When it comes to hair coloring, highlights are a popular way to add dimension, texture, and visual interest to your locks. From subtle, natural-looking highlights to bold, vibrant streaks, there are many different types of highlights to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of highlights, techniques, and trends, helping you to make an informed decision about which style is right for you.
What are Highlights?
Before we dive into the different types of highlights, let’s define what highlights are. Highlights are sections of hair that are lighter than the rest of your hair, typically achieved through a chemical process that involves applying a lightener or color to specific strands of hair. Highlights can be used to create a variety of effects, from subtle, natural-looking dimension to bold, eye-catching streaks.
Types of Highlights
There are several different types of highlights, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of highlights:
Balayage Highlights
Balayage highlights are a type of freehand highlighting technique that involves painting the lightener or color onto the hair in a sweeping motion. This technique allows for a more natural, sun-kissed look and is often used to create subtle, multi-dimensional highlights.
Foil Highlights
Foil highlights are a traditional highlighting technique that involves weaving small sections of hair into foil packets and applying the lightener or color. This technique allows for more precise control over the highlighting process and is often used to create bold, vibrant highlights.
Babylights
Babylights are a type of highlighting technique that involves weaving small sections of hair into a special type of foil packet and applying the lightener or color. This technique is similar to traditional foil highlighting, but uses a more delicate, gentle approach to create soft, natural-looking highlights.
Lowlights
Lowlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves applying a darker color to specific sections of hair to create depth and dimension. Lowlights are often used in combination with highlights to create a more multi-dimensional look.
Glaze Highlights
Glaze highlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves applying a translucent color glaze to the hair to create a subtle, shimmering effect. This technique is often used to add a pop of color to the hair without making a long-term commitment.
Sombré Highlights
Sombré highlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves applying a gradual, multi-dimensional color effect to the hair. This technique is similar to balayage, but uses a more subtle, natural-looking approach to create a soft, sun-kissed look.
Dip-Dye Highlights
Dip-dye highlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves dipping the ends of the hair into a lightener or color to create a bold, eye-catching effect. This technique is often used to add a pop of color to the hair and can be used to create a variety of different looks.
Highlighting Techniques
In addition to the different types of highlights, there are also several different highlighting techniques that can be used to achieve a variety of effects. Here are some of the most popular highlighting techniques:
Cap and Hook Highlights
Cap and hook highlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves using a special type of cap and hook to section the hair and apply the lightener or color. This technique is often used to create bold, vibrant highlights.
Striping Highlights
Striping highlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves applying the lightener or color to the hair in a striped pattern. This technique is often used to create a bold, eye-catching effect.
Weaving Highlights
Weaving highlights are a type of highlighting technique that involves weaving small sections of hair into a special type of foil packet and applying the lightener or color. This technique is often used to create soft, natural-looking highlights.
Highlight Trends
Highlights are a popular way to add some personality to your hairstyle, and there are always new trends emerging. Here are some of the latest highlight trends:
Natural-Looking Highlights
Natural-looking highlights are a popular trend that involves creating subtle, multi-dimensional highlights that look like they were achieved naturally. This trend is all about enhancing your natural color without looking too done-up.
Bold, Bright Highlights
Bold, bright highlights are a popular trend that involves creating eye-catching, vibrant highlights that make a statement. This trend is all about having fun with your hair and expressing your personality.
Pastel Highlights
Pastel highlights are a popular trend that involves creating soft, delicate highlights in pastel shades. This trend is all about adding a touch of whimsy and fun to your hairstyle.
Conclusion
Highlights are a great way to add some personality to your hairstyle, and there are many different types of highlights to choose from. Whether you’re looking for subtle, natural-looking dimension or bold, eye-catching streaks, there’s a highlighting technique out there for you. By understanding the different types of highlights and techniques, you can make an informed decision about which style is right for you and achieve the look you want.
Choosing the Right Highlights for You
With so many different types of highlights to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which style is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right highlights for you:
Your Hair Type
Your hair type is an important consideration when choosing the right highlights for you. If you have fine or damaged hair, you may want to opt for a more subtle highlighting technique like balayage or babylights. If you have thicker or coarser hair, you may be able to pull off bolder, more vibrant highlights.
Your Skin Tone
Your skin tone is also an important consideration when choosing the right highlights for you. If you have a cool skin tone, you may look best with ash or blue-based highlights. If you have a warm skin tone, you may look best with golden or honey-based highlights.
Your Personal Style
Your personal style is also an important consideration when choosing the right highlights for you. If you’re looking for a bold, eye-catching look, you may want to opt for a more vibrant highlighting technique like dip-dye or striping. If you’re looking for a more subtle, natural-looking look, you may want to opt for a technique like balayage or sombré.
