Lowlights are strands of hair colored darker than your base shade. They work like highlights in reverse. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Lowlights at a glance
- Type: Technique
- Tone: Usually one to three shades darker than the base
- Lightening needed: No. Lowlights deposit darker color, so no lightener is needed.
- Maintenance: Low
- Touch-ups: 8 to 12 weeks
What makes it different
They add depth and make hair look thicker and more dimensional. They're also the standard fix for hair that's become too blonde or flat from repeated highlighting.
Highlights vs lowlights
Highlights are lighter than your base and add brightness. Lowlights are darker and add depth. Many colorists use both.
Who it suits
Over-highlighted blondes, flat single-process color, and anyone blending gray. They suit every base color.
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 how much darker: one or two shades is natural.
- Ask for them to be woven finely so they don't look striped.
- Say warm or cool, to match your base.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Lowlights fade on previously lightened hair, so use color-safe shampoo and wash with cool water.
Shades and variations
- Blonde hair with lowlights: darker blonde or light brown strands for depth.
- Brown hair with lowlights: chocolate or espresso ribbons.
- Lowlights for gray hair: darker strands that soften the gray.
- Highlights and lowlights together: the most dimensional result.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see lowlights on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
FAQ
What are lowlights?
Lowlights are strands of hair colored darker than your base shade.
Who suits lowlights?
Over-highlighted blondes, flat single-process color, and anyone blending gray. They suit every base color.
Do you need bleach for lowlights?
No. Lowlights deposit darker color, so no lightener is needed.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 8 to 12 weeks.
