Highlights vs Lowlights: The Key Differences Explained By Hair Stylists

If you’re considering a subtle change to your hair colour without committing to a complete makeover, highlighting and lowlighting are great options. However, there are some differences between the two techniques; understanding these can help you decide which choice might be best for your next salon visit.

At Intaglio Hair Salon, our experienced stylists cut through the confusion of highlights vs lowlights, guiding you to the ideal treatment to help you achieve the perfect look.

What Are Highlights?

Highlights involve lightening sections of your hair to create contrast with your base colour. This technique can make your hair’s overall appearance several shades lighter than your natural hair colour, add dimension and volume, and give the illusion of movement.

Highlights can be subtle or bold, depending on the desired effect. For example, highlights can make your brown hair look dark blonde or strawberry blonde.

Common techniques used for highlighting hair include:

• Foil highlights. In this technique, a colourist applies a lightening agent to small sections of hair and then wraps these sections in foil. The foil keeps the lightening agent from getting on the surrounding hair, maintains the moisture and heat around the hair for more effective lightening, and allows for the application of different shades of colour in one session.
• Balayage. Balayage, a French word meaning “to sweep” or “to paint,” is a freehand hair colouring technique. The colourist hand-paints the lightener onto the hair, creating a more natural, graduated effect with softer, less noticeable regrowth lines. This technique is known for producing a sun-kissed, natural look, as it mimics how hair naturally lightens in the sun and is perfect for light brown or blonde hair.
• Babylights. Babylights are very fine, subtle highlights that look like the natural hair lightening you might see in a child’s hair. This technique involves taking very small sections of hair and applying the lightener. The result is a gentle, delicate way to enhance your hair’s natural color. They are versatile and can be combined with other highlighting techniques for added depth and complexity.

What Are Lowlights?

Lowlights involve darkening sections of your hair to add depth and richness. This technique is effective for adding dimension to overly lightened hair or enhancing natural hair colour. To achieve various looks, your stylist may use one of the following techniques:

• Foil lowlights. In this method, instead of applying a lightening agent, a colourist uses darker shades to create depth. Sections of hair are selected and then coloured with a shade or shades that are darker than the base colour. These sections are then wrapped in foil. This technique creates a more natural-looking contrast in the hair. It can be used to restore depth to hair that has become too uniformly light due to over-processing or excessive highlighting.

• Reverse balayage. While balayage typically involves painting on lighter shades to create highlights, reverse balayage involves applying darker shades to reintroduce depth and dimension into overly lightened hair. This technique is often used as a corrective measure or to add richness and variety to hair that may have become too light or one-dimensional after extensive highlighting.

  In reverse balayage, the colourist strategically applies darker tones in a sweeping motion, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair and sometimes near the roots for a more blended effect.

Key Differences Between Highlights and Lowlights

Depending on the final look you are trying to achieve, there are several important differences between highlights and lowlights that you need to consider in terms of their purpose, ideal season for application, and maintenance requirements. The following table provides a breakdown of what you can expect:

Choosing Between Highlights and Lowlights

Choosing between highlights and lowlights depends on the desired outcome for your hair. If you’re aiming to brighten and add vibrancy to your hair, especially during the warmer months, highlights are ideal. Lowlights would be your best choice if you’re looking to add depth, dimension, and a richer tone.

Additional factors that may influence your decision include:

• Your hair goals. Are you looking to brighten your face and add vibrancy, or are you seeking to enrich your hair’s colour and create a fuller appearance?
• Your natural hair colour. Lighter bases can benefit from both highlights and lowlights, while darker bases might see more dramatic results with highlights.
• The condition of your hair. Bleaching for highlights can be more damaging, especially on already compromised hair. Lowlights, requiring less processing, can be a safer option for damaged hair.
• Combining highlights and lowlights. Getting highlights and lowlights at the same time can produce stunning results. This approach offers maximum dimension and a highly customised look.

Aftercare Tips

Proper aftercare is crucial to maintain the health and longevity of highlighted or lowlighted hair. Use these tips to keep your treated hair looking its best:

• Use colour-safe products. Invest in shampoos and conditioners formulated for colour-treated hair. These products help maintain the colour and prevent fading.
• Avoid hot water. Wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can strip the hair of its colour and natural oils.
• Limit heat styling. Heat tools can further damage colour-treated hair. When necessary, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low.
• Deep conditioning. Regularly use a deep conditioner or hair mask to nourish and repair your hair. This is especially important for highlighted hair, which can become dry and brittle.
• Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can fade your hair colour. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
• Wait before washing. After getting your highlights or lowlights, wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair to allow the colour to set.
• Toning treatments. Use a purple shampoo or toner to neutralise brassy tones and keep your highlights looking fresh.
• Regular trims. Highlighted hair is more prone to split ends, so regular trims are essential to keep your hair healthy.
• Colour-enhancing products. Use products that enhance or deposit colour to keep your lowlights rich and vibrant.
• Avoid chlorine. Chlorine can cause colour-treated hair to become dry and discoloured. Wear a swimming cap or apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming.

Why Choose Intaglio Hair Salon?

At Intaglio Hair Salon, our stylists are professionals in customising hair colouring services to suit your individual style and hair health. Whether you’re considering highlights, lowlights, or a combination of both, we’re dedicated to achieving your dream look while maintaining the integrity of your hair. Visit us for a consultation, and let’s start your hair transformation journey together.