When it comes to hair coloring, there are many options to choose from. Two popular techniques are highlights and lowlights. But what’s the difference between the two? In fact, highlights and lowlights are similar in many aspects, including the techniques used to create them. Both can be applied using foils or painted freehand with a brush. The main difference is that highlights use bleach to make some parts of your hair lighter than your natural or base color, while lowlights use dye to make some parts of your hair darker than your natural or base color.
Highlights
Highlights are dyed or bleached sections that are lighter than your natural hair color or base hair color. They brighten up the overall look and focus on lighter shades than the natural color. Gold, red, amber and honey shades are normally used for highlights. Highlights usually focus on lighter shades than your natural color, such as gold, honey, caramel, or blonde.
Lowlights
Lowlights, on the other hand, are darker than your natural hair color or base hair color. They darken the hair and add dimension with strands of darker color. Lowlights are a great way to add dimension and depth to your hair color, especially if you’re looking to tone down overly blonde or highlighted hair. Lowlights focus on darker shades than your natural color, such as chocolate, chestnut, auburn, or brown.
Left picture: Highlights | Right picture: Lowlights.
Which one should you choose?
The choice between highlights and lowlights depends on your personal preference, hair type, skin tone, and desired result. Generally speaking, highlights are more suitable for fine or thin hair, as they can create the illusion of volume and texture. They also work well for warm or olive skin tones, as they can enhance the glow and warmth of the complexion. Lowlights are more suitable for thick or coarse hair, as they can add dimension and contrast to the hair without making it look too heavy or flat. They also work well for cool or pale skin tones, as they can add some richness and depth to the complexion.
Highlights and lowlights are both great ways to spice up your hair color without going for a complete makeover. They can enhance your natural beauty, add some personality to your style, and make your hair look more vibrant and healthy. Whether you choose one or the other - or both - make sure you consult with a professional colorist who can help you achieve the best results for your hair type and skin tone.