Looking to add some dimension, shine, and personality to your hair?
Then, having any of the 13 highlight techniques can transform your look, whether you want a subtle sun-kissed glow or bold, statement-making streaks. By understanding each method, you can choose the perfect style for your hair type, lifestyle, and personality.
Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, refreshing your balayage, or just treating yourself, this guide will make your hair dreams a reality!
1. Traditional Highlights
What it is: Using foils to lighten specific strands of hair.
Pros: Precise placement, long-lasting brightness, works well for fine hair.
Cons: Can require frequent touch-ups, not as natural-looking as balayage.
Ideal for: Anyone seeking structured, uniform highlights.
Maintenance Tips: Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner; avoid over-washing to prevent fading.
✨ Stylist Tip: Ask for placement that frames your face to brighten your complexion.
👉 Learn more: Full vs Partial Highlights
2. Half-Head Highlights
What it is: This is a freehand technique that creates natural, sun-kissed highlights.
Pros: Low-maintenance, grows out naturally, soft and blended.
Cons: May not be bright enough for very dark hair without pre-lightening.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting a subtle, natural look or low-maintenance style.
Maintenance Tips: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and limit heat styling.
✨ Stylist Tip: Perfect for those who love a gradual, effortless glow.
👉 Learn more: Balayage vs Highlights
3. Lowlights
What it is: Darker strands added to create depth.
Pros: Adds dimension, balances overly bright highlights, great for growing out color.
Cons: Can make hair look darker overall if overdone.
Ideal for: Anyone with lightened hair wanting more depth.
Maintenance Tips: Color-safe shampoo and regular gloss treatments.
👉 Learn more: Lowlights
4. Face Framing Highlight Techniques
What it is: Highlights placed around the face to accentuate features.
Pros: Brightens your face, subtle, flattering.
Cons: Limited coverage elsewhere; may need root touch-ups.
Ideal for: Shorter hair or anyone wanting a quick glow-up.
Maintenance Tips: Use a toner to avoid brassiness.
5. Peekaboo Highlights
What it is: Hidden highlights underneath top layers of hair.
Pros: Fun, creative, allows color experimentation.
Cons: Less visible if hair is usually down.
Ideal for: Those who love a playful, low-commitment look.
Maintenance Tips: Style hair to showcase highlights occasionally for maximum impact.
6. Foilayage
What it is: Combines foils and balayage for precision + softness.
Pros: Natural blended look with enhanced brightness.
Cons: Slightly more expensive due to technique complexity.
Ideal for: Those who want a perfect mix of bold and soft highlights.
Maintenance Tips: Schedule toner touch-ups every 8-10 weeks.
✨ Stylist Tip: Ask your stylist for strategic placement to brighten your face.
7. Babylights
What it is: Ultra-fine, delicate highlights for a soft glow.
Pros: Natural, subtle, perfect for everyday shine.
Cons: Labor-intensive to apply, subtle results may require patience.
Ideal for: Fine hair or anyone wanting a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Maintenance Tips: Tone occasionally to maintain brightness.
8. Root Smudging
What it is: These highlight techniques blend roots into the hair color to soften regrowth lines.
Pros: Low-maintenance, natural transition, reduces harsh lines.
Cons: Requires professional application for best results.
Ideal for: Anyone growing out highlights or wanting seamless color.
Maintenance Tips: Avoid washing for 48 hours and use color-protecting shampoo.
👉 Learn more: Root Smudging Technique
9. All-Over Color
What it is: Applies a single shade to the whole head.
Pros: Uniform color, great for a complete transformation.
Cons: No dimension; regrowth is noticeable.
Ideal for: People seeking a bold, consistent look.
Maintenance Tips: Use shampoos for colored hair like Kérastase Colored Hair Shampoos.
👉 Learn more: All-Over Color
10. Balayage
What it is: A freehand technique that creates natural, sun-kissed highlights.
Pros: Low-maintenance, grows out naturally, soft and blended.
Cons: May not be bright enough for very dark hair without pre-lightening.
Ideal for: Anyone wanting a subtle, natural look or low-maintenance style.
Maintenance Tips: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and limit heat styling.
✨ Stylist Tip: Perfect for those who love a gradual, effortless glow.
11. Chunky Highlights
What it is: Thick, bold streaks for dramatic effect.
Pros: Bold statement, retro vibe, high visibility.
Cons: High contrast may require frequent touch-ups.
Ideal for: Medium to long hair for statement-making styles.
Maintenance Tips: Use deep conditioning masks to maintain hair health.
12. Color Melting
What it is: Multiple shades blended seamlessly from root to tip.
Pros: Multi-dimensional, natural-looking transition, modern style.
Cons: Slightly higher cost due to technique complexity.
Ideal for: Anyone seeking vibrant, dimensional hair.
Maintenance Tips: Use gloss treatments to maintain shine.
13. Ombré
What it is: Gradient effect from dark roots to lighter ends.
Pros: Dramatic look, low-maintenance at the roots, stylish.
Cons: Can be high-maintenance if you want bright, light ends.
Ideal for: Medium to long hair; bold personalities who love contrast.
Maintenance Tips: Deep condition regularly and use heat protection spray.
👉 Learn more: Ombré Effect
Bonus: Double Process Color
What it is: Hair is lightened first, then toned or colored.
Pros: Achieve dramatic, high-impact color.
Cons: More damaging; requires careful aftercare.
Ideal for: Those wanting platinum blonde or bold fantasy colors.
Maintenance Tips: Use deep conditioners and color-safe shampoos.
The Science Behind Highlights
Highlighting hair involves lightening the natural pigment (melanin) using peroxide and/or ammonia, which chemically alters the hair color. This allows the stylist to lift the hair to the desired shade while maintaining hair integrity.
👉 Learn more: How Hair Highlights Work
How to Choose the Right Highlight Technique
- Consider your hair type, length, and natural color.
- Decide how visible or subtle you want your highlights to be.
- Ask your stylist about maintenance levels and color longevity.
- For weddings or special events, check out our Hair Timeline for Wedding guide.
Tips to Maintain Your Highlights
- Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos.
- Limit heat styling and always use heat protectant spray.
- Schedule touch-ups and toning sessions to prevent brassiness.
- Protect hair from the sun and chlorine.
Are You Ready to Glow?
Book your appointment now to try the perfect highlighting technique for your hair. Whether you want a subtle sun-kissed shimmer or bold, dramatic streaks, our expert stylists at Hāste Urban Hair Spa will guide you to the ideal look for your style, hair type, and lifestyle.
Leave the salon feeling confident, radiant, and photo-ready for any occasion — because your hair deserves to shine as brightly as you do.
💖 Book Now
FAQ
How long do highlights last?
Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on hair type and care. Using color-protecting shampoo can extend vibrancy.
Can highlights damage my hair?
When done professionally with proper care, highlights are safe. Use deep conditioning and limit heat styling to minimize damage.
What is the difference between balayage and traditional highlights?
Balayage is freehand and soft, ideal for low-maintenance natural looks, while traditional highlights are foiled for precise, uniform brightness.
How do I maintain vibrant highlights at home?
Use sulfate-free shampoos, limit washing, avoid chlorine, and schedule touch-ups or toner applications.