By considering your hair type, skin tone, and personal style, you can choose the right highlights for you and achieve the look you want.
What are the different types of hair highlights?
There are several types of hair highlights, including traditional foil highlights, balayage, babylights, and sombre. Traditional foil highlights involve weaving small sections of hair into foil and applying lightener or color. Balayage is a freehand technique where the color is painted onto the hair in a sweeping motion. Babylights are a subtle, natural-looking highlight technique that involves weaving small sections of hair and applying lightener. Sombre is a subtle, multi-dimensional highlighting technique that involves applying different shades of color to create a natural-looking effect.
Each type of highlight has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Traditional foil highlights can be more damaging to the hair, but they can also be more precise. Balayage and babylights are often less damaging, but they can be more expensive. Sombre is a great option for those who want a natural-looking highlight without the damage. Ultimately, the type of highlight that is right for you will depend on your hair type, desired level of maintenance, and personal style.
What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair highlights?
Permanent hair highlights involve applying a lightener or color to the hair and then processing it to create a long-lasting effect. Semi-permanent hair highlights, on the other hand, involve applying a color or toner to the hair without the use of lightener or developer. Semi-permanent highlights typically last for 4-6 washes, while permanent highlights can last for several months.
The main difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair highlights is the level of commitment required. Permanent highlights require a significant amount of time and money to maintain, while semi-permanent highlights are a great option for those who want to try out a new color without making a long-term commitment. Semi-permanent highlights are also a great option for those who are looking for a low-maintenance highlighting solution.
How do I choose the right hair highlight color for my skin tone?
Choosing the right hair highlight color for your skin tone can be tricky, but there are a few general guidelines to follow. If you have a cool skin tone (pale with pink undertones), look for highlight colors that have a blue or purple base. If you have a warm skin tone (olive or golden), look for highlight colors that have a yellow or golden base. If you have a neutral skin tone (medium with balanced undertones), you can pull off a wide range of highlight colors.
It’s also important to consider your natural hair color when choosing a highlight color. If you have dark hair, you may want to choose a highlight color that is several shades lighter than your natural color to create a dramatic effect. If you have light hair, you may want to choose a highlight color that is only one or two shades lighter than your natural color to create a subtle effect. Ultimately, the right highlight color for you will depend on your personal style and preferences.
What is the best way to care for my hair after getting highlights?
The best way to care for your hair after getting highlights is to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulfates can strip the hair of its color, causing the highlights to fade faster. You should also use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to help lock in the color and moisture of your hair. Avoid using hot water, which can also cause the color to fade faster.
In addition to using the right products, you should also avoid using heat styling tools too frequently, as they can damage the hair and cause the highlights to fade faster. You should also get regular trims to prevent split ends and breakage. By following these tips, you can help keep your highlights looking vibrant and healthy for longer.
Can I get hair highlights if I have damaged or over-processed hair?
Yes, you can get hair highlights even if you have damaged or over-processed hair. However, it’s generally recommended to get your hair in the best possible condition before getting highlights. This may involve getting a hair treatment or using a hair mask to repair and nourish your hair. You should also be gentle when washing and styling your hair, and avoid using heat styling tools too frequently.
If you do decide to get highlights with damaged or over-processed hair, be sure to communicate with your stylist about the condition of your hair. They may need to use a gentler lightener or take extra precautions to prevent further damage. It’s also important to be realistic about the results – damaged or over-processed hair may not be able to hold the color as well as healthy hair.
How long do hair highlights typically last?
The length of time that hair highlights last can vary depending on several factors, including the type of highlight, the condition of your hair, and how well you care for your hair. On average, highlights can last anywhere from 4-12 weeks. Traditional foil highlights tend to last the longest, while balayage and babylights may need to be touched up more frequently.
To extend the life of your highlights, be sure to use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using hot water or heat styling tools too frequently. You should also get regular trims to prevent split ends and breakage. By following these tips, you can help keep your highlights looking vibrant and healthy for longer.
Can I do my own hair highlights at home?
While it is possible to do your own hair highlights at home, it’s generally not recommended. Highlighting your own hair can be tricky, and it’s easy to end up with uneven or over-processed hair. Professional stylists have the training and experience to apply highlights correctly and safely.
If you do decide to do your own hair highlights at home, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to protect your hair and skin. It’s also a good idea to do a strand test before applying the highlights to your entire head to ensure that the color takes correctly and doesn’t cause any damage. However, for best results, it’s always recommended to see a professional stylist.