Highlighting your hair is a great way to add dimension and color to your look. Whether you opt for subtle, sun-kissed highlights or go bold with a dramatic ombre, changing up the color of your tresses can have a big impact.
With so many options available for hair coloring these days, it’s easy to create a unique style that reflects your individual style.
What is Highlights Hair Color?
Highlights hair color is a hair coloring technique that involves lightening sections of the hair with a chemical or dye to create a multi-dimensional look. The highlights are typically applied in thin strands, creating an effect that adds depth and dimension to the overall hair color.
Highlights can be used to create subtle, natural looking shades or bold, dramatic looks, depending on the desired result. The lightened strands of hair can be left a few shades lighter than the base color, or they can be lightened to a much brighter hue.
Highlights are also available in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize your look even further.
Highlights hair color has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the trend became a widely used technique. During this time, hairdressers began experimenting with different techniques to create unique looks. By the 1960s and 1970s, highlights had become popular among celebrities and trendsetters, thanks in part to iconic hairstylists such as Vidal Sassoon and his groundbreaking techniques. Today, highlights are a popular choice for women of all ages, and they remain the go-to look for many celebs.
Popular styles of highlights hair color
Highlights can be used to create a range of looks, from subtle and natural to bold and daring. Some of the most popular styles include balayage, ombre, sombre, and babylights.
Balayage is a technique that involves painting each section of hair with dye for a more blended look.
Ombre is a dramatic style that involves lightening the hair from the roots to the tips in a gradual, sweeping motion. The look can be as subtle or as bold as desired. Ombre can also be used to create an eye-catching look with two different colors.
Sombre is a softer version of ombre, where the transition from dark to light is more subtle.
Babylights are a style of highlights that mimic the natural highlights found in children’s hair. The coloring technique involves thin strands of color that are strategically placed to create an overall blended look.
Types of Highlight Hair Color
Foil Highlights
Foil highlights are one of the most popular highlighting techniques. This technique involves wrapping sections of hair in aluminum foil before applying color to the strands. This helps the color process more evenly and prevents the dye from bleeding onto other strands.
Foil highlights can also be used to create a wide range of looks, from subtle sun-kissed highlights to dramatic bold colors. The technique is best suited for those with medium to long hair.
Balayage Highlights
Balayage highlights are a popular technique that is used to create a natural, sun-kissed look. The technique involves painting each strand of hair with dye for a more blended and subtle look.
Balayage highlights can be used to create soft, multi-dimensional hair colors that range from warm honey hues to cool ash tones. This highlighting technique works best on medium to long hair and is perfect for those looking for a subtle, natural look.
Ombre Highlights
Ombre Highlights are a dramatic style that involves lightening the hair from the roots to the tips in a gradual, sweeping motion. The look can be as subtle or as bold as desired and is best suited for those with medium to long hair.
Ombre highlights are perfect for creating an eye-catching look with two different colors, allowing you to customize your look even further. To achieve the best results, it’s important to use a professional colorist who is experienced in ombre highlights techniques.
Babylights Highlights
Babylights Highlights are a technique of highlighting hair that mimics the natural highlights found in children’s hair. The coloring technique involves thin strands of color that are strategically placed to create an overall blended look. This style is perfect for those looking to achieve a natural, sun-kissed look. Babylights highlights can be used to create subtle, natural shades or bolder , brighter hues.
Factors to Consider
Skin Tone
Skin tone is an important factor to consider when choosing a highlights hair color. The goal is to find a hue that complements your skin tone and enhances your natural beauty. Cooler tones tend to work best for those with fair or cool-toned skin, while warmer shades tend to look best on olive or darker skin tones. It is also important to take into account the type of highlight you are looking to achieve.
Hair Length
Hair length is also an important factor to consider when deciding on a highlight hair color. The type of highlighting technique used will depend on the length of your hair, and certain techniques may be more suited for long or short hair. For those with shorter hair, foil highlights work best as it helps to evenly distribute the dye to create a natural looking color blend. Balayage and babylights highlights are best for those with medium to long hair.
