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Wait, Should I Get Highlights or Lowlights?

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Wait, Should I Get Highlights or Lowlights? featured image
Photo by Lindsay Cash on Unsplash

Years into getting my hair professionally colored, I learned that highlights and lowlights are two different things. Whether you already knew that or not, you’re probably not familiar with the intricacies of the two techniques. Essentially, “highlights and lowlights are basically just different ways to play with hair color,” says celebrity colorist and Tangle Teezer Creative Director Ryan Pearl.

“Highlights and lowlights are sections of hair that are either lightened or darkened to add dimension to the base color,” explains Madison Reed Master colorist and Lead Educator Shvonne Perkins. “The placement (face framing, full, crown) and method (foil highlights, balayage, hair painting) vary to give a range of results from subtle to dramatic.”

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What is the difference between highlights and lowlights?

“Highlights are those lighter streaks you add to your hair, usually to brighten things up and add dimension. Think sun-kissed or beachy vibes,” explains Pearl. “Lowlights, on the other hand, are darker strands that help create depth and contrast, giving your hair a richer, more textured look.”

Highlights tend to use a bleach-based lightener to brighten the hair, while lowlights achieve a darker color by creating areas of shadow to make hair look more rich and complex, says Pearl.

Highlights and lowlights can work together

Although highlights and lowlights are two different techniques, Pearl notes that they’re often done together, so the “highs and lows play off each other to create a complete look.”

Should you get highlights or lowlights?

“Deciding between the two depends on the vibe you’re going for,” says Pearl. “It all comes down to whether you want to lighten things up or add some contrast.” If you want something brighter and more vibrant, Pearl says highlights are the way to go. “If you’re aiming for a more natural or grounded look with a bit of depth, lowlights are perfect.”

Ultimately, “It’s based on how you feel about your current color situation. If you’ve been highlighting for a while and are starting to feel a bit too blonde or light, then some lowlights will help break that up,” says Perkins. “That is often a great way to go because adding those shadowy bits helps the blonde next to it to pop and appear lighter and brighter.” On the other hand, if the overall color feels flat, too dark or lacks dimension, highlights are a good way to go to bring some visual texture in and brighten up your complexion, says Perkins. “Often, just a few around the face will help do the trick.”

Consulting with your colorist will help ensure you get the look you’re going for. “You can even mix both for a balanced, multi-dimensional effect,” says Pearl. “It’s likely that a few lows added to some areas and a few highs around the face will be a great combo for contrast,” notes Perkins.

At-home hacks

If you’re feeling crafty and want to try your hand at home, Perkins recommends Madison Reed’s Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit. “It includes a Toning Glaze to use post highlighting. Our Palmi Warm Honey (for lighter bases) and Ardenza Warm Caramel (for darker bases) are great tones to embrace the season.”

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