Highlights and lowlights are a great way to liven up your hairstyle without the commitment required of block color.
But how many colors should you go for? Should you get half a head or whole? What colors should you opt for? Don’t fret, we’ve asked David Barron and his team of stylists at Barron’s London Salon to put together all you need to know to lighten up.
“A highlight is color lighter than your natural color, while a low light is any color darker than your natural color. Highlights tend to brighten a style while Lowlights will enhance and deepen your natural color,” says Theresa Bernard of Barron’s London Salon. Rather than block color that can be so hard to maintain, Theresa thinks highlights are a great idea as, “They are so low maintenance – they blend with your natural hair color and depending on which color you go for, don’t leave an obvious re-growth.” Always tell your colorist of any color you have had over the past couple of years as this will affect the final result.
How many colors should you go for? You can have lots of colors, but most colorists opt for about three shades. As David Barron says, “Three colors always works well, but you have to remember that your natural hair color should be included as a color.” Go for more and the effect could be a little messy.
For natural color and low maintenance, complement the colors already present in your hair with highlights or LOW LIGHTS. A few shades either side of your real tone keeps the look soft, subtle and in need of less upkeep.
Low lights make the hair darker, richer and warmer. They also add the appearance of movement, shine and depth to most styles. It is another great technique for making fine hair appear thicker by adding depth and texture to fine or lifeless hair.
Multi-colored highlights, on the other hand, are a great idea to add depth to fine hair as well. Try bitter blonde, biscuit and chocolate.