Hair Type
Hair Type is an important factor to consider when choosing a highlights hair color. Different hair types have different needs and require different coloring techniques.
For example, those with thick, coarse hair will need to use a highlighting technique that can penetrate the dense cuticle, such as balayage or babylights. Those with finer or thinner strands may find that foil highlights work best as they help to evenly distribute the color.
Personal Style
Personal style is an important factor to consider when choosing a highlights hair color. Whether you’re looking for subtle sun-kissed highlights or bold, dramatic colors, there are many different highlighting techniques that can create the perfect look for your individual style. Consider how you want your hair to look and feel and choose a technique that will work best for you. Think about whether you’ d like to add dimension with a few face-framing highlights or go all out with an ombre look!
Maintenance Level
When it comes to maintaining highlights hair color, the level of upkeep will depend on the type of highlights used. For example, babylights and balayage highlighting techniques require less maintenance than foil highlights as they create a natural look that grows out more gradually. Additionally, how often you should touch up your color will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how light or dark you want your highlights to be.
Benefits of Highlights Hair Color
- Enhances Natural Features
Highlights hair color can be an effective way to enhance natural features and create a beautiful, eye-catching look. Highlights can be used to frame the face, draw attention to specific features, and add depth and dimension to hairstyles.
By strategically placing highlights throughout the hair, you can create a unique look that will make your features stand out even more. Lightening certain areas of your hair can also help to create the illusion of thicker, fuller locks.
- Adds Dimension and Depth
Highlights hair color is an effective way to add dimension and depth to any hairstyle. By strategically placing different hues throughout the hair, you can create a multi-dimensional look that will turn heads. Highlights can be used to create contrast and draw attention to certain areas of your hair while also creating a softer, blended transition between colors. Highlights are also great for making thin or limp hair appear fuller and thicker.
- Can Refresh Hair Color
Highlights hair color can be an effective way to give your existing hair color a refreshing update. Whether you’re looking to add subtle, natural-looking highlights or accentuate specific features with bolder colors, highlights are a great way to breathe new life into a tired look. Highlights can also be used to lighten certain areas of the hair and create the illusion of thicker, fuller locks.
- Can Blend Gray Hair
Highlights hair color can be an effective way to blend gray hair and create a natural-looking result. Highlights are an ideal option for those looking to transition away from their natural gray color in a subtle, non-permanent way.
By strategically placing highlights throughout the hair, you can effectively soften the appearance of gray while adding depth and dimension to your look. Highlights can also be used to create a subtle, beautiful ombre effect.
- Can Create a Distinct Style
Highlights hair color can be an effective way to create a distinct style. By strategically placing different shades throughout the hair, you can create an eye-catching look that will turn heads.
Whether you’re looking for subtle sun-kissed highlights or bold, dramatic colors, there are many different highlighting techniques that can help you achieve the perfect look for your individual style. Highlights provide a great way to add depth and dimension to any hairstyle.
How to Care for Highlight Hair Color
- Shampooing and Conditioning
Shampooing and conditioning your hair after receiving highlights is an important part of maintaining beautiful, healthy locks. Opt for a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair to ensure the best results.
Be sure to avoid overly hot water when washing your hair as this can cause the color to fade more quickly. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp using only your fingertips and leave the conditioner on for at least two minutes before rinsing.
- Avoiding Heat Damage
Heat damage is one of the biggest threats to keeping your highlights looking fresh and vibrant. To avoid heat damage, always use a thermal protectant spray before using any hot styling tools such as curling irons or blow dryers.
Try to limit the amount of time you use styling tools and keep them at a low heat setting when possible.
