade than semi-permanent or demi-permanent highlights.

Alternatives to Dish Soap

If you’re concerned about fading highlights, consider using gentler alternatives to dish soap, such as:

• Sulfate-Free Shampoos: These shampoos are formulated without SLS, making them less harsh on hair.
• Color-Preserving Shampoos: Specifically designed for highlighted hair, these shampoos help maintain color vibrancy.
• Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil without stripping away natural oils, protecting highlights.

How to Protect Highlights

To minimize fading and maintain the integrity of your highlights, follow these tips:

• Use Gentle Shampoo: Opt for sulfate-free or color-preserving shampoos.
• Avoid Over-Washing: Shampoo your hair only when necessary, typically 2-3 times per week.
• Use Cold Water: Hot water can open hair cuticles and accelerate fading.
• Condition Regularly: Use a conditioner to replenish moisture and protect hair from damage.
• Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can weaken hair and contribute to fading.
• Get Regular Trims: Trimming split ends removes damaged hair, preventing further fading.

Takeaways: Preserve Your Highlights

While dish soap can potentially fade highlights, it’s important to understand the factors that influence this and take steps to protect your color. By using gentle alternatives, following proper hair care practices, and limiting exposure to harsh chemicals, you can maintain vibrant and healthy highlights.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use dish soap to remove highlights?
A: Yes, but it’s not recommended. Dish soap can strip away highlight pigment and damage hair.

Q: How often should I wash my highlighted hair?
A: 2-3 times per week is ideal. Over-washing can fade highlights.

Q: What type of shampoo should I use for highlighted hair?
A: Sulfate-free or color-preserving shampoos are recommended to protect highlights.

Q: Can I use dry shampoo on highlighted hair?
A: Yes, dry shampoo can absorb oil without stripping away natural oils, helping to preserve highlights.

Q: How can I prevent my highlights from fading?
A: Use gentle shampoo, avoid over-washing, use cold water, condition regularly, limit heat styling, and get regular trims.