Getting highlights in your hair can be a fun and easy way to change up your look. But with so many hair color brands on the market, how do you know which one is the best for highlights? In this article, we’ll review some of the top professional hair color brands for highlights and help you decide which is right for you.
What to Look for in a Hair Color Brand for Highlights
When choosing a hair color brand for highlights, here are some key factors to consider:
- Quality ingredients – Look for brands that use high quality dyes and conditioning agents to protect your hair.
- Versatility – Choose a brand that offers a wide range of highlight shades from subtle to dramatic.
- Easy to use – Opt for ready-to-use pre-mixed formulas, not ones you have to mix yourself.
- Salon professional results – The best brands are used by stylists and give professional looking results.
- Gentle on hair – Make sure the formula is gentle enough for frequent highlighting.
- Fade resistance – Higher quality dyes will maintain vibrancy and resist fading.
Reviews of the Top Brands
Here is a look at some of the top professional hair color lines for highlights along with reviews of their key features:
Wella Color Charm
Wella Color Charm is a salon favorite hair color brand. Their toners and high lifting colors are top choices amongst stylists for highlights and lowlights. Some pros of Color Charm include:
- Over 50 highlight shades from natural to bold
- Luminous, long-lasting color results
- Uses ME+ technology for conditioning
- Easy to mix creamy gel formula
- Affordable salon brand pricing
Redken Shades EQ
Redken’s Shades EQ features conditioning formulas for dimensional color. It’s known for providing softer, more natural highlights. Pros of Shades EQ:
- Expertly designed tri-system tones for multi-tonal highlights
- Includes glazes, toners, and highlift shades
- Glycerin and protein enriched to nourish hair
- Lower ammonia formula for gentle processing
- Easy and accurate mixing ratio
Matrix SoColor
SoColor by Matrix provides consistent, long-lasting highlight results. Some perks of this professional brand include:
- Over 60 highlighting formulas available
- Patented phosphate-free formula nourishes hair
- Options for subtle to dramatic highlights
- Easy 1:2 mixing ratio
- Ammonia-free with low odor
Schwarzkopf Blond Me
Schwarzkopf’s Blond Me line has toners and lighteners just for blondes. Some benefits of this highlighting system:
- Specialized toners for cool, warm, and neutral blond tones
- Bonacure keratin smoothes and protects hair
- Light Cream developer evenly lifts delicate blondes
- Low odor, ammonia-free formula
- Available in 20 volume and 30 volume strengths
Joico Color Intensity
Joico Color Intensity is beloved for its extreme color pigments. For highlights, it provides:
- Vibrant, fashion-forward highlight results
- Over 30 highlift blonding shades
- Patented Quadramine Complex keeps color perfected
- Sheer Lightening Balancer ensures even lifting
- Low ammonia formula, still maximal lightening
Comparing the Top Highlighting Brands
Here is a breakdown of how some of the top professional hair color brands compare for highlights:
| Brand | Number of Highlighting Shades | Ammonia Free | Fading Resistance | Damage Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wella Color Charm | Over 50 | No | Excellent | ME+ Complex |
| Redken Shades EQ | Over 40 | No | Very Good | Glycerin & Protein |
| Matrix SoColor | Over 60 | Yes | Excellent | Patented Formula |
| Schwarzkopf Blond Me | 25+ | Yes | Very Good | Bonacure Keratin |
| Joico Color Intensity | 30+ | Low ammonia | Excellent | Quadramine Complex |
How to Choose the Best Brand for You
When deciding which professional hair color line is right for your highlights, consider these factors:
- Hair type and condition – Choose brands with nourishing ingredients if you have dry or damaged hair. Stay away from high ammonia.
- Highlight shade – Look for brands with a wide range of tones in the blonding shades you want.
- Your colorist’s recommendation – Ask what brand your stylist is most comfortable and experienced using.
- Sensitivities – Make sure you’re not sensitive to any ingredients in the formula.
- Budget – Salon professional brands range from $8-$15 per application.
It’s best to do a strand test first when using a new brand to see how your hair reacts and if you like the tone. Having your colorist apply highlights using professional color is always recommended for best results.
Maintenance Tips for Long Lasting Highlights
To keep your highlights looking their best and to extend time between appointments, be sure to:
- Use a color safe sulfate-free shampoo.
- Rinse with cool water and limit wash frequency.
- Use a weekly conditioning hair mask.
- Protect hair from chlorine and sun exposure.
- Use an at-home toning glaze between salon visits.
- Get a touch up every 4-6 weeks for regrowth.
- Avoid heat styling when possible.
Conclusion
When choosing a professional hair color brand for highlights, Wella, Redken, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, and Joico are some of the top salon-quality options. Consider your hair’s needs, desired shade, stylist’s expertise, and your budget. With the right formula and proper maintenance, you can keep your highlights looking fabulous.
