Quick Answer
Highlights usually take about 6 months to 1 year to fully grow out, depending on hair length, natural hair growth speed, and how noticeable the color difference is.
How Fast Do Highlights Grow Out?
Hair grows about:
- Half an inch per month
- Around 6 inches per year
Because highlights are placed throughout the hair, regrowth often becomes noticeable within:
- 6 to 8 weeks
When Do Highlights Start Looking Grown Out?
Most people notice visible roots or color changes after:
- 1 to 3 months
The contrast between your natural hair color and highlights affects how quickly regrowth becomes obvious.
Factors That Affect How Long Highlights Take to Grow Out
Hair Length
Short hair may lose highlighted sections faster because trims remove more hair.
Long hair can take much longer for highlights to completely disappear.
Hair Growth Speed
Some people naturally grow hair faster than others.
Highlight Placement
Subtle balayage-style highlights often grow out more naturally than traditional foil highlights.
Common Types of Highlights
Traditional Highlights
Foil Highlights usually create more noticeable regrowth lines.
Balayage
Balayage often blends more naturally and may not require touch-ups as quickly.
Babylights
Babylights create softer regrowth and a more natural appearance.
How to Make Highlights Grow Out Better
Blend With Toner
A toner can soften harsh color differences.
Get Root Touch-Ups
Small touch-ups help blend new growth.
Try Lowlights
Adding darker tones can reduce contrast.
Trim Regularly
Haircuts gradually remove highlighted sections over time.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
You cannot dramatically speed up hair growth, but healthy habits may support stronger hair growth:
- Eat balanced meals
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid excessive heat damage
- Reduce breakage
Less breakage helps hair appear to grow longer faster.
Should You Let Highlights Grow Out Naturally?
Many people allow highlights to grow out naturally to:
- Return to their natural color
- Reduce salon maintenance
- Avoid further chemical treatments
Blended highlighting techniques make this process easier.
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- How Long Does It Take for Eyebrows to Grow Back?
- How Long Does It Take Skin to Heal?
- How Long Does It Take Nails to Grow?
Quick Summary
Highlights usually take 6 months to 1 year to fully grow out depending on hair length and growth speed. Regrowth often becomes noticeable within 6 to 8 weeks, especially with traditional highlights. Regular trims and blending techniques can help the transition look more natural.