Highlights are strands of hair colored lighter than the rest, usually by weaving out thin sections and lightening them in foils from root to tip. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Highlights at a glance
- Type: Technique
- Tone: Any
- Lightening needed: Usually, yes. Highlights are made with lightener, then toned.
- Maintenance: Medium
- Touch-ups: 6 to 8 weeks
What makes it different
They add brightness and dimension all over the head. The size of the sections decides the effect: very fine for a natural look, thicker for contrast.
Who it suits
Any hair color. On dark hair, caramel and honey tones look most natural; on blonde hair, highlights brighten and lowlights add depth.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Say partial or full, and how fine or chunky.
- Say how many shades lighter you want to go.
- Say warm or cool, and bring a photo.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use a toning shampoo weekly: purple for blonde highlights, blue for highlights on brown hair. Deep condition regularly.
Shades and variations
- Babylights: very fine, delicate highlights.
- Partial highlights: top and sides only.
- Full highlights: the whole head.
- Chunky highlights: thick, high-contrast stripes.
- Face-framing highlights: brightness around the face only.
- Lowlights: darker strands for depth.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see highlights on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
- Partial highlights
- Balayage vs highlights
- Lowlights
- Chunky highlights
- Caramel highlights
- Brown hair with blonde highlights
- All hair color ideas
FAQ
What are highlights?
Highlights are strands of hair colored lighter than the rest, usually by weaving out thin sections and lightening them in foils from root to tip.
Who suits highlights?
Any hair color. On dark hair, caramel and honey tones look most natural; on blonde hair, highlights brighten and lowlights add depth.
Do you need bleach for highlights?
Usually, yes. Highlights are made with lightener, then toned.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 6 to 8 weeks.
