In the world of hair coloring, there are various techniques and options available to enhance your natural color or transform your look entirely. Highlights and lowlights are two popular choices that can add dimension, depth, and vibrancy to your hair. Understanding the difference between highlights and lowlights can help you make informed decisions about your desired outcome and achieve the perfect look for you.
Highlights
Highlights involve lightening strands of hair to a shade lighter than the base color. This technique is typically achieved by applying bleach followed by a gloss to achieve the desired hue. Highlights are designed to mimic the natural sun-kissed effect that occurs when the sun naturally lightens hair over time.
One of the key benefits of highlights is their ability to add brightness and dimension to the hair. They can create a radiant, youthful appearance by catching and reflecting light, resulting in a multidimensional and dynamic look. Highlights can also help to soften facial features and create a more flattering overall appearance.
At Be Inspired Salon, our lightening services are called a Partial Advanced Color and an Advanced Color and they both include highlight and lowlight techniques. Since there are various types of highlights, such as traditional foil highlights, balayage, babylights, etc, categorizing these techniques under one option on our service menu allows clients to book the correct appointment without having to understand all of the techniques. Foil highlights involve wrapping sections of hair in foil to isolate them during the coloring process, while balayage and babylights offer a more freehand approach for a natural, blended look.
Lowlights
In contrast to highlights, lowlights involve darkening select sections of the hair to a shade darker than the base color. This technique is often used to add depth, richness, and dimension to the hair by introducing darker tones that complement the natural color.
Lowlights are particularly beneficial for adding contrast to the hair and creating a more balanced overall look. They can help to break up solid color and prevent the hair from appearing flat or one-dimensional. Lowlights can also be used strategically to camouflage gray hairs or to create subtle, natural-looking dimension.
Choosing Between Highlights and Lowlights
When deciding between highlights and lowlights, it’s essential to consider your hair color goals, natural hair color, skin tone, and personal style. Highlights are ideal for adding brightness, warmth, and dimension to the hair, while lowlights are perfect for adding depth, richness, and contrast.
Many clients choose a combination of highlights and lowlights to achieve a balanced look that offers the best of both worlds. This technique, known as hair painting or dimensional coloring, allows for greater customization and can result in stunning, multidimensional hair color. If you’re not sure what exactly you’re looking for, take our short matchmaking survey to see which of our hair stylists is best for you and book a 15 minute consultation with them to discuss any questions!
Ultimately, whether you choose highlights, lowlights, or a combination of both, working with our skilled and experienced hair stylists is key to achieving beautiful results that enhance your natural hair and complement your style. By understanding the difference between highlights and lowlights, you can decide your hair color and achieve the hair of your dreams.
Call or text 608-271-2771 or book online to schedule your hair appointment today!
