Let’s be honest. Every girl gets that urge once in a while to switch things up. One minute you’re thinking about the big chop. The next minute, you’re considering locs. Then suddenly you’re staring at photos of gorgeous hair highlights and wondering if a little color might be the glow-up you need. Whatever route you take, the goal is the same. You want to look different and fresh, like a brand-new version of yourself.
So, on today’s episode of being your self-appointed hair bestie, we’re talking about hair highlights.
Now, highlights can feel confusing at first with so many options to choose from. Do you want color just at the tips? Do you want it blended softly through your hair? These are the questions that leave many women stuck somewhere between inspo photos and indecision.
But don’t worry. I’ve got you. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know before you book that appointment, from the different types of highlights to choosing the right one for your hair. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to ask for at the salon.
Before we plunge in, let’s take a closer look at what this coloring technique is all about.
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What Are Hair Highlights?
Highlights are a coloring technique where selected strands of hair are lightened to create contrast against your natural base color. Instead of covering the entire head, your stylist targets specific sections, creating a mix of lighter and darker tones that add depth to your hair.
Highlights can be subtle or noticeable, depending on your personal style. The final look depends on the shade you choose, where the lighter strands are placed, and the technique your stylist uses during the coloring process.
How to Choose the Right Highlights for Your Hair
Picking the perfect highlights can feel overwhelming. Here are factors to consider if you want to get it right:
Skin Tone
Your skin tone plays a huge role in making highlights pop or fall flat.
- Warm tones: If your skin has golden or olive undertones, shades like caramel, honey, or golden blonde will make your hair glow.
- Cool tones: For skin with pink or blue undertones, ash-blonde or soft-beige highlights work beautifully.
Natural Hair Color
Note that your base color sets the stage for your highlights. Here’s how to choose:
- Dark hair: If you’ve got dark hair, try your hands on soft honey tones. These colors add brightness without overdoing it.
- Brown hair: Got brown hair? Go for golden blonde. It gives you a sun-kissed glow.
Hair Length and Texture
Your hair’s shape and texture also affect how highlights show up. If you have:
- Short hair: Ask your stylist to place the dye scantily to prevent your hair from looking too busy. And remember, less is always more.
- Curly hair: Highlights can create depth and make those curls pop. However, go for a softer blend to avoid harsh contrasts.
- Long hair: Long or layered hair is perfect for dramatic highlights. They always catch the light beautifully
Popular Types of Hair Highlights
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the different types of highlights you can get. Each one gives a totally different vibe, so it’s all about what fits your style and the look you’re going for.
Balayage Highlights
Balayage is basically the “effortless chic” of highlights. Most times, your stylist may have to hand-paint the color onto sections of your hair. It’s not a full-blown hair painting per se, but something that gives you that soft, natural finish. Plus, it’s low maintenance, so you can go longer between salon visits and still look like you just stepped out of one.
Foil Highlights
Want something that feels like you’re in control? Foil highlights are your girl. Just ask your stylist to wrap sections of your hair in foil to control exactly where the color goes. The result is usually a brighter, more noticeable lift that really makes your strands pop.
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Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights are a strategic, face-framing hair color technique that brightens your front strands and adds dimension without a full-color service. It uses techniques like balayage, baby lights, or foilyage to create a bold or soft pop of color that can be tailored to any hair type or style.
Babylights Hair Highlights
Babylights are the subtle cousin of regular highlights. They’re cute, colored strands that mimic the soft, sun-kissed hair of babies. Plus, it’s perfect if you want a little brightness without anything too bold.
Ombre Hair Highlights
One of the things that makes ombre highlights stand out is how the hair gradually fades into lighter shades. Ombre is all about that gradient glow; it’s dramatic, stylish, and adds tons of depth to your hair.
Trendy Hair Highlight Ideas
Ready to switch things up? Here are the shades having a major moment right now. They’ll make your hair feel alive and turn heads:
Caramel Hair Highlights
If you want something soft and super flattering, caramel highlights are your best friend. They add just enough brightness without looking over-the-top, giving your hair that sun-kissed vibe.
Honey Blonde Hair Highlights
Looking for something a little sweeter? Honey blonde is the way to go. It adds warmth and a glow that makes your hair look full of life, and yes, it works for almost any skin tone.
Ash Blonde Hair Highlights
Need that sophisticated vibe? Ash blonde highlights are perfect. They give your hair that cool, super-stunning look that definitely makes a statement.
Face-Framing Hair Highlights
Want your highlights to really do the work? Go for face-framing pieces. They highlight your best features and make every angle Instagram-ready.
How to Maintain Hair Highlights
So, you’ve got the highlights, now you have to make sure they appear fabulous at all times. Here’s the lowdown on how to make your color last and keep your strands healthy:
Use Color-Safe Shampoo
This is non-negotiable. Regular shampoo can strip your color, leaving your highlights dull. Stick with products labeled “color-safe” to protect your investment.
Apply Deep Conditioning Treatments
Your highlighted strands need extra love. Deep conditioning treatments once a week will keep your hair soft and shiny.
Use Heat-Styling Tools Sparingly
Hot tools can fade your highlights faster than you’d like. When styling, use heat protectant sprays and try to air-dry whenever possible.
Schedule Regular Touch-Ups
To keep your hair looking fresh, plan your touch-ups every six to eight weeks, depending on your style and growth. Waiting too long can make your highlights look uneven, and we definitely don’t want that.
Let Your Hair Highlights Steal the Spotlight
Your hair deserves the main stage, and highlights are one way to make it shine. Imagine every strand catching the light, and every movement turning heads. Now go ahead; pick your dream shade, book that salon sesh, and step out knowing your hair isn’t just good; it’s the star of the show.
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