Half Highlight Aftercare (Near Tattoo Shop Me): First 48-Hour Do's & Don'ts
By Urban Hue and Tattoo | April 19, 2026
1809 S Marion Rd Unit 102, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 | Call: +16052541160 | Email: cbstudio21@gmail.com
That fresh-highlight feeling, the kind where you want to take before-and-after photos because the brightness and dimension look brand new, is easiest to keep if you protect your hair for the first 48 hours. Our #1 rule: don’t shampoo yet, and avoid heavy sweating, swimming, and direct sun on those freshly lifted pieces. In Sioux Falls, wind, heat, and pool season can make highlights shift faster than you’d think, so these first two days matter more than most people realize.
Your Half Highlight: the first 24 to 48 hours that decide the tone
A Half Highlight is a mid-level highlighting service that covers about half the head for noticeable brightness without committing to a full foil. We use a bonding lightener and complementary repair treatments during the lift, which helps protect the hair while we get you that clean, dimensional look. After you leave, though, your tone is still settling.
48-hour non-negotiables: Skip shampoo, skip chlorine, skip hot tools, and skip workouts that leave you drenched. If you absolutely have to rinse, use cool water only and keep it quick.
Do this right away
- Keep your hair dry if you can. Highlights hold tone best when we give the cuticle time to settle.
- If you’re going out, protect your part line and the top layer. A hat is simple and it works.
- If your scalp feels a little tight or warm, that’s common after lightening. Don’t scratch or use a harsh scrub.
Avoid this for 48 hours
- Hot showers blasting your hair. Heat plus water can nudge tone in the wrong direction.
- Tight ponytails if your hair is freshly toned. Give it a break for a day or two.
- Flat iron and curling iron. When you come back to heat tools, use a heat protectant every time.
First-week habits that keep highlights bright in Sioux Falls summer
Once you hit that 48-hour mark, you can get back to normal life, just a little smarter. Our regulars love that their color looks “exactly what I wanted, ” and a big part of that is protecting your tone after you leave the chair. Sioux Falls sun, humidity swings, and pool days can push highlights warmer fast, especially on the top layer and around your face.
Shampoo spacing: If you can, don’t shampoo every day. Highlights usually stay brighter longer when you stretch washes and use dry shampoo between.
Water matters: Warm water is fine, but keep it off “boiling.” Cooler rinses help keep your cuticle calmer and your tone steadier.
Pool and lake days: Wet your hair with fresh water first, smooth in a leave-in barrier, then tie it up. After, rinse as soon as you can. Chlorine and minerals are what turn highlights brassy and dull.
And if you’re working or shopping along Marion Road and 57th Street South, we’re right in the South Sioux Falls corridor, so it’s easy to swing by if something feels off with your tone and you want a quick set of eyes on it.
The product routine we like for Half Highlights (simple, not fussy)
After 48 hours, start with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and a conditioner that gives slip. Lightened hair tangles easier, so be gentle when it’s wet. If you want one habit that pays off, it’s this: comb through conditioner in the shower with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, then rinse.
Purple shampoo: only when you need it
Purple shampoo is a tool, not a daily shampoo. Use it when you start noticing brassiness. Most people do best with once a week or once every other week, depending on how light you went and how often you’re in the sun or pool. If your hair starts feeling dry or looking a little smoky, back off and focus on moisture for a wash or two.
Two-minute save for busy weeks: leave-in conditioner on mids and ends, then a heat protectant if you’re blow-drying. That’s it. It helps keep your Half Highlight looking fresh between errands and outdoor plans.
If something feels “off, ” let’s look at it: check-ins near Marion Road matter
A little dryness, a slightly tighter scalp, and some warmth in the first day can be normal after lightening. What we don’t want is you stressing in the mirror for a week when a quick check could settle it. We’re big on explaining what we’re doing and why, so you feel steady about your hair at home too.
“I love the way she explains every process to whatever it is she is doing for me.”
one of our regulars
If you’re in Sioux Falls, Brandon, Tea, Hartford, Harrisburg, or Crooks, and you’re heading through the South Sioux Falls commercial corridor near 57th Street South, reach out and we’ll get you a quick look. A lot of the time it’s a simple fix like adjusting a product choice, timing purple shampoo better, or scheduling a toner refresh.
Timing for a toner refresh or trim: the 6 to 10 week sweet spot
Half Highlights usually look best with a maintenance plan. We often recommend a toner refresher or gloss and a trim around 6 to 10 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how much sun and swimming you’re getting. If you’re transitioning to gray or blending natural brown with brighter pieces, that timing helps keep everything intentional instead of “grown out.”
Quick reminders for your next visit
- Bring photos if you’re aiming for a specific tone. We love clear visuals.
- Tell us if you’ve been swimming a lot. It changes what your hair needs.
- If you’re short on time, say so. Our regulars notice we work quick and precise without dragging out the appointment.
Ready for your next step? Start with our Half Highlight service, 75 minutes, starting at $125, and we’ll map out a plan that fits your hair and your schedule.
See our services and pricing
Want to preview results? Visit our hair color and highlight gallery.
Half Highlight aftercare FAQs (and quick answers)
How soon can I wash my hair after a Half Highlight?
Wait 48 hours before shampooing. If you have to get it wet sooner, rinse quickly with cool water and avoid scrubbing the scalp or using conditioner-heavy products at the root.
Can I swim in a pool or lake after getting Half Highlights?
Hold off for the first 48 hours. After that, protect your highlights by wetting hair with fresh water first and using a leave-in barrier. Rinse as soon as you can after swimming to reduce chlorine and mineral buildup.
Will sun exposure make my Half Highlights fade faster?
Yes, sun can fade tone and push highlights warmer, especially in Sioux Falls summer. A hat helps a lot. If you’re outside for long stretches, use a UV-protectant hair spray and keep your hair moisturized.
How often should I use purple shampoo on Half Highlights?
Use it when brassiness shows up, not every wash. Most people land around once a week or every other week. If your hair starts feeling dry, cut back and focus on conditioner and leave-in moisture.
Can I get my hair cut or styled the same day as a Half Highlight?
We recommend waiting 48 hours before heat styling, and we generally suggest holding off on extra services for two days so your hair can settle. If you need a quick tidy-up, talk to us and we’ll help you pick the safest timing.
When I search “tattoo shops near me, ” can I also book hair color here?
Yes. Urban Hue and Tattoo is a place you’ll find when searching for a tattoo shop, and we also do hair services like Half Highlights. If you want bright, dimensional color without a full head of foils, this is a great starting point.
If I type “tattoo shop near by me, ” do you take hair appointments near Marion Road?
We’re located in the Marion Road and South Sioux Falls commercial corridor near 57th Street South, so it’s easy to get to if you’re already in that area. Reach out and we’ll help you choose the right highlight service and timing.
Do you accept walk in tattoo shops near me requests and also do hair?
For hair services like Half Highlights, we typically plan ahead since it’s a 75-minute appointment and involves timing for lightener and finishing. If you’re hoping for something soon, reach out and we’ll tell you what openings we can make work.