- Touch-up and Maintenance
Highlights hair color requires regular touch-ups and maintenance to keep the color looking vibrant. To maintain your highlights, be sure to schedule regular touch-up appointments at least every six weeks. During these appointments, a stylist will add new highlights throughout the hair in order to refresh faded colors and ensure an even result. Additionally, it is also important to use products specifically designed for color-treated hair in order to protect your highlights and keep them looking their best.
- Protecting Hair from Sun Damage
Protecting hair from sun damage is an important part of maintaining beautiful, healthy locks. Sun exposure can cause color-treated hair to fade more quickly and become dry and brittle. To protect your highlights from the sun, there are a few steps you can take:
Wear a Hat – Wearing a hat or other protective head covering is an easy way to keep your hair protected from the sun.
Use a UV Protectant – Applying a UV protectant spray to your hair before spending time outdoors is an easy way to help shield it from the damaging effects of the sun.
Rinse After Swimming – Chlorine and salt water can cause color-treated hair to fade quickly, so be sure to rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do highlights last?
Highlights are a great way to add depth and dimension to your hair, but how long they last depends on the type of highlights you have and how well you care for them. Generally, highlights can last anywhere from four to eight weeks before needing touch-ups.
However, if you take good care of your hair by using products specifically designed for color-treated hair and avoiding excessive heat styling, you can extend the length of time between touch-ups.
Do highlights damage hair?
Highlights can be an effective way to add depth and dimension to your hair, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with highlighting. While highlights don’t generally cause permanent damage to the hair, over-processing or using harsh chemicals can lead to dryness, breakage, split ends, and other forms of damage.
To prevent this, be sure to follow the instructions of your stylist and use products specifically designed for color-treated hair.
What is the difference between highlights and lowlights?
Highlights and lowlights are two popular techniques used to add depth and dimension to hair. Highlights involve lightening individual strands of hair for a sun-kissed look, while lowlights involve darkening individual strands of hair for a more subtle color contrast.
Generally, highlights are ideal if you want to lighten your overall hair color, while lowlights are best for adding depth and richness to an existing color.
Can you get highlights if you have dyed hair?
Yes, you can get highlights if you have dyed hair. However, it is important to consult with a professional hairstylist before having any highlights added to your hair. This is because certain types of dyes can interact with the highlighting process and cause unexpected results.
Additionally, your stylist will be able to recommend products and techniques that are best suited for your hair type and color. It is also important to keep in mind that highlights may require more frequent touch-ups than traditional hair dye, so be sure to ask your stylist for advice on how to maintain your highlights.
How much does highlights hair color cost?
The cost of highlights hair color will vary depending on the type of highlights you choose and the experience level of your stylist. Generally speaking, highlights can range from $50 to $150 per session. However, costs can increase if additional treatments or products are needed in order to achieve the desired result. When selecting a stylist for your highlights, be sure to ask about their experience and pricing to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
Highlights hair color can be a great way to add depth and dimension to your hair. Highlights are a low-maintenance way to brighten up your look without requiring the commitment of a full color job. With proper care, highlights can last anywhere from four to eight weeks before needing touch-ups, and because they use less chemicals than regular hair dye, they do less damage to the hair. While the cost of highlights may vary depending on the type and experience level of your stylist, it is generally an affordable option for those looking to add a little something extra to their look.
Highlights hair color can be a great way to add depth and dimension to your hair without the commitment of a full color job. With the right care, highlights can last anywhere from four to eight weeks before needing touch-ups, making them an easy and low-maintenance way to switch up your look. However, it is important to consult with a professional hairstylist before beginning any highlighting process, as certain types of dyes can interact with the highlights and cause unexpected results. Additionally, it is important to ask your stylist about their experience level and pricing options in order to ensure you get the best value for your money.
If you’re looking to add a bit of brightness and dimension to your look, highlights hair color could be the perfect solution. With highlights, you can experiment with different shades and tones without committing to an entirely new look. And because highlights are low-maintenance, they don’t require frequent touch-ups like traditional hair dye. Plus, with the right care, your highlights can last anywhere from four to eight weeks. So why not give highlights a try?
