Stubborn Kinks After Highlights & Lowlights

Hair with a stubborn kink
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Q: After getting highlights and lowlights, I've developed some stubborn kinks in my hair that start at the roots and extend about 2-3 inches down. These kinks won't smooth out even when I blow-dry my hair. Is there anything I can do to fix this before waiting for it to grow out or fade?
 
A: Those stubborn kinks you're experiencing are a common side effect that can occur after chemical processing like highlights and lowlights. The bleaching and coloring process can temporarily alter your hair's natural texture, especially in areas where the chemicals had extended contact with your hair shaft near the roots.
 
Your first line of defense should be trying a flat iron on the affected areas. Make sure to use a heat protectant spray before applying any heat, as your chemically processed hair is more vulnerable to heat damage than usual. Work in small sections and use moderate heat rather than the highest setting. Sometimes the combination of tension from sectioning and controlled heat can smooth out these texture irregularities that regular blow-drying can't address.
 
If flat ironing doesn't resolve the problem, it's definitely worth scheduling a consultation with the colorist who performed your highlights and lowlights. They'll be able to assess whether the kinks are due to over-processing or perhaps a reaction between your natural hair texture and the chemicals.
 
One potential professional solution your stylist might suggest is a targeted chemical relaxing treatment, often using a thio-based straightening formula. This approach allows the stylist to focus specifically on the kinked areas rather than treating your entire head of hair. The benefit of this targeted application is that it minimizes your hair's overall exposure to additional chemicals while addressing the specific problem areas.
 
However, there are considerations to keep in mind with any chemical straightening treatment, especially on recently highlighted hair. The neutralizing process typically involves hydrogen peroxide, which can cause additional lightening of your hair color. This is particularly concerning for color-treated hair like yours, where the peroxide might cause your highlights to become lighter than intended or create uneven color results. Your lowlights could also be affected, potentially creating an inconsistent overall color pattern.
 
Before pursuing any chemical treatment, consider giving your hair some recovery time. Sometimes these texture changes settle down naturally as your hair adjusts to the chemical processing. During this waiting period, focus on deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to help restore your hair's health and flexibility. Look for products specifically designed for chemically processed or color-treated hair.
 
You might also want to experiment with different styling products that can help manage the texture difference. Leave-in conditioners, smoothing serums, or anti-frizz creams applied to damp hair before blow-drying can sometimes provide enough control to minimize the appearance of kinks. Some people find that using a round brush with more tension during blow-drying, combined with the right products, can achieve better results than they initially got.
 
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See also: Hair straightening and thermal reconditioning