When it comes to hair trends, master colorist Tiffanie Richards of New York’s Louise O’Conner Salon sees a big shift in color requests come the cooler months.
“Halo highlights never fail in the cooler seasons. A ‘halo’ is placing highlights all around the hairline, including the back underneath, to create a ring of light around your face,” Richards explains. “The secret is to highlight the back hairline for the effect. The back hairline is the strands that lay on your shoulders that surround your face.”
Even though the highlights hit underneath, Richards says the lock location plays a huge part in creating the halo effect. “It connects the brightness of the hairline to the ends of the hair, creating the ‘halo.'”
Schwarzkopf Professional U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador Jacob Schwartz says it’s best to look at halo highlights as being focused on adding light and dimension. “The highlights are strategically placed to frame the face and create a soft, luminous ‘halo’ effect, which really enhances a client’s natural features. This approach allows the rest of the hair to stay closer to its natural shade, so you get this beautiful, sunlit effect that’s both subtle and striking.”
Featured Experts
- Tiffanie Richards is the master colorist at New York’s Louise O’Conner Salon
- Jacob Schwartz is the Schwarzkopf Professional U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador
Who Are Halo Highlights Good For?
What’s more, Richards says, these highlights are literally for anyone. “Any skin tone or hair color can have this trend in any color they choose. This low-maintenance color allows anyone with highlights to give their overall hair a break from lightener while still achieving the brightness they are craving.”
It’s the low-maintenance move that Schwartz says clients desire. “Halo highlights are ideal for clients who want a low-maintenance way to add brightness without a full head of highlights or major upkeep. It’s a fantastic look for those with medium to long hair and complements a wide range of tones, from brunettes to blondes. This style is perfect for clients looking for a gentle glow around the face and a more relaxed, natural feel.”
How to Ask for Halo Highlights
Richards admits that not everyone who sits in her chair requests “halo highlights” by name.
“Clients will ask for a ‘hairline highlight’ or a ponytail highlight.’ Typically, a ponytail highlight means they’d like the back highlighted when they wear ponytails, which is the same thing as a halo. This is a very popular request.”
Schwartz simplifies it even further: “Halo highlights are a very popular term right now, but everyone has always asked for what they mean,” he says. “They are basically face-framing highlights, which are the most popular of any hair color, as you can see it most easily.”
